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2013 CHEVROLET Malibu

10 recalls Risk Grade: A- Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #15V245000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
Your 2013 Chevrolet Malibu's gear selection indicator might not show which gear you've selected, which is a safety issue.
Risk if Unfixed
If the indicator doesn't work, you might accidentally shift into the wrong gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
The dealership will replace the gear selection control module FREE of charge, starting with notifications that began on April 20, 2015. You can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 for more information, and GM's recall number is 12162.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V00F000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

SUSPENSION:REAR

Manufacturer
General Motors, LLC
What Happened
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 if Unfixed
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V633000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

SUSPENSION:REAR

Manufacturer
General Motors, LLC
What Happened
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 if Unfixed
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V764000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

SUSPENSION:REAR

Manufacturer
General Motors, LLC
What Happened
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 if Unfixed
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #13V024000 Plain English
Component

SUSPENSION:REAR

Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
One or more rear suspension bolts in your 2013 Chevrolet Malibu may not have been tightened correctly, which could affect how your vehicle handles on the road.
Risk if Unfixed
If this issue isn't fixed, you may experience sudden changes in your vehicle's handling, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
The dealership will inspect and retighten the bolts for free, and you'll be notified when it's time to bring your vehicle in.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Sudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #16V502000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
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 Unfixed
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Free 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #15V164000 Plain English
Component

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
The roof panel switch on your vehicle may not be secure, which can cause the roof to close unexpectedly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the roof closes unexpectedly, you could get pinched, which can be painful and potentially cause an injury.
Free Fix
Your local Chevrolet dealership will update your vehicle's software for free to prevent the roof from closing unexpectedly, and they will do this work at no cost to you.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #13V566000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
Your vehicle's power seat wiring harness might be chafing against the seat frame, which could cause problems with the seat's electrical system.
Risk if Unfixed
If the harness gets damaged, it could lead to a short circuit, causing issues like the seat moving unexpectedly, not working at all, or even sparking and potentially starting a fire.
Free Fix
You can get this fixed for free by visiting your local dealership, who will inspect the harness, make any needed repairs, and secure it properly.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #12V484000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
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 Unfixed
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.
Free 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #12V224000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS LLC
What Happened
There's a software issue in your vehicle's computer system that might cause the airbag control module to reset after hard braking, leading to potential issues with airbag deployment in a rollover event or severe crash.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, the roof rail airbag might deploy unintentionally, and in a severe crash, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners might not work as they should, increasing the risk of injury.
Free Fix
We'll notify you, and a local dealership will reprogram your vehicle's computer system for free, so you don't need to worry or pay a thing.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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