CHEVROLET MALIBU 2021 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
330 Customer Information
the event you suspect any security incident
impacting your data or the safe operation of
your vehicle, please stop operating your
vehicle and contact your dealer.
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR
is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data
that will assist in understanding how a
vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is
designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record
such data as:
.How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
.Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
.How far (if at all) the driver was
depressing the accelerator and/or brake
pedal; and,
.How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better
understanding of the circumstances in which
crashes and injuries occur. Note
EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only
if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no
data are recorded by the EDR under normal
driving conditions and no personal data
(e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location)
are recorded. However, other parties, such
as law enforcement, could combine the EDR
data with the type of personally identifying
data routinely acquired during a crash
investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special
equipment is required, and access to the
vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to
the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such
as law enforcement, that have the special
equipment, can read the information if they
have access to the vehicle or the EDR.
GM will not access these data or share it
with others except: with the consent of the
vehicle owner or, if the vehicle is leased,
with the consent of the lessee; in response
to an official request by police or similar
government office; as part of GM's defense
of litigation through the discovery process;
or, as required by law. Data that GM collects
or receives may also be used for GM
research needs or may be made available to
others for research purposes, where a need
is shown and the data is not tied to a
specific vehicle or vehicle owner.
OnStar
If the vehicle is equipped with OnStar and
has an active service plan, additional data
may be collected and transmitted through
the OnStar system. This includes information
about the vehicle’s operation; collisions
involving the vehicle; the use of the vehicle
and its features, including infotainment; and
the location and approximate GPS speed of
the vehicle. Refer to the OnStar Terms and
Conditions and Privacy Statement on the
OnStar website.
See
OnStar Additional Information 0332.
Infotainment System
If the vehicle is equipped with a navigation
system as part of the infotainment system,
use of the system may result in the storage
of destinations, addresses, telephone
numbers, and other trip information. See the
infotainment section for information on
stored data and for deletion instructions.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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OnStar 331
OnStar
OnStar Overview
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
OnStar Services
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
OnStar Additional Information
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . 332
OnStar Overview
=Voice Command Button
QBlue OnStar Button
>Red Emergency Button
This vehicle may be equipped with a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system that can
connect to an OnStar Advisor for Emergency,
Security, Navigation, Connections, and
Diagnostics Services. OnStar services may
require a paid service plan and data plan.
OnStar requires the vehicle battery and
electrical system, cellular service, and GPS
satellite signals to be available and
operating. OnStar acts as a link to existing
emergency service providers. OnStar may
collect information about you and your
vehicle, including location information. See
OnStar User Terms, Privacy Statement, and
Software Terms for more details including
system limitations at www.onstar.com (U.S.)
or www.onstar.ca (Canada). The OnStar system status light is next to
the OnStar buttons. If the status light is:
.Solid Green: System is ready.
.Flashing Green: On a call.
.Red: Indicates a problem.
.Off: System is off. PressQtwice to
speak with an OnStar Advisor.
Press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) to speak to an Advisor.
Functionality of the Voice Command button
may vary by vehicle and region.
Press
=to:
.Open the OnStar app on the infotainment
display. See OnStar System 0124 for
information on how to use the
OnStar app.
Or
.Give OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation voice
commands.
.Obtain and customize the Wi-Fi hotspot
name or SSID and password, if equipped.
Press
Qto connect to an Advisor to:
.Verify account information or update
contact information.
.Get driving directions.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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332 OnStar
.Receive a Diagnostic check of the vehicle's
key operating systems.
.Receive Roadside Assistance.
.Manage Wi-Fi Settings, if equipped.
Press
>to get a priority connection to an
OnStar Advisor available 24/7 to:
.Get help for an emergency.
.Be a Good Samaritan or respond to an
AMBER Alert.
.Get assistance in severe weather or other
crisis situations and find evacuation
routes.
OnStar Services
Emergency
Emergency Services require an active safety
and security plan. With Automatic Crash
Response, built-in sensors can automatically
alert a specially trained OnStar Advisor who
is immediately connected in to the vehicle
to help.
Press
>for a priority connection to an
OnStar Advisor who can contact emergency
service providers, direct them to your exact
location, and relay important information. With OnStar Crisis Assist, specially trained
Advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, to provide a central point of
contact, assistance, and information during a
crisis.
