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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
51,508 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems

brakes problem

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2013 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #37

Jun 032022

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

brake booster

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #36

Dec 162022

Malibu

  • miles
The reluctor ring which sends the signal to the abs and stability control system has delaminated from the wheel bearing to which it is attached. First it happened on the right rear wheel and necessitated replacement of the wheel bearing because the abs system is non functional. Now it has happened in the right front wheel. The abs and stability control are non functioning until I replace the front wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is fine, it-€™s the magnetic reluctor ring which has failed and no longer sends a signal to the abs sensor. This shouldn-€™t be happening on a 9 year old car. It is a very common problem and a danger on our roads as many people will drive it like this due to lack of funds.

- Rockaway, NJ, USA

problem #35

Sep 152021

Malibu

  • miles
The electronic parking brakes and the rear calipers on this car fail with regularity. Currently the parking brake cables were replaced, the two rear calipers were replaced under warranty and now that the car is out of warranty, the parking brake actuator has stopped working and displays -€œservice parking brakes-€. Dealer says it usually corrosion of the actuator assembly. The entire rear brake system and parking brake system is faulty.

- Rockaway, NJ, USA

problem #34

Jan 012021

Malibu

  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On numerous occasions, vehicle has shut completely off. Because it is an eco engine, I assumed it was simply idling down, while stationary a traffic light or stop sign, as usual but that was not the case. The first couple of times the vehicle shutoff was at traffic lights, and drive through lanes. And then the vehicle shutoff while on the interstate at 70 miles per hour. Shortly after that incident, the check engine light came on. I replaced the battery but the car has still had to be jumped off three times since the replacement. And when I had those codes repaired, now the vehicle drives as if it isn't getting gas and then all of sudden it will jerk and accelerate quickly. Lastly, when the brakes are used on several occasions, the pedal will suddenly go all the way to the floorboard, then come and tighten to point I can barely press the brakes. I have replaced the brakes on three separate occasions and the mechanics do not understand what is causing that issue to occur.

- Hiram, GA, USA

problem #33

Aug 302020

Malibu

  • 89,000 miles
My brake booster has went out for the 2nd time in 3 months.this is so dangerous I cost too much to have fixed. I don't understand why this is not a recall. There is no reason that this should happen again in exactly 3 months of getting my car back from the dealership. Some could really get hurt or hurt someone else by this going out while driving then GM will have a bigger problem on there hands. Good thing I wass parked both times about to leave and noticed that all I heard was air when I put my foot on the breaks. They really need to come with a solution. Also when I was trying to take my key out the ignition would not come out and the car was in park.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #32

Jul 252020

Malibu

  • 163,000 miles
My break booster went out again for 3rd time with in a year and half I have taken to a place to get it fixed this is on safe.I was driving all 3 times when it went out. I was stopping at a light.

- Byron, MI, USA

problem #31

Jul 082020

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 110,027 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My car continues to lose power and with it comes so many electrical issues. Brake assist wont disengage, no power beyond engine idling, and the service battery charging system continues to pop up even though it and the battery in the trunk were replaced by the dealer. I've had this car for a month and it's given me nothing but problems.

- Altoona, PA, USA

problem #30

Nov 082019

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
While driving through a parking lot in farmingville, NY on 11/8/19, as I attempted to come to a stop, the pedal went to the floor and I realized I had just lost my brakes. To make matters worse, I was heading toward a steep downgrade which would have sent my car right into traffic on a busy, 6 lane highway. Thankfully I managed to stop the car beforehand. I find out today that the brake booster in my car failed -- as it has in several 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Ive owned the vehicle just going on 7 months now and always keep up with the maintenance. I would like to know why there is not a recall on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu for the brake booster -- which I can say, firsthand, is extremely dangerous. So between towing the vehicle and now having to replace this part, im out about $1200. I hope to receive a timely response. Thank you so much! (incident report as told by my daughter, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Wading River, NY, USA

problem #29

Apr 012019

Malibu

  • 46,000 miles
The entire electrical system will randomly shut down causing loss of power steering, power brakes, entire dashboard, all lights, hazard lights etc. This can happen at any time, on the freeway, stopped at a light, parked etc. Sometimes it goes dark and restarts itself while driving....sometimes it goes dark and won't restart for minutes or longer while in traffic without working hazard lights. If parked, it can't be taken out of 'park" to push it out of traffic or try to start it in "neutral" and the key can't be removed from the ignition.there are no error codes to diagnose the issue and it won't ever happen while it is in the shop (of course) this is the ultimate safety hazard to me and my family.

