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SeatsPart report

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Seats Problems

Complaints
23about this part
Share
3%of 837 total for the year
Median mileage
49,954miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the seats of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the 837 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,954 miles. 3 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.

“There was a safety recall for this model but it did not include my car's VIN for some reason. I have had dealership repair the problem twice, once while still under factory warranty and then recently due to airbag harness wiring shearing off. The dealership repaired the wiring and charged me the deductible under extended warranty but advised the issue could happen again due to faulty design engineering. The issue happens apparently while raising and lowering the driver seat. The wiring harness can easily get caught in the gear mechanism.”

NHTSA complaint #10972013, filed 2017-04, 46,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10777926, filed 2015-09, 53,909 miles

“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…”

NHTSA complaint #10713739, filed 2015-04, 35,000 miles

“1.the seat stitching has come apart. 2. The part of the seat where you adjust it, has cracked. Also it has torn my seat a bit because it has cracked. -both of these have been falling apart since shortly after owning the vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10837252, filed 2016-02, 5,000 miles

“Chafed wiring under passenger seat to short out and ground..causing headlights to go out and all electrical parts to short out...no headlights or tail lights.”

NHTSA complaint #11325717, filed 2020-05, 118,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Seats: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202425%
202211%
202111%
201820%
201761%
201661%
2015104%
201462%
2013233%
2012364%
2011384%
2010252%
2009302%
200881%
2007162%
200681%
2005626%
2004696%
200320%
200151%
200020%
199930%
199861%
199741%

Other parts of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Electrical system
376 complaints
Engine
204 complaints
Steering
181 complaints
Other or unknown
89 complaints
Electronic stability control
72 complaints
Suspension
65 complaints
Air bags
59 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
54 complaints
Brakes
46 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
40 complaints
Fuel system
34 complaints
Exterior 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 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