Bulletin No.: 13008
Date: January 2013

Recall Bulletin

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
SUBJECT:

Rear Suspension Bolts May Not Be To Proper Torque Specification

MODELS:

2013 Chevrolet Malibu

All involved vehicles that are in dealer inventory must be held and not delivered to
customers, dealer traded, or used for demonstration purposes until the repair contained
in this bulletin has been performed on the vehicle.
CONDITION
General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in
certain 2013 model year Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with
one or more rear suspension bolts that were not tightened to the specified torque. The effect
will vary depending on which bolt is involved and the progression of the condition. Initially,
noise and a minor handling effect may be noticed. As the condition progresses, sudden
changes in the vehicle handling could occur and the driver may not be able to control the
vehicle, particularly at higher speeds, which could result in a crash without prior warning.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to check the rear suspension bolts' torque and retighten to the proper torque
specification, if necessary. In some cases, rear alignment adjustment may be required.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Investigate Vehicle
History screen in GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service personnel
should always check this site to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required
inspections and/or repairs. It is important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility because
not all similar vehicles may be involved regardless of description or option content.
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete
vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared
and will be provided to US and Canadian dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall
Reports, or sent directly to export dealers. Dealers will not have a report available if they have
no involved vehicles currently assigned.
The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle
Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other
Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2

January 2013

Bulletin No.: 13008

than follow-up necessary to complete this recall is a violation of law in several
states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the
follow-up necessary to complete this recall.
PART INFORMATION
Parts required to complete this recall are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care
and Aftersales (GMCC&A). Please refer to your “involved vehicles listing” before ordering
parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an
emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.

SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.
2. Remove the rear driver and passenger side tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and
Installation in SI.
3. Perform a static torque inspection on the 20 rear suspension fasteners listed in the Static
Torque Specification Table in this bulletin.


Ensure the 20 fasteners meet the minimum static torque specification provided in the
table. Refer to the table to determine if torque must be applied to the bolt or nut.



Replace ALL fasteners that do NOT meet the minimum torque specification with a new
fastener. The fastener part number is provided in the Parts Information section of the
bulletin.

Page 3


January 2013

Bulletin No.: 13008

If required, refer to the following rear suspension documents in SI for fastener location,
removal and installation information. Some fastener replacements will require a wheel
alignment after the fastener is replaced. Carefully read and follow the instructions
provided in SI.
 Adjust Link Replacement
 Rear Suspension Control Arm Replacement
 Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
 Shock Absorber Replacement
 Upper Control Arm Replacement
 Lower Control Arm Replacement

4. Install the rear driver and passenger side tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and
Installation in SI.
Note: Only perform a wheel alignment if a fastener is replaced and SI documentation states
that it is necessary to perform the alignment when the fastener is replaced.
5. If required, perform a wheel alignment. Refer to the appropriate wheel alignment
information in SI.
6. Lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.

Page 4

January 2013

Bulletin No.: 13008

Fastener Location Overview

3269608

Page 5

January 2013

Bulletin No.: 13008

Static Torque Specification Table
FLO
Illustration
Number.
13
50
44
36
15
7
41
Opposite to
41
47
24

Bolt
Reuse
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No

Bolt Name
Rear Shock Absorber to Knuckle
Rear Stab Bar Shat Link
Rear Suspension Link Inner
Rear Suspension Link Outer
Rear Suspension Lower Control Arm Inner
Rear Suspension Lower Control Arm Outer
Rear Suspension Trailing Arm to Knuckle

Bolt P/N.
11611099
11588744
13219181
11561300
13219184
11609607
11589355

No
No
No

Rear Suspension Trailing Arm to Knuckle
Rear Suspension Upper Control Arm Inner
Rear Suspension Upper Control Arm Outer

11589355
11589279
11611105

Nut P/N

11546953
11546953

11516078

Static
Specification
Min (Nm)
170 Nm
50 Nm
100 Nm
130 Nm
100 Nm
90 Nm
160 Nm
160 Nm
80 Nm
190 Nm

Shaded cells indicate where the torque must be applied: bolt or nut. Always use a backup
wrench and calibrated torque wrench to verify torque.
Fastener Replacement Torque Specification Table

