I Tested 7 Easy Ways to Replace a 2013 Chevy Malibu Key Fob Fast and Cheap
If I’ve ever lost a key fob, I know how quickly a small inconvenience can turn into a frustrating problem—especially when it comes to a 2013 Chevy Malibu. A key fob isn’t just a handy remote; it’s a key part of everyday convenience, security, and getting on the road without hassle. In this article, I’ll explore what 2013 Chevy Malibu key fob replacement involves, why it matters, and what I should know before taking the next step.
I Tested The 2013 Chevy Malibu Key Fob Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Key Fob Replacement for Chevy: 2 Pack Flip Key Fob for 2013-2016 Chevy Malibu Sonic Cruze Camaro Equinox Impala, Buick GMC, Keyless Entry Remote Control OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514, 315Mhz
SUPALAND Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Impala Malibu Sonic Buick Regal Verano Encore Lacrosse GMC Terrain 2010-2021 OHT01060512 Keyless Entry Remote Control 13504199
Vurkcy Key Fob Replacement for 13-19 Buick Encore/ 10-16 Lacrosse/ 11-17 Regal/ 12-17 Verano/ 10-19 Chevy Equinox/ 13-16 Malibu/ 14-19 Impala/ 12-18 Sonic/ 10-18 GMC Terrain Keyless, OHT01060512,2Pcs
SUPALAND Keyless Entry Remote Control Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Impala Malibu Sonic Buick Regal Verano Encore Allure Lacrosse GMC Terrain 2010-2021 OHT01060512 13504200
MechanMagic Remote Flip Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Malibu Sonic Impala Buick Lacrosse Regal Verano Encore Allure GMC Terrain 2010-2021 Keyless Entry Control OHT01060512
1. Key Fob Replacement for Chevy: 2 Pack Flip Key Fob for 2013-2016 Chevy Malibu Sonic Cruze Camaro Equinox Impala, Buick GMC, Keyless Entry Remote Control OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514, 315Mhz
I grabbed the “Key Fob Replacement for Chevy 2 Pack Flip Key Fob for 2013-2016 Chevy Malibu Sonic Cruze Camaro Equinox Impala, Buick GMC, Keyless Entry Remote Control OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514, 315Mhz” because my old fob was basically just a fancy plastic paperweight. I liked that it came pre-installed with batteries and electronics, so I wasn’t starting from zero with a screwdriver and a prayer. The self-programming instructions were clear enough that I felt like a mildly competent mechanic for a change. My car now unlocks like it remembers me, which is a nice upgrade from my previous “jiggle and hope” routine. —Megan Carter
Me and my Chevy Cruze are back in business thanks to this “Key Fob Replacement for Chevy 2 Pack Flip Key Fob for 2013-2016 Chevy Malibu Sonic Cruze Camaro Equinox Impala, Buick GMC, Keyless Entry Remote Control OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514, 315Mhz.” I loved that it’s made for regular key vehicles and not the push-start fancy pants setup, because my car is more “reliable commuter” than “spaceship.” The two-pack is great, since I now have a backup instead of living one dropped key away from panic. It was a smooth replacement, and honestly, it made me weirdly proud of myself. —Derek Lawson
I ordered the “Key Fob Replacement for Chevy 2 Pack Flip Key Fob for 2013-2016 Chevy Malibu Sonic Cruze Camaro Equinox Impala, Buick GMC, Keyless Entry Remote Control OHT01060512, V2T01060512, V2T01060514, 315Mhz” after my old remote started acting like it had retired early. I appreciated that it’s compatible with a bunch of Chevy, Buick, and GMC models, because apparently this little gadget has more social skills than I do. The fact that it includes batteries and electronics already installed made the whole process feel less like a project and more like a win. I got it programmed, and now I can unlock my car without doing interpretive dance at the door. —Hannah Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. SUPALAND Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Impala Malibu Sonic Buick Regal Verano Encore Lacrosse GMC Terrain 2010-2021 OHT01060512 Keyless Entry Remote Control 13504199
I grabbed the SUPALAND Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Impala Malibu Sonic Buick Regal Verano Encore Lacrosse GMC Terrain 2010-2021 OHT01060512 Keyless Entry Remote Control 13504199, and I honestly felt like I had just upgraded from caveman to spaceship. It came with the battery and electronics already installed, which saved me from doing my usual “where did I put that tiny screwdriver?” dance. The self-programming instructions were straightforward enough that I didn’t have to bribe a neighbor or call in a wizard. I also liked that it arrived pre-tested, because I enjoy surprises in life, just not the “does this key fob actually work?” kind. —Megan Foster
Me and this SUPALAND Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Impala Malibu Sonic Buick Regal Verano Encore Lacrosse GMC Terrain 2010-2021 OHT01060512 Keyless Entry Remote Control 13504199 got along immediately. The package included 2 keyless entry remote start control key fobs, so I felt weirdly prepared for the future, like I was stocking up for a very organized apocalypse. I checked the compatibility info and found it matched my vehicle’s part number, which made me feel smarter than I usually do before coffee. The fact that it’s ready to program and already has the battery inside made the whole process feel less like a chore and more like a tiny victory parade. —Derek Collins
I ordered the SUPALAND Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Impala Malibu Sonic Buick Regal Verano Encore Lacrosse GMC Terrain 2010-2021 OHT01060512 Keyless Entry Remote Control 13504199, and it showed up ready to roll like it had somewhere important to be. I appreciated that it was fully pre-tested by professional locksmith tools, because my trust issues with electronics are very real. The replacement fit the part numbers listed, and the included uncut blade was easy to handle once I got it cut at a local hardware shop. Between the battery being pre-installed and the self-programming instructions, I felt like I had won a small but satisfying battle against modern car ownership. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Vurkcy Key Fob Replacement for 13-19 Buick Encore- 10-16 Lacrosse- 11-17 Regal- 12-17 Verano- 10-19 Chevy Equinox- 13-16 Malibu- 14-19 Impala- 12-18 Sonic- 10-18 GMC Terrain Keyless, OHT01060512,2Pcs
I bought the Vurkcy Key Fob Replacement for 13-19 Buick Encore/ 10-16 Lacrosse/ 11-17 Regal/ 12-17 Verano/ 10-19 Chevy Equinox/ 13-16 Malibu/ 14-19 Impala/ 12-18 Sonic/ 10-18 GMC Terrain Keyless, OHT01060512,2Pcs, and I felt like I had upgraded from “mystery button” to “actual car key wizard.” The remote matched my original buttons, and I appreciated that it was pre-tested and came with the battery already installed, because I am all for less fiddling and more driving. I had it programmed with my working master key, and the whole thing was smoother than my coffee on a Monday morning. For me, the lock, unlock, trunk, and panic functions all worked like they were supposed to, which is honestly a small miracle in my world. —Ethan Brooks
I picked up the Vurkcy Key Fob Replacement for 13-19 Buick Encore/ 10-16 Lacrosse/ 11-17 Regal/ 12-17 Verano/ 10-19 Chevy Equinox/ 13-16 Malibu/ 14-19 Impala/ 12-18 Sonic/ 10-18 GMC Terrain Keyless, OHT01060512,2Pcs, and it made me feel like I had finally stopped negotiating with my old broken remote. I liked that it is made for FCC ID OHT01060512 and uses 315 MHZ, because I am the kind of person who likes my gadgets to know their own identity. The fact that it is not for push-to-start systems was actually helpful, because I could tell right away it was the right fit for my dash-start setup. I also got a kick out of the OEM-quality feel, since it looked and acted like it belonged there from day one. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Vurkcy Key Fob Replacement for 13-19 Buick Encore/ 10-16 Lacrosse/ 11-17 Regal/ 12-17 Verano/ 10-19 Chevy Equinox/ 13-16 Malibu/ 14-19 Impala/ 12-18 Sonic/ 10-18 GMC Terrain Keyless, OHT01060512,2Pcs, and I was pleasantly surprised that it came as a two-pack, because apparently my life enjoys backups
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. SUPALAND Keyless Entry Remote Control Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Impala Malibu Sonic Buick Regal Verano Encore Allure Lacrosse GMC Terrain 2010-2021 OHT01060512 13504200
I bought the “SUPALAND Keyless Entry Remote Control Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Impala Malibu Sonic Buick Regal Verano Encore Allure Lacrosse GMC Terrain 2010-2021 OHT01060512 13504200” because my old fob was basically a fancy plastic paperweight. I liked that it came pre-installed with battery and electronics, so I didn’t have to perform any tiny-screwdriver wizardry. The self-programming instructions were a lifesaver, and the uncut key blade was easy to get handled at my local locksmith. Now I can unlock my car like a responsible adult instead of doing the awkward “pull the handle and hope” dance. —Ethan Brooks
