2013 Chevrolet Malibu: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

First year of the eighth-gen redesign carried many early recalls plus electrical (battery drain, control module) and engine oil-consumption issues; capable but an early-build risk. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ranged from $22,390 to $27,365 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

5/10
Mixed track record

First year of the eighth-gen redesign carried many early recalls plus electrical (battery drain, control module) and engine oil-consumption issues; capable but an early-build risk.

Sources (3)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=mal…
  • carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/chevrolet-malibu-reliability-and-common-problems/
  • repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/malibu

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (2)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=mal…
  • carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/chevrolet-malibu-reliability-and-common-problems/

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Updated styling with a quiet, comfortable cabin
  • Composed, easy-to-drive road manners
  • Good fuel economy, including the eAssist mild-hybrid setup
  • Low routine maintenance costs for the class

Cons

  • Electrical issues including battery drain and generator control module faults
  • Engine oil consumption tied to a piston-ring service bulletin
  • Auto stop/start roughness and stalling on restart from 2014 onward
  • Tight rear-seat room in the 2013 redesign and numerous early recalls

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
LS $22,390 — 2.5L 4-cyl 26
LT $23,185 — 2.5L 4-cyl 26
Eco $25,335 — 2.4L 4-cyl eAssist mild hybrid 29
LTZ $27,365 — 2.5L 4-cyl 26

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (3)

Depreciation

$6k $12k $18k $24k 201320152017201920212023202520272029
2013 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data)

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($22,390). Higher trims started higher (up to $27,365), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (1)
  • caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/malibu/depreciation

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $500–550/yr
Fuel (12k mi/yr, 26 MPG)≈ $1,477/yr
Expected lifespan~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have?

Documented issue patterns include: Engine problems including stalling, power loss, timing-chain and overheating; Brake booster and pedal concerns; Electrical faults including battery drain, generator control module defects and instrument-cluster blackouts; Suspension issues including rear toe-link fractures and shock failures. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

First year of the eighth-gen redesign carried many early recalls plus electrical (battery drain, control module) and engine oil-consumption issues; capable but an early-build risk.

How much did the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu cost new?

Between $22,390 and $27,365 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Chevrolet Malibu expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.