Recall 15V245 affects 3,690 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles for a console transmission gear indicator illumination defect. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 3,690 2013 Malibu vehicles because the console transmission gear selection indicator can fail to show the selected shift position. An unlit indicator can lead a driver to choose a gear other than intended, increasing crash risk, and Chevrolet dealers will correct the problem free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The console gear selection indicator in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is the lighted display beside the shift lever that shows which transmission position you selected. It helps the driver confirm the gear position before pulling away, backing up, parking, or restarting the vehicle. On Malibus with the base-level instrument panel, that console display matters because there is less duplicate shift-position information in front of the driver.
In affected vehicles, the PRNDM display module, the small electronic controller for that shift-position display, can lose correct stored software when voltage briefly fluctuates. When that memory is corrupted, the selected gear position does not light up at the console. The transmission still has a selected position, but the driver loses that visual confirmation at the shifter.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem shows up when the gear-selection indicator does not illuminate the position you selected.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 3,690 |
Not every 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unlit console shift indicator can leave the selected gear unclear. That can lead the driver to choose a transmission position they did not intend, increasing crash risk. Confirm the shifter position before moving the vehicle and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free transmission gear selection control module replacement that restores the console shift-position indicator.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V245 when you call.
- Verify the selected gear before driving until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician replaces the transmission gear selection control module, free of charge. On Malibu vehicles with the base-level instrument panel cluster, the repair uses a replacement bezel assembly that contains the PRNDM control module. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related repair before the recall notice, GM's standard reimbursement plan covers documented repair costs. Bring your receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 13, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| April 20, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 24, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V245?
Recall 15V245 covers 3,690 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with a console transmission gear selection indicator that does not illuminate the selected shift position. The defect violates FMVSS 102 and increases crash risk if the driver selects an unintended gear. Chevrolet dealers replace the transmission gear selection control module for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is included in recall 15V245. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule replacement of the transmission gear selection control module. Reference recall number 15V245 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Chevrolet dealers replace the transmission gear selection control module free of charge. Chevrolet customer service is available at 1-800-222-1020 if you need help with scheduling.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended gear selection. If the console shift indicator does not light the selected transmission position, the driver can choose a gear other than the one intended, increasing crash risk. The free dealer repair replaces the module that controls the gear selection indicator.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Malibu used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Malibu is included in recall 15V245, then contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and reference the recall number when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V245000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V245 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V245000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →