---
title: "2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission Fluid & Coolant"
description: "Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: DEXRON VI. 6T40 (2.5L/eAssist): drain-and-fill ~4.3 qt, total fill ~9.5 qt, level set at side check plug. 6T70 (2.0T): drain-and-fill ~5-6 qt. Severe service change at 45,000 mi. Coolant: Dex-Cool (orange, pre-mixed available). First change 5 years/150,000 mi."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/fluids"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu Fluid Types and Capacities

Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: DEXRON VI. 6T40 (2.5L/eAssist): drain-and-fill ~4.3 qt, total fill ~9.5 qt, level set at side check plug. 6T70 (2.0T): drain-and-fill ~5-6 qt. Severe service change at 45,000 mi. Coolant: Dex-Cool (orange, pre-mixed available). First change 5 years/150,000 mi.

## 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu fluid guide (Check your manual)

| System | Fluid type & capacity |
| --- | --- |
| Coolant | Dex-Cool (orange, pre-mixed available). First change 5 years/150,000 mi |
| Transmission | DEXRON VI. 6T40 (2.5L/eAssist): drain-and-fill ~4.3 qt, total fill ~9.5 qt, level set at side check plug. 6T70 (2.0T): drain-and-fill ~5-6 qt. Severe service change at 45,000 mi |
| Brake fluid | DOT 3 brake fluid (verify the reservoir cap marking) |
| Power steering | None (electric power steering) |

Note: Plain washer fluid; no special spec

## Which Chevrolet Malibu model years does this cover?

These fluids specifications apply to every Chevrolet Malibu built from 2013 through 2015, the 8th generation (Epsilon II), mid-size sedan (also sold to fleets as the 2016 'malibu limited'). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years.

- [2013 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013)
- [2014 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2014)
- [2015 Malibu](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2015)

## What changed during the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2013 | Generation launch, Eco eAssist arrived first (early 2012 on sale), then 2.5L and 2.0T. Electric parking brake and (optional) MyLink debut. |
| 2014 | Quick refresh after criticism: new front fascia, reshaped seats/center console for rear knee room, stop-start added to the 2.5L (new dual-battery setup), 2.5L economy up to 25/36. 18-in tire size changed to 225/50R18. Eco eAssist's final year. |
| 2015 | Carryover; last retail year, the 8th gen continued for fleets only as the 2016 'Malibu Limited'. |

## 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu fluids: common questions

### What transmission fluid does a 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu take?

DEXRON VI. 6T40 (2.5L/eAssist): drain-and-fill ~4.3 qt, total fill ~9.5 qt, level set at side check plug. 6T70 (2.0T): drain-and-fill ~5-6 qt. Severe service change at 45,000 mi. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure.

### What coolant does a 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu use?

Dex-Cool (orange, pre-mixed available). First change 5 years/150,000 mi.

### What brake fluid does a 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu take?

DOT 3 brake fluid (verify the reservoir cap marking).

## Sources

- [AMSOIL product lookup, 2013 Malibu 2.5L (LCV/LKW) and 2.4L LUK capacities](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2013/chevrolet/malibu/)
- [Justia Recalls, 13V-173 Generator Control Module (2013 Malibu Eco)](https://auto-recalls.justia.com/chevrolet/malibu-eco/2013/13v173000/index.html)
- [RepairPal, recall 14V-247 loss of power brake assist](https://repairpal.com/recall/14V247000)
- [AutoZone, 2014 Malibu battery fitment (Group 48/H6 + AGM stop-start)](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/chevrolet/malibu/2014)
- [O'Reilly, Group 401 auxiliary battery (AUX12) for 2014 Malibu](https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/b/battery---accessories/batteries/31624da3221a/v/a/128006/automotive-car-2014-chevrolet-malibu)
- [TireSize.com, Malibu OE tire sizes by year and trim](https://tiresize.com/tires/Chevrolet/Malibu/)
- [TirePressure.org, 2014 Malibu placard pressures](https://tirepressure.org/chevrolet/malibu/2014)
- [WiperBladesUSA, 2014 Malibu 24/19-in blades](https://www.wiperbladesusa.com/wiper-size/chevrolet/malibu/2014)
- [Wikipedia, Chevrolet Malibu 8th generation powertrains (LKW/LTG/LUK)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Malibu)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2014 Malibu EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2014_Chevrolet_Malibu.shtml)
- [Walmart/ACDelco, A3174C engine air filter 2013-2015 Malibu](https://www.walmart.com/ip/ACDelco-A3174C-GM-Original-Equipment-Professional-Air-Filter-Fits-select-2015-CHEVROLET-MALIBU-1LT-2013-2014-CHEVROLET-MALIBU-2LT/47199347)

## Other Chevrolet Malibu generations

- [2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/fluids)
- [2012 Chevrolet Malibu fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/fluids)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/fluids).

## More for the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu

- [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/oil)
- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/brakes)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.