2013 Chevrolet Malibu: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Oct 3, 2025 · Electrical, Fuel system · NE

While driving my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, the electrical system intermittently fails: the radio shuts off, the instrument cluster goes blank (gauges drop to zero, fuel/temperature show empty), headlights flicker off then on, and turn-signal indicators disappear. Warning messages such as “Service Theft” and “No Key Detected” appear, power steering becomes difficult, and the vehicle shakes, stalls, or even turns off completely at stop signs. Sometimes the engine continues running even after the car is shut off, overheating and producing a burnt smell. These failures began months ago, occur unpredictably, and have been witnessed by an independent shop. The loss of lights, steering, and cluster data creates a serious safety hazard, and the vehicle is available for inspection.

Filed Mar 5, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 82,300 miles · IN

The vehicle seems to have issues with the fuel relay sensor. The vehicle push button start seems to intermittently not want to work. The vehicles or not want to start when the button is pushed to start the car. The reason I mentioned if you relay center is that it is similar to a cheap iphone that had a similar problem.

Filed Feb 11, 2019 · Acceleration, Electrical · 113,000 miles · MI

Expressway.the radio blacked out, stopped playing and then the car started shutting down-everything!steering went out, radio, lights, blinkers, etc.I took it as slow as I could all the way home and got onto back roads.this proved to be even more hazardous-every time I turned the steering wheel it would start to shut down again & again, all the way home.I took the car to the dealer-fixed but now happening again.sometimes it happens quickly and recovers quickly enough that the engine is not involved.my warning sign is that the radio cuts out and the screen goes blank.that's when I know to prepare myself. Sometimes that is all that happens.other times it's major! I look for an escape route-can I get off the road quickly, are there other cars around me, brace both hands on the steering wheel, slow my speed and pray.2/10/19, I was driving 55+ MPH on a 2 lane road.it was a fast radio out, fast engine wind down and out of power and door locks went on and off.there was a driveway for me to pull in to and assess the situation.engine then engaged and things seemed back to normal.I continued home, had 2 issues but I was going slower as I was aware this may happen again.I pulled over and continued each time.I had to stop at the store and was pulling into a parking spot and the car was trying to shut down and steering went out more than once until I finally got in the parking spot.drove home,parked.I went into the house an read the manual.I decided to go out and check my fuses.key fob did not work.doors were unlocked, got in car, put key in the ignition and car was totally dead.key would not come out of the ignition.my husband called tow truck in the am to jump.car would not jump so he had it towed to dealer where it is at this moment.I am afraid I'm going to be killed or cause someone else harm if they end up crashing into me because of the quick shut down and loss of steering!!!

Filed Oct 13, 2017 · 29,000 miles · MI

Key fob breaks in half. Manufacturer makes a key that can not withstand life of vehicle. Have had 2 key fobs break since purchasing vehicle.

Filed Jun 23, 2014 · Electrical · 30,015 miles · AR

Key fob is too sensitive, especially on the trunk button. Keys are in my pocket, and if I bump up against something, the trunk is open. When you are in public (say a public park for a family reunion) and need to store large valuables in your car, where do you store them? In the trunk. Well what happens if you bump something and your trunk pops? Those valuables get stolen. The fob should have the trunk button inset into it, require to press two buttons simultaneously, or require you to press the trunk button twice for the trunk to open. I believe that this is a chevrolet design error. The day that I bought my previous chevy car (2012 camaro) this same thing happened. Just so happened there wasn't anything in my trunk with the camaro. But it did rain and my trunk was full of water the morning. This seems like an easy fix, and I am sure that I'm not the only person with this problem. Sucks to see my mom lose a coach purse and wallet, personal and business debit cards and checks, medication, and cash while on a family vacation.

Filed Oct 30, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · MI

Trunk opens automatically when key fob is carried in pants pockets..I've tried shielding the fob, but it is just to sensitive for normal use!!! I got different fob, but it still opening my trunk, & I don't realize it, till I return to car... My car is not in a garage, & in mornings, the trunk is wet from snow or rain.. Plus:anyone could steal from mytrunk all nite long !!!!