The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 42,904 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
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…
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Complaints by component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
47
1crashes1fires
ENGINE
22
STEERING
16
2crashes2injuries
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
12
AIR BAGS
10
3crashes2injuries
SERVICE BRAKES
9
1crashes
POWER TRAIN
8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4
1crashes
Total complaints154
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“The contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu eco. The contact stated while at a stop light, the power steering was difficult to turn, and the vehicle stalled. The service battery charging system displayed and the check engine and battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the…”
“2013 chevrolet malibu eco. Consumer writes in regard to electrical issues with vehicle. The consumer stated that while driving the vehicle would shut off, losing all power. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The consumer stated the battery light illuminated, displays battery saver…”
“Takata recall . My car just died out off nowhere while I was just parked and when it finally got jumped the 'service airbag' light came. I've done some research and this has been happening to everybody and the repairs is up to $1000”
“Takata recall . My car just died out off nowhere while I was just parked and when it finally got jumped the 'service airbag' light came. I've done some research and this has been happening to everybody and the repairs is up to $1000”
“Excessive oil consumption regarding the ecotec 2.4l engine (luk). I had purchased my vehicle in september of 2018 with 87,932 miles. The vehicle was inspected and serviced. Prior to reaching the recommended 7500 mile oil change interval and before the 'change oil soon' notification, my check…”
“Stereo/navigation intermittent always default to one radio station and settings, passenger seat had a crackling sound a few times no odd smells or smoke, turns signals won't work when stereo is inoperative.”
“Stereo/navigation intermittent always default to one radio station and settings, passenger seat had a crackling sound a few times no odd smells or smoke, turns signals won't work when stereo is inoperative.”
“Stereo/navigation intermittent always default to one radio station and settings, passenger seat had a crackling sound a few times no odd smells or smoke, turns signals won't work when stereo is inoperative.”
Defect investigations
InvestigationAQ14001 Opened 2014-05-02 · closed 2016-05-22
Sands Chevrolet/Hybrid System Fire/Stall
NHTSA opened AQ14-001 to determine whether Sands Chevrolet of Surprise, Arizona complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers…
InvestigationRQ13003 Opened 2013-07-05 · closed 2014-07-22
Generator Control Module Fires
On July 5, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-003 to investigate whether the service procedures utilized in recall bulletins 13136 and 13142 for safety recall 13V-173 were sufficient to identify the safety defect in the subject vehicles.These safety recalls were issue on May 3,…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.