Target Audience:
Families, commuters, everyday drivers
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima
Design Philosophy:
Sleek, modern styling with improved aerodynamics compared to previous generations.
Platform Advantage:
Utilizes the global Epsilon II platform, shared with vehicles like the Buick Regal and Opel Insignia, offering enhanced ride and handling characteristics.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Infotainment, Lighting, HVAC Controls, Safety Systems
Body And Frame:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Glass
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks & changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures
Repair:
Engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Disassembly And Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type 2.4L:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement 2.4L:
2384 cc (2.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 2.4L:
88.0 mm x 98.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2.4L:
11.4:1
Horsepower 2.4L:
182 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque 2.4L:
170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine Code 2.4L Hybrid:
LAF (Hybrid Variant)
Engine Type 2.4L Hybrid:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve with eAssist Hybrid System
Horsepower 2.4L Hybrid:
182 hp (combined system output)
Torque 2.4L Hybrid:
170 lb-ft (combined system output)
Engine Type 3.6L:
V6, DOHC, 24-valve, Direct Injection
Displacement 3.6L:
3564 cc (3.6 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 3.6L:
94.0 mm x 85.6 mm
Compression Ratio 3.6L:
11.5:1
Horsepower 3.6L:
304 hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque 3.6L:
264 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
Injection Type 2.4L:
Port Fuel Injection (PFI)
Injection Type 3.6L:
Direct Injection (DI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 0W-20 Synthetic
ECU Type:
GM Delphi E92 Family ECM
Transmission 2.4L:
6-Speed Automatic (M3X) with Manual Mode
Transmission 3.6L:
6-Speed Automatic (MYC) with Manual Mode
Transmission Eco:
eAssist Hybrid System with 6-Speed Automatic (M3X)
Gear Ratios:
Detailed in manual, specific to transmission type
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2013 model year in most configurations)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (depending on specific test criteria and configuration)
Traction Control:
StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)
Driver Assistance Options:
Rear vision camera, Parking assist sensors (optional)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side-impact airbags, Curtain airbags (front & rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Infotainment System:
Chevrolet MyLink with 7-inch diagonal color touch-screen display
Audio Options:
AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB connectivity, Bluetooth streaming, Auxiliary input
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system
Cruise Control:
Standard adaptive cruise control available on select trims.
Parking Assistance:
Ultrasonic rear parking assist sensors (optional)
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Usb Ports:
Standard USB port for device charging and media playback
Keyless Ignition:
Push-button start
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control available
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or as needed based on conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
90,000 miles (144,000 km) - Iridium tipped plugs
Spark Plug Replacement 3.6L:
105,000 miles (168,000 km) - Iridium tipped plugs
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.7 quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 3.6L:
5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290 or equivalent (Orange/Orange-Red, Long-Life)
Engine Oil Consumption 3.6L:
Some early 3.6L LFX engines exhibited higher than normal oil consumption, often addressed through software updates or internal component checks.
Transmission Hesitation:
Some owners reported occasional hesitation or rough shifting, sometimes related to transmission control module software.
Eassist Battery Longevity:
The lithium-ion battery pack for the eAssist system can degrade over time, impacting fuel economy and performance.
Interior Rattles:
Like many modern vehicles, some interior trim panels may develop rattles over time, often requiring specific sound-deadening measures.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Long-standing American automotive manufacturer with a history dating back to 1911.
Malibu Lineage:
The Malibu nameplate has a history dating back to the Chevelle Malibu from the muscle car era, evolving into a modern family sedan.
2013 Redesign Significance:
Represents a significant redesign for the Malibu, moving to the global Epsilon II platform, improving styling, chassis dynamics, and technology.
Manufacturing Locations:
Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Fairfax, Kansas, USA
Safety Recognition:
Consistently received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for its structural integrity and safety features.
Design Awards:
Praised for its modern exterior styling and improved interior ambiance compared to prior generations.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Variable reliability ratings depending on the specific powertrain and year; the manual provides insight into addressing common wear items.
