PROBLEM GUIDE

2013–2016 Chevrolet Malibu Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated October 2026

922

complaints filed for the 2013 model year

2013–2016

Model years affected

The instrument cluster suddenly going completely dark while driving — eliminating the speedometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge at once — is a severe safety problem: 'you have no speedometer, fuel or temperature gauges and it goes black.' A Generator Control Module (GCM) defect causing battery drainage and charging failures, with owners reporting VINs excluded from the applicable recall despite identical symptoms, is also widely reported.

Quick Scan: 19 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Instrument cluster goes completely dark while driving

Eliminates speedometer, fuel, and temperature gauges simultaneously

Check engine light: On

Multiple owners describe the entire instrument cluster blacking out mid-drive: 'you have no speedometer, fuel or temperature gauges and it goes black' — a severe safety-relevant loss of critical driving information with no substitute display.

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Generator Control Module (GCM) defect, VINs excluded from recall

Battery drainage and charging failures

Check engine light: On

Owners report VINs excluded from recalls despite identical symptoms to covered vehicles, tied to a Generator Control Module defect causing battery drainage and charging failures.

Owners report VINs left out of this recall despite identical symptoms.

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Unexpected engine stalling at traffic lights or highway speeds

Sometimes requiring extended restart attempts

Check engine light: On

A collision risk given the vehicle can shut down unexpectedly in moving traffic and then be slow to restart.

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Loss of power steering, coincides with electrical failures

Often alongside the instrument cluster blackout

Check engine light: On

Power steering becomes difficult or locks up during operation, frequently alongside the electrical failures described above — suggesting the two may share a common root cause in the vehicle's electrical architecture.

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Complete brake failure during highway driving

Beyond routine pedal-sticking complaints

Check engine light: On

Beyond routine brake-pedal-sticking complaints, some reports describe complete loss of braking power while driving on the highway.

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StabiliTrak/engine power reduction forces limp mode at ~50 mph

Restricts speed without warning, often during highway driving

Check engine light: On

A sudden, unannounced speed restriction to roughly 50 mph while already on the highway, triggered by StabiliTrak/engine power reduction — a collision risk from following traffic.

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No-start (failed Passlock sensor)

The vehicle will not start due to a failed passlock sensor

Check engine light: Off

The vehicle will not start due to a failed passlock sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 626 owner reports on file.

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Fuel gauge reads wrong, or codes P0455/P0461

The fuel gauge does not read correctly and/or the check engine light comes on with code P0455 or P0461

Check engine light: On

The fuel gauge does not read correctly and/or the check engine light comes on with code P0455 or P0461. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 503 owner reports on file.

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No-start from a failed ignition switch

The vehicle will not start due to an ignition switch failure

Check engine light: Off

The vehicle will not start due to an ignition switch failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 432 owner reports on file.

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Key stuck in the ignition (failed shifter)

The ignition key is stuck in the ignition due to a failed shifter

Check engine light: Off

The ignition key is stuck in the ignition due to a failed shifter. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 265 owner reports on file.

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Check engine light due to a gas cap issue

The check engine light comes on due to a gas cap issue

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a gas cap issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 256 owner reports on file.

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Coolant or oil leak at the intake gaskets

The intake manifold gaskets leak coolant or engine oil

Check engine light: Off

The intake manifold gaskets leak coolant or engine oil. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 208 owner reports on file.

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Hazard flasher clicks (turn signal switch)

The turn signal switch fails and causes the hazard flasher to click

Check engine light: Off

The turn signal switch fails and causes the hazard flasher to click. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 187 owner reports on file.

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Dash lighting fails (dimmer module)

Instrument panel lighting fails due to a faulty panel dimmer module

Check engine light: Off

Instrument panel lighting fails due to a faulty panel dimmer module. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 186 owner reports on file.

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Dead blower (failed resistor)

The AC blower is inoperative due to a failed resistor

Check engine light: Off

The AC blower is inoperative due to a failed resistor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 186 owner reports on file.

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Transmission fault, speed sensor and pressure solenoid codes

A transmission fault occurs and/or the check engine light comes on with codes P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, or P2715

Check engine light: On

A transmission fault occurs and/or the check engine light comes on with codes P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, or P2715. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 173 owner reports on file.

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Misfire from the ignition module or coil

The ignition module or coil fails, causing an engine misfire

Check engine light: Off

The ignition module or coil fails, causing an engine misfire. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 161 owner reports on file.

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Broken driver's seat frame

The driver's seat frame breaks, causing instability and a safety hazard

Check engine light: Off

The driver's seat frame breaks, causing instability and a safety hazard. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 145 owner reports on file.

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Poor contact at the body control module

Poor terminal contact at the BCM connectors causes electrical issues

Check engine light: Off

Poor terminal contact at the BCM connectors causes electrical issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 130 owner reports on file.

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Owners report a Generator Control Module (GCM) defect with VINs excluded from the applicable recall despite identical symptoms to covered vehicles. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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