While driving my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (2.5L), I experienced a sudden and severe failure of the braking system. [Insert exactly what happened here—for example: 'The brake pedal suddenly went completely to the floor,' 'The brakes unexpectedly locked up,' 'The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking power,' or 'The brake warning lights illuminated right as the brakes failed']. This occurred while traveling at approximately 25 mph on a one-lane road. This total/partial loss of braking power created an immediate safety hazard and a high risk of a crash. The vehicle had to be shifted into manual, then safely coasted to a stop. No prior warning signs or brake issues occurred immediately leading up to this event.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems
46 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 46
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 60,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: wheel speed sensor/tone ring1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2013 Chevrolet Malibu owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car stalls and/or shuts down while in use Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failure, and when did they first appear? Use Purchase date 3/31/2026. First sign of issues 4/3/2026
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced several electrical failures, causing a loss of power and the vehicle to stall. The vehicle also lost power steering and braking functionality. While inspecting under the hood, the contact discovered that the battery terminals were extremely hot to the touch. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Brake pedal sticks. I took to Chevrolet dealership because I saw a recall describing this exact scenario. That it was binding due to a faulty brake pedal assembly The technician diagnosed this to be the exact issue in the recall but refused to repair stating my VIN was not covered and I would have to contact your organization due to this being a safety issue to get the vin added
There is a recall on the brake booster on the 2014 Malibu manufactured in 2013 my car is a 2013 and I have the same issue.i have had multiple things wrong.I was driving and had no brakes at all I had to push hard and it finally stopped. Hazardous to drive now until fixed.i feel it should be covered as it is the same issue on the 2014
Stablitrac: ABS and traction control errors
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond, causing a stopping distance delay. Additionally, the contact noticed a burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated upon opening the hood to inspect the vehicle, he noticed that brake fluid had spilled all over the vacuum pump. The contact stated that he added brake fluid in the vacuum pump, but the brake fluid immediately leaked out of the vacuum pump. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Brake booster blew out due to a defect in the brake booster vacuum pump causing me to have no brakes.
brake booster
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.
Questions about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu brakes
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 46 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu brakes?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have bad brakes?
The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most brakes complaints are 1998 (376 complaints), 1999 (307 complaints) and 2000 (250 complaints).
Other 2013 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Electrical 376Engine 214Steering 181Driver assistance 74Suspension 65Airbags 59Transmission 54Visibility 40Fuel system 34Lights 30Acceleration 28Body 25Wheels 24Seats 23Tires 11Seat belts 6Locks 1
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