With Roadside Assistance, Advisors can
locate a nearby service provider to help with
a flat tire, a battery jump, or an empty
gas tank.
Security
If equipped, OnStar provides these services:
.With Stolen Vehicle Assistance, OnStar
Advisors can use GPS to pinpoint the
vehicle and help authorities quickly
recover it.
.With Remote Ignition Block, if equipped,
OnStar can block the engine from being
restarted.
.With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,
if equipped, OnStar can work with law
enforcement to gradually slow the
vehicle down.
Theft Alarm Notification
If equipped, if the doors are locked and the
vehicle alarm sounds, a notification by text,
e-mail, or phone call will be sent. If the
vehicle is stolen, an OnStar Advisor can work
with authorities to recover the vehicle.
OnStar Additional
Information
In-Vehicle Audio Messages
Audio messages may play important
information at the following times:
.Prior to vehicle purchase. PressQto set
up an account.
.After change in ownership and at
90 days.
Transferring Service
PressQto request account transfer
eligibility information. The Advisor can
cancel or change account information.
Selling/Transferring the Vehicle
Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827)
immediately to terminate your OnStar or
connected services if the vehicle is disposed
of, sold, transferred, or if the lease ends.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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OnStar 333
Reactivation for Subsequent Owners
PressQand follow the prompts to speak to
an Advisor as soon as possible. The Advisor
will update vehicle records and explain
OnStar or connected service options.
How OnStar Service Works
Automatic Crash Response, Emergency
Services, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle
Assistance, Remote Services, and Roadside
Assistance are available on most vehicles.
Not all OnStar services are available
everywhere or on all vehicles. For more
information, a full description of OnStar
services, system limitations, and OnStar User
Terms, Privacy Statement, and Software
Terms:
.Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
.See www.onstar.com (U.S.).
.See www.onstar.ca (Canada).
.Call TTY 1-877-248-2080.
.PressQto speak with an Advisor.
OnStar or connected services cannot work
unless the vehicle is in a place where OnStar
has an agreement with a wireless service
provider for service in that area. The
wireless service provider must also have
coverage, network capacity, reception, and technology compatible with OnStar or
connected services. Service involving location
information about the vehicle cannot work
unless GPS signals are available,
unobstructed, and compatible with the
OnStar hardware. OnStar or connected
services may not work if the OnStar
equipment is not properly installed or it has
not been properly maintained. If equipment
or software is added, connected,
or modified, OnStar or connected services
may not work. Other problems beyond the
control of OnStar
—such as hills, tall
buildings, tunnels, weather, electrical system
design and architecture of the vehicle,
damage to the vehicle in a crash, or wireless
phone network congestion or jamming —
may prevent service.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0328.
Services for People with Disabilities
Advisors provide services to help with
physical disabilities and medical conditions.
Press
Qto help:
.Locate a gas station with an attendant to
pump gas.
.Find a hotel, restaurant, etc., that meets
accessibility needs.
.Provide directions to the closest hospital
or pharmacy in urgent situations.
TTY Users
OnStar has the ability to communicate to
deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired
customers while in the vehicle. The available
dealer-installed TTY system can provide
in-vehicle access to all OnStar services,
except Virtual Advisor and OnStar
Turn-by-Turn Navigation.
If equipped, TTY mode can be turned on or
off by touching Settings, then Apps, and
then Phone. When TTY mode is on, phone
calls can be made or received with OnStar
using the infotainment display.
OnStar Personal Identification
Number (PIN)
A PIN is needed to access some OnStar
services. The PIN will need to be changed
the first time when speaking with an
Advisor. To change the OnStar PIN, contact
an OnStar Advisor by pressing
Qor calling
1-888-4ONSTAR.
Warranty
OnStar equipment may be warranted as part
of the vehicle warranty.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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334 OnStar
Languages
The vehicle can be programmed to respond
in multiple languages. Press
Qand ask for
an Advisor. Advisors are available in English,
Spanish, and French. Available languages
may vary by country.
Potential Issues
OnStar cannot perform Remote Door Unlock
or Stolen Vehicle Assistance after the vehicle
has been off continuously for 10 days
without an ignition cycle. If the vehicle has
not been started for 10 days, OnStar can
contact Roadside Assistance or a locksmith
to help gain access to the vehicle.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
.Obstruction of the GPS can occur in a
large city with tall buildings; in parking
garages; around airports; in tunnels and
underpasses; or in an area with very
dense trees. If GPS signals are not
available, the OnStar system should still
operate to call OnStar. However, OnStar
could have difficulty identifying the exact
location.