- Canton, MI, USA

problem #28

Sep 072019

Malibu

  • 124,700 miles
As I was driving 35 mph on a busy downtown location in my area of new orleans, my 2013 Chevy Malibu decided to shut down on me. At first when I stopped at a red light, the car stall as though it wanted to cut off but it didn't at that moment. When I made it to the second red light the car shut completely off then came right back on. I was terrified as my 12 year old daughter sat in the back seat of the car so I decided to head home which was 15 mins from the location where I was plus I also had to travel over a busy Mississippi river bridge to get to my house from that location. As I was making my way back towards the bridge to get home, I notice different signals flashing across my dashboard, then the car shut down completely giving me little to no time to make a decision to pull over. The steeling wheel locked up giving me no control as to which way to steer the vehicle, car completely dead. I was so blessed that no cars was in the way of where the car was going. The car refused to start again and key got stuck. I had to get it towed home. I'm begging Chevy, please look into this issue. I have seen lots of reviews regarding these make and models and it looks like nothing is being done. I had a 2006 Chevy Malibu which I loved so much that I decided to trust Chevy with my next car. As I closed my eyes that night I could only imagine what could have happen if I was on that bridge heading home with cars traveling 60-70mph" what if I was infront of a river, on a train track, in front of a big body vehicle such as a bus or 18-wheeler or someone walking in the direction the car was going" someone, if haven't already could truly cause damage to their life or someone else's life. Please Chevy think about the family lives which are being put in danger, even the dealership's dont truly know the issues.

- Harvey, LA, USA

problem #27

Sep 112019

Malibu

  • 83,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I tend to keep having issues with my brakes in warm weather conditions ( 80) plus degrees. Every time I go to hit my brakes when it is a hot day out. My brake pedal sticks down and doesn't come back up. When this happens I have to use my foot to take the tension off of the brake pedal by pulling the pedal back up with my foot. When the brake sticks like this.. I can feel it slugging the car down until I pull the break pedal back up. It is very interesting as it only will do it when the weather conditions are hot out. When it is a mild to cooler day. I have no issues at all. This problem happens when the car is in motion and everytime I hit the brakes, I have to either reach down to pull the pedal up.. or bring it back up with my foot.

- Port Huron, MI, USA

problem #26

Jul 032019

Malibu 4-cyl

  • miles
I am or have experienced similar problems related to multiple recalls for my 2013 Chevy Malibu, yet I when attempt to get the repairs for the recall I'm told they're aren't any connected to my VIN. If that's so, then my VIN[xxx] and others like it should be added to the recalls. My Malibu has been or is experiencing the issues brought up in recall #'s 50490, 50491, 13136, and 12212. Now why am I stuck having to pay out of pocket for things that are known in a recall. This is very disturbing to me. Going forward, should I succeed in getting this recall accepted, I don't need to here that it may be out of warranty. That wouldn't be fair either. As the prior owner couldn't have had the work done as a recall because the VIN wasn't in the system in time to be done before any restrictions or warranty expired.as I am making this complaint, I am in the process of getting the repairs done and would appreciate being reimbursed for all expenses incurred. As I wait for a favorable response. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Cerritos, CA, USA

problem #25

Jul 042018

Malibu

  • 89,000 miles
I recently paid my vehicle off and I am experiencing several electrical issues. The emergency brake went out and "service emergency brake light is on". there's no connection. When I hit a pothole in the road while driving, my radio screen blacks out. Then I can hit another bump and it comes back on. When I park, my ignition does not release my key. I have to turn the steering wheel several times and put it in drive then back in park several times to get the key to release. After doing this several times my key broke off in the ignition and I was stranded and had to walk home over two miles. Has anyone else complained of these issues with the 2013 Malibu? I couldn't pass my recent safety inspection due to the brake issue and I was inconvenienced again as a result of these issues.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #24

Jun 032019

Malibu

  • 70,000 miles
Vehicle was traveling at 65mph on a highway. Brakes were applied suddenly to avoid an accident when the power brake booster failed resulting in essentially no braking ability at all. The brake booster failed a second time after being replaced from the initial incident. Luckily this happened in a parking lot at slow speed, but the car has no braking capability to avoid an accident, it takes several dozen car lengths to stop the vehicle even at slow speeds. Incidents were about 2 years apart, the most recent being on 06/03/19. I see no active recalls on the power brake booster but it seems unusual to have 2 failures of this critical item.

