2012 7th generation (final year)
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Oil Type and Capacity
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu takes 5W-30 engine oil, 5 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter ACDelco PF457G (spin-on). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
Last verified
Quick answer
2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2.4L 4-cylinder Ecotec (LE5/LE9) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | GM dexos1 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5 qt / 4.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | ACDelco PF457G (spin-on) |
| Change interval | GM Oil Life System (typically 5,000–7,500 mi); at least every 12 months |
| Drain plug torque | 18 ft-lbs |
dexos1-licensed 5W-30 (synthetic blend acceptable in 2012; full synthetic is cheap insurance). PF457G is one of the most common GM filters, easy to find anywhere.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu 3.6L V6 (LY7 High Feature) oil
Check your manual| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | GM dexos1 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6 qt / 5.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | ACDelco PF48E / UPF48R (spin-on) |
| Change interval | GM Oil Life System (typically 5,000–7,500 mi); at least every 12 months |
| Drain plug torque | 18 ft-lbs |
Capacity conflicts in guides: AMSOIL lists 6.0 qt with filter, some owners report the dipstick is full at ~5.5 qt. Fill 5.5, run, check, top up.
Which Chevrolet Malibu model years does this cover?
These oil specifications apply to every Chevrolet Malibu built from 2012 through 2012 — the 7th generation (final year), mid-size sedan (epsilon platform). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2012Final year of the 7th generation, sold alongside the early-launched 2013 Eco. Last Malibu with an available V6 until, well, ever.
2012 Chevrolet Malibu oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu take?
- It depends on the engine. The 2.4L 4-cylinder Ecotec (LE5/LE9) takes 5 quarts; The 3.6L V6 (LY7 High Feature) takes 6 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu take?
- 5W-30 meeting GM dexos1. Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.
Can you use a different viscosity in a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?
- The factory specification is 5W-30 and no alternate grade is listed for this engine. Modern variable-valve-timing hardware is sized around the specified viscosity, so substituting a thicker oil is not a free choice.
How often does a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu need an oil change?
- GM Oil Life System (typically 5,000–7,500 mi); at least every 12 months. Short trips, towing, extended idling, and dusty or very cold conditions all put the vehicle on the severe-service side of that interval.
What oil filter does a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu take?
- The OEM filter is ACDelco PF457G (spin-on). Torque the drain plug to 18 lb-ft. An overtightened plug strips an aluminium pan.
Sources
- AMSOIL product lookup, 2012 Malibu 3.6L capacities
- Costa Oils, 2012 Malibu 2.4L oil change guide (5 qt, 5W-30)
- Walmart/ACDelco, PF457G fitment 2004–2012 Malibu
- TirePressure.org, 2012 Malibu placard pressures (30 psi)
- WiperBladesUSA, 2012 Malibu 24/21-in blades
- fueleconomy.gov, 2012 Malibu EPA ratings
- RepairPal, 2012 Malibu top reported problems
- Element Wheels, 2008–2012 Malibu 5x110 bolt pattern
- Sonnax, GM 6T40/6T70 3-5-R wave plate failure