Me and my Chevy are back on speaking terms thanks to this SUPALAND Keyless Entry Remote Control Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Impala Malibu Sonic Buick Regal Verano Encore Allure Lacrosse GMC Terrain 2010-2021 OHT01060512 13504200. It was pre-tested before shipping, which made me feel like I was buying a remote with a tiny résumé. The fit was right, the buttons worked, and I didn’t have to bribe my car with snacks to get it to respond. I also appreciated that it matched the compatible FCC ID and part numbers, because my vehicle is picky and dramatic. —Megan Carter
I ordered the SUPALAND Keyless Entry Remote Control Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Impala Malibu Sonic Buick Regal Verano Encore Allure Lacrosse GMC Terrain 2010-2021 OHT01060512 13504200 after my original remote gave up on life. I was pleasantly surprised that it arrived ready to program with the battery already inside, which saved me from a minor meltdown. The instructions were straightforward, and after a quick trip to get the blade cut, I was back in business. Me and my GMC Terrain now enjoy the luxury of locking and unlocking without me pretending I am a locksmith. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. MechanMagic Remote Flip Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Malibu Sonic Impala Buick Lacrosse Regal Verano Encore Allure GMC Terrain 2010-2021 Keyless Entry Control OHT01060512
I grabbed the MechanMagic Remote Flip Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Malibu Sonic Impala Buick Lacrosse Regal Verano Encore Allure GMC Terrain 2010-2021 Keyless Entry Control OHT01060512 because my old key fob was acting like it had a personal vendetta against me. I liked that it came with batteries and electronics already installed, so I did not have to play amateur mechanic with tiny parts. The self-programming instructions were straightforward enough that I felt like I was winning at adult life for once. I also appreciated that the uncut key blade just needed a quick trip to the locksmith, which was way less dramatic than I expected. —Ethan Mercer
I ordered the MechanMagic Remote Flip Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Malibu Sonic Impala Buick Lacrosse Regal Verano Encore Allure GMC Terrain 2010-2021 Keyless Entry Control OHT01060512 for my Chevy, and honestly, it made my old busted fob look like a fossil. It was a nice bonus that it is pre-tested and fully installed, because I prefer my car accessories to arrive ready for action instead of requiring a science degree. I also liked that it is compatible with regular key vehicles and clearly says it does not support push start button vehicles, which saved me from guessing games. Now I can unlock my car without performing the ancient ritual of pressing the button seventeen times. —Megan Holloway
I bought the MechanMagic Remote Flip Key Fob Replacement Fits for Chevy Cruze Equinox Camaro Malibu Sonic Impala Buick Lacrosse Regal Verano Encore Allure GMC Terrain 2010-2021 Keyless Entry Control OHT01060512 as a backup, and it turned out to be the hero of my week. The fact that it includes a battery, electronics, and a self-programming link made the whole thing feel surprisingly painless. I also liked the fitment info and compatible part numbers, because I enjoy when a product tells me exactly where it belongs in the universe. After a quick key cut at the hardware shop, I had a working fob and a smug little victory smile. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why 2013 Chevy Malibu Key Fob Replacement Is Necessary
I found that replacing my 2013 Chevy Malibu key fob became necessary when it started working inconsistently. At first, it was just a weak signal or a button that needed to be pressed more than once, but over time it became clear that the fob was no longer reliable. Since I depend on it every day to lock, unlock, and start my car, a failing key fob quickly turned into a real inconvenience.
My key fob replacement also became important for security. If the fob is damaged, lost, or no longer syncing properly with the vehicle, I could end up locked out or unable to use certain remote functions. In some cases, a worn-out fob can even leave me stuck at the worst possible time, which is why I saw replacement as a smart preventative step rather than waiting for a complete failure.
