--- title: "2012 Chevrolet Malibu Parts and Specs" description: "Everything for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: oil type and capacity, battery group size, tire sizes, wiper blades, filters, service schedule, and common problems, verified, sourced, and in one place." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 2012 Chevrolet Malibu parts and specs Everything you need to own and maintain this exact model year. Verified specifications, part numbers, and the problems that recur, in one place. 7th generation (final year), 2012, Mid-size sedan (Epsilon platform). ## Quick facts | Quick fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Engine oil | 5W-30, 5 qt (base engine) | | Battery | Group 90 (DIN T5/LN2 footprint), 590 CCA | | Tire size | 215/55R17 (base trim) | | Wiper blades | 24" / 21" | | Key fob battery | CR2032 (remote transmitter) | | Fuel tank | 16 gal | ## Specifications for the 2012 Malibu ### Oil & filter Viscosity, capacity, filter part numbers, change interval [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/oil). ### Battery BCI group size, cold cranking amps, AGM or flooded [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/battery). ### Tires & wheels Factory sizes by trim, pressures, bolt pattern, lug torque [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/tires). ### Wiper blades Driver, passenger and rear blade lengths [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/wipers). ### Air & cabin filters Cabin and engine air filter part numbers, locations, intervals [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/filters). ### Bulbs Headlight, fog and marker bulb types [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/bulbs). ### Brakes Rotor diameters, pad references, service notes [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/brakes). ### Fluids Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and capacities [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/fluids). ### Service schedule What's actually due at every mileage interval [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/service-schedule). ### Problems & reliability Documented failures, recalls, and which years to avoid [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/common-problems). ### Oil light reset Step-by-step maintenance light reset, no tools [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/oil-reset). ### Key fob battery Which coin cell the remote takes [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/key-fob-battery). ### Specs Towing, weight, fuel tank, fuel economy [Read more](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/specs). These specifications are shared across every Malibu of the 7th generation (final year) generation. See the [2012 Chevrolet Malibu overview](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012) for the full picture, or the [Chevrolet Malibu guide](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu) to compare every generation. ## What changed for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2012 | Final year of the 7th generation, sold alongside the early-launched 2013 Eco. Last Malibu with an available V6 until, well, ever. | ## Known problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 4 of the 4 issues we track for the 2012 generation are documented against the 2012 model year. ### 6-speed automatic 3-5-Reverse wave plate failure (major) The 6T40's 3-5-R clutch wave plate can crack and break into pieces, causing loss of reverse and 3rd/5th gear, harsh or flared shifts, and code P0776/P0777. Debris then circulates through the unit, so the fix is a rebuild with an updated plate (aftermarket Sonnax kits address the root cause). It is the signature failure of this transmission family and GM extended coverage on some earlier model years. Typical cost: $1,800-$3,500 rebuild. ### Electric power steering assist loss (2.4L) (moderate) The column-mounted EPS motor or torque sensor can fail, suddenly killing power assist and setting code C0545 with a 'Power Steering' message. The car remains steerable but heavy. GM recalled earlier-year Malibus for the same failure mode; the 2012 was not part of that recall, so out-of-warranty cars usually need a replacement steering column or EPS motor. Typical cost: $400-$1,100 (column or motor replacement). ### 2.4L timing chain wear (moderate) 2.4 Ecotecs that ran long oil-change intervals are known for stretched timing chains, cold-start rattle, then P0008/P0016/P0017 codes. By 2012 GM had revised parts and the failure is less common than on 2007-2010 engines, but neglected cars still show it. Fix is a chain kit (chain, guides, tensioner). Typical cost: $900-$1,800. ### No-start from failed Passlock/ignition security sensor (minor) A failed Passlock sensor can immobilize the car. It cranks but won't start, with the security light lit. The workaround (10-minute relearn with the key in RUN) usually gets you going; the fix is an ignition lock cylinder/sensor replacement. Widely reported on RepairPal for this generation. Typical cost: $150-$450. Full detail, costs and sources on the [Chevrolet Malibu problems and years to avoid](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/common-problems) guide. ## Which engines were offered in the 2012 Malibu? | Engine | Trims | Oil | Oil capacity | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2.4L 4-cylinder Ecotec (LE5/LE9) | LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ (standard engine); LE9 version is E85 flex-fuel capable | 5W-30 | 5 qt | | 3.6L V6 (LY7 High Feature) | Optional on LTZ | 5W-30 | 6 qt | ## About the Chevrolet Malibu The Chevrolet Malibu was GM's mainstream midsize sedan until production ended at Fairfax Assembly in November 2024, making 2025 the final model year. The 2012-2025 span covers three distinct cars. 6L V6 with cheap parts but two well-documented weak spots, the 6-speed's 3-5-Reverse wave plate and electric power steering column failures. 5L, which introduced its own quirks (auxiliary trunk battery failures, code P305F). 5T's 6-speed for a CVT. 5T, and the turbo cars have well-known turbocharger, piston, and stop-start accumulator issues. Every generation specs GM dexos1 synthetic oil, Dex-Cool coolant, and a CR2032 key-fob battery. For how the specifications changed across every generation, see the [full Chevrolet Malibu guide](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu). ## Other Chevrolet Malibu years - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013) Data confidence for this generation: High confidence. ## Sources - [AMSOIL product lookup, 2012 Malibu 3.6L capacities](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2012/chevrolet/malibu/) - [Costa Oils, 2012 Malibu 2.4L oil change guide (5 qt, 5W-30)](https://costaoils.com/2012-chevrolet-malibu-24l-oil-change-guide-2/) - [Walmart/ACDelco, PF457G fitment 2004-2012 Malibu](https://www.walmart.com/ip/ACDelco-PF457G-Engine-Oil-Filter-Fits-select-2010-2017-CHEVROLET-EQUINOX-LT-2004-2012-CHEVROLET-MALIBU/36052507) - [TirePressure.org, 2012 Malibu placard pressures (30 psi)](https://tirepressure.org/chevrolet/malibu/2012) - [WiperBladesUSA, 2012 Malibu 24/21-in blades](https://www.wiperbladesusa.com/wiper-size/chevrolet/malibu/2012) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2012 Malibu EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2012_Chevrolet_Malibu.shtml) - [RepairPal, 2012 Malibu top reported problems](https://repairpal.com/2012-chevrolet-malibu/problems) - [Element Wheels, 2008-2012 Malibu 5x110 bolt pattern](https://www.elementwheels.com/wheels/chevrolet/malibu) - [Sonnax, GM 6T40/6T70 3-5-R wave plate failure](https://www.facebook.com/Sonnax/videos/stop-gm-6t40-6t70-3-5-r-failure-with-sonnax-drum-saver-kits/3015931788537426/) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.