Free 2012 Chevrolet Malibu VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

WMI, or World Manufacturer Identifier, is the initial sequence of three letters or numbers in a vehicle identification number (VIN), which uniquely identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer. In the case of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, the WMI is “1G1,” indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. This code is crucial for identifying the make and model of a vehicle, especially for issues related to safety, registration, and in identifying specific features or recalls. The WMI code also pinpoints the vehicle type, labeling the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu as a passenger car. This identifier is an essential tool for both consumers and manufacturers, ensuring the traceability and authenticity of a vehicle’s origin and specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

WMI: 1G1

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1983, 1997-2024
• Example VIN: 1G1ZE5E73CF146527
• 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 2012 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 2012 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 2012 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 2012 Chevrolet Malibu VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

The final 6 characters in a 2012 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 2012 Chevrolet Malibu VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2012, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Type: The Malibu model is powered by a 2.4-liter engine (2400 CC or 146.45698582735 CI) with an In-Line configuration, designed by GM under the model LE9. The engine is characterized by Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI), showcasing its fuel delivery system.
• Fuel Type: It may support Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology, allowing it to operate on a combination of fuel types, including gasoline and ethanol blends (E85), emphasizing its versatility in fuel usage.
• Safety Features: The vehicle is equipped with curtain airbags for all rows, front airbags for the 1st row (driver and passenger), and side airbags for the 1st row, prioritizing occupant protection across multiple impact scenarios.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN details categorize the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, providing insights into the general body style and access points of the vehicle.
• Assembly Plant Information: The vehicle was assembled in Kansas City at the Fairfax Assembly plant, United States, indicating the vehicle’s manufacturing location, which can be key for those interested in the production origin.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Classified within Class 1, indicating it has a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), providing information on the vehicle’s size and potential weight capacity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

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