If you are shopping at your local Chevrolet dealer this season, there are some changes you’ll want to keep your eye out for. One of the automaker’s most popular models, the Chevy Malibu, sees some changes for 2023, the most notable is that some units are being produced without hood insulation.
Hood insulation is usually a standard incorporation in vehicles because it serves the purpose of protecting your engine from the heat it produces. This insulation material is installed within the engine compartment underneath your vehicle’s hood.
Which Chevy Malibus Do Not Have Hood Insulation?
The impacted models are all from the 2023 Chevy Malibu. Since these models first underwent production on June 1st, 2022, some units were built without their standard hood insulation. This lack of hood insulation is a direct result of supply shortages that have been ongoing for the past year
Chevy models that are impacted will be designated with a window sticker that has the RPO code R6N. Drivers who purchased this model might have the option of exchanging the component for cash credit, however, Chevy has not announced any formal details. It’s also unclear if drivers will be able to bring in their impacted vehicle to the Chevrolet dealer for retrofitting.
Chevy Malibu Undergoes Other Changes
Missing hood insulation is not the only change the 2023 Chevy Malibu will be seeing. The automaker is planning to phase out this iconic model from its lineup beginning in 2024. As a result, the 2023 release saw some big changes. The Premier top trim level is now renamed 2LT. Along with a changing the name, this model will feature a downgraded powertrain. A turbocharged 1.5 L I4 LFV gas-powered engine replaces the previous Premier trim 2.0 l I4 LTG gas-powered engine. The new model also features an MRG continuously variable automatic transmission.
Cosmetic options will also be different as the Cherry Red Tintcoat, Northsky Blue Metallic, and Silver Ice Metallic exterior colors will no longer be available. They will instead be replaced with color options of Radiant Red Tintcoat, Riverside Blue Metallic, and Sterling Gray Metallic instead.
Are Other Chevy Models Impacted?
Sources at GM have also shared that a number of 2023 and 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 models are being manufactured without hood insulators.
As with affected Chevy Malibus, Silverado models that are impacted will have a window sticker that outlines the associated component RPO code R8V.
Chevy has not yet detailed whether drivers who have already purchased an impacted vehicle will be eligible for a credit. GM on the other hand will be offering a retrofit, but have yet to announce the details of the credit.
Outside of this supply chain issue, with the exception of the base model Work Truck trim. Chevy normally includes hood insulation as a standard feature on all trim levels of 2022 and 2023 Chevy Silverados.
Other models that are being produced without hood installation include the Chevy Colorado and the Chevy Camaro.
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