Recall 21V633 covers 32,894 2013 Malibu, Lacrosse, and Regal vehicles for rear toe-link corrosion. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 32,894 2013 Malibu, Lacrosse, and Regal vehicles because corrosion can thin and fracture the rear toe links. A fractured rear toe link can reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle and raise crash risk; Chevrolet dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rear suspension toe link on the 2013 Malibu, Lacrosse, and Regal is a metal link that helps set the angle of each rear wheel. It keeps the wheel pointed correctly as the suspension moves, which helps the vehicle track straight and respond predictably to steering input.
On affected vehicles, the supplier applied too much e-coat, a corrosion-protection coating, to the rear toe link. That coating becomes brittle, then chips away when road debris strikes it. Once bare metal is exposed, road salt and moisture attack the link. The metal then thins from corrosion and can fracture.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver will not get a specific light, sound, or message that shows the rear toe link has weakened before it breaks.
Who's affected?
Covers 3 2013 sedan nameplates, all tied to the same rear suspension toe link.
| 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2013 Buick Lacrosse | rear suspension |
| 2013 Buick Regal | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 32,894 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
When a rear toe link fractures, the vehicle becomes harder to control, increasing the risk of a crash. Until the repair is complete, avoid sudden maneuvers and schedule dealer service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, Buick Lacrosse, or Buick Regal is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free rear toe-link and adjuster-fastener replacement that fixes the corrosion-related fracture risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V633 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if the rear suspension feels loose or the vehicle becomes hard to control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician replaces the rear suspension toe links and the related adjuster fasteners that set their position. The technician then checks that the new suspension hardware is secured as the recall requires. The recall repair is available now, and the replacement parts and labor are free. If your VIN is included, schedule service with a franchised dealer and ask the service desk what to expect before you bring the vehicle in.
Timeline
| August 12, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 12, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 3, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V633?
Recall 21V633 covers 32,894 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, Buick Lacrosse, and Buick Regal vehicles in specified corrosion states. Rear suspension toe links received excessive e-coat corrosion protection, which can chip away, expose metal, and lead to corrosion and fracture. Dealers will replace the rear toe links and adjuster fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, Buick Lacrosse, or Buick Regal is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V633. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet or Buick dealer to schedule rear toe link and adjuster fastener replacement. Reference recall number 21V633 and GM recall N212330130 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and GM dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control from a rear toe link fracture. NHTSA campaign 21V633 states that a fracture can reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle and increase crash risk. The repair replaces the affected rear suspension parts.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner. This recall covers certain 2013 vehicles sold or ever registered in specified states, so check your VIN even if you never received the mailed notice.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V633000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-521-7300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V633 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V633000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →