How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu

Which Chevrolet Malibu model years does this cover?

These oil life reset 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 do you reset the oil life on a 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu?

5 steps, using only the controls in the car, the full sequence is above.

Do you need a scan tool to reset the oil light on a 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu?

No. The procedure above uses the vehicle's own controls. A scan tool is only necessary if the reset does not take, which usually points at a different fault.

Why won't the oil light reset on a 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu?

Almost always a timing problem in the sequence, a step held too briefly, or the ignition in the wrong position. Repeat it exactly, with the engine off and the key in accessory rather than run, unless the steps say otherwise. On some years the reset also lives under Settings > Vehicle > Oil Life on the center touchscreen. Reset only after an actual oil change.