🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Malibu

Year:

2011

Product Id:

2011 CHEVY Malibu Owners Manual

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking a comfortable, reliable, and reasonably economical daily driver.

Key Competitors:

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

Design:

The 2011 Malibu represented the eighth generation, featuring a more upscale and refined design compared to its predecessors.

Performance Options:

Offered with efficient four-cylinder and more powerful V6 engine options.

Safety Focus:

Emphasis on safety with standard advanced airbag systems and available electronic stability control.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Operation, maintenance, safety, features, and basic troubleshooting for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu.

Secondary Coverage:

Warranty information, roadside assistance, and regulatory compliance.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 350-400 pages (typical for this model year and segment).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed booklet (original manufacturer format), often available as PDF scan.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

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

Drivetrain:

Automatic transmission operation and basic care.

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system.

Electrical:

Lighting systems, instrument panel and controls, audio system, power features (windows, locks), basic battery care.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control, seating adjustments, interior features.

Safety Features:

Airbags, seat belts, child seat LATCH system, child security locks, ABS.

Basic Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Indicator lights explanation, basic operational issues.

Operation:

Starting the engine, shifting gears, operating climate control, using infotainment system, proper use of safety features.

Depth:

Consumer-level operation and maintenance, not a professional service manual. Focuses on 'how to use' and 'what to do' for routine upkeep.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Quality:

PDF scans typically range from black and white to color, with resolution dependent on the source scan. Searchable text functionality may vary.

Original Print:

Standard OEM quality paper, clear black and white text with color diagrams for specific controls and features.

Original Binding:

Staple-bound or perfect-bound paperback booklet.

Original Paper:

Durable matte finish paper suitable for automotive environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

2.4L ECOTEC DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder

Engine Option 1 Codes:

LAF (Standard on LS, LT, Hybrid trims)

Engine Option 1 Displacement:

2384 cc

Engine Option 1 Horsepower:

169 hp @ 6400 rpm

Engine Option 1 Torque:

158 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Engine Option 2:

3.6L V6 DI DOHC 24-Valve VVT

Engine Option 2 Codes:

LLT (Optional on LTZ, standard on LTZ V6)

Engine Option 2 Displacement:

3564 cc

Engine Option 2 Horsepower:

252 hp @ 6400 rpm

Engine Option 2 Torque:

251 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (89 Octane recommended for optimal performance, especially for V6)

Emissions System:

California PZEV option available for 2.4L.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control (DSC)

Transmission Codes:

6T40 (FWD), 6T70 (AWD, though AWD was rare on Malibu)

Optional Transmission:

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

Features:

Driver Shift Control allows manual selection of gears, adaptive shift logic.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

191.5 inches (4864 mm)

Width:

70.3 inches (1786 mm)

Height:

57.1 inches (1450 mm)

Wheelbase:

109.0 inches (2769 mm)

Front Headroom:

38.5 inches (978 mm)

Rear Headroom:

37.4 inches (950 mm)

Front Legroom:

42.1 inches (1069 mm)

Rear Legroom:

37.6 inches (955 mm)

Trunk Volume:

15.1 cubic feet (428 liters)

Curb Weight Min:

3520 lbs (1597 kg) - 2.4L

Curb Weight Max:

3700 lbs (1678 kg) - 3.6L

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

★★★★☆ (4 Stars)

NHTSA Side Crash Rating:

★★★★★ (5 Stars)

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

★★★★☆ (4 Stars)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for most configurations)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (StabiliTrak)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver front, Passenger front, Front side-impact, Curtain side-impact (front and rear occupants).

Seat Belts:

3-point with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.

Child Safety:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seats, child security rear door locks.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, premium Bose® audio system available on LTZ.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack standard, USB port and Bluetooth® connectivity often optional or included on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional touchscreen navigation system available on LTZ trims.

Parking Assist:

Rear parking assist sensors available as an option on some trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Keyless Entry:

Standard keyless entry, optional Remote Keyless Entry and Start.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions, using synthetic oil).

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 22,500 miles, replace as needed. Check more frequently in dusty conditions.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace approximately every 24,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plugs:

Replace approximately every 100,000 miles (for iridium-tipped plugs).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30, API SN certified (Dexos 1 recommended for vehicles built after certain dates, consult manual for specific VIN.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 quarts (4.5 L) with filter for 2.4L; 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter for 3.6L.

Coolant Type:

GM Dex-Cool® (Orange colored, long-life coolant) - ethylene glycol based.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI (or equivalent approved synthetic ATF).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.

Common Complaints:

Occasional reports of timing chain noise (especially on 2.4L engines), some electrical gremlins (e.g., power window issues), and potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan.

Recall Information:

Specific recalls should be checked via VIN lookup on NHTSA website, but common areas could include airbags or fuel system components.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Chevrolet is a division of General Motors (GM), established in 1911. Known for a wide range of vehicles from affordable cars to heavy-duty trucks.

Eighth Generation:

The 2011 model is part of the eighth generation Malibu, which debuted for the 2008 model year. This generation saw a significant redesign from the previous generation, adopting a more global platform and styling cues.

Assembly Locations:

Primarily assembled at the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas.

Production Years For Gen:

2008-2012

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports:

Consistently ranked as a decent performer in its segment by publications like Consumer Reports, though reliability ratings sometimes lagged key competitors.

Jd Power:

Received varying scores in J.D. Power's dependability and quality studies over its generation, often competing well in initial quality but sometimes facing average or below-average long-term dependability.

Safety Certifications:

Achieved good crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, contributing to its reputation as a safe vehicle.