--- title: "2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu Problems and Years to Avoid" description: "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." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/common-problems" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 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. **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. ## 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. ## 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 coverage. Recall/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: 2013-2015. Typical 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: 2013-2015. Typical 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. - [2013 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013) - [2014 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2014) - [2015 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2015) ## What changed during the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2013 | Generation launch, Eco eAssist arrived first (early 2012 on sale), then 2.5L and 2.0T. Electric parking brake and (optional) MyLink debut. | | 2014 | Quick 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. | | 2015 | Carryover; 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 - [AMSOIL product lookup, 2013 Malibu 2.5L (LCV/LKW) and 2.4L LUK capacities](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2013/chevrolet/malibu/) - [Justia Recalls, 13V-173 Generator Control Module (2013 Malibu Eco)](https://auto-recalls.justia.com/chevrolet/malibu-eco/2013/13v173000/index.html) - [RepairPal, recall 14V-247 loss of power brake assist](https://repairpal.com/recall/14V247000) - [AutoZone, 2014 Malibu battery fitment (Group 48/H6 + AGM stop-start)](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/chevrolet/malibu/2014) - [O'Reilly, Group 401 auxiliary battery (AUX12) for 2014 Malibu](https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/b/battery---accessories/batteries/31624da3221a/v/a/128006/automotive-car-2014-chevrolet-malibu) - [TireSize.com, Malibu OE tire sizes by year and trim](https://tiresize.com/tires/Chevrolet/Malibu/) - [TirePressure.org, 2014 Malibu placard pressures](https://tirepressure.org/chevrolet/malibu/2014) - [WiperBladesUSA, 2014 Malibu 24/19-in blades](https://www.wiperbladesusa.com/wiper-size/chevrolet/malibu/2014) - [Wikipedia, Chevrolet Malibu 8th generation powertrains (LKW/LTG/LUK)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Malibu) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2014 Malibu EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2014_Chevrolet_Malibu.shtml) - [Walmart/ACDelco, A3174C engine air filter 2013-2015 Malibu](https://www.walmart.com/ip/ACDelco-A3174C-GM-Original-Equipment-Professional-Air-Filter-Fits-select-2015-CHEVROLET-MALIBU-1LT-2013-2014-CHEVROLET-MALIBU-2LT/47199347) ## Other Chevrolet Malibu generations - [2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu problems and recalls](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/common-problems) - [2012 Chevrolet Malibu problems and recalls](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/common-problems) Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/common-problems). ## More for the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/service-schedule) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.