Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 87 of 87 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 77 of 87 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
49 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE GOING 70 MPH WHEN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT HAYWIRE. THE ENGINE ENGINE STALLED AND LOST POWER STEERING. VERY DANGEROUS!..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
23 complaint records
"ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON, CAR SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED ONE TIME AND IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Steering
16 complaint records2 crash reports
"WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE GOING 70 MPH WHEN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT HAYWIRE. THE ENGINE ENGINE STALLED AND LOST POWER STEERING. VERY DANGEROUS!..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQ14001 opened May 2014 | closed May 2016 | Electrical System | Sands Chevrolet/Hybrid System Fire/Stall NHTSA opened AQ14-001 to determine whether Sands Chevrolet of Surprise, Arizona complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations. |
| RQ13003 opened Jul 2013 | closed Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Generator Control Module Fires On July 5, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-003 to investigate whether the service procedures utilized in recall bulletins 13136 and 13142 for safety recall 13V-173 were sufficient to identify the safety defect in the... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13V173000 | Electrical System | General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles equipped with eAssist. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021510 2021-08-12 | Suspension | 685 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the protective coating on the rear suspension toe links may chip away. If this happens, the metal can rust and the toe link could break. |
| 2020615 2020-12-10 | Suspension | 10,006 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the protective coating on the rear suspension toe links may chip away. If this happens, the metal can rust and the toe link could break. |
| 2019420 2019-08-21 | Other | 5,327 | Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. |
| 2015118 2015-03-18 | Structure | 4,927 | Certain vehicles equipped with power-operated sunroof systems may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 118 - Power-Operated Window, Partition and Roof Panel Systems. |
| 2014310 2014-07-23 | Lights And Instruments | 6,809 | Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. |
Show 4 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013401 2013-11-13 | Electrical | 13 | On certain vehicles equipped with 8-way power adjustable seats, the seat wiring may chafe against the seat frame and cause a short. |
| 2013149 2013-05-06 | Electrical | 604 | On certain vehicles equipped with eAssist, the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function correctly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge, which would illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp. |
| 2013043 2013-02-06 | Lights And Instruments | 412 | Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 102 - Transmission Control Functions. |
| 2013023 2013-01-23 | Suspension | 667 | On certain vehicles, one or more rear suspension bolt(s) may not have been tightened top the specified torque during vehicle assembly. If the bolt(s) loosen, sudden changes in vehicle handling could occur, particularly at higher speeds. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIT5698F Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it. | |
| PIP4902W Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIT3271Q Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available. | |
| PIP4902V Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIP6104 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4902U Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIT5214G Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical... | |
| 13598 Sep 2025 | Unknown Or Other | New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH | |
| 18-NA-180 Sep 2025 | Fuel/Propulsion System | This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information. | |
| PIP4902T Aug 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIC5650M Aug 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. | |
| PIP4902S Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| 25-NA-156 Jun 2025 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities. | |
| 00-06-01-026R Jun 2025 | Engine | This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage. | |
| PIT5074R May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. | |
| 23-NA-153 May 2025 | Engine | The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay. | |
| 18-NA-180 May 2025 | Fuel/Propulsion System | This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information. | |
| PI0281L Apr 2025 | Steering | This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. | |
| 07-00-89-037W Apr 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs. | |
| 25-NA-087 Apr 2025 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs. | |
| 13-08-116-001K Mar 2025 | Electrical System | The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them. | |
| 25-NA-052 Mar 2025 | Engine | This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system. | |
| 08-03-10-006I Mar 2025 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion. | |
| 15-06-03-001F Mar 2025 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries. | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| 16-NA-109 Feb 2025 | Steering | This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear. | |
| 07-00-89-037V Feb 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs. | |
| 10-08-110-001L Jan 2025 | Structure | This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats. | |
| 21-NA-043 Jan 2025 | Electrical System | This 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. | |
| 22-NA-074 Jan 2025 | Engine | This 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 amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 18-NA-180 Jan 2025 | Fuel/Propulsion System | This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information. | |
| 09-06-04-026Z Jan 2025 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2. | |
| 18-NA-263 Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information for variable diagnostic time allowances on select labor operations (U.S. Only). | |
| 18-NA-180 Dec 2024 | Electrical System | This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information. | |
| PIT5962B Dec 2024 | Electrical System | This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses. | |
| 08-07-30-035I Nov 2024 | Power Train | This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid. | |
| 19-NA-219 Nov 2024 | Engine | This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue. | |
| 18-NA-180 Nov 2024 | Electrical System | This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information. | |
| 21-NA-043 Nov 2024 | Structure | This 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. | |
| 04-06-01-029K Oct 2024 | Steering | This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules. | |
| 10-00-89-009F Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S). | |
| 01-06-01-011Q Oct 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| 20-NA-132 Oct 2024 | Electrical System | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements. | |
| 07-00-89-037T Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs. | |
| 04-06-04-051J Sep 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive. | |
| 23-NA-219 Sep 2024 | Structure | This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories. | |
| 20-NA-138 Sep 2024 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management. | |
| 08-07-30-026I Sep 2024 | Power Train | This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. | |
| 18-NA-146 Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only). | |
| 02-00-89-002X Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only). | |
| PIT3271P Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| 24-NA-174 Aug 2024 | Unknown Or Other | The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect. | |
| General Communication Aug 2024 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Electrical System | Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). |
| 05-03-08-002J Aug 2024 | Suspension | This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak. | |
| 18-NA-180 Aug 2024 | Fuel/Propulsion System | This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information. | |
| 18-NA-073 Aug 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement. | |
| 23-NA-044 Aug 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides information on AGM batteries that require less frequent charging in storage. | |
| 01-00-89-010S Aug 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern. | |
| 07-06-01-016J Aug 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement. | |
| 00-06-01-012N Aug 2024 | Engine | This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts. |
Showing 60 of 375 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Malibu Eco →