Holiday Towing and Hauling: 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu Checklist

Trailer wiring and brake controller checks. Applied to a 2016-2024 Malibu, here is what that looks like.

Cooling System

Watch for the sweet smell of coolant after shutdown with no visible puddle. GM’s long-life coolant is generally rated for 5 years or 150,000 miles on the first fill and 5 years or 100,000 miles after that. Hoses and the surge tank should be inspected annually once past 80,000 miles.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Watch for air that is cold at highway speed and warm at a stoplight. Cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or annually. In North Texas with construction dust and cedar season, annually is the honest number.

Body and Exterior

Watch for a mirror that shakes at highway speed after a folding motor fails. Not a scheduled item. These are damage and failure replacements.

Sensors, Cameras and Driver Assistance

Watch for a park assist system that disables itself in cold weather and comes back warm. TPMS sensor batteries typically last seven to ten years and are commonly replaced as a set during a tire change.

The Short Version

Radiators: Engine, tow package and rear-A/C content all change the radiator and hose part numbers. Have the VIN ready.
Cabin air filters: Rear climate content, heated and cooled seats, and tri-zone systems all change the parts list.
Mirrors: Trim level changes almost every exterior part. Take a photo of the connector on the part you are replacing before you order.
Park assist sensors: Painted park assist sensors are ordered in primer and painted to your code. Confirm your paint code before ordering.

Everything here is available as a genuine GM part through our Chevrolet OEM parts catalog. If you would rather search directly, search for Malibu parts.