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Chevrolet · Mid-Size · 2008–2012 Custom Search

Chevrolet Malibu 7

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

256–268 PS

3.6L V6 Benzin

V6 power, V6 problems

Decent

Generations

Engine Overview

The Chevrolet Malibu 7 is available with 3 engine variants — from 166 to 268 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

Malibu · Petrol· 169–217 PS Engine Change
2008 2012
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
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2008 2008
Be Careful 0 weaknesses
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Malibu Hybrid · Petrol Mild-Hybrid· 164 PS
2008 2009
Be Careful 0 weaknesses
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Malibu LTZ · Petrol· 252 PS
2008 2012
Be Careful 0 weaknesses
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The Chevrolet Malibu (Petrol, 169–217 PS) comes with 2 different engines: LE5 (2008–2012, Be Careful) and LZ4 (2008–2008, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Malibu!

The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (Petrol Mild-Hybrid, 164 PS) has the LAT (2.4L Ecotec BAS Hybrid) — rated: "Be Careful".

The Chevrolet Malibu LTZ (Petrol, 252 PS) has the LY7 (3.6L V6) — rated: "Be Careful".

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall: sudden power steering loss (14V-153)

NHTSA 14V-153: electric power steering can fail suddenly. 438 NHTSA complaints on 2010 MY alone. GM covered 10 years/150,000 mi, out-of-warranty $900–$1,600.

Symptoms: Power assist disappears without warning, warning light, heavy steering
from 135,000 km
Ad EPS steering column Malibu 2008-2012
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
5,749 complaints · 2008–2012
Steering
2086 ⚠ 53
Electrical
1423 ⚠ 24
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
855 ⚠ 22
Lighting
803 ⚠ 7
Brakes
557 ⚠ 37

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Steering (2086 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (1423 complaints)
⚠ Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (855 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

Alternatives

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Mid-Size (2010–2017)

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Mid-Size (2010–2015)

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Peugeot 508 W2

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Mid-Size (2010–2015)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 8 weaknesses have been documented for the Chevrolet Malibu 7 (2008–2012) — 3 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Gearbox, HVAC.

Malibu (LE5, 2008–2012) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch (2.4 LE5), Oil consumption from piston ring wear (LE5), PCV diaphragm in valve cover fails. Power: 169 PS.

What to watch out for with the Chevrolet Malibu? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Chevrolet Malibu 7 have? +
The Chevrolet Malibu 7 has 3 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Chevrolet Malibu 7? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: LY7 (3.6L V6), LE5 (2.4L Ecotec I4), LAT (2.4L Ecotec BAS Hybrid), LZ4 (3.5L High Value V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the LY7 (3.6L V6).
Which Chevrolet Malibu 7 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Chevrolet Malibu 7 — rated: "Decent". {description} On paper the Malibu LTZ with the 3.6 looked promising — real torque, smooth delivery. In reality the LY7's undersized timing chain and oil-hungry pistons turn into a $3,000 repair before 100k miles if service was ever stretched. Fun while it works, brutal when it doesn't.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu 7 worth buying used? +
The Chevrolet Malibu 7 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Chevrolet Malibu 7? +
The Chevrolet Malibu 7 is available with engine variants from 166 to 268 hp. Petrol: LY7 (3.6L V6), LE5 (2.4L Ecotec I4), LAT (2.4L Ecotec BAS Hybrid), LZ4 (3.5L High Value V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee