Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Malibu or the Chevrolet Malibu?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Chevrolet Malibu is cheaper to maintain — about $12,151 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 4.1L I6 and the 1.5L I4 Turbo?

Across 24 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Chevrolet Malibu or Chevrolet Malibu?

The Chevrolet Malibu has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The Chevrolet Malibu has 1 open recall. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1973–1977 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Chevrolet Malibu

Specifications

Year

1973–1977

2025

Engine

4.1L I6

1.5L I4 Turbo

Drivetrain

RWD

FWD

Transmission

—

automatic

Fuel

gas

Powertrain

Engine output, acceleration, top speed, handling, braking — and Nürburgring if either car ran one.

Horsepower

—hp

Torque

—lb-ft

0–60 mph

—

Quarter Mile

—

Top Speed

—

Skidpad

—

60–0 Braking

—

70–0 Braking

—

MPG · City

—

MPG · Highway

—

MPG · Combined

—

Performance specs synthesized from manufacturer figures and instrumented magazine tests (Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Road & Track). MPG from EPA fueleconomy.gov. Numbers flagged as "low confidence" by AI generation are conservative estimates from related platforms.

Cost of Ownership

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$6,828

0.11 $/mi

5-Year Maintenance

$18,979

0.32 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEChevrolet Malibu — Saves you $12,151 over 5 years (178% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

0.4 hrs$1,200 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$1,380 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

1.4 hrs$580 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.4 hrs$480 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

1.4 hrs$560 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.5 hrs$530 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$440 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr

0.9 hrs$300 / 5yr

12V battery

0.4 hrs$260 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$275 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.5 hrs$210 / 5yr

0.6 hrs$240 / 5yr

Spark plugs

0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr

0.9 hrs$215 / 5yr

Water pump

2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

2.9 hrs$194 / 5yr

Coolant flush

0.8 hrs$170 / 5yr

0.9 hrs$185 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

3.0 hrs$162 / 5yr

3.5 hrs$185 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr

4.0 hrs$163 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

Alternator

1.5 hrs$131 / 5yr

1.7 hrs$139 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

0.6 hrs$125 / 5yr

0.7 hrs$140 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr

1.7 hrs$126 / 5yr

Cabin air filter

— hrs

0.3 hrs$210 / 5yr

Starter motor

1.5 hrs$85 / 5yr

1.7 hrs$91 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.4 hrs$80 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

Oxygen sensor

1.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

— hrs

Thermostat

0.8 hrs$56 / 5yr

0.9 hrs$61 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

— hrs

Active Recalls

★ WINNER

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

1 open

🏆

ADVANTAGEChevrolet Malibu — 1 fewer open recall from the NHTSA

Fluid Capacities

Chevrolet Malibu

ac_refrigerant · R-12

brake1.00 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant16.00 qt · conventional silicate-based

engine_oil5.00 qt · API SG/SH (or modern SN backward compatible)

power_steering2.00 qt · GM Type II or Dexron

rear_diff3.50 qt · GL-5

transmission_auto10.00 qt · GM Dexron III or VI

transmission_manual3.00 qt · GL-4

washer1.00 qt · windshield washer fluid

Chevrolet Malibu

ac_refrigerant · R-1234yf

brake0.75 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant8.50 qt · GM 6277M

engine_oil5.00 qt · dexos1 Gen 3

power_steering · none — electric power steering

transmission_auto7.40 qt · GM Part No. 19417577

washer1.30 qt · Windshield washer fluid

The Verdict

🏆

THE WINNER

1973–1977 Chevrolet Malibu

4.1L I6

Chevrolet Malibu is cheaper to maintain (saves ~$12,151 over 5 years)
Chevrolet Malibu has 1 fewer open NHTSA recall

Based on objective maintenance and recall data. Driving feel, looks, brand loyalty, and ownership experience are separate (and very valid) considerations.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.