2013 Chevrolet Malibu Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 3%of 837 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the 837 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As I am driving down the road, the entire dashboard goes black, then it just lights back up as if I were just starting the car...all other functions regularly while the dashboard blacks out...the radio still works. This happens sporaducally meaning there is no rhyme or reason to it..I am scared it will catch on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11192760, filed 2019-03, 72,000 miles“While driving the vehicles electrical system, lights, radio dash start to intermittently go off then come back on. While this is happening the steering suddenly froze up while making a turn into oncoming traffic. This nearly caused a head on collision with oncoming cars. That same night when I pulled up in front of my house the headlights and instrument cluster kept flashing on and off.”
NHTSA complaint #11150353, filed 2018-11, 60,000 miles“The entire instrument panel cluster would turn on/off on it's own at random. At first the issue seemed to happen the most when the environmental temperatures were lower. The entire instrument panel has now completely stopped working. None of the gauges or lights on the instrument panel work. Due to this issue, I am unable to know my speed, fuel level, mileage, temperature, battery, etc. This creates a hazard when driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11208656, filed 2019-05, 66,000 miles“Often times as I'm driving down the road my whole dashboard will turn off and turn back on. More recently when I started my car in the morning the dash lights wouldn't turn on and all the gauges were stuck down as if the dash never turned on.”
NHTSA complaint #11321691, filed 2020-04, 108,100 miles“I have a 13 Malibu ltz but as I'm driving the car completely shuts off and comes back on in the middle of me driving. I had it sent to a shop they diagnosed it but found nothing said the key was possibly a problem. I went to the dealership and got a new key so for a month or so the issue was fine. I started driving again and as I have my blinkers on I'm getting ready to turn and the car shuts off again.. I'm in 5pm traffic this is scary but as the car shut off the wheel lock it cuts right back on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10980565, filed 2017-04, 89,000 milesRelated recalls
- 12V484000Oct 4, 2012General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2013, Buick Regal 2011–2013
Related service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 21 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 2% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 28 | 3% |
| 2012 | 202 | 22% |
| 2011 | 130 | 13% |
| 2010 | 194 | 14% |
| 2009 | 172 | 11% |
| 2008 | 106 | 11% |
| 2007 | 29 | 3% |
| 2006 | 63 | 6% |
| 2005 | 153 | 16% |
| 2004 | 84 | 7% |
| 2003 | 28 | 5% |
| 2002 | 143 | 25% |
| 2001 | 108 | 15% |
| 2000 | 241 | 26% |
| 1999 | 58 | 7% |
| 1998 | 79 | 8% |
| 1997 | 40 | 9% |
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 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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