---
title: "2012 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission Fluid & Coolant"
description: "Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: 6T40 6-speed automatic: DEXRON VI. Pan drain-and-fill takes ~4-4.5 qt; no dipstick on later units, level checked at the side plug. Severe service change at 45,000 mi. Coolant: Dex-Cool (orange, silicate-free). First change 5 years/150,000 mi."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/fluids"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Fluid Types and Capacities

Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: 6T40 6-speed automatic: DEXRON VI. Pan drain-and-fill takes ~4-4.5 qt; no dipstick on later units, level checked at the side plug. Severe service change at 45,000 mi. Coolant: Dex-Cool (orange, silicate-free). First change 5 years/150,000 mi.

## 2012 Chevrolet Malibu fluid guide (Check your manual)

| System | Fluid type & capacity |
| --- | --- |
| Coolant | Dex-Cool (orange, silicate-free). First change 5 years/150,000 mi |
| Transmission | 6T40 6-speed automatic: DEXRON VI. Pan drain-and-fill takes ~4-4.5 qt; no dipstick on later units, level checked at the side plug. Severe service change at 45,000 mi |
| Brake fluid | DOT 3 brake fluid |
| Power steering | 2.4L: none (electric power steering, column-mounted). 3.6L V6: hydraulic, GM power steering fluid |

Note: Plain washer fluid; no special spec

## Which Chevrolet Malibu model years does this cover?

These fluids 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 fluids: common questions

### What transmission fluid does a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu take?

6T40 6-speed automatic: DEXRON VI. Pan drain-and-fill takes ~4-4.5 qt; no dipstick on later units, level checked at the side plug. Severe service change at 45,000 mi. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure.

### What coolant does a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu use?

Dex-Cool (orange, silicate-free). First change 5 years/150,000 mi.

### What brake fluid does a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu take?

DOT 3 brake fluid.

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

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

## More for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

- [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/oil)
- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/battery)
- [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)
- [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.