--- title: "Chevrolet Malibu Oil Type: 0W-20, 4.2 qt" description: "How the Chevrolet Malibu oil specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. The Chevrolet Malibu takes 0W-20 engine oil, 4.2 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter ACDelco PF64 / UPF64R (spin-on). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/oil" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Chevrolet Malibu Oil Type and Capacity The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Chevrolet Malibu oil specification changed by year? | Model years | Viscosity | Capacity | OEM filter | Interval | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2016-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/oil) | 0W-20, 5W-30, 5W-20 | 4.2 / 5 / 5.3 qt | ACDelco PF64 / UPF64R (spin-on) | GM Oil Life System; at least every 12 months. Given this engine's turbo/piston history, many owners change at 5,000 mi | | [2013-2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/oil) | 5W-30 | 5 qt | ACDelco PF64 / UPF64R (spin-on) | GM Oil Life System (typically 5,000-7,500 mi); at least every 12 months | | [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/oil) | 5W-30 | 5 / 6 qt | ACDelco PF457G (spin-on) | GM Oil Life System (typically 5,000-7,500 mi); at least every 12 months | ## Full specifications by generation The oil 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 Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2016-2025/oil) - [2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2013-2015/oil) - [2012 Chevrolet Malibu Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/2012/oil) ## Chevrolet Malibu oil: common questions ### How many quarts of oil does a 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 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 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 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 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. ## 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: - [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) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/chevrolet/malibu/fluids) - [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.