Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, coil springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment procedures.
Steering Systems:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, electronic power steering (EPS) components and diagnosis.
Brake Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake fluid specifications, replacement, bleeding, and component repair.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, horns, wipers, washers, power windows, power locks, interior/exterior lighting, fuse box diagrams, wiring schematics.
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser, heater core), climate control modules.
87 Octane (91 Octane for 3.6L recommended for optimal performance)
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
6-speed automatic (6T40/6T45)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
6-speed manual (MH9) - available on certain 2.4L models
Features
Transmission Control:
Electronic control with manual shift mode (Driver Shift Control).
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron VI (GM Specification)
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
190.2 inches (4831 mm)
Width:
72.3 inches (1836 mm)
Height:
59.1 inches (1501 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.1 inches (2720 mm)
Interior
Passenger Volume:
101.9 cu ft (2885 L)
Cargo
Trunk Capacity:
13.4 cu ft (379 L)
Weights
Curb Weight Base:
3439 lbs (1560 kg)
Curb Weight Optional:
3600 lbs (1633 kg)
Wheels Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 115 mm
Standard Tire Size:
P225/60R17
Optional Tire Size:
P235/50R18, P245/45R19
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2012 model year, where applicable)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2012 model year, depending on specific features and testing)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel anti-lock braking system)
Traction Control:
Standard (Electronic Traction Control System - TCSA)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (StabiliTrak with ABS and Traction Control)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), side-impact airbags (front and rear outboard), curtain airbags (front and rear).
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Chevrolet MyLink system (available, depending on trim level).
Display Size:
7-inch diagonal color touch-screen display (MyLink).
Audio Options:
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, auxiliary audio input jack, USB port, Bluetooth streaming audio.
Driver Assistance
Rear Vision Camera:
Available (integrated into infotainment display).
Parking Assist:
Available rear park assist sensors.
Connectivity
Bluetooth Connectivity:
Standard or available for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Usb Ports:
Available for device charging and media playback.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil (or refer to oil life monitoring system).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped spark plugs (ACDelco Professional Iridium).
Spark Plug Replacement 3.6L:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped spark plugs (ACDelco Professional Iridium).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or under severe driving conditions; inspect periodically. DEXRON-VI fluid only.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (GM dexos1โข or equivalent)
Engine Coolant Spec:
GM Super Coolant (Blue) - P/N 10-9100 or P/N 88987989 (or equivalent orange silicate-free)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Known Issues
Common Issue 1:
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan gasket, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
Common Issue 2:
Transmission harsh shifting or delayed engagement, potentially related to valve body issues or fluid degradation.
Common Issue 3:
Premature wear of suspension components such as control arm bushings and struts.
Common Issue 4:
Water pump leaks on 3.6L V6 engine.
Common Issue 5:
Power steering assist issues or noise, potentially related to the electric power steering pump or rack.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Chevrolet History:
Founded in 1911, Chevrolet is one of the oldest and most recognized automotive brands globally, known for a wide range of vehicles from economy cars to performance trucks.
Model Evolution
Malibu Lineage:
The Malibu nameplate dates back to the 1960s, initially as a Chevrolet Chevelle model. It was reintroduced as a standalone model in 1997 and has evolved through several generations.
Eighth Generation Introduction:
The eighth generation Malibu debuted in 2008 for the 2008 model year and received a significant refresh for 2012, marking the transition to a global platform.
Production
Production Locations:
Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Fairfax, Kansas, USA; and distributed globally.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Recognition:
Earned 'Top Safety Pick' designation from the IIHS for models equipped with specific safety features.
Consumers Digest Best Buy:
Named a 'Best Buy' in its class by Consumers Digest magazine for its value and features.