🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Malibu

Year:

2010

Product Name:

2010 Chevrolet Malibu Owners Manual

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan

Target Audience:

Families, commuters, and individuals seeking a comfortable and reliable daily driver.

Key Competitors:

Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Chrysler Sebring/200.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on comfort, spaciousness, and a refined driving experience for its class. Evolutionary styling from the previous generation.

Trim Levels:

Typically LS, LT, and LTZ, offering increasing levels of features and premium appointments.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, and safety features for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu.

Secondary Coverage:

Information on infotainment systems, climate control, tire pressure monitoring, and emergency procedures.

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 300-350 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Primary Language:

English

Format:

Printed (Paperback)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.

Drivetrain:

Transmission operation (automatic), driveline components.

Brakes:

Braking system operation, ABS, parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Suspension system, steering wheel controls, power steering.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, lighting, fuses, instrument cluster, warning indicators.

Comfort Convenience:

Climate control, power windows, power locks, seats, mirrors, keyless entry, remote start (if equipped).

Infotainment:

Audio system operation, radio, CD player, auxiliary input, Bluetooth connectivity (if equipped).

Safety Security:

Airbags, seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH), anti-theft system, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Operation:

Starting and driving the vehicle, shifting gears, using lights and wipers, parking.

Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid), tire inflation, windshield wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Understanding warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues.

Emergency:

Emergency vehicle access, changing a flat tire, jump-starting the battery, towing information.

Depth:

Designed for the end-user; covers routine operation, basic maintenance checks, and understanding vehicle functions. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typical of a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Availability:

Likely available as a searchable PDF on Chevrolet's official website or third-party automotive documentation sites. This listing is for a printed copy.

Quality:

Standard OEM print quality, designed for legibility and durability for vehicle use.

Binding:

Stapled or perfect bound paperback.

Paper:

Durable, coated paper stock to withstand typical glove box or vehicle cabin conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

2.4L ECOTEC DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder

Engine Code 1:

LE5

Horsepower 1:

169 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque 1:

156 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery 1:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Engine Option 2:

3.5L VVT V6 SFI

Engine Code 2:

LZ4

Horsepower 2:

217 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2:

217 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery 2:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane)

Emissions System:

Catalytic converter, On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

N/A (6-speed automatic was standard across most models).

Transmission Features:

Driver Shift Control (manual mode), Grade Logic Control, Tow/Haul Mode (on some models).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

191.5 inches (4864 mm)

Width:

72.4 inches (1839 mm)

Height:

58.2 inches (1478 mm)

Wheelbase:

111.7 inches (2837 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 103.4 cubic feet (2928 L)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.1 cubic feet (428 L)

Curb Weight 4Cyl:

Approx. 3450 lbs (1565 kg)

Curb Weight V6:

Approx. 3550 lbs (1610 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4580 lbs (2077 kg) for V6 models.

Standard Tire Size:

P215/60R16 on LS, P225/55R17 on LT/LTZ (varies by trim).

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 115 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

5 Stars (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Crash:

5 Stars (Front and Rear Seat Occupants)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for models with side airbags).

Traction Control:

Standard Electronic Traction Control System (TCS).

Electronic Stability:

Standard StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability Control.

ABS:

Standard 4-wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS).

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, roof-mounted head curtain airbags (standard on most trims, check specific vehicle).

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats. Adjustable front shoulder belts.

Child Restraints:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seats.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with dashboard warning indicator.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 playback, and auxiliary audio input. Optional upgrades included premium sound systems and touch-screen displays with navigation on LTZ trims.

Connectivity:

Available Bluetooth® for hands-free calling and music streaming. USB port may be available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, often with steering wheel mounted controls.

Remote Start:

Optional feature, typically available on LT and LTZ trims.

HVAC System:

Manual or available dual-zone automatic climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, or when the Oil Life Monitoring System indicates. Check manual for specific conditions.

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:

Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter change (SAE 5W-30).

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 L) with filter change (SAE 5W-30).

Coolant Type:

GM Super Coolant (Orange) - Dex-Cool™ compatible.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Common Complaints Potential:

Some owners have reported issues with premature wear of suspension components, occasional electrical gremlins (e.g., power window motors), and some transmission issues (e.g., torque converter shudder). Intake manifold gaskets on V6 engines could be a point of concern for leaks. Rattles and interior trim noises can also occur.

Windshield Washer Fluid Capacity:

Varies, typically 2-3 quarts.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM), established in 1911, known for a wide range of vehicles from trucks to sports cars.

Generation:

This represents the fifth generation of the Chevrolet Malibu, introduced for the 2008 model year, marking a significant redesign from its predecessor.

Styling Update:

The 2008 redesign brought a more European-influenced exterior and interior styling, a longer wheelbase, and improved chassis dynamics.

Assembly Locations:

Kansas City, Kansas, USA; and Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Recipient of IIHS Top Safety Pick designation in multiple years, highlighting its strong crash test performance.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings varied during its production run, with some model years performing better than others. Buyers should research specific year reliability.