Market Segment:
Mid-size Sedan
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima
Vehicle Strengths:
Stylish design, comfortable ride, good fuel economy (especially with turbo engines), available advanced safety features
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic & parking), wheels, tires
Body:
Body structure, interior components, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC, safety restraints
Electrical:
Charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, audio systems, climate control, power accessories, body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), body control modules (BCMs), infotainment system wiring
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage, component testing
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush
Repair:
Engine repair (top end, bottom end), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system repair, body panel repair and replacement
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams for electrical faults
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, component locations
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (2018 Model Year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights)
Active Safety Features:
Available: Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control
Passive Safety Features:
10 Airbags (front, side, curtain, knee), StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Rear Vision Camera
Infotainment System:
Chevrolet MyLink (7-inch or 8-inch diagonal color touch-screen)
Smartphone Integration:
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Audio System:
Available Bose premium audio system
Driver Assistance Features:
Available: Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Parking Assist (optional on Premier)
Connectivity Features:
Available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (requires subscription), Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, Auxiliary input jack.
Oil Change Interval:
7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Replace every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 1.5L:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) (iridium-tipped)
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) (iridium-tipped)
Transmission Fluid Change 6-Speed:
Inspect periodically, change based on driving conditions (refer to manual for severe service).
Transmission Fluid Change 9-Speed:
Fluid is typically considered 'lifetime' but flushing is recommended at ~100,000 miles (160,000 km) under severe usage. Refer to specific manual for detail.
Coolant Flush Interval:
First change at 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 5 years, then every 5 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 0W-20, API SN Certified, GM dexos1 Gen 2 approved synthetic (for both engines)
Engine Oil Capacity 1.5L:
4.9 US quarts (4.6 L)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
5.2 US quarts (4.9 L)
Transmission Fluid 6-Speed:
GM DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission Fluid 9-Speed:
GM P/N 19354911 (or equivalent UTF) - refer to manual for exact spec
Coolant Spec:
GM P/N 12346780 (Orange or Pink Extended Life Coolant - HOAT)
Common Issues:
Infrequent reports of turbocharger issues (early models), potential for engine oil consumption in some turbo engines, brake wear (normal for any vehicle), minor electrical gremlins (often software related or loose connections).
Chevrolet History:
Founded in 1911, Chevrolet is a cornerstone of General Motors, known for its diverse range of vehicles from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks.
Malibu Evolution Since Launch:
Introduced in 1964 as a premium trim level for the Chevrolet Chevelle, the Malibu became a standalone model in 1978. It has undergone numerous redesigns and platform changes, evolving from a rear-wheel-drive muscle car era to a front-wheel-drive family sedan.
Production Start Year:
1964
Current Generation Start:
2016 (9th Generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Fairfax, Kansas, USA
