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VERDICT · SAME ENGINE CONCERN AS THE EQUINOX

Chevrolet Malibu 2.4L
is it a safe used buy?

A comfortable midsize sedan sharing its 2.4L engine, and that engine's well-known oil consumption issue, with the contemporary Equinox.

GENERATION8th gen (2013–2015)
ENGINE2.4L Ecotec
POWER182 hp
USED PRICE$7,500–14,000

How the engine fits this car

The Malibu's midsize sedan body is a sensible, unstressed load for this engine mechanically — as with the Equinox, the oil consumption issue covered on the engine page is a factory design concern rather than a consequence of this specific application.

A 2.0L turbo engine was also offered on higher trims of this generation and carries a different risk profile, worth asking about specifically if you're comparing trim levels.

Chevrolet Malibu-specific pros and cons

This is about the car itself — for engine-specific failure points, see the dedicated engine page below.

WHAT HOLDS UP WELL

  • Comfortable, well-equipped midsize sedan with a smooth ride
  • Low purchase price reflects the engine's reputation, which can work in a careful buyer's favour
  • Reasonably spacious interior for the class
  • A documented, factory-repaired example can be a perfectly reasonable used buy at the right price

WHAT TO WATCH

  • Oil consumption is a widespread, well-documented issue on this generation's 2.4L engine
  • Resale demand has softened specifically because of this issue's notoriety
  • Timing chain tensioner wear has also been reported, a secondary concern
  • Some owners report the issue recurring even after a factory repair, worth asking about specifically

Pricing on the used market

Mileage band
Typical price
What to expect
Under 70,000 mi
$11,500–14,000
Still worth checking oil consumption regardless of mileage
70,000–120,000 mi
$9,000–11,500
Sweet spot only with documented, clean oil history
120,000+ mi
$7,500–9,000
Treat with real caution without proof of a factory repair

The engine itself

This generation of Malibu shares its 2.4L Ecotec, and its well-documented oil consumption issue, with the contemporary Equinox. The full checklist lives on the dedicated engine page.

FULL ENGINE BREAKDOWNChevrolet 2.4L Ecotec — Reliable or Not →

Pre-purchase checklist for this generation

This is non-negotiable: ask for documented oil consumption history and, ideally, verify the level yourself before considering anything else about the car.

Check whether any manufacturer extended warranty or goodwill engine repair was ever performed, and get documentation if so.

If comparing against a 2.0L turbo trim of the same generation, ask specifically which engine the car has before assuming this checklist applies.