NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
835 reports92,000 miles · Apr 9, 2019
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE RADIO SCREEN SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS FAULTY AND NE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE RADIO SCREEN SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA ODI #11194925
125,800 miles · Apr 8, 2019
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROST BUTTON FAILED TO FUNCTION, WHICH PREVENTED HER FROM VIEWING THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL MODULE DEFROST WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED KARL CHEVROLET…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROST BUTTON FAILED TO FUNCTION, WHICH PREVENTED HER FROM VIEWING THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL MODULE DEFROST WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED KARL CHEVROLET OF STUART (LOCATED AT 324 SW 8TH ST, STUART, IA 50250, (515) 523-1201) AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,800.
NHTSA ODI #11194811
74,590 miles · Apr 6, 2019
Structure
NOTICED MUSTY SMELL IN CAR. OPENED TRUNK TO FIND INTERIOR WET. LIFTED FLOOR OF TRUNK OUT AND FOUND SPARE WHEEL WELL OVERFLOWING WITH WATER. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE. DISCOVERY MADE WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. PHOTOS TAKEN AFTER SHOPVACUUMING OUT AS MUCH WATER AS POSSIBLE AND LETTING TRUNK AIR DRY. WATER DAMAGE VISIBLE ON…
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NOTICED MUSTY SMELL IN CAR. OPENED TRUNK TO FIND INTERIOR WET. LIFTED FLOOR OF TRUNK OUT AND FOUND SPARE WHEEL WELL OVERFLOWING WITH WATER. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE. DISCOVERY MADE WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. PHOTOS TAKEN AFTER SHOPVACUUMING OUT AS MUCH WATER AS POSSIBLE AND LETTING TRUNK AIR DRY. WATER DAMAGE VISIBLE ON POROUS SURFACES. UNSURE IF WATER DUE TO FAULTY TRUNK DOOR SEAL (WATER DRIPS FROM SEAL WHEN TRUNK DOOR IS OPENED) OR IF WATER IS COMING IN ELSEWHERE.
NHTSA ODI #11194340
76,356 miles · Apr 2, 2019
Electrical System
2013 CHEVY MALIBU ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. ALL DASH ELECTRICAL WENT OUT AND KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION. NO SPEDOMETER, GAS GUAGE, TEMP, ETC. DRAINED BATTERY AND NEW BATTERY.
NHTSA ODI #11193398
72,000 miles · Mar 31, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
AS I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD GOES BLACK, THEN IT JUST LIGHTS BACK UP AS IF I WERE JUST STARTING THE CAR...ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS REGULARLY WHILE THE DASHBOARD BLACKS OUT...THE RADIO STILL WORKS. THIS HAPPENS SPORADUCALLY MEANING THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON TO IT..I AM SCARED IT WILL CATCH ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI #11192760
50 miles · Mar 25, 2019
Unknown Or Other
I RECEIVED A MESSAGE ON MY INTERIOR SCREEN THAT AIR SHUT OFF DUE TO ENGINE OVERHEATING YESTERDAY. THREE WEEKS AGO, MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD AUTOZONE RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND IT SAID TO REPLACE RADIATOR. THIS CAR IS A 2013 CHEVY MALIBU AND I KEEP IT IN GOOD CONDITION. IT HAS 75,701 MILES. THESE WARNING MESSAGES…
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I RECEIVED A MESSAGE ON MY INTERIOR SCREEN THAT AIR SHUT OFF DUE TO ENGINE OVERHEATING YESTERDAY. THREE WEEKS AGO, MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD AUTOZONE RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND IT SAID TO REPLACE RADIATOR. THIS CAR IS A 2013 CHEVY MALIBU AND I KEEP IT IN GOOD CONDITION. IT HAS 75,701 MILES. THESE WARNING MESSAGES OCCUR WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING ON THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11191261
72,158 miles · Mar 24, 2019
Engine
3/19/19 I WENT IN FOR AN OIL/FILTER CHANGE AND A "PREMIER ENGINE OIL SERVICE" (WHICH WAS EXPLAINED AS A ENGINE FLUSH TO MY WIFE). SATURDAY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATES AND I PUT A CODE READER ON AND A P0010 (INTAKE CAMSHAFT POSITION ACTUATOR SOLENOID CONTROL CIRCUIT). AFTER RESEARCHING I SAW THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM …
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3/19/19 I WENT IN FOR AN OIL/FILTER CHANGE AND A "PREMIER ENGINE OIL SERVICE" (WHICH WAS EXPLAINED AS A ENGINE FLUSH TO MY WIFE). SATURDAY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATES AND I PUT A CODE READER ON AND A P0010 (INTAKE CAMSHAFT POSITION ACTUATOR SOLENOID CONTROL CIRCUIT). AFTER RESEARCHING I SAW THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM ON OTHER MALIBU MODELS BUT DID NOT SEE ANYTHING FOR MY VIN, SHOULD I HANDLE HIS ON MY OWN OR REFER BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS THEIR ERROR?
NHTSA ODI #11191203
161,000 miles · Mar 19, 2019
Engine
THE OIL VACUUM PUMP BURST OPEN CAUSING A MAJOR OIL LEAK. NO PRIOR OIL LEAKS OR DAMAGES TO VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11190054
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineInjury
IF THE KEY IS REMOVED WITHOUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLLAWAY AS OCCUPANTS ARE EXITING , INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY
NHTSA ODI #11190014
65,000 miles · Mar 18, 2019
Electrical System
THE CLUSTER PANEL WILL POWER OFF WHILE DRIVING AND STAY OFF. AFTER FUSES AND BULBS ARE REPLACED, SAME ISSUE PERSISTS. WHEN PASSENGER SEAT IS IN REAR POSITION, THE CLUSTER WILL FLICKER MOMENTARILY. THIS RESULT WILL TRIGGER RANDOMLY WHETHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
NHTSA ODI #11189829
Official recalls
10Dec 22, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
Aug 12, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212330130.
Dec 21, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
Jul 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:ignition
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Apr 24, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 10, 2012, to August 2, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the console transmission gear selection indicator may not illuminate the shift position selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the console shift indicator does not illuminate the transmission gear selection, a driver could inadvertently select a transmission position other than the position the driver intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the transmission gear selection control module, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12162.
Mar 23, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.
Nov 13, 2013
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured October 25, 2011, through June 29, 2012 and equipped with the 8-way power adjustable front seat feature. The wiring harness for the power seat may contact the seat frame which may chafe the harness.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended movement of the seat, the seat to become inoperative, sparking under the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or possibly a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness and repair and secure it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13342.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured October 25, 2011, through June 29, 2012 and equipped with the 8-way power adjustable front seat feature. The wiring harness for the power seat may contact the seat frame which may chafe the harness.
Consequence: If the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended movement of the seat, the seat to become inoperative, sparking under the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or possibly a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness and repair and secure it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13342.
Electrical System:wiring
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured October 25, 2011, through June 29, 2012 and equipped with the 8-way power adjustable front seat feature. The wiring harness for the power seat may contact the seat frame which may chafe the harness.
Consequence: If the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended movement of the seat, the seat to become inoperative, sparking under the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or possibly a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness and repair and secure it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13342.
Jan 23, 2013
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, manufactured December 6, 2011, through January 15, 2013. One or more rear suspension bolts may not have been tightened to the specified torque. This may lead to sudden changes in vehicle handling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Sudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and retighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notifications have already begun and will be completed shortly. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Oct 4, 2012
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.
May 18, 2012
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 31, 2012. AFTER AN EVENT OF HARD BRAKING, THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) MAY RESET ITSELF.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS DURING AN AGGRESSIVE TURNING MANEUVER, AND THEN AFTERWARDS A POTENTIAL VEHICLE ROLLOVER EVENT IS SENSED, THE ROOF RAIL AIRBAG MAY UNINTENTIONALLY DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY, THE AIR BAGS AND/OR SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS MAY NOT DEPLOY DURING A SEVERE CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SDM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2012.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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