
Ask a Question About This Product
Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
CURT
Verify Fitment
Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.












Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!












Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Complete CURT Class 2 1-1/4" trailer hitch and 5-flat wiring kit (with 4-way to 5-way adapter for surge brakes) engineered for the 2008 - 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan, excluding hybrid & LTZ. Vehicle-specific fit, plug-and-play installation, all hardware and instructions included.
This custom kit fits the following vehicles:
All Hardware and Installation Instructions Included!
Whatever the next checkpoint is on your adventure -- whether it's getting your bike on the trail before sunrise or making it to the campground before dark -- CURT class 2 hitches let you Bring It with confidence. These receiver hitches are made to handle most light-duty towing applications and offer a custom fit for your vehicle. Typically used on full-size cars, crossovers, compact SUVs, minivans or even compact pickup trucks, a CURT class 2 trailer hitch complements the design of smaller vehicles. This particular class 2 hitch is made to be a custom hitch for certain years of the Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura (to verify vehicle compatibility, see application info). It offers a weight carrying capacity of 3,500 lbs. GTW and 300 lbs. TW. Class 2 trailer hitches can typically be used to tow a variety of lightweight trailers, such as a small utility trailer, small fishing boat trailer or popup camper (NOTE: Never exceed the lowest weight capacity of any towing component). They are also perfect for adding cargo space to your vehicle with a bike rack or cargo carrier. This class 2 hitch features a 1-1/4" receiver tube to accept a ball mount shank or other hitch-mounted accessory. For safety, it is tested in accordance with SAE J684. A custom trailer hitch design requires extra care, and as such, CURT class 2 hitches are engineered using real vehicles and hands-on research. We use high-strength steel, robotic welding and rigorous testing to produce hitches that are built to fit your lifestyle. To ensure that each hitch will be a reliable extension of your vehicle, we also finish our hitches in a co-curing of liquid A-coat and black powder coat, giving them long-lasting rust and wear resistance.
If your vehicle is not equipped with wiring for towing a trailer, CURT custom wiring is the ideal solution. A custom wiring harness -- also called a T-connector -- is a simple, plug-and-play electrical device that plugs into your automotive electric system and provides a standard, universal trailer wiring connection. This is done using two or more vehicle-specific, OEM-compatible connectors to plug into the taillight assembly, eliminating the need for cutting, splicing and soldering during installation. Custom wiring harnesses are made vehicle-specific, and while they are not available for all vehicles, they do offer one of the fastest, easiest and most secure ways to wire a vehicle for towing. This particular plug-in harness provides a 4-way flat connector socket and is designed to be a custom wiring harness to fit certain years of the Buick Enclave, Chevy Malibu and Chevy Traverse (to verify your vehicle compatibility, see application info). It comes with all necessary wiring components to establish a reliable trailer wiring connection, as well as a dust cover to keep the connector clean when not in use. You have a picture in mind of your next destination -- maybe it's the boat landing at your favorite fishing spot, maybe it's a campsite that overlooks one of nature's masterpieces, or maybe it's the next big jobsite. However, turning that picture into a reality takes more than just daydreaming. It takes a solid connection and the right amount of power. CURT custom wiring is made with some of the most sophisticated technology in the industry and is designed to install with ease, giving you a long-lasting electrical connection for your towing hitch setup.

CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 - 2012 | Chevrolet Malibu | Sedan, excluding hybrid & LTZ |
Yes, the 08 - 12 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan, excluding hybrid & LTZ Curt 1-1/4" Class 2 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 12051 (Part #5W-CHW-459) is designed to fit the 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
The 08 - 12 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan, excluding hybrid & LTZ Curt 1-1/4" Class 2 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 12051 (Part #5W-CHW-459) fits the following vehicles: 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 08 - 12 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan, excluding hybrid & LTZ Curt 1-1/4" Class 2 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 12051 (Part #5W-CHW-459) fits 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu models. The 2012 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 08 - 12 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan, excluding hybrid & LTZ Curt 1-1/4" Class 2 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 12051 (Part #5W-CHW-459) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The Curt 12051 has a gross load capacity of 3,500 lbs trailer weight and 300 lbs tongue weight when used as a weight-carrying hitch. However, you must not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower. Check your vehicle's owner manual for the maximum towing limit.
The Curt 12051 is designed for Chevrolet Malibu LS, LT & LTZ and Saturn Aura models. If you own one of these vehicles, the hitch is compatible. For other vehicle models or years not listed, contact Curt Manufacturing or your dealer to confirm fitment.
The Curt 12051 is designed for use with ball mount #D-221 / 45522. Use only this compatible ball mount to ensure proper fit and safety.
You will need: a drill, 17/32" drill bit, 9/16" socket, 3/4" socket, ratchet, torque wrench, and a black sharpie. A torque wrench is essential because fasteners must be torqued to specific values (37 lb-ft for 3/8" fasteners and 110 lb-ft for 1/2" fasteners).
The kit includes: 2× 3/8-16 UNC 1-1/2" Grade 8 bolts (part 10-10321), 2× 1/2-13 UNC 1-3/4" Grade 8 bolts (part 10-10272), 2× 1/2-13 UNC serrated flange nuts (part 20-00062), 2× 3/8-16 UNC serrated flange nuts (part 20-00102), 2× 0.250×1.00×3.00" square hole spacers (part CM-SP6), 2× 0.250×1.00×2.00" square hole spacers (part CM-SP18), 2× 0.250×1.00×1.50" round hole spacers (part CM-SP50), 2× 3/8" fishwire (part 3_8 FISHWIRE), and 2× 1/2" fishwire (part 1_2 FISHWIRE).
If you are installing the hitch from ground level, you will need to jack up the vehicle to access the frame rails and drilling points. This is noted as a requirement in the installation notes.
On models with dual exhaust, you must lower the exhaust system to ease installation. This is required to prevent interference during the installation process.
Yes, drilling is required. You must drill one 17/32" hole through each frame rail using the hitch as a template. The manual notes that existing holes on the frame end panels may need to be enlarged (this is specifically noted for Saturn Aura models). You will need a 17/32" drill bit.
You must drill one 17/32" hole through each frame rail. The hitch is used as a template to mark the drilling locations. Existing holes on the frame end panels may require enlargement.
Torque all 3/8" fasteners to 37 lb-ft and all 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb-ft. Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening. Do not over-tighten or under-tighten fasteners.
1. Feed fishwire through the end panel, slide spacer (Item 5) onto fishwire, thread carriage bolt (Item 4) onto fishwire, gently pull into position, and thread spacer (Item 6) onto fishwire. 2. Raise hitch into position and secure with hex flange nuts (Item 7). 3. Using the hitch as a template, drill one 17/32" hole through each frame rail. 4. Feed fishwire through the hitch side plate hole, the drilled frame rail hole, and out the access hole. 5. Thread spacer (Item 2) onto fishwire and attach to carriage bolt (Item 1), then pull fasteners through slot into position. 6. Loosely install hex flange nuts (Item 3) onto carriage bolts. 7. Torque all 3/8" fasteners to 37 lb-ft and all 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb-ft.
Fishwire is a temporary assembly aid. You thread fishwire through the end panel and frame holes, attach spacers and carriage bolts to the fishwire, and use it to pull the fasteners into position. The fishwire is left attached to the carriage bolt during initial positioning to hold parts in place until final torquing. This allows you to assemble the hitch without needing a second person to hold components.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure that all fasteners are tight and that all structural components are sound. This is an ongoing maintenance requirement to ensure safe operation and prevent loosening of fasteners due to vibration and use.
Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity. Although the Curt 12051 has a gross load capacity of 3,500 lbs trailer weight and 300 lbs tongue weight, your vehicle may have a lower limit. Always check your vehicle's owner manual and follow the manufacturer's towing guidelines.
The hitch weight is 37 lbs.
The Curt 12051 is designed for Chevrolet Malibu LS, LT & LTZ and Saturn Aura models only. Confirm your vehicle matches before purchasing.
Yes, you must drill one 17/32" hole through each frame rail using the hitch as a template. Existing holes may need enlargement.
Torque 3/8" fasteners to 37 lb-ft and 1/2" fasteners to 110 lb-ft using a torque wrench.
Use ball mount #D-221 / 45522, which is designed for this hitch.
Yes, the Curt 56027 fits Chevrolet Malibu models, with the exception of the LTZ trim. If you have a Malibu LTZ, this harness is not compatible.
Yes, the Curt 56027 custom wiring harness is compatible with the Chevrolet Traverse.
Yes, the Curt 56027 custom wiring harness is compatible with the Buick Enclave.
You will need a ratchet, 7mm socket, flat blade screwdriver, and panel trim removal tool.
Yes, you must disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning installation. This is the first step in the installation process.
Open the vehicle trunk. Remove the fasteners securing the felt trunk liner on the driver side and pull it back. You will see plastic wing nuts securing the taillight assembly. Remove the three plastic wing nuts, then locate and separate the vehicle taillight wiring harness connectors from the taillight housing. Take care not to damage the locking tabs. Repeat this process on the passenger side.
Open the vehicle tailgate. Remove the two bolts securing the taillight assembly on the driver side, then remove the taillight assembly to locate the vehicle taillight wiring harness connectors. Separate the connectors from the taillight housing, taking care not to damage the locking tabs. Repeat this process on the passenger side.
Insert the custom wiring harness end with the yellow wire between the separated vehicle taillight connectors. Make sure the connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place.
Route the custom wiring harness end with the green wire down through the opening underneath the taillight assembly. Route the wire along the backside of the bumper and up through the opening on the passenger side. Then repeat the taillight connection process on the passenger side using the harness end with the green wire.
Drilling may be required to establish a ground connection. You should locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as an existing screw with nut in the vehicle frame. If no suitable existing point is available, you may need to drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided screw. The area should be free of rust, dirt and paint before securing the white ground wire.
Do not exceed the product rating or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. Exceeding the product rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire.
Before drilling, check for miscellaneous items that may be hidden behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury.
When not in use, roll up the 4-flat connector and store it in a convenient, out of the way location. When in use, route the 4-flat to the center of the vehicle. Secure any loose wires with the provided cable ties.
Reinstall all items removed during installation and reconnect the negative battery terminal. Install the provided 4-flat dust cover to help prevent corrosion. Test for proper function by using a test light or connecting a properly wired trailer.
The white ground wire provides the ground connection for the wiring harness. It should be secured using the ring terminal and provided screw to a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as an existing screw with nut in the vehicle frame, or to a 3/32" pilot hole you drill in the frame.
The Curt 56027 fits Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Malibu (excluding LTZ), and Chevrolet Traverse.
You need a ratchet, 7mm socket, flat blade screwdriver, and panel trim removal tool.
Yes, disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting installation.
Drilling may be required if no suitable existing grounding point is available; you may need to drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the ground wire.
Do not exceed the product rating or tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower, as this can cause overheating and fire.
Test for proper function by using a test light or connecting a properly wired trailer.
On Sale Today
Original price was $457.75. Current price is $370.57.You save $87.18 (19%)
Free Shipping
Ships free on all orders





Quick Ship
In stock and ready to ship — order now!
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Tue, Aug 11 - Fri, Aug 14
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
No reviews have been added for this product.