2013 Chevrolet Malibu Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 5%of 837 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the visibility of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of the 837 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles. 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.
“Hvac system malfunction. Climate control does not switch to defrost and windshield will not clear in winter weather. While driving on a freeway in a snow storm, I could not see through the windshield and had to pull over. I was able to deflect the warm air from the front vents to the windshield with a hat to clear the frost.”
NHTSA complaint #11337614, filed 2020-07, 99,000 miles“The heat and air stopped working entirely, causing the defrost to also fail, creating a visibility hazard. After researching the issue I discovered that many 2013 and 2014 malibus were recalled due to this exact issue but my car was manufactured between the recall dates. The problem is the same but my car isn't covered in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10967313, filed 2017-03, 82,000 miles“While highway driving during a sunny day, was blinded by reflection of the sun off of the chrome that is on the console where the gear shift is located. I had to cover the area with a cloth in order to continue driving. Seems to me that the chrome in that area needs to be dulled just a bit as it is in the area surrounding the radio.”
NHTSA complaint #10605089, filed 2014-06, 22,440 miles“Vapor and smell come from vents when driving or stationary. When the defroster is on, it steams up the window so bad in some cases that I can no linger see out of the window safely. I have multiple videos, but are too large to attach.”
NHTSA complaint #11242503, filed 2019-08, 70,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10588513, filed 2014-05, 1,500 milesRelated recalls
- 15V164000Mar 23, 2015General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2013–2015
Related service bulletins
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11006511Jul 31, 2024This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10247780Sep 26, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General…
- 10232283Feb 17, 2023This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 | 15 | 2% |
| 2015 | 14 | 5% |
| 2014 | 21 | 6% |
| 2013 | 40 | 5% |
| 2012 | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 | 14 | 1% |
| 2010 | 24 | 2% |
| 2009 | 23 | 2% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 0% |
| 2006 | 4 | 0% |
| 2005 | 8 | 1% |
| 2004 | 9 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 13 | 2% |
| 2001 | 12 | 2% |
| 2000 | 11 | 1% |
| 1999 | 29 | 4% |
| 1998 | 63 | 6% |
| 1997 | 43 | 10% |
| 1980 | 1 | 20% |
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 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsExterior lighting
28 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 30, 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