- Taylorville, IL, USA

problem #23

Apr 272019

Malibu

  • miles
When my 2013 Chevy Malibu is in motion and someone is in the passenger seat (many but not all times) all of the electronics, including the electronic speedometer, and all dashboard gauges, in the car stop working and notifications about the airbag system and braking system appear. The mechanical aspects of the car still seem to work fine, but the notifications about the airbags and braking make me concerned that it is not safe. This has been happening for a year. I have tried taking my vehicle to the dealership multiple times and have been told they either cannot replicate it or they will "fix" something that doesn't end up solving the problem. Given that this problem started randomly and not with any intervention on my part of the part of any mechanic, I am contacting NHTSA because I am concerned that this problem is related to the airbag sensor in the passenger seat and that this might be happening with other people and could represent real danger if this really is affecting the airbag and braking systems (even when the passenger seat is not in use).

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #22

Mar 142019

Malibu

  • miles
In the last 2 years I have lost my breaks due to the break booster going out in my car now again last night I lost my breaks again due to this issues I is a very big issues I could have been involved in a accident or killed someone I would like to know why this keeps happening because to me this is a big safety issue. I was driving down the road

- Byron, MI, USA

problem #21

Jan 212019

Malibu

  • 72,000 miles
13 Malibu every day at least twice the radio will flicker off and on multiple times and then once I hit the brakes and make a turn the brake will go solid and the steering wheel jerks hard all at the same time and then all my dash lights stop working. Then it will all power on and work like new a few seconds after. But once the car is parked and car is turned off it will not allow me to take the key out. And then once you try to turn the key in there is no power at all. No lights. No clicks. No radio. No nothing. Completely dead car. But then if you unplug the battery for 10 mins and plug it back in... then the key will come out and/or will turn on and the car is working fine again for maybe a trip or two and then it does this again. Every single day! no codes show on the dash no lights of anything wrong at all. Has been doing this for almost a month now. I have almost hit multiple people because of this issue!!! help!!! local Chevy dealer and also a local body shop cannot find the issue. I have a 5 year old and I'm terrified to take her anywhere with me and it's our only car and I owe a lot on it. Only had it almost 2 years. I need help

- Metropolis, IL, USA

problem #20

Dec 212018

Malibu

  • 150,000 miles
While driving my 2013 Chevy Malibu on the highway & turnpike, I was driving approx 60-70 miles and hour and then out of nowhere the vehicle decreased speed down to 30 mph and also had me cause an accident with the drivers behind me. The check engine light then came on and a message "engine power has been reduced". I was able to pull the car over; however, this is a danger and should be resolved as still this continues to occur since I have contacted General Motors and advised of the safety issue. Still have not seen a recall on this issue yet which I was shocked. I asked the gentleman if there have been other complaints and he stated yes. So I am very shocked that this issue has not been resolved. My vehicle now is out of warranty and still mechanics do not know what is wrong and can not fix this issue. I do not feel that I have to pay for parts that this vehicle does not while they try to pinpoint the problem. Literally the mechanic at day Chevrolet during the diagnostic just said to lets start somewhere and see if that resolves the issue. I don't believe I should have to pay for parts that may or may not resolve the issue. Since then I now have more lights popping up regarding traction stability, parking break (which was replaced and did not fix the issue) track control, etc have come up and seems to have disabled my anti-lock brakes. Could someone pleas contact me if there is a solution for this if someone is aware of what part or parts will fix this defect.

- Jeannette, PA, USA

problem #19

Sep 242018

Malibu

  • 147,685 miles
On 4/16/2018 after being parked for 2 hours I went to put my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu in reverse to back out of a parking space I noticed pressure from the brake threat wouldn't allow me to fully press down. There was also a loud hissing noise coming from the pedal. I was barely able to stop my car. I took my car to the shop where I was told I needed to have my power brake booster replaced. I was advised that is was abnormal for a new car to have that problem. The repair was $529. Now on 9/24/2018 while at a red light my dash went haywire and all alerts were illuminated. The display read 'service power steering' I was unable to put the car in park or turn off the ignition but all lights were off. After 5 minutes I was able to get the car back on and in gear. After making a left turn I noticed I was unable to stop the car. The brake was hard to press and there again was a loud hissing noise. After taking my car once again to the shop I was advised I needed another power brake booster. I was told there was a recall on the part back in 2013 but it was never replaced in my car. The dealer has refused to replace it at this time and I am hoping for a resolution. The car becomes inoperable without notice and it is jeopardizing the safety of myself and others.

- Castro Valley, CA, USA

problem #18

Jun 122018

Malibu

  • 34,500 miles
The brake pedal is sticking and will not fully release. The vehicle will not accelerate when this happens and the brake lights will stay on after the car is turned off. I only have 35600 miles on the vehicle. The dealer can't find the issue but suggests the brake pedal assembly be replaced but will not guarantee it will fix the issue.

- Blue Springs, MO, USA

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