---
title: "2012 Chevrolet Malibu Specs: Weight, Fuel Tank, MPG"
description: "Fuel tank 16 gallons. Curb weight, fuel economy, ground clearance and other key numbers for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, by engine and drivetrain."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/specs"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Specifications

Fuel tank 16 gallons. Curb weight, fuel economy, ground clearance and other key numbers for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, by engine and drivetrain.

**Quick answer**: The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu holds 16 gallons of fuel and is rated 22 city / 33 hwy (2.4L); 17 city / 25 hwy (3.6L V6); E85 on LE9 drops ratings ~25%.

## 2012 Chevrolet Malibu key specs

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Fuel tank | 16 gallons |
| Fuel economy | 22 city / 33 hwy (2.4L); 17 city / 25 hwy (3.6L V6); E85 on LE9 drops ratings ~25% |
| Curb weight | 3,432 lbs |
| Key fob battery | CR2032 (remote transmitter) |

## 2012 Chevrolet Malibu engines

| Engine | Trims | Power | Fuel |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2.4L 4-cylinder Ecotec (LE5/LE9) | LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ (standard engine); LE9 version is E85 flex-fuel capable | 169 hp | Regular 87 octane (LE9 also runs E85) |
| 3.6L V6 (LY7 High Feature) | Optional on LTZ | 252 hp | Regular 87 octane |

## Which Chevrolet Malibu model years does this cover?

These specs 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 specs: common questions

### How big is the fuel tank on a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

16 gallons.

### What does a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu weigh?

About 3,432 lbs at the curb, before passengers and cargo.

### What gas mileage does a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu get?

22 city / 33 hwy (2.4L); 17 city / 25 hwy (3.6L V6); E85 on LE9 drops ratings ~25% on the EPA cycle.

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

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

## 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)
- [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)

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