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9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$420
Average Mileage:
78,850 miles
Total Complaints:
10 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. battery replaced (3 reports)
  3. replace instrument cluster (2 reports)
2013 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems

electrical problem

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2013 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments

problem #10

May 272019

Malibu LS 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

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

The first problem was the new battery being drained and the theft deterrent system was activated. I was able to jump start it and take to the dealership. They said my new battery was the issue. It was NOT the battery but I didn't have problems for a few weeks. Then the dashboard indicator lights started intermittently going off. No codes, and I was told it could be dimmer switch. So I ordered a new one. That did NOT fix the problem. Now the dashboard goes out completely and the battery is being drained. Dealer has NO idea what is going on. Seems that there is an ongoing problem with several GM cars and this complaint.

- auburntigers, Lawrenceville, US

problem #9

May 062019

Malibu 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

click to see larger images

various electrical issues various electrical issues various electrical issues

My Malibu dash board would freeze, go blank, reel with blinking lights at the bottom, and the most annoying thing would be when I would be getting ready to turn. At these times I would automatically engage the turn signal left or right, and even though I just slowed down the turn signal blinker would warn me that I have had the signal engaged for too long. I remember it was summer at the time and I had thought running the air conditioner and playing the stereo might have caused the problem.

I did not leave the turn signal on and forget about it, I just turned it on and it blinked spontaneously with an exclamation point informing me that I better shut it off soon as I have had them on too long. Really... This is really unsafe!!! It's a good thing I used to be a "Class A" Driver for almost four years. There had to be some logical reason for this to happen. The whole point of having a turn signal was to leave it on so the people driving behind me would know I am turning. So I quickly turn it on and off several times hoping it will fix itself but "of course" this does not work.

I have an OCD reader to check for problems the engine may have. I thought it would at least pick up on the trunk code because it stopped working after the dealership replaced it about 6 months ago under warranty. Nope! Not only does the car not know about the dash board flickering on and off, but it has no idea the trunk does not open electronically anymore. This SHOULD BE A RECALL of the dashboard multipurpose relay or something!!!

I know the battery did not disconnect because I actually took the battery cable off of the newer battery and reconnected it hoping that might fix the problem. It was worth a try. However, once again this proved to me that it was not the battery malfunction as I had to reset the time and date when I physically disconnected the battery.

- Laurie M., Stockton, CA, US

problem #8

Feb 142019

Malibu LTZ 2.5L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,756 miles

Just bought a used 2013 Malibu, first week of driving check engine light came on had to replace variable camshaft timing solenoid, light came on again after I replaced it same thing. Car now hesitates at takeoff, radio goes black it acts as though it will cut off as I wait at traffic light. Some times it drives perfect, other times it hesitates as if its not getting enough gas. I have only made one payment and already I'm having problems. I am afraid to take it to dealer for repairs because of high cost. Any suggestions would be helpful. I have read all the complaints about the electrical system, but none seem to be resolved.

- Geraldine P., Greenville, SC, US

problem #7

Jan 012019

Malibu LT LT

  • CVT transmission
  • 102,000 miles

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

Burning smell. Electrical goes off. Car shuts down, lights dim. Dangerous to drive. Just bought.

- Anita C., Ulysses, PA, US

problem #6

Aug 082018

Malibu Hybrid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,081 miles

I bought a used 2013 Chevy Malibu hybrid and about a month later I started having problem with the hybrid side. The dealership said that the modules to replace the hybrid battery has been discontinued. Therefore anyone having one of these vehicles will not be able to get their hybrid battery replaced.

- Kevin W., Greenville, US

problem #5

Sep 212018

Malibu LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,400 miles

Instrument cluster keeps shutting off and on while driving.

- Leticia C., Deland, FL, US

problem #4

Jun 262018

Malibu 4-2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

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

There are too many complaints on this issue. A recall is needed on this issue.ASAP!

- Monica F., Humble, US

problem #3

Apr 162018

Malibu LT 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,000 miles

I purchased my vehicle July of 2016 and it had a full warranty at the time. The warranty expired in 2017 and shortly thereafter my problems started with the vehicle. The car's radio screen would go black, and would within seconds come back on. The problem has been going on a month, but I thought it was just a problem with the radio for the first couple of weeks in April 2018, however, because I travel for business I decided to wait until I arrive back in Atlanta, Georgia mid-May, 2018, and take the car to the dealer.

Instead I called into Onstar twice last week the week of May 7, 2018 to have my car diagnosed, and there were no signs of a problem from their standpoint. Within the last past few days, the radio screen has gone black and now the steering wheel is going stiff and I am unable to steer, and I'm now losing power in the car.

On Friday, May 10, 2018 I was making a u-turn and the radio went off, and the car stopped mid-way in the turn it quickly regained power and so because I was out of town, I went to Auto Advance to get a diagnostic run on the battery and alternator. It checked out fine. I started on my journey from Virginia to Georgia on Saturday, May 11, 2018, and the radio started going black again, when I went to exit on a ramp to grab a bite the car actually stopped, I decided to turn around and head back to Virginia since I was not that far away. I went straight to my son's mechanic, because I was unsure of what it was and didn't have the money to fix it if I were to take it to a dealer out of town.

The mechanic spent 3 hours on the car until he closed and could not locate the problem. He said he will get back to me on Monday, May 14th. My friend suggested I look at this website and having dealt with manufacturers, cars that were defective and having had a tragic issue happen as a result I am now petrified for my life.

I drive for a living, I am also a realtor. I decided to lodge my first complaint because Chevrolet is aware of the problem as is stated by so many consumers. I will be in contact with corporate and the dealer by phone and by certified mail. This is a serious matter and I'm taking it as such.

Update from Jun 16, 2018: battery was replaced on 6.07.17 per Lyndsey Chevrolet, Woodbridge, Virginia. Today 6.16.17 while transporting 4 customers in my car it stopped. You can only imagine how my customers felt but I already knew. It has been 3 hours the car has stopped 6 times. This is not good at all.

- Iris H., Dumfries, US

problem #2

Mar 242016

Malibu

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

The car cuts off while I am driving whenever you use turn signals or turn the wheel. The lights on the dash board flicker, the radio goes out and the power steering locks up or shuts completely down not allowing you to make a full turning of the wheel. Messages pop up for 3 sec stating to service stability track and service power steering. I have taken the car to the dealer several times and they state without the issue replicating in front of them there isn't anything they can do. The issue happened starting in Jan and they changed the left wheel hub bearing which temporarily fixed the issue the issue started back a few months later. But this time the service stability track message stayed on the dash board. Now they are saying its the right wheel hub bearing and the radio needs to be replaced...I know for a fact that the radio does not need to be replaced and that it is not just the right wheel hub bearing as this issue is electrical and has been ongoing. And, it only happens for 3 to 6 sec then the radio turns back on and I am then able to steer the car until I try using the turn signal or turning the wheel then the issue starts back....they continuously cost me money and have not fixed the issue. Is there any way I could sue them. This is very dangerous and I have a 1 year old son that rides in the car with me.

- Airrell W., Reynoldsburg, OH, US

problem #1

Jul 152016

Malibu LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Center console (radio, bluetooth, AC, power steering) radomly cut off. Local Chevrolet Dealership Repairman says not familiar with this problem and I can bring it in for diagnostics, but if it shows nothing or doesn't act up while in shop, they cannot fix.

- Denise M., Fitzgerald, GA, US

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