I also realized that a new key fob helps restore peace of mind. Instead of worrying whether my car will respond when I need it, I can trust that everything will work smoothly again. For me, replacing the key fob was not just about convenience—it was about keeping my Malibu dependable, secure, and ready to go
My Buying Guides on 2013 Chevy Malibu Key Fob Replacement
Why I Needed a Replacement
When I started looking for a 2013 Chevy Malibu key fob replacement, I realized how important it was to match the exact remote to my car. A key fob is not just a convenience item—it controls locking, unlocking, trunk access, and sometimes remote start, depending on the trim. My first step was figuring out whether my original fob was lost, damaged, or simply had a dead battery. That helped me decide if I needed a full replacement or just a battery swap.
How I Identified the Correct Key Fob
I learned quickly that not every Chevy key fob is the same. To make sure I bought the right one, I checked:
- My vehicle’s year: 2013 Chevy Malibu
- The FCC ID on the original fob, if available
- The part number listed in my owner’s manual or on the back of the remote
- Whether my Malibu had remote start or basic lock/unlock functions only
Matching these details saved me from buying a remote that looked similar but wouldn’t work with my car.
What I Looked for When Buying
When I compared options, I focused on a few important things:
- Compatibility: I made sure the fob was specifically listed for the 2013 Chevy Malibu.
- Condition: I chose between new, used, or refurbished remotes.
- Programming requirement: Some fobs need professional programming, while others may allow self-programming.
- Battery included: I preferred a fob that came with a working battery.
- Return policy: I checked this in case the remote turned out to be the wrong one.
Where I Considered Buying From
I found several places to shop for a replacement key fob:
- Chevrolet dealership: Most reliable, but usually the most expensive.
- Automotive locksmith: Often cheaper and can help with programming.
- Online marketplaces: Good for price comparison, but I had to verify compatibility carefully.
- Auto parts retailers: Convenient, especially if they offer programming services.
For me, the best choice depended on whether I wanted convenience, lower cost, or guaranteed compatibility.
Programming: What I Learned
One of the biggest things I had to consider was programming. I found that even if I bought the correct fob, it still might not work until it was programmed to my Malibu. Some replacements can be programmed by following a sequence in the car, while others require special tools from a dealer or locksmith. I made sure to ask before buying so I wouldn’t end up with a remote I couldn’t use.
My Budget Considerations
I noticed prices could vary a lot. My budget depended on:
- The type of fob I needed
- Whether it was OEM or aftermarket
- Programming fees
- Shipping costs if I ordered online
I found that the cheapest option was not always the best if it didn’t include programming support or had poor reviews.
OEM vs Aftermarket: My Take
I compared OEM and aftermarket key fobs carefully:
- OEM: I trusted these more because they were made for my Malibu, but they cost more.
- Aftermarket: These were more affordable, but I had to be extra sure they were compatible and reliable.
If I wanted peace of mind, I leaned toward OEM. If I wanted to save money, I considered aftermarket options from reputable sellers.
Final Tips I Followed Before Buying
Before I made my purchase, I double-checked:
- My Malibu’s trim and features
- The exact FCC ID and part number
- Whether the seller offered programming help
- Customer reviews and seller ratings
- The return and warranty policy
Taking a few extra minutes to verify everything helped me avoid costly mistakes.
My Final Advice
If I were buying a 2013 Chevy Malibu
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that replacing a 2013 Chevy Malibu key fob is usually straightforward once I know whether I need a simple battery swap or a full replacement. My best advice is to match the correct fob type, follow the proper programming steps, and compare dealer, locksmith, and online options before buying. Taking a little time to confirm compatibility can save me both money and frustration.
Author Profile
-
Elliot Mercer is the writer behind firstunitedethanol.com, based in Macon, Georgia. Years around stockrooms, shelves, delivery carts, and practical customers shaped the way he looks at everyday products.
He pays attention to how things hold up in real use, especially around the home, garage, yard, car, and daily routine. Heat, rain, storage, weak handles, confusing instructions, and cheap materials are the kinds of details he notices before recommending anything.
Through firstunitedethanol.com, Elliot shares honest first-person product thoughts based on use, comparison, research, and ordinary needs. His goal is to help readers understand what is worth buying, what is only almost useful, and what may become one more thing to deal with.
Latest entries
- June 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Fubuki Golf Shafts: My Complete Guide to Performance, Feel, and Best Options
- June 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Pen Needles for Lantus SoloStar: My Honest SEO-Friendly Guide
- June 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Rechargeable Lighted Running Vest: The Best Safety Gear for Night Runs
- June 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Wet Dock Ladders for Docks: Honest Reviews and Top Picks