2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Chevrolet Malibu
Pictured: Chevrolet Malibu LT (IX, Facelift) – f 02112024. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan Ls, 4dr Sedan Lt Turbo/Ltz Turbo/Eco, 4dr Sedan Lt/Ltz
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
29 combined · 25 city / 36 hwy
Length
191.7 in
Curb weight
3,393–3,638 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
11 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2013 midsize car (25.3 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints811 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 232 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • 11 recallsMore than similar models (about 5). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 192 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,393 lb (4dr Sedan Ls).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (25 city / 36 highway), 15% better than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 811 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2013

  • New body dimensions, wheelbase −4.3 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • New hybrid version
  • Engines added: 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • Engine dropped: 3.6L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 26 to 29

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Malibu →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Ls191.7 in72.8 in57.5 in107.9 in62.2 / 61.8 in3,393 lb60/40
4dr Sedan Lt Turbo/Ltz Turbo/Eco191.7 in72.8 in57.5 in107.9 in62.2 / 61.8 in3,638 lb59/41
4dr Sedan Lt/Ltz191.7 in72.8 in57.5 in107.9 in62.2 / 61.8 in3,532 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Malibu eAssist Hybrid2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+15%$2,300310
Malibu2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26+3%$2,600341
Malibu2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24-5%$2,800373
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.3 MPG2013 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.

Similar 2013 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Chevrolet Malibu (this car)29 MPGNot rated11
2013 Honda Accord30 MPGNot rated6
2013 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated1
2013 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2013 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated0
2013 Volkswagen Passat34 MPGNot rated9
2013 Buick Regal29 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (11)

Suspension › Rear · Dec 22, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V00F000 · 4,271 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Suspension › Rear · Aug 12, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V633000 · 32,894 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Suspension › Rear · Dec 21, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V764000 · 220,006 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 5, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · 8,367 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
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 › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) · Apr 24, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V245000 · 3,690 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Mar 23, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V164000 · 87,063 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Nov 13, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V566000 · 14,909 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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 · May 6, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V173000 · 42,904 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.
Risk
If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk.
Fix
GM will notify owners and dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13136.
Suspension › Rear · Jan 23, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V024000 · 8,519 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Sudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal · Oct 4, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V484000 · 120,426 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Software · May 18, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V224000 · 4,304 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

811Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
30Involved a crash
9Involved a fire
24Injuries reported
69,900 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System387
Engine212
Steering154
Unknown Or Other96
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)83
Suspension63
Air Bags60
Power Train51
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/03: 324/04: 524/05: 124/06: 124/08: 424/09: 424/10: 124/12: 125/01: 225/03: 325/04: 325/05: 125/06: 325/07: 125/08: 525/09: 325/10: 226/01: 426/02: 226/03: 626/04: 326/05: 226/07: 126/10: 224/0324/0624/1025/0325/0625/0926/0226/05max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 387 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 212 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Steering — 154 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,900 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Malibu years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 Malibu31193.7 in★★★★★112
2024 Malibu31193.7 in★★★★★244
2023 Malibu30193.7 in★★★★★272
2022 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★199
2021 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★290
2020 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★1199
2019 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★1195
2018 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★6711
2017 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★4726
2016 Malibu46193.7 inNot rated10865
2015 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated3267
2014 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated6330

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →