Which generation is the transmission of the 2012 Malibu?
3 Answers
2012 Malibu is equipped with the second-generation GM transmission. The relevant information about the transmission is as follows: 1. Introduction: A device that changes the speed ratio and direction of motion. It is used to alter the torque, speed, and direction of motion transmitted from the driving shaft to the driven shaft under different working conditions. A gear-driven transmission generally consists of a housing and several gear pairs. 2. Function: While driving, to adapt to different working conditions, the vehicle's driving force and speed need to vary within a certain range. However, the existing engine's torque and speed variation range cannot meet this requirement, hence the installation of a transmission.
I've driven a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, which was equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission from General Motors' early six-speed series, specifically the 6T40 model. It was essentially a first-generation or initial design. Personally, I found it decent to drive—smooth overall but occasionally with minor jerks, especially during city traffic when shifts felt slightly delayed, likely due to its fuel-efficiency-oriented design. GM introduced this transmission around 2008 to replace older four-speed units and improve efficiency. However, over time, it became prone to issues like valve body wear or oil pressure problems, leading to unstable shifting. Owner forums often feature complaints about it, but honestly, regular transmission fluid changes and avoiding aggressive throttle inputs can extend its lifespan—it was, after all, a technological advancement for its time. Compared to today's eight- or ten-speed transmissions, it's fairly average, with fuel consumption around 10 liters in city driving and stable performance on highways. If buying used, I'd recommend checking for unusual noises from the transmission—don't overlook potential issues just to save a bit of money.
As an auto mechanic, I've worked on quite a few 2012 Malibus equipped with the GM 6T40 series six-speed automatic transmission, which was a first-generation product. This design was quite mainstream in the early 2010s, with advantages like simple structure and low cost, but it also had several drawbacks, such as the electronic control unit being prone to failures that could cause sluggish shifting or slippage. I've seen several owners bring their cars in for repairs because the oil filter wasn't changed regularly, leading to clogged oil passages. For maintenance, I recommend changing the specialized transmission fluid every 60,000 kilometers; otherwise, internal bearing wear could cost you a fortune. GM used this model primarily to match the 2.4-liter engine, aiming for fuel efficiency, but in real-world driving, it wasn't as smooth as Japanese transmissions. Overall, it's reliable but requires careful maintenance—typical of older models.
