MileageCurve What breaks, and at what mileage
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Chevrolet Malibu 2013–2015

8th generation · GM Epsilon II SWB (GMX351)

Reports with mileage
1,574
Median of reported failures
66,000 mi
Most-reported system
Electrical system (22.6%)
Recalls
15

Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗

On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 36,000 and 95,723 miles.

Figure 1 · Chevrolet Malibu 2013–2015 · 1,574 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 121 complaints.

Mileage at failure, Chevrolet Malibu 2013–2015Histogram of 1,574 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 5,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 0 to 5,000 miles with 121 complaints, 7.7 percent of the total. Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 36,000 and 95,723 miles. A further 11 complaints, 0.7 percent, were reported above 200,000 miles and are shown as a separate detached bar. Median mileage at failure is 66,350.
  • Rest of the range
  • Median
  • 200,000+ — 11 complaints (0.7%), plotted separately
10%
8,100
25%
36,000
Median
66,350
75%
95,723
90%
123,656

Tallest bin: 121 complaints between 0 and 5,000 miles. Based on 1,574 complaints that record mileage. Bin width 5,000 miles.

Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–5,0001217.7%
5,000–10,000493.1%
10,000–15,000523.3%
15,000–20,000452.9%
20,000–25,000352.2%
25,000–30,000271.7%
30,000–35,000392.5%
35,000–40,000634.0%
40,000–45,000553.5%
45,000–50,000644.1%
50,000–55,000764.8%
55,000–60,000543.4%
60,000–65,000724.6%
65,000–70,000664.2%
70,000–75,000785.0%
75,000–80,000623.9%
80,000–85,000785.0%
85,000–90,000785.0%
90,000–95,000483.0%
95,000–100,000442.8%
100,000–105,000553.5%
105,000–110,000372.4%
110,000–115,000422.7%
115,000–120,000382.4%
120,000–125,000422.7%
125,000–130,000191.2%
130,000–135,000231.5%
135,000–140,000201.3%
140,000–145,000291.8%
145,000–150,00070.4%
150,000–155,000120.8%
155,000–160,00020.1%
160,000–165,00090.6%
165,000–170,00010.1%
170,000–175,00070.4%
175,000–180,00010.1%
180,000–185,00030.2%
185,000–190,00030.2%
190,000–195,00070.4%
200,000+110.7%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.

What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.

Owners filed 2,340 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 1,574 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.

Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 36,000 and 95,723 miles. The median is 66,350 miles.

The most-reported areas are the electrical system (22.6% of complaints, typically around 72,000 miles), the engine (17.0% of complaints, typically around 77,000 miles), the steering (9.2% of complaints, typically around 60,000 miles).

15 recall campaigns cover this generation.

If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.

How many miles does a 2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu last?

Half of the failure reports on the 2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu were filed by 66,000 miles and 90% by 124,000 miles — figures drawn from 1,574 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.

11 reports (0.7%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Malibu reached that mileage, not that it died there.

Before you buy a 2013–2015 Malibu: the 3-minute check

Generated from 1,574 mileage-tagged complaints, 15 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 15 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
  2. Check engine on 2013–2014 cars. 2.4L eAssist mild-hybrid system battery pack and 12V/battery-cable faults; the eAssist variant was dropped after 2014.
  3. Check body/electrical on 2013 cars. Frequent complaints of hard starting and electrical faults on the 2013 launch year, largely resolved by the heavy 2014 front-structure and interior revision (a facelift, not a new platform).
  4. Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
  5. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.

For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 36,000 and 96,000 miles, with a median of 66,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.

On inspection, the electrical system and the engine are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The electrical system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 72,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.

None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.

What fails, and when

Figure 2 · Chevrolet Malibu 2013–2015

When each system fails

Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.

  1. Airbag system124 reports55,00040,000–89,000Airbag system: 124 reports, median 55,000 miles, middle half 40,000 to 89,000 miles.
  2. Steering215 reports60,00018,000–85,000Steering: 215 reports, median 60,000 miles, middle half 18,000 to 85,000 miles.
  3. Problems owners could not categorise176 reports63,00038,000–95,000Problems owners could not categorise: 176 reports, median 63,000 miles, middle half 38,000 to 95,000 miles.
  4. Transmission and driveline136 reports65,00017,000–100,000Transmission and driveline: 136 reports, median 65,000 miles, middle half 17,000 to 100,000 miles.
  5. Electrical system528 reports72,00048,000–102,000Electrical system: 528 reports, median 72,000 miles, middle half 48,000 to 102,000 miles.
  6. Electronic stability control (esc)119 reports73,00048,000–95,000Electronic stability control (esc): 119 reports, median 73,000 miles, middle half 48,000 to 95,000 miles.
  7. Engine398 reports77,00046,000–103,000Engine: 398 reports, median 77,000 miles, middle half 46,000 to 103,000 miles.
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Electrical system52822.6%72,00048,000–102,000
Engine39817.0%77,00046,000–103,000
Steering2159.2%60,00018,000–85,000
Problems owners could not categorise1767.5%63,00038,000–95,000
Transmission and driveline1365.8%65,00017,000–100,000
Airbag system1245.3%55,00040,000–89,000
Electronic stability control (esc)1195.1%73,00048,000–95,000
Brakes1014.3%51,00022,000–85,000
Suspension773.3%92,00051,000–120,000
Fuel and propulsion system743.2%80,00045,000–100,000

Where your car sits

Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.

Figure 3 · Chevrolet Malibu 2013–2015 · 1,574 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, Chevrolet Malibu 2013–2015Of 1,574 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 5,000-mile bin edge. 43 percent below 60,000 miles. 71 percent below 90,000 miles. 88 percent below 120,000 miles. Median 66,350 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 43% of reports below
  • 90,000 mi — 71% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 88% of reports below
  • Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it below

The staircase tops out at 99%: the remaining 0.7% of reports (11) came above 200,000 miles.

Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

At 60,000 miles

43% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

In the reporting window

  • Electrical system — middle half 48,000–102,000 mi
  • Engine — middle half 46,000–103,000 mi
  • Steering — middle half 18,000–85,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 38,000–95,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — middle half 17,000–100,000 mi
  • Airbag system — middle half 40,000–89,000 mi
  • Electronic stability control (esc) — middle half 48,000–95,000 mi

At 90,000 miles

71% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Steering — median 60,000 mi
  • Airbag system — median 55,000 mi

In the reporting window

  • Electrical system — middle half 48,000–102,000 mi
  • Engine — middle half 46,000–103,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 38,000–95,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — middle half 17,000–100,000 mi
  • Electronic stability control (esc) — middle half 48,000–95,000 mi

At 120,000 miles

88% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Electrical system — median 72,000 mi
  • Engine — median 77,000 mi
  • Steering — median 60,000 mi
  • Problems owners could not categorise — median 63,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — median 65,000 mi
  • Airbag system — median 55,000 mi
  • Electronic stability control (esc) — median 73,000 mi

Which systems, and when

Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 66,350 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.

The electrical system accounts for 22.6% of complaints (528 reports, 363 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 72,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 48,000 and 102,000 miles.

The engine accounts for 17.0% of complaints (398 reports, 253 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 77,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 46,000 and 103,000 miles.

The steering accounts for 9.2% of complaints (215 reports, 175 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 60,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 18,000 and 85,000 miles.

Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 7.5% of complaints (176 reports, 98 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 63,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 38,000 and 95,000 miles.

The transmission and driveline accounts for 5.8% of complaints (136 reports, 94 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 65,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 17,000 and 100,000 miles.

The airbag system accounts for 5.3% of complaints (124 reports, 73 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 55,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 40,000 and 89,000 miles.

Differences between model years

Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2013 model year drew the most — 1,383 complaints — while 2015 drew the fewest at 396. The median year sits at 561.

That makes 2013 an outlier: roughly 2.5 times the median year of this generation. A single year standing that far apart usually reflects either a first-year issue that was later corrected, or a component change introduced for that year. Anyone shopping this generation has a straightforward reason to prefer a different year, all else being equal.

Recalls and what they cover

NHTSA records 15 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.

The campaigns cluster around the suspension (4), the electrical system (2), visibility equipment (2). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.

Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.

Reported severity

What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 2,340 complaints against this generation:

Crashes
113 (4.8%)
Fires
43
Injury reports
67
Fatality reports
3

These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.

Documented problems

Engine 2013–2014

2.4L eAssist mild-hybrid system battery pack and 12V/battery-cable faults; the eAssist variant was dropped after 2014.

Body/Electrical 2013

Frequent complaints of hard starting and electrical faults on the 2013 launch year, largely resolved by the heavy 2014 front-structure and interior revision (a facelift, not a new platform).

By model year

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileage
20131,383995
2014561352
2015396227

Recalls (15) — is your car included?

Recalls are fixed free of charge at any dealer, for any owner. Check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The text below is NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. Jan 2022 · 2013 · SuspensionA rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a…

    The defect. 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 brea

    What can happen. A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The 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.

    NHTSA campaign 21V00F000, reported 2022-01-27.

  2. Jan 2022 · 2013 · SuspensionA rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a…

    The defect. 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 de

    What can happen. A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The 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.

    NHTSA campaign 21V633000, reported 2022-01-03.

  3. Aug 2021 · 2013 · SuspensionA rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a…

    The defect. 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

    What can happen. A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The 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.

    NHTSA campaign 20V764000, reported 2021-08-19.

  4. Oct 2016 · 2013–2015 · Electrical SystemIf the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting…

    The defect. 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 Sta

    What can happen. If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

    The 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.

    NHTSA campaign 16V502000, reported 2016-10-14.

  5. Oct 2015 · 2015 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.

    NHTSA campaign 15V666000, reported 2015-10-19.

  6. Apr 2015 · 2013–2015 · VisibilityThe Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close…

    The defect. 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."

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 15V164000, reported 2015-04-21.

  7. Apr 2015 · 2013 · Power TrainIf the console shift indicator does not illuminate the transmission gear selection, a driver could…

    The defect. 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."

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 15V245000, reported 2015-04-20.

  8. Sep 2014 · 2013 · Exterior LightingIf the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive…

    The defect. 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."

    What can happen. 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.

    The 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.

    NHTSA campaign 12V484000, reported 2014-09-08.

  9. Jul 2014 · 2014 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf the hydraulic boost assist is disabled, slowing or stopping the vehicle will require additional brake…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through May 2, 2014, and equipped with a 2.5L engine with the auto stop/start option. The affected vehicles may experience a complete loss of brake vacuum assist, disabling the hydraulic boost assist. As such, these vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    What can happen. If the hydraulic boost assist is disabled, slowing or stopping the vehicle will require additional brake pedal effort and a lengthened stopping distance. Both of these effects increase the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic brake control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020. General Motors number for this recall is 14201.

    NHTSA campaign 14V247000, reported 2014-07-03.

  10. Jun 2014 · 2014 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf a brake pad detaches from caliper, there may be a sudden reduction in braking, lengthening the distance…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Lacrosse vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 31, 2014 and 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured February 7, 2014, through March 31, 2014, and equipped with 17 inch front brake rotors. The affected vehicles may have had brake rotors intended for the rear of the car accidentally installed on the front. The rear rotors, while the same diameter, are thinner and may result in a front brake pad detaching from the caliper.

    What can happen. If a brake pad detaches from caliper, there may be a sudden reduction in braking, lengthening the distance required to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake rotors, and install the correct rotors with new brake pads, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14128.

    NHTSA campaign 14V240000, reported 2014-06-23.

  11. Apr 2014 · 2014 · Power TrainIf a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollawa

    What can happen. If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle o

    The free fix. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Buick owners at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC owners at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.

    NHTSA campaign 14V092000, reported 2014-04-10.

  12. Dec 2013 · 2014 · VisibilityThe inability to turn on the windshield defroster may decrease the driver's visibility thereby increasing the…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through November 5, 2013. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control in these vehicles may intermittently become inoperable when the vehicle is started, preventing the windshield defroster from working. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

    What can happen. The inability to turn on the windshield defroster may decrease the driver's visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic climate control module software, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13380.

    NHTSA campaign 13V567000, reported 2013-12-06.

  13. Dec 2013 · 2013 · SeatsIf the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 13V566000, reported 2013-12-04.

  14. Jan 2013 · 2013 · SuspensionSudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. Sudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 13V024000, reported 2013-01-21.

  15. Jun 2012 · 2013 · Electrical SystemIf this occurs during an aggressive turning maneuver, and then afterwards a potential vehicle rollover event…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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.

    NHTSA campaign 12V224000, reported 2012-06-13.

What owners reported

the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds and downshifting, the vehicle rode very rough. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. After inspection, they advised him that he would have to put 500 miles on the vehicle for it to learn his way of driving. After driving a…

2013 · 7 miles · Engine

Went to test drive 2013 chevy Malibu. As always, i adjust mirrors before driving. I immediately noticed that because the roofline is so low-slung for aerodynamic reasons, that the rear view mirror is also very low. As a result, the mirror was blocking almost 25% of my view! I've heard of blindspots on vehicles but…

2013 · 20 miles · Visibility/wiper

Cars brakes are basically stuck. Brake assist coming on and causing brake lights on exterior of car to stay on while driving and parked, also while car is off with key out of vehicle. When letting off the brake the car comes to a stop very quickly as if you were applying the brakes. It is hard to accelerate going…

2013 · 20 miles · Brakes

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