Recall 13V566 affects 14,909 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with chafing power-seat wiring harnesses. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 14,909 2013 Malibu vehicles because the power seat wiring harness can rub against the seat frame and expose wires. A short circuit can cause unintended seat movement, an inoperative seat, sparks, flickering lights, smoke, or fire risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The power adjustable front seat in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu uses an electrical wiring harness to carry power from the vehicle's electrical system to the seat motors and switches. That harness is the bundle of insulated wires under the seat. When everything is routed correctly, the wires move with the seat and stay clear of the metal seat frame.
On affected Malibu vehicles equipped with the 8-way power adjustable front seat, the harness can rub against the seat frame as the seat moves or as the vehicle is driven. The metal frame wears through the wire insulation over time. That chafing damages the harness and leaves the seat wiring vulnerable to an electrical fault.
Chevrolet did not list an owner warning sign for this defect. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Both listed components apply to the same vehicles, so one VIN check answers whether the seat and wiring repair applies.
| 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | wiring |
| Units affected | 14,909 |
Not every 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the seat wiring harness is worn through, exposed wires can short and cause unintended seat movement, an inoperative seat, sparks under the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or fire. Stop using the power seat controls if these signs appear and call the dealer for recall guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Chevrolet dealer to ask about recall number 13V566 and the free power-seat wiring harness inspection.
- Schedule the wiring-harness repair that secures the seat wiring so it does not rub against the seat frame.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 13V566 when you call.
- Avoid using the power seat controls if you notice flickering lights, smoke, sparking under the seat, or unintended seat movement before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician inspects the power seat wire harness where it passes near the seat frame. The known dealer remedy is to repair any damaged wiring and secure the harness so it stays clear of the frame. When the final repair is open for your VIN, parts and labor are covered under the recall. The service desk can confirm how the repair is being handled for your Malibu.
Timeline
| November 13, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 4, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V566?
Recall 13V566 covers 14,909 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with 8-way power front seats. The power-seat wiring harness can rub against the seat frame, expose wires, and create electrical faults. Chevrolet dealers inspect, repair, and secure the harness for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Malibu is included in recall 13V566. If it is, call a franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask for the power-seat wiring harness inspection and repair. Reference recall number 13V566 when you schedule the appointment.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 13V566, a franchised Chevrolet dealer inspects the power-seat wiring harness, repairs it if needed, and secures it so it no longer contacts the seat frame.
What is the safety risk in recall 13V566?
The risk is an electrical short under the front seat. In recall 13V566, a damaged harness can cause unintended seat movement, an inoperative power seat, sparks, flickering lights, smoke, or fire. The repair secures the harness away from the seat frame.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for unintended seat movement, a power seat that stops working, sparks under the seat, flickering lights, or smoke. Those signs match the wiring-harness problem in recall 13V566. If you notice them, stop using the power-seat controls and contact a Chevrolet dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V566000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-521-7300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V566 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V566000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →