The 2008–2012 Malibu uses the same key setup, so everything on this page applies to those years too. The full picture is on the Chevrolet Malibu key guide.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu: key facts

Key type: Remote-head key
Push-to-start: No
Transponder chip: ID46 (PK3+ circle-plus, Hitag2)
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

GM45/B111-family remote-head circle-plus key. GM's 30-minute (3x10-minute) onboard relearn covers all-keys-lost on most PK3+ vehicles without special tooling; OBD programming with a pro tool is faster.

Same key system as the 2008–2012 Malibu

Chevrolet kept the Malibu's key system unchanged across 2008–2012, so everything about replacing a 2012 key — blanks, programming, and what happens if every key is lost — matches the rest of that run. The full year-by-year breakdown lives in our Chevrolet Malibu key guide.

What drives the price is the key type, whether you still have a working key, and where the car is parked. There's more on Chevrolet programming in general on our Chevrolet key page.

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Reviewed by David, Owner & Lead Technician, Wilshire Lock & Key — in the locksmith trade since 1987.

Last updated 2026-10-11.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu key replacement

2012 Chevrolet Malibu: key facts

Same key system as the 2008–2012 Malibu

We cover all these cities