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2013 Chevrolet Malibu electrical complaints

Page 13 of 14: complaints 341 to 370 of 376, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2013 Chevrolet Malibu electrical problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jan 19, 2016 · Electrical · 42,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu. While parked, the vehicle was unable to start and the key could not be removed from the ignition. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

Filed Jan 5, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · NC

In summer 2015 while using AC, heat randomly would blast out. (while idle or driving). Would have to restart car to get AC to work again. In the past 2 weeks dec15/jan16, engine overheated-idle indicator came on while driving on the highway, once at 65 MPH, once at 30 MPH. Then a few minutes later it would turn off. I looked at temp gauge, and it was not at an overheating level (half way only). Also, now heat only intermittently works. I will have to turn car on and off repeatedly, and turn AC on/off, heat on/off, defrost on/off, and sometimes the heat will finally get warm. Never seems to get hot like it's supposed to. Took to repair shop for the engine overheated/idle warning and stated nothing was wrong. Safety issue not having heat for front windshield defrost when it's under 30 degrees out. Mechanic said it's probably a computer issue with the car. But now I'm seeing this is a recurring problem with many car owners. Gm needs to recall, as this can be a safety concern!

Filed Nov 30, 2015 · Electrical · 8,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to slow down on its own. The check engine warning indicator illuminated and the heater activated. In addition, a strong burning odor started to emerge from the vents and all the warning indicators flickered on and off. The vehicle decelerated from 35 to 5 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical harness was not making contact. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred five times since the first week the vehicle was purchased. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.

Filed Nov 3, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 57,000 miles · TX · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu. While driving at 70 MPH, the reduced engine power warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled and crashed into a curb. The air bags did not deploy and a police report was not filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The contact mentioned that the dealer cleaned the battery terminals, but the failure recurred with the reduced engine power and ABS light illuminating. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.

Filed Sep 27, 2015 · Electrical, Seats · 53,909 miles · TN

Actuator did not meet specs it was necessary to replace actuator. This service was done by jim keras chevrolet in memphis tennessee. The covering on the driver seat that protects the seat controls has fallen off, the car has no pick up when depressing the excellerator and makes noise as if the transmission is not changing. I went to vincheck pro and there were 7 recalls specifically electrical system software. I bought this car off the showroom floor of acura of memphis at ridgeway and 385. No one told me of any factory recalls. The money I am spending for this car is already too much and now having so many problems out of a car thats only 2 years old is ridiculous. Thanks for listening.

Filed Sep 15, 2015 · Electrical, Visibility · 58,000 miles · WI

Climate control issues. Fan is stuck at one speed on passenger side and will not heat. When A/C compressor is on it blows ice cold air. When heat is on it also blows ice cold air, no matter the setting whether in "sync" mode or not. The climate zone does not change from high to low of vice versa. This causing heating issues in colder weather and defroster issues on passenger side of vehicle.

Filed Aug 28, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 33,000 miles · MS

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle would momentarily shut off causing the power steering assist to fail and making it very difficult to control the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 65,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled and restarted independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the input actuator and crank shaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed Aug 5, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 81,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu. While driving 25 MPH, all the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel, the windshield wiper blades operated independently, and the vehicle experienced a loss of power. The contact mentioned that the vehicle would restart after 10-15 minutes. The failure only occurred sporadically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

Filed Jul 27, 2015 · Electrical · 20,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and numerous warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

Filed Jul 17, 2015 · Electrical, Wheels · 34,200 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu. While driving 50 MPH, the windshield wipers failed and caused the instrument panel lights to flicker. The failure continued until the instrument panel dimmed completely. The dealer diagnosed that there was a loose battery cable. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure continued intermittently. In addition, while turning the vehicle, the wheels seized and the instrument panel lights dimmed. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure recurred. The contact notified the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 34,200.

Filed May 5, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 50,867 miles · OK

While I was driving the car kept shutting off and throwing it into theft mode...this happens on daily basis now and I'm scared it will cause an accident due to the continuous shutting off in the middle of driving in certain speeds...I see there is recalls on this which I do keep getting the anti theft deterrent system error message in my main screen when this happens. When will there be a recall for this on this year & model because I see so many complaints about this online?

Filed Apr 30, 2015 · Electrical, Seats · 35,000 miles · MD · fire

Was sitting in my seat adjusting the seat by pushing the button that had a short when I pushed the button I herd a clicking noise then I smelt a fume type of smell I put the car in reverse when the seat wouldn't move as I looked down at the gear I notice that the driver seat where I was sitting was on fire every where the car was wired is where the fire burned up I called the fire department in which they informed me that it was a electrical fire and car insurance confirmed recall on the car had been reported for doing the same thing prior to this incident I called kin dixon where I purchase the car and they told me that my car according to the VIN number I have to them was not affected by recall I have gm and they have yet to respond to me I could have been one of there numerous customers who lost their life in there defected retort cars I was not burned but the poor car was torched.

Filed Mar 23, 2015 · Acceleration, Electrical · 34,000 miles · DC

For no apparent reason the vehicle will stop and the electric controls will go off (lights, display indicators and signals)....car will stall as if I have turned it off with the ignition switch for no reason while I am driving. No warning whatsoever and have plenty of gas. I have to sometimes stop in the middle of traffic until I can regain some control of the vehicle. And at that point it will seem as though it is not fully functioning because all the indicators are displayed. (it seems that there is something wrong with the computer system).....

Filed Jan 8, 2015 · Airbags, Electrical · 46,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and lost power. The theft attempted warning message and the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the sensing and diagnostic module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v224000 (electrical system) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000. Updated 3/3/15*cn updated 9/13/2017

Filed Jan 2, 2015 · Electrical · 3,000 miles · KY

After driving the car with the A/C on, shutting the car off and restarting the heat will come on even tho the A/C is still on and you cannot get the heat to stop. Took it to dealer as it was blowing full force heat and they could not get it to stop. No one can figure it out. Gm engineers are baffled by it also.. Only happens when you have or are using the A/C.

Filed Dec 23, 2014 · Electrical · IL

2013 chevrolet malibu. Lawyer on behlaf of consumer. The consumer experienced four separate incidents which put the vehicle out of serivce for repair for over 30 days. Would like car replaced or bought back. *ta six months after the vehicle was purchased, the consumer started experiencing serious problems with its functionality. The vehicle would not start or would shut off whiel being driven and would not re-start. The dealer was unable to correct the problem.

Filed Dec 10, 2014 · Electrical · 9,900 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that all the warning lights in the instrument panel illuminated without warning periodically. The speedometer failed to display the travel speed. The turn signals and the engine temperature gauge failed to operate. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the electrical failure in the vehicle was caused by the contact's heart pace maker. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,900. Updated 01/07/14*lj updated 02/04/15*lj the consumer was advised by the dealer that the defect was longer found to be caused by pace maker electrical interference. Updated 10/6/2015 *js updated 9/8/2017

Filed Nov 11, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 36,000 miles · GA · crash · 3 injuries

I was riding in the car with my wife and cousin heading to her brothers house. We had just drove from out of town after visiting some family members and was taking my cousin back home. While driving I notice the car electrical system acting up it would say I needed to put air in the tire or the back tire was not functioning correctly. It also would say I needed to put my seat belt on when it was on. But this was not my biggest concern my wife while driving ran off the road a struck a tree head on. Had she had been driving faster then what she was going I fell as if she would have been severely injured. The airbags never came out and this was a concern because who knows how many vehicles are affected by this. I thank god that her injuries were not that serve as well as my cousin and I, although pain will heal the pain of losing a love one will never heal. So I ask that you look into because this is a safety concern, I know if had my wife been told that her airbags may or may not deploy she would have never brought the car.......

Filed Oct 29, 2014 · Electrical · 6,995 miles · VA

Lights dimmed inside the car on dashboard and indicator lights for radio and climate control could not tell if the A/C was on and also the fan indicator lights were not visible. After stopping checked the voltage and noticed it was lower then usual. It's like there was a drain on electricity somewhere while driving the battery should be charging I noticed this 3 times this month. Last time today 10/29/2016 while driving on hwy 288 at 60mph.

Filed Sep 8, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 15,000 miles · TX

The car engine stalls, locks go up and down, panel lights go out, power steering is disabled, RPM gauge revs up to 7000+, then engine comes back on. This has happened multiple times nearly causing crashes and causing extreme anxiety. The service department says no error is stored on the car computer and they cannot duplicate the incident. After 2 days in the shop, I got my car back, drove 378 miles and the incident happened again. It has occurred with every member of my family. I want to be taken seriously or I will contact an attorny before someone gets injured not afterwards.

Filed Aug 31, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · MI

I was on the on ramp, behind another car driving to get onto the highway when we both drove through a big puddle of water. The car in front of me stopped and the water came over the hood of my car. My car then stalled and I coasted to the left side of the on ramp. My car would not start. The other car continued driving. No water entered my vehicle.

