Microarc oxidation (MAO) coatings were prepared on 2024 aluminum alloy in a Na_2SiO_3-KOH electrolyte with KMnO_4 addition varying from 0 to 4 g/L. The microstructure and phases of the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD), respectively. The corrosion resistance of MAO coatings was evaluated by electrochemical potentiodynamic polarization in 5% (mass fraction) NaCl solution. The results show that when KMnO_4 is added into base electrolyte, the growth speed of oxide coatings is increased obviously. The main phase of oxide coatings is Al_2O_3, and the contents of MnO_2 and Mn_2AlO_4 phases are increased at the top of oxide coatings with increasing the concentration of KMnO_4. The solute elements participate in forming the oxide coatings. When a proper concentration of KMnO_4 (2.5 g/L) is added into the base solution, the micropores of the MAO coatings are small and compact, and the corrosion resistance of oxide coatings is increased largely.