2021 CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
24 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without holding
the window switch. Press the switch down
fully and quickly release to express-open the
window.
If equipped, pull the window switch up fully
and quickly release to express-close the
window.
Briefly press or pull the window switch in
the same direction to stop that window’s
express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal System
The express-close feature will reverse
window movement if it comes in contact
with an object. Extreme cold or ice could
cause the window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after the
object or condition is removed.
Automatic Reversal System Override
{Warning
If automatic reversal system override is
active, the window will not reverse
automatically. You or others could be
injured and the window could be(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
damaged. Before using automatic reversal
system override, make sure that all
people and obstructions are clear of the
window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling and
holding the window switch if conditions
prevent it from closing.
Programming the Power Windows
Programming may be necessary if the
vehicle's battery has been disconnected or
discharged. If the window is unable to
express-up, program each express-close
window: 1. Close all doors.
2. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
3. Partially open the window to be programmed. Then close it and continue
to pull the switch briefly after the
window has fully closed.
4. Open the window and continue to press the switch briefly after the window has
fully opened.
Remote Window Operation
If equipped, this feature allows the windows
to be opened remotely. If enabled in vehicle
personalization, press and hold
"on the
RKE transmitter. See Vehicle Personalization
0 100.
Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block glare.
Detach the sun visor from the center mount
to pivot to the side window, or to extend
along the rod, if available.
The vehicle may have mirror lamps. The
lamps turn on and off when the cover is
opened and closed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
Roof
Sunroof
If equipped, the ignition must be on or in
ACC/ACCESSORY, or Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) must be active to operate the
sunroof. SeeIgnition Positions 0182 and
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 0186.
1. Sunroof Switch
2. Sunshade Switch
Sunroof Express Operation
Press and release
D(1) to vent. Press and
release again to express-open. Press
D(1)
at any time to stop movement. Press and
release
g(1) to express-close. Pressg
(1) at any time to stop movement.
Sunroof Manual Operation
The sunroof can change to manual mode by
holding
D(1) while opening. The sunroof
will now open as long as
D(1) is held.
Press and release again to change back to
express operation.
Power Sunshade Express Operation
Press and release
C(2) to express-open the
power sunshade. Press
C(2) at any time to
stop movement. Press and release
Q(2)
to express-close the power sunshade. Press
Q(2) at any time to stop movement.
Power Sunshade Manual Operation
The power sunshade can change to manual
mode by holding
C(2) while opening. The
power sunshade will now open as long as
C(2) is held. Press and release again to
change back to express operation. The sunroof cannot be opened or closed if
the vehicle has an electrical failure.
Automatic Reversal System
The sunroof has an automatic reversal
system that is only active when the sunroof
is operated in express-close mode.
If an object is in the path while express
closing, the reversal system will detect an
object, stop, and open the sunroof or power
shade slightly.
If frost or other conditions prevent closing,
override the feature by closing the sunroof
in manual mode. To stop movement, release
the switch.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Dirt and debris may collect on the sunroof
seal or in the track. This could cause an
issue with sunroof operation or noise.
It could also plug the water drainage
system. Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose debris. Wipe
the sunroof seal and roof sealing area using
a clean cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not
remove grease from the sunroof.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Seats and Restraints 27
Seats and Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . 34
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Seat Belts
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Buckle To Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . 39
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . 43
Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 47
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 48
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . 48
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Front Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Head Restraints
{
Warning
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly, there is a
greater chance that occupants will suffer
a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for all
occupants are installed and adjusted
properly.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top of
the restraint is at the same height as the
top of the occupant's head. This position
reduces the chance of a neck injury in a
crash.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
28 Seats and Restraints
Front Seat
The vehicle's front seats have adjustable
head restraints in the outboard seating
positions.
To raise or lower the head restraint, press
the button located on the side of the head
restraint and pull up or push the head
restraint down and release the button.
Pull and push on the head restraint after the
button is released to make sure that it is
locked in place.
The front seat outboard head restraints are
not removable.
Rear Seat
The vehicle's rear seats have adjustable head
restraints in the outboard seating positions.
The height of the head restraint can be
adjusted. Pull the head restraint up to raise
it. Try to move the head restraint to make
sure that it is locked in place.
To lower the head restraint, press the
button, located on the top of the seatback,
and push the head restraint down. Try to
move the head restraint after the button is
released to make sure that it is locked in
place.
The rear seat outboard head restraints are
not intended to be removed. If removal is
required see your dealer for assistance withremoval. In the event of an emergency, the
following can be used as removal and
installation instructions. Store the removed
head restraints in a secure place. Reinstall
the head restraints before the seating
position is occupied.
Head Restraint Removal and
Reinstallation
To remove the head restraint:
1. Partially fold the seatback forward. See Rear Seats 035 for additional
information.
2. Press both buttons on the head restraint posts at the same time, and pull up on
the head restraint.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Seats and Restraints 29
3. Store the head restraint in a secureplace.
{Warning
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly, there is a
greater chance that occupants will suffer
a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for all
occupants are installed and adjusted
properly.
To reinstall the head restraint:
1. Insert the head restraint posts into the holes in the top of the seatback. The
notches on the posts must face the
driver side of the vehicle.
2. Push the head restraint down.
If necessary, press the height adjustment
release button to further lower the head
restraint. See Rear Seats035.
3. Try to move the head restraint to make sure that it is locked in place.
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment
{Warning
You can lose control of the vehicle if you
try to adjust a driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. Adjust the driver seat
only when the vehicle is not moving.
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Pull the handle at the front of the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the handle.
3. Try to move the seat back and forth to be sure it is locked in place.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
30 Seats and Restraints
Manual Seat Height Adjuster
Move the lever on the outboard side of the
seat up or down to manually adjust the seat
height.
Power Seat Adjustment
{Warning
The power seats will work with the
ignition off. Children could operate the
power seats and be injured. Never leave
children alone in the vehicle.
To adjust a power seat, if equipped:
.Move the seat forward or rearward by
sliding the control forward or rearward.
.Raise or lower the front part of the seat
cushion by moving the front of the
control up or down.
.Raise or lower the entire seat by moving
the entire control up or down.
.Raise or lower the rear part of the seat
cushion by moving the back of the
control up or down.
To adjust the seatback, see Reclining
Seatbacks 030.
Lumbar Adjustment
If equipped, press and hold the front or rear
of the control to increase or decrease
lumbar support.
Reclining Seatbacks
{Warning
Sitting in a reclined position when the
vehicle is in motion can be dangerous.
Even when buckled up, the seat belts
cannot do their job.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Seats and Restraints 31
Warning (Continued)
The shoulder belt will not be against
your body. Instead, it will be in front of
you. In a crash, you could go into it,
receiving neck or other injuries.
The lap belt could go up over your
abdomen. The belt forces would be there,
not at your pelvic bones. This could cause
serious internal injuries.
For proper protection when the vehicle is
in motion, have the seatback upright.
Then sit well back in the seat and wear
the seat belt properly.
Do not have a seatback reclined if the
vehicle is moving.
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
{Warning
If either seatback is not locked, it could
move forward in a sudden stop or crash.
That could cause injury to the person
sitting there. Always push and pull on
the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.
To recline a manual seatback:1. Lift the lever. 2. Move the seatback to the desired
position, and then release the lever to
lock the seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to the upright
position: 1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the seatback, and the
seatback will return to the upright
position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
Power Reclining Seatbacks
To adjust a power seatback, if available: