MoS2-Al2O3 composite coatings were fabricated on aluminum alloy substrates by micro-arc oxidation in silicate electrolytes doped with different concentrations of MoS2 micro particles. MoS2 (3)-Al2O3 composite coating showed more compact and smooth structure and thus the least scattering distribution of the hardness values. It was found that the friction and wear resistance of composite coating could be improved with increasing MoS2 particles in a range of 1 ∼ 3 g l−1. MoS2 (3)-Al2O3 showed low and steady friction coefficient value of 0.655. The friction and wear resistance of composite coating was impaired with further addition of MoS2 particles with the appearance of obvious oscillation in the friction coefficients. The friction and wear mechanism for the MoS2 (3)-Al2O3 composite coating was thoroughly studied.