The 2016–2020 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.

2018 Chevrolet Malibu: key facts

Key type: Smart / proximity key
Push-to-start: Yes
Transponder chip: 46E (Hitag2 Extended)
Programming: OBD
All keys lost: We can originate new keys on site

Push-button start standard; HYQ4AA/HYQ4ES-family fobs.

Same key system as the 2016–2020 Malibu

Chevrolet kept the Malibu's key system unchanged across 2016–2020, so everything about replacing a 2018 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.

2018 Chevrolet Malibu key replacement

2018 Chevrolet Malibu: key facts

Same key system as the 2016–2020 Malibu

We cover all these cities