--- title: "Chevrolet Malibu Transmission Fluid & Coolant" description: "How the Chevrolet Malibu fluids specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the Chevrolet Malibu takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: 1.5T 2016-18 (6T40): DEXRON VI, drain-and-fill ~4.3 qt. 1.5T 2019+ (VT40 CVT): DEXRON CVT fluid only, severe-service change 45,000 mi. 2.0T 2016-18 (Aisin AF50-8): total fill ~7.5 qt. 2.0T 2019-22 (9T50): DEXRON HP. Hybrid drive unit: sealed. Wrong fluid kills the CVT, match the spec exactly. Coolant: Dex-Cool (orange, pre-mixed available). First change 5 years/150,000 mi. Hybrid adds a separate power-electronics coolant loop, dealer service." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/fluids" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Chevrolet Malibu Fluid Types and Capacities The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Chevrolet Malibu fluids specification changed by year? | Model years | Transmission | Coolant | Brake | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2016-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/fluids) | 1.5T 2016-18 (6T40): DEXRON VI, drain-and-fill ~4.3 qt. 1.5T 2019+ (VT40 CVT): DEXRON CVT fluid only, severe-service change 45,000 mi. 2.0T 2016-18 (Aisin AF50-8): total fill ~7.5 qt. 2.0T 2019-22 (9T50): DEXRON HP. Hybrid drive unit: sealed. Wrong fluid kills the CVT, match the spec exactly | Dex-Cool (orange, pre-mixed available). First change 5 years/150,000 mi. Hybrid adds a separate power-electronics coolant loop, dealer service | GM-approved DOT 4 (verify the reservoir cap marking); flush every 5 years | | [2013-2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/fluids) | 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 | Dex-Cool (orange, pre-mixed available). First change 5 years/150,000 mi | DOT 3 brake fluid (verify the reservoir cap marking) | | [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/fluids) | 6T40 6-speed automatic: DEXRON VI. Pan drain-and-fill takes ~4-4.5 qt; no dipstick on later units, level checked at the side plug. Severe service change at 45,000 mi | Dex-Cool (orange, silicate-free). First change 5 years/150,000 mi | DOT 3 brake fluid | ## Full specifications by generation The fluids on a Chevrolet Malibu is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/fluids) - [2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/fluids) - [2012 Chevrolet Malibu Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/fluids) ## Chevrolet Malibu fluids: common questions ### What transmission fluid does a Chevrolet Malibu take? 1.5T 2016-18 (6T40): DEXRON VI, drain-and-fill ~4.3 qt. 1.5T 2019+ (VT40 CVT): DEXRON CVT fluid only, severe-service change 45,000 mi. 2.0T 2016-18 (Aisin AF50-8): total fill ~7.5 qt. 2.0T 2019-22 (9T50): DEXRON HP. Hybrid drive unit: sealed. Wrong fluid kills the CVT, match the spec exactly. 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 Chevrolet Malibu use? Dex-Cool (orange, pre-mixed available). First change 5 years/150,000 mi. Hybrid adds a separate power-electronics coolant loop, dealer service. ### What brake fluid does a Chevrolet Malibu take? GM-approved DOT 4 (verify the reservoir cap marking); flush every 5 years. ## Sources - [AMSOIL product lookup, 2016-2019 Malibu 1.5L LFV / 2.0L LTG / 1.8L LKN capacities](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2016/chevrolet/malibu/) - [ChevyMalibuForum, 2016-2017 5W-30 to 2018+ 0W-20 oil spec change](https://www.chevymalibuforum.com/threads/2016-2017-oil-spec-change.126013/) - [parts.chevrolet.com, GM 23430313 engine air filter fitment](https://parts.chevrolet.com/product/acdelco-gm-original-equipment-air-filter-23430313) - [PartsGeek, ACDelco PF2257G oil filter, 2016-2019 Malibu 1.8L Hybrid](https://www.partsgeek.com/22s3tpg-chevrolet-malibu-oil-filter-set.html) - [AutoZone, Malibu battery guide (Group 48/H6, 2016-2024)](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/chevrolet/malibu) - [TireSize.com, Malibu OE tire sizes by year and trim](https://tiresize.com/tires/Chevrolet/Malibu/) - [NHTSA, recall report 18V-358 (high-pressure fuel pump)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCLRPT-18V358-3649.PDF) - [BizzyCar, April 2026 rearview camera recall 26V-212, 2023-2025 Malibu](https://www.bizzycar.com/blog/april-2026-gm-recall-for-rearview-camera-defect-on-chevrolet-malibu-affecting-271770-vehicles) - [Go-Parts, P0234 wastegate solenoid on 2016-2022 Malibu 1.5L](https://www.go-parts.com/garage/obd-p0234-chevrolet-malibu-2016-2022-lfv-1-5l) - [Margarian Law, 2019-2022 Malibu CVT shudder/stall defect tracker](https://www.margarianlaw.com/chevrolet/malibu/) - [GM Authority, 2023 Malibu drops Premier trim and 2.0L LTG](https://gmauthority.com/blog/2022/08/2023-chevy-malibu-drops-premier-trim-2-0l-engine/) - [Automotive News, Malibu production ends November 2024 at Fairfax](https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/2024-chevy-malibu-production-ending-year-kansas/) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2016 and 2019 Malibu EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2016_Chevrolet_Malibu.shtml) - [Car and Driver, 2016 Malibu Hybrid powertrain details (1.8L, 1.5 kWh pack)](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15103297/2016-chevrolet-malibu-hybrid-first-drive-review/) - [PartsGeek, 2016-2025 Malibu 300mm front / 288mm rear rotors](https://www.partsgeek.com/mmparts/brake_rotors/chevrolet/malibu.html) ## Find your exact Malibu - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012) More Chevrolet Malibu guides: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/brakes) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.