Free 2011 Chevrolet Malibu VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

WMIs, or World Manufacturer Identifiers, are unique codes used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. For the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, the WMI code is “1G1”, which specifically denotes vehicles produced by General Motors LLC in the United States. This code forms the initial part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and in this case, indicates that the vehicle is a passenger car made in Warren, Michigan. WMIs are crucial for tracking, registration, and recall purposes, ensuring each vehicle can be accurately traced back to its manufacturer, model year, and place of production. For instance, a Chevrolet Malibu produced between 1997 and 2024 and bearing the WMI “1G1” suggests it’s part of General Motors’ extensive production during these years.

List of WMI Codes for a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu

WMI: 1G1

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1983, 1997-2024
• Example VIN: 1G1ZA5EU0BF100251
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2011 Chevrolet Malibu Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu

The final 6 characters in a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Chevrolet Malibu’s VIN below:

What info can a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu VIN reveal?

• Model and Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, as in the case of the 2011 Malibu, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Details: The VIN code indicates that the Malibu is equipped with a 2.4L engine with an In-Line configuration, developed by GM, and designed to be E85 compatible, which might suggest a balance between performance and environmental consideration.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency Technologies: It highlights that the vehicle is a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV), capable of operating on more than one type of fuel, including engines that can run on a blend of ethanol and gasoline, possibly providing flexibility in fuel choice.
• Safety Features: The VIN suggests comprehensive safety features, implying the presence of airbags in all rows, as well as in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, indicating a possible high priority for occupant safety throughout the vehicle.
• Body and Design Specifications: The VIN may indicate that the Malibu is classified as a Sedan/Saloon with four doors, emphasizing possible design for family-friendly functionality and comfort.
• Production Details: Manufacturing specifics such as the assembly plant located in Kansas City, United States, under Fairfax Assembly, may underline the vehicle’s American production heritage.
• Advanced Technology Features: Elements like a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) possibly showcase the vehicle’s incorporation of advanced technologies for improved safety and engine performance.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu