2013–2015 8th generation (Epsilon II)

2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu Common Problems and Years to Avoid

5 documented problems with the 2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 2 of them are serious. 2 carry a recall or TSB number.

Last verifiedAugust 20, 2026

Quick answer

We have 5 documented problems on record for the 2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu, of which 2 are serious and 2 carry a recall or service bulletin. Every one below lists symptoms, the years most affected, and what the repair typically costs.

2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu recalls and service bulletins

Recall / TSB	Issue	Severity
NHTSA 13V-173	2013 Eco: Generator Control Module failure (recall)	major
NHTSA 14V-247	2014 2.5L stop-start: loss of power brake assist (recall)	major

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.

2013 Eco: Generator Control Module failure (recall)

major

On eAssist-equipped 2013 Malibu Ecos, the trunk-mounted Generator Control Module can fail internally, gradually discharging the 12V battery until the car stalls or won't start, and in the worst case the module can overheat, with a fire risk. GM recalled ~42,900 Buick/Chevrolet eAssist cars; dealers replaced the GCM free.

Most affected: 2013 (Eco eAssist only)Typical cost: Free under recall; ~$800–$1,500 if a GCM fails outside recall coverageRecall/TSB: NHTSA 13V-173

2014 2.5L stop-start: loss of power brake assist (recall)

major

2014 Malibus with the 2.5L and stop-start could lose vacuum brake assist because the electronic brake control module didn't compensate correctly when the engine auto-stopped, the pedal goes hard and stopping distance grows. GM recalled 140,067 cars; the fix is a free EBCM software reflash.

Most affected: 2014 (2.5L with stop-start)Typical cost: Free under recall (software update)Recall/TSB: NHTSA 14V-247

Stop-start auxiliary battery failure (code P305F)

minor

The small Group 401 auxiliary battery in the trunk that carries the electronics during auto-stop commonly dies around 4–6 years, setting P305F with a check-engine light, 'service stop/start' messages, or flickering electronics at restarts. Cheap DIY fix, replace it with an AGM aux battery (e.g. AUX12/AUX18) and check the main battery too, since they age together.

Most affected: 2014–2015 (2.5L with stop-start)Typical cost: $120–$300

6-speed automatic wave plate / shift-quality problems

moderate

The 6T40 carried its 3-5-Reverse wave plate weakness into this generation: broken plates cause loss of reverse, slipping 3rd/5th, and P0776/P0777. Short of full failure, harsh 1-2 shifts and downshift clunks drew many complaints, with GM issuing shift-quality reflash TSBs. A car that suddenly loses reverse almost certainly needs a rebuild with the updated plate.

Most affected: 2013–2015Typical cost: Free (TSB reflash) to $1,800–$3,500 (rebuild)

MyLink infotainment freezes and backup-camera dropouts

minor

First-generation MyLink units freeze, reboot, and occasionally lose the rear camera image. Software updates at the dealer help; hard failures need a replacement radio module. Annoying rather than dangerous.

Most affected: 2013–2015Typical cost: $0 (update) – $600+ (module replacement)

Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.

Which Chevrolet Malibu model years does this cover?

These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Chevrolet Malibu built from 2013 through 2015 — the 8th generation (Epsilon II), mid-size sedan (also sold to fleets as the 2016 'malibu limited'). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

2013 Malibu 2014 Malibu 2015 Malibu

What changed during the 2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu

2013Generation launch, Eco eAssist arrived first (early 2012 on sale), then 2.5L and 2.0T. Electric parking brake and (optional) MyLink debut.
2014Quick refresh after criticism: new front fascia, reshaped seats/center console for rear knee room, stop-start added to the 2.5L (new dual-battery setup), 2.5L economy up to 25/36. 18-in tire size changed to 225/50R18. Eco eAssist's final year.
2015Carryover; last retail year, the 8th gen continued for fleets only as the 2016 'Malibu Limited'.

2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu problems and recalls: common questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu?: The recurring ones are: 2013 eco: generator control module failure (recall); 2014 2.5l stop-start: loss of power brake assist (recall); stop-start auxiliary battery failure (code p305f); 6-speed automatic wave plate / shift-quality problems; mylink infotainment freezes and backup-camera dropouts. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Which 2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu years should you avoid?: The years to be most careful with are those affected by 2013 eco: generator control module failure (recall) (2013 (Eco eAssist only)) and 2014 2.5l stop-start: loss of power brake assist (recall) (2014 (2.5L with stop-start)). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.
Are there recalls on the 2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu?: 2 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 13V-173 (2013 eco: generator control module failure (recall)), NHTSA 14V-247 (2014 2.5l stop-start: loss of power brake assist (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu repairs typically cost?: Typical figures for the issues above: 2013 eco: generator control module failure (recall), Free under recall; ~$800–$1,500 if a GCM fails outside recall coverage; 2014 2.5l stop-start: loss of power brake assist (recall), Free under recall (software update); stop-start auxiliary battery failure (code p305f), $120–$300; 6-speed automatic wave plate / shift-quality problems, Free (TSB reflash) to $1,800–$3,500 (rebuild).

Sources

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