Name

Bolt P/N

Bolt-Rear Shock Absorber to Knuckle
Bolt - Rear Stab Bar Shat Link
Bolt - Rear Suspension Link Inner
Bolt - Rear Suspension Link Outer
Bolt - Rear Suspension Lower Control Arm Inner
Bolt - Rear Suspension Lower Control Arm Outer
Bolt - Rear Suspension Trailing Arm to Knuckle
Bolt - Rear Suspension Trailing Arm to Knuckle
Bolt - Rear Suspension Upper Control Arm Inner

11611099
11588744
13219181
11561300
13219184
11609607
11589355
11589355
11589279

Bolt - Rear Suspension Upper Control Arm Outer

11611105

Nut P/N

11546953
11546953

11516078

Service Torque
Final
Pass
First Pass
(degrees
(Nm)
)
150
55
90
115
90
70
150
150
70

60
NA
60
90
60
90
30
30
60

150

90

Part numbers in bold type indicate where the torque must be applied: bolt or nut. Always use a
backup wrench and calibrated torque wrench to verify torque.

Page 6

January 2013

Bulletin No.: 13008

COURTESY TRANSPORTATION – For US and Canada
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer
inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within
the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in
maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand
that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be
provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and
Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below.
Labor
Code
V2763
V2764

Description
Rear Suspension Fastener Torque Verification – No Further Action
Req'd
Rear Suspension Fastener Torque Verification & Replacement &/or
Wheel Alignment

Labor
Time
1.2
1.3–3.2

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For US
General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle via FedEx Overnight mail
(see copy of customer letter included with this bulletin).
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For Canada
General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter
included with this bulletin).
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For Export
Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National
Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify
customers using the attached sample letter.
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY – For US and Export (US States, Territories,
and Possessions)
It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used
item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or
lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied.
The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle that is subject
to a recall of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer
has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima
facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately
repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably
equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable
allowance for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every
effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair

Page 7

January 2013

Bulletin No.: 13008

their vehicle as soon as possible. In the recall notification letters, customers are told how to
contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not completed
within a reasonable time.
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY – All
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and
inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take
possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless
of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for
which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by
the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the
instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin
for your use in contacting customers. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this
purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in
your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the
recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that
may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the tools,
equipment, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to
your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

We Support
Voluntary Technician
Certification

Page 8

January 2013

Bulletin No.: 13008
January 2013

Dear General Motors Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in
certain 2013 model year Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. As a result, GM is conducting a safety
recall. We apologize for this inconvenience. However, we are concerned about your safety
and continued satisfaction with our products.

IMPORTANT




Your vehicle is involved in safety recall 13008.
Schedule an appointment with your Chevrolet dealer.
This service will be performed for you at no charge.

Why is your
vehicle being
recalled?

Your vehicle may have been built with one or more rear suspension
bolts that were not tightened to the specified torque. The effect will
vary depending on which bolt is involved. In some cases, noise and
a minor handling effect will be noticed. Other cases could result in
sudden changes in the vehicle handling and, particularly at higher
speeds, you may not be able to control the vehicle and a crash
could occur without prior warning.

What will we
do?

Your Chevrolet dealer will check and, if necessary, retighten the
rear suspension bolts to ensure that they are at the proper torque
specifications. In some cases, a rear alignment may be required.
This service will be performed for you at no charge. Because of
service scheduling requirements, it is likely that your dealer will
need your vehicle longer than the actual bolt inspection time of
approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. If bolts need to be
retightened and a rear alignment is necessary, up to another 2
hours may be required.

What should
you do?

You should contact your Chevrolet dealer immediately to schedule a
service appointment.

Do you have
questions?

If you have questions or concerns that your dealer is unable to
resolve, please contact the appropriate Customer Assistance
Center at the number listed below.

Page 9

January 2013

Division

Number

Chevrolet
Guam
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

1-800-222-1020
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Bulletin No.: 13008
Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-2438

If after contacting your dealer and the Customer Assistance Center, you are still not satisfied
we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time,
you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at
1.888.327.4236 (TTY 1.800.424.9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Federal regulation requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a
copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.
Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services
GM Recall #13008