2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu Oil Type and Capacity

Which Chevrolet Malibu model years does this cover?

These oil specifications apply to every Chevrolet Malibu built from 2016 through 2025 — the 9th generation (E2XX), mid-size sedan (production ended november 2024; 2025 is the final model year). 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 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu

• 2016Generation launch, nearly 300 lbs lighter, stop-start standard on 1.5T. Note: a 2016 'Malibu Limited' is the previous-generation car sold to fleets, use 2013–2015 data for those.
• 20172.0T Ecotec's transmission upgrades from an 8-speed to a 9-speed automatic, and the 2.0T becomes Premier-exclusive (dropped from LT)
• 2018Final carryover year before the 2019 mid-cycle refresh; LS/LT/Premier lineup and 1.5T 6-speed / 2.0T 9-speed powertrains unchanged from 2017
• 2019Facelift: new fascias, RS trim added, 1.5T switched from 6-speed to CVT, 2.0T to 9-speed, fuel tank grew to 15.8 gal, low-beam bulb changed to H11. Final year of the Hybrid.
• 2020Base L trim gains standard 16-in aluminum wheels (from LS); all trims standardize on the 8-in Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, replacing the previous 7-in unit
• 2020–2022L dropped (2020 was its last year); lineup LS/RS/LT/Premier. 2022 was the final year for the Premier trim and 2.0T engine.
• 2021Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added
• 2022Mechanical parking brake replaced by an electronic parking brake across all trims
• 2023Premier trim replaced by 2LT; LT no longer comes standard with leather seats
• 2023–20251.5T only (LS/RS/1LT/2LT). Production ended at Fairfax Assembly in November 2024; 2025 is the final model year.
• 2024Final full model year of Malibu production; Chevrolet ended assembly at the Fairfax plant (Kansas City) in November 2024 with no direct successor

How many quarts of oil does a 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu take?

It depends on the engine. The 1.5L Turbo (LFV Ecotec) takes 4.2 quarts; The 2.0L Turbo (LTG Ecotec) takes 5 quarts; The 1.8L Hybrid (LKN + two-motor drive unit) takes 5.3 quarts, all figures include a new filter.

What kind of oil does a 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu take?

0W-20 meeting GM dexos1 Gen 2/Gen 3 (full synthetic), full synthetic (required, not merely recommended). Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.

Can you use a different viscosity in a 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu?

The manufacturer also permits 5W-30 (2016–2017 owner's manuals originally specified 5W-30 dexos1; GM re-specced the 1.5T to 0W-20 dexos1 from 2018. Either dexos1 grade is acceptable on early cars, use 0W-20 on 2018+). Anything outside that list is a decision you are making against the factory specification.

How often does a 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu need an oil change?

GM Oil Life System; at least every 12 months. Given this engine's turbo/piston history, many owners change at 5,000 mi. 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 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu take?

The OEM filter is ACDelco PF64 / UPF64R (spin-on). Common equivalents: Fram XG10060 (Ultra), Wix 57060, Mobil 1 M1-113A. Torque the drain plug to 18 lb-ft. An overtightened plug strips an aluminium pan.