2012 Chevrolet Malibu Battery Size (BCI Group and CCA)

Which Chevrolet Malibu model years does this cover?

These battery specifications apply to every Chevrolet Malibu built from 2012 through 2012 — the 7th generation (final year), mid-size sedan (epsilon platform). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

What changed during the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

• 2012Final year of the 7th generation, sold alongside the early-launched 2013 Eco. Last Malibu with an available V6 until, well, ever.

What size battery does a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu take?

BCI group 90 (DIN T5/LN2 footprint), rated at 590 cold cranking amps from the factory. Group size is a physical dimension and terminal-position standard, so a battery from a different group may not clamp down or may put the terminals on the wrong side.

How many CCA does a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu need?

At least 590 CCA. Going higher is harmless and helps in cold climates; going lower is how a vehicle that started fine in October stops starting in January.

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu need an AGM battery?

The factory battery is a conventional flooded type. AGM is a valid upgrade, but never downgrade from AGM to flooded.

Where is the battery on a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

Engine bay, driver side.

Does a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu need the battery registered after replacement?

Factory battery is a compact Group 90 (T5) rated ~590 CCA. Smaller than the H6 used by later Malibus, so don't buy by model name alone. No stop-start, so a standard flooded battery is fine.