Why does the Malibu XL 9AT transmission fail?
2 Answers
It is due to a fault in the power electronic control system. Here is some relevant information about the Malibu: Introduction to the Malibu: The Malibu, officially known as the Chevrolet Malibu, is a mid-to-high-end vehicle from General Motors, sharing its platform with the Buick "Double Jun" series. On February 15, 2012, the Chevrolet Malibu officially entered the domestic market, offering a total of 5 models. Product features of the Malibu: In terms of appearance, the Malibu integrates the headlights and the grille into one unit, with the headlights adopting a combined high/low beam structure and xenon light sources. For power, the Malibu is equipped with a 1.5T engine, delivering a maximum power of 125kW. The transmission system uses a 6-speed automatic manual transmission, with a combined fuel consumption as low as 6.8L per 100 kilometers under comprehensive working conditions.
I've driven the Malibu XL, and the main issue with the 9AT transmission is hardware design flaws, such as the valve body wearing out too quickly, combined with software bugs causing delayed shifts, making city driving less smooth. Another problem is improper maintenance—many owners neglect changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 km. Dirty fluid can corrode internal components and accelerate damage. I once spent over 10,000 yuan on repairs. Before buying, it's advisable to check the batch number, especially for models around 2017, which are prone to issues. Don't skip maintenance records. Avoid slamming the accelerator in daily driving, as overheating can make things worse. Regularly checking the fluid level and quality can significantly extend its lifespan, preventing minor issues from turning into major repairs.
