A Guide to Replacing the Automatic Transmission Mount on a 2012-2016 Chevrolet Malibu
Experiencing vibrations or clunking noises in your Chevy Malibu? It might be a failing transmission mount.
- Symptoms often include clunking noises when shifting and heavy vibration at idle or during acceleration.
- Your Malibu has multiple mounts; inspect all of them, as a single failure puts stress on the others.
- Aftermarket brand quality varies greatly. Economy brands like Anchor and DEA have a poor reputation for this part, while Pioneer is seen as a better alternative.
- Ignoring a bad mount can lead to damage to other parts like axles, hoses, and the exhaust system.
Is Your Malibu Shaking or Making Noise?
A worn-out automatic transmission mount is a common issue on many vehicles as they age, including the 8th generation Chevrolet Malibu. The rubber inside the mount cracks, wears out, or collapses from constant use and exposure to the elements. When this happens, the transmission is no longer held securely, leading to a number of noticeable problems.
Symptoms of a Bad Transmission Mount
- Excessive Vibration: You may feel a strong vibration through the floor, seats, or steering wheel, especially when the car is in gear and stopped at a light. 🎬 Watch: See how a bad mount causes excessive dash vibration. This vibration often gets worse during acceleration.
- Clunking or Banging Noises: Loud clunks or thuds when you shift from Park to Drive or Reverse are a classic sign. You might also hear noise when you accelerate or brake hard as the transmission shifts and hits its limits.
- Rough Shifting: Because the mount is no longer holding the transmission in the correct position, gear changes may feel harsh or delayed.
- Visible Engine Movement: If you have a helper put the car in gear and gently press the gas while holding the brake, you may see the engine and transmission assembly move or rock excessively under the hood.
Known Issues & Recalls
While there are no official recalls from the NHTSA specifically for transmission mount failure on the 2012-2016 Malibu, there was a recall related to the electronic park lock lever that could allow the key to be removed when the car isn't in Park. However, the failure of the mount itself is typically due to normal wear and tear over time.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Part: Brand Quality Matters
When shopping for a new aftermarket transmission mount, you will find a wide range of prices. For this part, price is often a direct indicator of quality and longevity. It's crucial to understand the difference between economy and premium aftermarket brands.
Economy Brands (Anchor, DEA, Westar)
Brands like Anchor, DEA, and Westar are widely available and very affordable. While the low price is tempting, many professional mechanics and experienced DIYers on automotive forums report negative experiences. Common complaints include premature failure, with some mounts lasting less than a year. The rubber used is often harder and less effective at damping vibration, and the metal brackets can be thinner than the original part. If you choose an economy brand, be aware that you may have to do the job again sooner than you'd like.
Premium Aftermarket Brands (Pioneer)
Brands like Pioneer are often considered a step-up, providing better quality that is closer to the original equipment (OEM) part. Forum users have reported that Pioneer mounts look and feel very similar to the factory part and perform well. While they cost more than economy brands, they generally offer better durability and vibration absorption, making them a good middle-ground between budget parts and expensive OEM parts.
Pro Tip: Check All Your Mounts
Your Malibu has multiple drivetrain mounts, including several for the transmission and at least one for the engine. If one mount has failed, the others have been subjected to the same age and stress. A failed mount also puts extra strain on the remaining good ones. It is highly recommended to inspect all engine and transmission mounts when you replace one, and replace them as a set if you find others are worn.
Estimated Replacement Costs
The cost to replace a transmission mount can vary significantly based on the parts you choose and whether you do the work yourself.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Mount (Economy) | $35 - $70 |
| New Aftermarket Mount (Premium) | $70 - $155 |
| New OEM (AC Delco) Mount | $88 - $281 |
| Shop Labor | $170 - $250 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $451 - $530 (with OEM part) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many transmission mounts does my 2012-2016 Malibu have?
The 2.5L models typically have a 4-piece mount system for the engine and transmission combined. This includes a right motor mount, a left transmission mount, a front left transmission mount, and a rear left transmission mount. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing the front transmission mount. It's important to correctly identify which mount has failed before ordering a replacement.
Is it safe to drive with a bad transmission mount?
You can drive the vehicle, but it is not recommended for long. Continuing to drive with a broken mount puts significant stress on other drivetrain components, including the other mounts, axles, and exhaust system, which can lead to more expensive repairs down the road.
Is an OEM mount better than aftermarket?
For this specific part, the original GM/AC Delco mount is generally considered the highest quality and will provide the best longevity and vibration damping. However, a premium aftermarket brand like Pioneer can offer comparable performance for less money. Many owners find that cheap, economy-level aftermarket mounts are not worth the initial savings due to poor performance and short lifespans.
Can I replace a transmission mount myself?
Yes, this is a job a skilled DIYer can perform. It requires safely supporting the engine and transmission from below with a floor jack and a block of wood. You will need a good set of metric sockets, extensions, and a ratchet. Accessing all the bolts may require working from the top, bottom, and through the wheel well. If you are not comfortable working under your vehicle and supporting the drivetrain, it is best to leave this job to a professional mechanic.
🎬 See this walkthrough for changing mounts on a 2013 Malibu.Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 23113985 20972904 13324724 84034273 22937329
The 2012-2016 Malibu uses a multi-piece mount system, typically including a front, rear, and left transmission mount, often made of aluminum and rubber. Some may be hydraulic-filled. It is crucial to identify the specific failed mount by location (e.g., front, rear) before purchasing.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Chevrolet Malibu:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Malibu Shaking or Making Noise?
- Symptoms of a Bad Transmission Mount
- Known Issues & Recalls
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Part: Brand Quality Matters
- Economy Brands (Anchor, DEA, Westar)
- Premium Aftermarket Brands (Pioneer)
- Pro Tip: Check All Your Mounts
- Estimated Replacement Costs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off