2013 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2013 Kia Optima
Complaints, recalls, TSBs, investigations and safety ratings side by side, from official federal data. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
| Metric | 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | 2013 Kia Optima |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA complaints | 835 | 1,375 |
| Recall campaigns | 10 | 9 |
| Service bulletins (TSBs) | 1,927 | 235 |
| Investigations | 0 | 8 |
| Crash reports | 33 | 48 |
| Fire reports | 10 | 112 |
| NCAP overall rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| EPA MPG (combined) | 24–26 | 26–37 |
| Median reported mileage | 70,000 mi | 87,000 mi |
Reported problems side by side
| Component | Chevrolet Malibu | Kia Optima |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 204 | 610 |
| Electrical System | 375 | 145 |
| Steering | 181 | 212 |
| Structure | 25 | 127 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 32 | 91 |
| Air Bags | 59 | 60 |
| Power Train | 53 | 64 |
| Service Brakes | 44 | 58 |
Symptoms owners describe
| Stalling | 109 | 168 |
| Check engine light | 69 | 108 |
| Loss of power | 55 | 53 |
| Steering problems | 37 | 0 |
| Airbag warning light | 25 | 0 |
| Overheating | 21 | 0 |
| Won’t start | 18 | 0 |
| Electrical failures | 14 | 0 |
2013 Chevrolet Malibu
2013 Kia Optima
Compare all Chevrolet Malibu vs Kia Optima years →
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports. A vehicle that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — use shares and read the underlying reports before drawing conclusions.