Quick answer: the 2016–2025 Chevy Malibu 1.5L turbo takes 4.2 qt (4.0 L) of oil with a filter change. The oil grade changed: 5W-30 in the 2016–2017 manuals, 0W-20 from 2018. The 2.0L turbo takes 5.0 qt (4.7 L) of 5W-30, and the 1.8L Hybrid takes 5.3 qt (5.0 L) of 5W-20.
| Engine | Oil capacity (with filter) | Oil type | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L turbo (2016–2017) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5W-30 | dexos1 |
| 1.5L turbo (2018–2025) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 0W-20 | dexos1 Gen 2 |
| 2.0L turbo (2016–2022) | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) | 5W-30 | dexos1 |
| 1.8L Hybrid (2016–2019) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | 5W-20 (0W-20 alternative) | dexos1 |
The 1.5L turbo moved from 5W-30 to 0W-20. The 2016–2017 manuals say to use 5W-30 for every engine except the Hybrid. From 2018 GM specifies a dexos1 Gen 2 full synthetic 0W-20 for the 1.5L. Use the grade for your model year.
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | 1.5L turbo | 2.0L turbo | 1.8L Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) |
| 2017 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) |
| 2018 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) |
| 2019 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) |
| 2020 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) | — |
| 2021 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) | — |
| 2022 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) | — |
| 2023 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | — | — |
| 2024 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | — | — |
| 2025 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | — | — |
GM lists one capacity per engine, including the oil filter. We checked the capacity table in every model-year manual on this page.
Recommended oil type
1.5L turbo: SAE 5W-30 (2016–2017); SAE 0W-20 meeting dexos1 Gen 2 from 2018 (the 2018 manual names ACDelco or Mobil 1 full synthetic 0W-20).
2.0L turbo: SAE 5W-30; 0W-30 below -20°F (-29°C).
1.8L Hybrid: SAE 5W-20; SAE 0W-20 may be used as an alternative.
GM requires oils that meet its dexos specification (dexos1 for gasoline engines, dexos2 or dexosD for diesels) and carry the dexos approved logo. ACDelco dexos oil is recommended. Do not add anything to the oil.
How to reset the oil life on the 2016–2025 Chevy Malibu
See also: Oil life reset by brand.
- Display the remaining oil life on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
- Press and hold the select button (or SET/CLR) for several seconds until the oil life shows 100%.
Reset only after an oil change; the system will not reset itself.
Oil change tips
- A 5-quart jug covers one change on any Malibu engine.
- Add a little less than the full capacity, check the dipstick, then top up.
- The 2016 Malibu Limited is the previous-generation car; use the 2014–2015 page for it.
Sources and how we checked
All capacities and oil grades on this page come from Chevrolet’s owner’s manuals, published on GM’s official manuals site (“Capacities and Specifications” and “Selecting the Right Engine Oil”):
- 2016 Malibu owner’s manual
- 2017 Malibu owner’s manual
- 2018 Malibu owner’s manual
- 2019 Malibu owner’s manual
- 2020 Malibu owner’s manual
- 2021 Malibu owner’s manual
- 2022 Malibu owner’s manual
- 2023 Malibu owner’s manual
- 2024 Malibu owner’s manual
- 2025 Malibu owner’s manual
If your owner’s manual shows something different, follow your manual and tell us.
Last checked: October 23, 2026.
FAQ
How much oil does a 2016–2025 Malibu take?
4.2 qt (4.0 L) for the 1.5L turbo, 5.0 qt (4.7 L) for the 2.0L turbo and 5.3 qt (5.0 L) for the Hybrid, with a filter change.
What oil does a 1.5 turbo Malibu use?
SAE 0W-20 dexos1 Gen 2 from 2018; the 2016–2017 manuals list 5W-30.
What oil does the 2.0 turbo Malibu use?
SAE 5W-30 dexos1.
What oil does the Malibu Hybrid use?
SAE 5W-20, with 0W-20 allowed.
How do I reset the oil life on a Malibu?
Show the remaining oil life in the DIC and hold the select button until it reads 100%.
Older Malibu? See the 2014–2015 Chevy Malibu oil type and capacity.