.In emergency situations, OnStar can use
the last stored GPS location to send to
emergency responders. A temporary loss of GPS can cause loss of
the ability to send a Turn-by-Turn
Navigation route. The Advisor may give a
verbal route or may ask for a call back after
the vehicle is driven into an open area.
Cellular and GPS Antennas
Cellular reception is required for OnStar to
send remote signals to the vehicle. Do not
place items over or near the antenna to
prevent blocking cellular and GPS signal
reception.
Unable to Connect to OnStar Message
If there is limited cellular coverage or the
cellular network has reached maximum
capacity, this message may come on. Press
Qto try the call again or try again after
driving a few miles into another
cellular area.
Vehicle and Power Issues
OnStar services require a vehicle electrical
system, wireless service, and GPS satellite
technologies to be available and operating
for features to function properly. These
systems may not operate if the battery is
discharged or disconnected.
Add-on Electrical Equipment
The OnStar system is integrated into the
electrical architecture of the vehicle. Do not
add any electrical equipment. See Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0226. Added electrical
equipment may interfere with the operation
of the OnStar system and cause it to not
operate.
Vehicle Software Updates
OnStar or GM may remotely deliver
software updates or changes to the vehicle
without further notice or consent. These
updates or changes may enhance or
maintain safety, security, or the operation
of the vehicle or the vehicle systems.
Software updates or changes may affect or
erase data or settings that are stored in the
vehicle, such as saved navigation
destinations or pre-set radio stations.
Neither OnStar nor GM is responsible for
any affected or erased data or settings.
These updates or changes may also collect
personal information. Such collection is
described in the OnStar privacy statement or
separately disclosed at the time of
installation. These updates or changes may
also cause a system to automatically
communicate with GM servers to collect
information about vehicle system status,

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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OnStar 335
identify whether updates or changes are
available, or deliver updates or changes. An
active OnStar agreement constitutes consent
to these software updates or changes and
agreement that either OnStar or GM may
remotely deliver them to the vehicle.
Privacy
The complete OnStar Privacy Statement may
be found at www.onstar.com (U.S.),
or www.onstar.ca (Canada). We recommend
that you review it. If you have any
questions, call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) or press
Qto speak with
an Advisor. Users of wireless
communications are cautioned that the
privacy of any information sent via wireless
cellular communications cannot be assured.
Third parties may unlawfully intercept or
access transmissions and private
communications without consent.
OnStar - Software Acknowledgements
To obtain the source code under GPL, LGPL,
MPL, and other open source licenses, that is
contained in this product, please visit http://
opensource.lge.com. In addition to the
source code, all referred license terms,
warranty disclaimers, and copyright notices
are available for download. This offer is valid for a period of three years after our last
shipment of this product. This offer is valid
to anyone in receipt of this information.
*Provided through LG Electronics Inc., who is
solely responsible for provisions of related
OSS compliance.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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336 Connected Services
Connected Services
Connected Services
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Connected Services
Navigation
Navigation requires a specific OnStar or
connected service plan.
Press
Qto receive Turn-by-Turn directions
or have them sent to the vehicle’s
navigation screen, if equipped.
Turn-by-Turn Navigation
1. PressQto connect to an Advisor.
2. Request directions to be downloaded to the vehicle.
3. Follow the voice-guided commands.
Using Voice Commands During a
Planned Route
Functionality of the Voice Command button,
if equipped, may vary by vehicle and region.
For some vehicles, press
=to open the
OnStar app on the infotainment display. For
other vehicles press
=as follows.
Cancel Route 1. Press
=. System responds: “OnStar
ready,” then a tone. 2. Say
“Cancel route.” System responds:
“Do you want to cancel directions?”
3. Say “Yes.”System responds: “OK, request
completed, thank you, goodbye.”
Route Preview
1. Press
=. System responds: “OnStar
ready,” then a tone.
2. Say “Route preview.” System responds
with the next three maneuvers.
Repeat
1. Press
=. System responds: “OnStar
ready,” then a tone.
