2013 Chevrolet Malibu: engine stalls while driving

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · OK

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

Filed Mar 27, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

The electrical system has caused the car to stop mid traffic multiple times while driving. Had everything checked and it does it multiple times with my kids in the car. The transmission stalls and when you hit the gas it ramps up but doesn’t move until last minute and jumps causing the car to be unsafe nd jump into traffic . I see it has many recalls for this year and vehicle but yet my con isn’t showing up but it definitely has those issues . It not safe to drive at all. The electrical issue cause the battery to die over night constantly jumping it over and over to start it.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MD

THIS IS MY 3RD COMPLAINT (Ref: Previous Reports). THE VEHICLE IS NOW A TOTAL LOSS. 1. UNRESOLVED ENGINE/STEERING (Prior Complaints): This 2013 Malibu has a documented history of sudden engine stalling and total loss of power steering at highway speeds. Despite reporting this twice to the federal safety agency and to GM, the manufacturer failed to provide a remedy. 2. RECENT SYSTEMIC COLLAPSE: Prior to the car becoming completely undrivable in my driveway, the instrument cluster suffered a total blackout (no speedometer/indicators). This matches GM TSB MC-10181662-9999, proving a known design defect in the electrical system/BCM. 3. RECALL DISCREPANCY: In addition to these engine/steering failures, a mandatory federal recall for the Rear Suspension Toe Link (20V764), which I was notified of in 2020, has 'vanished' from the system without being performed. 4. DENIAL OF SERVICE: The dealer is demanding a $1,900 diagnostic fee to even look at these documented, life-threatening safety defects, including the free federal recall. This is a violation of the Maryland Implied Warranty of Merchantability. On January 6, 2026, the check engine light illuminated, followed by a total instrument cluster blackout and electrical failure. The vehicle has been undrivable in my driveway since this total system collapse. This follows years of stalling and steering issues that the manufacturer failed to remedy."

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Engine · 125,000 miles · IA

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while idling at a stoplight, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The failure occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, but failed to immediately restart on several occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who replaced the engine oil pump, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Electrical · WY

Gradual battery charge loss, check engine light (MIL) illumination, and engine stall or failure to start. Burning/melting odor. Warning Lights: "Service Charging System" or battery light on dash. Electrical Failure: Vehicle stalled, won't start, has a dead battery. Noise/Smell: Burning odor, smoke from the trunk, or rattling/squealing noises. Specific Eco Model Issues: The 2013 Eco model (eAssist) has a known recall for a failing Generator Control Module but for some reason doesn't include my Vin number in the recall even tho I've experienced these same issues.

Filed Oct 23, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · 60,000 miles · PA

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.

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 Aug 27, 2025 · Electrical · 260,000 miles · ND

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at 55 MPH, the "Service Battery Charging System" message was displayed, followed by the battery warning being illuminated. Simultaneously, the Service Stabili-trak, power steering, and ABS messages were displayed. The vehicle immediately lost steering assist, and the steering wheel became firm, and while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. Subsequently, the headlights turned off, the interface shut off, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the alternator was running at 11 volts instead of 13 volts. The mechanic determined that both the alternator and the GCM (Generator Control Module) needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 260,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

I I took the car to get a smog and it didn't pass due to battery pack malfunction which leads to the alternator going out and drain the battery causing the vehicle to stall even turning off at times and the most dangerous part is it could cause a fire in the backseat and the trunk this is what the technician at the small place told me he said it's very dangerous and I need to get rid of the vehicle or fix it and there is a recall but when I put my VIN number it shows no recall but if I look up the year make and model of my vehicle it shows that every call is for that exact problem

Filed Sep 11, 2024 · Electrical · 72,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 30-45 MPH, the instrument cluster and the infotainment system screen display were flickering. Additionally, the steering wheel was jerking to the left and to the right, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after 5-6 minutes and continued driving; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer several times. The vehicle remained at the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Filed Aug 23, 2024 · Engine · OH

vehicle stalls while driving and at stops. has 65000 miles on it. No engine light comes on. starts right back up. very dangerous while driving. Mechanics cannot determine problem they said if no warning lamps

Filed Apr 5, 2024 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the systems displayed on the instrument panel suddenly powered off. The radio, heater, AC, and other electrical systems also turned off independently. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle during the warmer seasons, the vehicle stalled while idling. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the failure was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 150,000.