PurposeThe purpose of this study is to elucidate the effect of Mn addition on the corrosion behavior of stainless steel.Design/methodology/approachChronoamperometry, quasi-steady-state polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the corrosion behavior of Mn added A13Cr-HS sample and original S13Cr samples. In addition, the corrosion product film was characterized by a field emission scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.FindingsThe A13Cr-HS sample with 8 wt.% Mn addition maintained good general corrosion resistance in both acidic and alkaline solutions compared to the original S13Cr sample. Additionally, the A13Cr-HS sample had good pitting resistance in an alkaline solution containing Cl−, but a weaker resistance in an acidic solution.Originality/valueThe influence of Mn addition on the formation mechanism of the passive film was systematically analyzed.