2012 Chevrolet Malibu Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu describes an LS, LT and LTZ sedan powered by one of two naturally aspirated gasoline engines: the 2.4L twin-cam inline-four of 145 cubic inches, which also accepts flex-fuel, or the 3.6L twin-cam V6 of 217 cubic inches. There is a single body, the four-door sedan. Engine management, driveline, brakes, steering, restraints and body electrical each get their own procedures, specifications, torque figures and wiring diagrams within that one configuration.

Engines covered

• 2.4L inline-four (145 cu in) — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline or flex-fuel
• 3.6L V6 (217 cu in) — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 4-door sedan

Trims covered

• LS
• LT
• LTZ

Known issues on the 2012 Malibu. Three recalls are listed for this year. The steel cables that tie the front seat belts to the body can be bent by being sat on as occupants get in, and enough of that bending can break the cable and leave the belt unable to hold anyone. A replacement intermediate steering shaft can separate at a u-joint bearing its yoke fails to support, which takes steering control with it. Complaints run to 906, the largest groups being 237 on the electrical system, 190 on steering and 115 on exterior lighting.