---
title: "2012 Chevrolet Malibu Battery Size and CCA"
description: "The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu uses a BCI group 90 (DIN T5/LN2 footprint) battery rated at 590 cold cranking amps. Fitment, replacement notes, and what to check before you buy."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/battery"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Battery Size (BCI Group and CCA)

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu uses a BCI group 90 (DIN T5/LN2 footprint) battery rated at 590 cold cranking amps. Fitment, replacement notes, and what to check before you buy.

**Quick answer**: The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu uses a Group 90 (DIN T5/LN2 footprint) battery, 590 CCA.

## 2012 Chevrolet Malibu battery specifications (High confidence)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| BCI group size | 90 (DIN T5/LN2 footprint) |
| Cold cranking amps | 590 CCA |
| Battery type | FLOODED |
| AGM required | No |
| Location | Engine bay, driver side |

Note: 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.

## 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.

- [2012 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012)

## What changed during 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. |

## 2012 Chevrolet Malibu battery: common questions

### 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.

## 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/)

## Other Chevrolet Malibu generations

- [2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/battery)
- [2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/battery)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/battery).

## More for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

- [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/oil)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.