How to Fold Down the Rear Seats in a Malibu XL?
3 Answers
There are five main steps to fold down the rear seats in a Malibu XL, as follows: Step 1: Fully lower the rear seat headrests. Step 2: Lift up the rear seat armrest and fold it if necessary. Step 3: Insert the key into the slot of the small rear seat belt buckle, release the small latch to retract the seat belt into the trim panel. Step 4: Open the trunk and pull the seatback release lever to fold the rear seats. Step 5: Fold the seatbacks forward. There are two steps to restore the rear seats in a Malibu XL, as follows: Step 1: Lift the seatback, push it backward and lock it in place. Ensure the seat belt is not twisted or caught by the seatback. The center rear seat belt may lock when lifting the seatback. If this occurs, retract the belt and start again. Step 2: Push and pull the top of the seatback to ensure it is securely locked in place.
Oh, I'm very familiar with folding down the rear seats in my newly purchased Malibu XL! I remember last family trip when we needed to transport a large suitcase, I found a small pull tab near the headrest at the top of the rear seatback. Just give that handle a gentle pull, and the seatback folds forward with a satisfying 'click' - super easy. But before operating, I'd recommend sliding the front seats forward a bit to avoid space constraints and prevent scuffing the floor mats. I've also tried the proportional folding feature - folding just one side creates extra room for strollers or sports equipment. When loading cargo this way, the trunk capacity practically doubles, and the trunk lid closes smoothly. The key is not to yank the pull tab too hard to avoid damaging the latch. Always make sure the seats are securely reset after use, as loose seats can be unsafe during bumpy rides. I always remind my friends to practice a few times until it becomes second nature.
As a newbie who just picked up the car, I fumbled around for a while when trying to fold down the rear seats of my Malibu XL for the first time. Actually, it's super simple: Just sit in the back seat or bend over outside the car, look for the bright-colored plastic pull ring on the upper back of the seatback (sometimes hidden, just feel for it with your hand), and gently lift it upward—don't use too much force. Then, the seat will automatically tilt forward and fold down. Before my first attempt, I cleared the floor of any clutter to avoid tripping, and after folding it down, the space was large enough to fit two big bags without issue. Common mistakes include not pulling the ring from the right spot, causing it to get stuck and not work, or not adjusting the front seats forward enough, which can press against the seatback. It's best not to fiddle with this while driving to avoid distractions and potential mishaps. If you really need to do it, take your time to practice in the garage beforehand—safety first!
