2012 Chevrolet Malibu — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) / 26 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 24–31 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Chevrolet Malibu workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 31 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.4L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 95 cu ft (2,690 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 31 combined / 26 urban / 38 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 26 combined / 22 city / 32 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 212 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu across 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 20 to 26 mpg (US), or 24 to 31 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/32) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/33) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/25) | 276 | $3,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 95 cubic feet (about 2,690 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Running Costs: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu at 31 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,173 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seat belts — campaign 15V269000, reported 8 May 2015. Risk: If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Steering — campaign 14E044000, reported 21 July 2014. Risk: A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 14V252000, reported 14 May 2014. Risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 907 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (291), Exterior lighting (202), Steering (191). Complaints include 50 reported crashes, 13 reported fires, 35 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 316 complaints across the 16 Chevrolet Malibu model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 291 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Lighting (202 owner complaints) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
- Steering (1 recall campaign · 191 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Stability control (129 owner complaints) — Make sure no stability or traction warning light stays on.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Chevrolet models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu's 31 mpg is 2 mpg above that make average. Its 212 g/km CO₂ figure is 34 g/km lower than the 246 g/km Chevrolet average.
Of the 16 Chevrolet Malibu model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 13th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (31 mpg UK combined, against a high of 38 mpg). See every Chevrolet Malibu year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.4L 4-cyl with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, or 26 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 24 to 31 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
Among the 907 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (291 complaints), Exterior lighting (202 complaints), Steering (191 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 95 cubic feet (about 2,690 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.