Target Audience:
Family car buyers seeking comfort, fuel efficiency, and modern features.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata
Styling:
Sleek, modern, aerodynamic design with a European influence.
Interior:
Comfortable, well-appointed interior with quality materials and a driver-focused cockpit.
Powertrain Options:
Efficient 4-cylinder and powerful V6 engine choices.
Primary Coverage:
2012 Chevrolet Malibu (8th Gen)
Engine Variants Covered:
2.4L Ecotec (LU9), 3.0L V6 (LF1), 3.6L V6 (LLT)
Transmission Variants Covered:
6-speed automatic (6T45, 6T70)
Estimated Page Count:
2000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (2.4L, 3.0L, 3.6L), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (6T45, 6T70), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), SRS (Airbag) System
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting Charts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Scan Tool Procedures, Component Testing
Repair Procedures:
Engine Assembly/Disassembly, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Special Procedures:
Wheel Alignment, Air Conditioning Service, SRS System Calibration, ECM/TCM Programming & Initialization
Diagnostic Depth:
Advanced diagnostics with wiring diagrams, sensor data interpretation, and specific test procedures.
Rebuild Depth:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including torque specifications and clearances.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematic diagrams for all vehicle systems.
2.4L Ecotec (Lu9):
Inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves, VVT
2.4L Ecotec (Lu9) - Power:
182 hp @ 6,700 rpm
2.4L Ecotec (Lu9) - Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 4,900 rpm
3.6L V6 (Llt):
V6, DOHC, 24 valves, Direct Injection, VVT
3.6L V6 (Llt) - Power:
304 hp @ 6,400 rpm
3.6L V6 (Llt) - Torque:
264 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for 2.4L, Direct Injection (DI) for 3.6L V6.
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 octane recommended for 3.6L V6 for optimal performance).
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system.
Type:
6-speed automatic (6T45) for 2.4L, 6-speed automatic (6T70) for 3.6L.
Type:
N/A (Automatic standard for all trims).
Shifting Modes:
Driver Shift Control (DSC) with manual mode.
Transmission Fluid:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
Brakes:
4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)
Stability Control:
StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Dual front, front-seat side-impact, roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with front pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Infotainment System:
Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (optional), featuring a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and auxiliary input.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system.
Rearview Camera:
Optional rearview camera system.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming on higher trims and optional on others.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, using synthetic oil. Consult manual for severe driving conditions.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
Iridium-tip spark plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 quarts (4.4 liters) for 2.4L, 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) for 3.6L (with filter).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 full synthetic engine oil meeting GM specification GM6094M.
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Hesitation:
Some reports of hesitation or rough idle, potentially related to fuel system cleanliness or intake manifold issues.
Transmission Harshness:
Occasional reports of harsh shifting or delayed engagement, often addressed by software updates or fluid changes.
HVAC Issues:
Water leaks into the cabin affecting HVAC components or electronics, especially in the HVAC blower motor housing.
Power Steering Pump:
Some early models had reports of premature power steering pump failure, particularly on V6 engines.
Chevrolet History:
Founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant, Chevrolet is one of America's most iconic automotive brands, known for producing a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks.
Malibu History:
The Malibu nameplate has a long history within Chevrolet, originally introduced as a premium trim level of the Chevelle in 1964. It evolved into its own model and has undergone numerous redesigns and platform changes over the decades.
8Th Gen Production Years:
2008-2012
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Lansing, Michigan, USA.
IIHS Recognition:
Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Consumerreports Reliability:
Mixed to average reliability ratings in consumer surveys for this generation.
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the model year.