2. Say “Repeat.” System responds with the
last direction given, then responds with
“OnStar ready,” then a tone.
Get My Destination
1. Press
=. System responds: “OnStar
ready,” then a tone.
2. Say “Get my destination.” System
responds with the address and distance
to the destination, then responds with
“OnStar ready,” then a tone.
Send Destination to Vehicle
Directions can be sent to the vehicle’s
navigation screen, if equipped.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Connected Services 337
PressQ, then ask the Advisor to download
directions to the vehicle’s navigation system,
if equipped. After the call ends, the
navigation screen will provide prompts to
begin driving directions. Routes that are sent
to the navigation screen can only be
canceled through the navigation system.
See www.onstar.com (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca
(Canada).
Connections
The following services help with staying
connected.
For coverage maps, see www.onstar.com
(U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada).
Ensuring Security
.Change the default passwords for the
Wi-Fi hotspot and myChevrolet mobile
application. Make these passwords
different from each other and use a
combination of letters and numbers to
increase the security.
.Change the default name of the SSID
(Service Set Identifier). This is your
network’s name that is visible to other
wireless devices. Choose a unique name
and avoid family names or vehicle
descriptions. Wi-Fi Hotspot (If Equipped)
The vehicle may have a built-in Wi-Fi
hotspot that provides access to the Internet
and web content at 4G LTE speed. Up to
seven mobile devices can be connected.
A data plan is required. Use the in-vehicle
controls only when it is safe to do so.
1. To retrieve Wi-Fi hotspot information, press
=to open the OnStar app on the
infotainment display, then select Wi-Fi
Hotspot. On some vehicles, touch Wi-Fi
or Wi-Fi Settings on the screen.
2. The Wi-Fi settings will display the Wi-Fi hotspot name (SSID), password, and on
some vehicles, the connection type (no
Internet connection, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE), and
signal quality (poor, good, excellent). The
LTE icon shows connection to Wi-Fi. It is
possible that the icon may not illuminate
even though the vehicle has an active
connection.
3. To change the SSID or password, press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR to connect
with an Advisor. On some vehicles, the
SSID and password can be changed in
the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu. After initial set-up, your vehicle’s Wi-Fi
hotspot will connect automatically to your
mobile devices. Manage data usage by
turning Wi-Fi on or off on your mobile
device, using the myChevrolet mobile app,
or by contacting an OnStar Advisor. On
some vehicles, Wi-Fi can also be managed
from the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu.
MyChevrolet Mobile App (If Available)
Download the myChevrolet mobile app to
compatible Apple and Android smartphones.
Chevrolet users can access the following
services from a smartphone:
.Remotely start/stop the vehicle,
if factory-equipped.
.Lock/unlock doors, if equipped with
automatic locks.
.Activate the horn and lamps.
.Check the vehicle’s fuel level, oil life,
or tire pressure, if factory-equipped with
the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
.Send destinations to the vehicle.
.Locate the vehicle on a map (U.S.
market only).
.Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot on/off,
manage settings, and monitor data
consumption, if equipped.
.Locate a dealer and schedule service.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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338 Connected Services
.Request Roadside Assistance.
.Set a parking reminder with pin drop,
take a photo, make a note, and set a
timer.
.Connect with Chevrolet on social media.
Features are subject to change. For
myChevrolet mobile app information and
compatibility, see my.chevrolet.com.
An active OnStar or connected service plan
may be required. A compatible device,
factory-installed remote start, and power
locks are required. Data rates apply. See
www.onstar.com for details and system
limitations.
Remote Services
Contact an OnStar Advisor to unlock the
doors or sound the horn and flash the
lamps.
Marketplace
OnStar Advisors can provide offers from
restaurants and retailers on your route, help
locate hotels, or book a room. These services
vary by market.
Diagnostics
By monitoring and reporting on the vehicle's
key systems, OnStar Advanced Diagnostics,
if equipped, provides a way to keep up on
maintenance. Capabilities vary by model.
See www.onstar.com for details and system
limitations. Features are subject to change.
For updates on feature capabilities, see
my.chevrolet.com. Message and data rates
may apply.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Index 339
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . 309
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164, 166
Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . 170
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 48
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 48
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 47
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 53
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 53
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Antenna Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . 146
Armrest Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . 209
Assistance Systems for Parking and
Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205