Filed Jul 17, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 13,020 miles · PA

I started the car and viewed the message "service power steering" in the message center between the odometer and tachometer. There did not seem to be any issue with the steering, but wanted to get it checked out by my local dealer since it was less than a half mile up the road. As I put the car into the gear, the car would not move. The indicator lights that normally show me what gear I am in (prnd) were blank. Then all of the sudden, the car surged forward violently, as if the malibu was just rear-ended. I then turned the car off and restarted it. The ?service power steering? Message appeared again. However, the ?check engine? Light had lit up, and the ?service parking brake? Message appeared as well. The car then surge violently again forward without shifting into any gears. I then shut the car off and called spencer chevrolet to tell them I was going to have the car towed to their shop. After a few minutes, I tried once more to start the car and was able to shift into gear and drive it to the shop in limp mode with half the warning lights lit up on the dash. After further diagnostics, the maintenance manager at spencer chevrolet informed me that the transmission computer module (TCM) had failed and needed replacement under warranty. This was the third electrical issue I had with this vehicle (the trunk was opening on its own while driving, parked, or during the night, and the radio was locking up with no control). I was worried that the transmission issue could have happened while driving, and didn't want to take any risks.

Filed Jun 30, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 16,000 miles · DE

While driving the engine power suddenly reduced and a warning came on indicating reduced engine power. The vehicle was taken to dealer who had it for 2 weeks and drove around 500 miles on car and were unable to replicate error.

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 Jun 18, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · AZ · fire

Fire in the tail light that also got some of my trunk. The fire stopped 1/4 inch form the gas tank.

Filed Jun 5, 2014 · Airbags, Body · MO

2013 chevy malibu 1ls manufactured 11/20/12, currently less than 7,000 mi. 1) chrome & radio glass - when sun shines on console it blinds driver & driver must cover area with a scarf or jacket; console is beautiful to look at, but not practical from a safety viewpoint since the driver is blinded & cannot see until the area is covered from the sun. 2) when air conditioning was turned on, a blast of very hot air came out; it took a couple of times of turning the settings off & on (at least 60 seconds or longer) before the hot air stopped & the air conditioning came on. The hot air could not be immediately turned off. Happened only once. 3) passenger side front fender/bumper loose - makes noise, can pop it back in, but on hot days, it pops out, vibrates and makes loud noise until popped back in. 4) rear windows - when down 1/2, 3/4 or fully, vibrates, makes very loud noise that sounds like tires are coming apart, causing driver to immediately pull over to check tires, the distraction & being on side of road could be a safety issue. 5) no spare tire - unable to locate a tire & rim (or donut tire) for purchase to insert in trunk tire area. No can of goop, also goop only lasts for 6 months & must be discarded & new can purchased. Not good when stranded in inclement snowy weather or out in the hot desert & must wait for tow truck. I like my chevy malibu very much, it has been able to handle rough gravel/dirt roads in inclement weather, snow, & highway travel. I plan to take it to the dealer shortly for an oil change & to take care of these issues. What I don't like is that I am unable to turn the driver airbag off (I sit less than 12 inches from the wheel & am concerned that if it were to deploy I would be killed) & that the vehicle is fairly low to the ground, making speed bumps & getting out of businesses where there is a dip onto streets difficult.

Filed May 27, 2014 · Electrical · 125 miles · OH

Turned the car on heat came on full blast fan and temp gage were both in off position. It did this 3 times before I could get it into the shop a week later. This car alarm also turns itself on after driving in the rain. Last but certainly not least when driving in slow traffic the transmissions downshift on this automatic vehicle is horrible it is a violent jerk down and up. My dealership continues to tell me there are no problems with the exception of the fan issue the only thing they have been able to fix. I am beginning to hate my car. The jerk scares the cap out of me I am scared one day it will just slip it is even worse when the AC is on even when stopping in normal traffic it does this and sometimes feels like I am driving over a gravel road.

Filed May 15, 2014 · Electrical, Visibility · 1,500 miles · TX

While driving when I turned on AC it went full blast to heat even though setting was set low. Went to dealer second time it happened changed out something however it did it again just a few weeks ago. Have to turn off fan let it rest then turn it back on after a couple of minutes. Worked great then. This has happened to me 4 times now and dealer doesn't know what the problem is. It's called a defect! Gm needs to fix this.

Filed May 10, 2014 · Electrical · 6,300 miles · WI

When I started the car the fan and the heater came on full blast. Within seconds it was very hot in the car. The fan and the heater were turned off at the time but were lit like they were on. It scared me. I turned the fan on all the way then turn it back,but that did nothing as with the heater. I turned the car off and waited a minute and restarted and it was okay. I took talked with my garage repair (may 9 2014) and was told they couldn't check the problem on the computer unless the problem was occuring at that time. I did not inform dealership where I purchased my car as I do not use them for repair or maintenance.

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