2013 Chevrolet Malibu Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 1%of 837 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 1% of the 837 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My RPM keeps going up and down at stops and I took it to a dealer and they found out my piston is cracked at compression rings.there is also a service bulletin issued by GM pi-1178 affecting 2.0 turbo engines ,I talked to 2 GM representatives both denied of having a service bulletin issued on this car .and theydont want to change my engine but replace the pistons and the rings ,my car will be at the shop another week!.I always had GM cars 1 and this will be my last GM car because its a cheap company!”
NHTSA complaint #10606692, filed 2014-06, 34,900 miles“While driving home, I received a warning to service my battery charging system. Eventually, the battery saver was activated. I lost my power steering eventually and my car stopped running. I could jump the car to start but my car would die when put in gear. My vehicle has 51,000 miles and yet the drive belt broke. While repairing it, the technician discovered that the drive belt tensioner pulley was bad and needed replaced. My vehicle is not old enough nor with enough miles to warrant this part going bad. I had to pay a $700 repair bill because it is outside of the warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10817069, filed 2015-12, 51,000 miles“While driving the car, engine light came on, then the battery light came on. Took the car to dealer for repair on july 11 and was told it was the motor for the fan that cools the battery. Dealer repaired and returned to me on july 13. Noted cover on airbag on steering wheel is malaligned, which is a new problem. Traveled out of state with car and found cruise control and trip odometer no longer work (were fine prior to repair ). After arriving out of state, the mylink computer failed to work then began to work about two hours later. …”
NHTSA complaint #10531488, filed 2013-07, 668 miles“The heating system has an exhaust smell coming thru the vents when in use once car is warm. It seems to happen when the control setting is on panel. Doesn't seem to happen in defrost setting. Have to crack window to get fresh air when in use because it has caused my wife to get light headed while driving. I have had it into the local chevy dealer twice to be told there is nothing wrong with it.”
NHTSA complaint #10920634, filed 2016-11“Purchased my vehicle in april 2012 and noticed after a week that my AC had a bad smell every time I turned on the air conditioner. Also noticed after about three days of purchasing my vehicle that the carpet was coming up on the passenger seat in the front.”
NHTSA complaint #10500557, filed 2013-02Related service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250503Feb 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10247192Dec 8, 2023This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10242844Sep 8, 2023This service bulletin explains the difference in oil filters for gas engines with new oil pump control systems and the possibilities of what may happen using the incorrect filter.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 11 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 0% |
| 2011 | 12 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 12 | 1% |
| 2007 | 7 | 1% |
| 2006 | 25 | 2% |
| 2005 | 17 | 2% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 41 | 7% |
| 2002 | 63 | 11% |
| 2001 | 149 | 21% |
| 2000 | 174 | 19% |
| 1999 | 138 | 17% |
| 1998 | 144 | 15% |
| 1997 | 60 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
376 complaintsEngine
204 complaintsSteering
181 complaintsOther or unknown
89 complaintsElectronic stability control
72 complaintsSuspension
65 complaintsAir bags
59 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
54 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
40 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsExterior lighting
28 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology