Chevrolet Malibu Oil Capacity & Oil Type
TL;DR
Oil capacity depends heavily on which engine is under the hood: the common 1.5L LFV turbo (2016+) needs 4.2 qt of 0W-20, while the 2.0L LTG turbo and older 2.4L/2.5L engines need about 5 qt of 5W-30 (or 0W-20 on some 2.5L trims).
Chevrolet Malibu oil capacity by engine
The Malibu has been built with several unrelated engine families over the years, and capacity is tied to the engine code stamped on the block, not the model year alone. Two Malibus from the same generation can even take different oil depending on trim, so use the table below as a starting point and confirm against your own vehicle before topping off.
Where to get the number for your exact car
- The engine oil specification sticker under the hood (often on or near the oil filler cap)
- Your owner's manual, in the Maintenance or Capacities and Specifications section
- The driver's door jamb placard (mainly for tire pressure, but some markets print fluid notes there too)
Capacity and viscosity by engine code
| Engine code / years | Capacity with filter (L / US qt) | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L LE5/LAF, approx. 2008-2012 | 4.7 L / 5.0 qt | GM dexos1-spec oil - confirm exact grade on your oil cap or owner's manual |
| 2.5L LKW, 2013-2015 | 4.7 L / 5.0 qt | 5W-20 or 0W-20 |
| 2.4L LUK and 2.0L LTG turbo, 2013-2015 | 4.7 L / 5.0 qt | 5W-30 (0W-30 in extreme cold) |
| 1.5L LFV turbo, 2016-2024 | 4.0 L / 4.2 qt | 0W-20 |
| 2.0L LTG turbo, 2016-2024 | 4.7 L / 5.0 qt | 5W-30 (0W-30 in extreme cold) |
| 1.8L hybrid variant, 2016-2019 (Malibu Hybrid) | 5.0 L / 5.3 qt | 5W-20 or 0W-20 |
Why the LFV vs LTG mix-up matters
The 1.5L LFV and 2.0L LTG turbo engines were sold side by side in the same 2016-2024 generation, so the model year alone will not tell you which one you have - check the engine code or the badge, since their oil capacities differ by nearly a full quart.
General service notes
Always use a synthetic oil meeting GM's dexos1 specification unless your manual says otherwise, and replace the factory filter every time to get the full capacity shown above (capacity without a filter change is typically a few tenths of a quart less).
Summary
| 1.5L LFV turbo (2016-2024) | 4.0 L / 4.2 qt, 0W-20 |
|---|---|
| 2.0L LTG turbo (2013-2024) | 4.7 L / 5.0 qt, 5W-30 |
| 2.5L LKW (2013-2015) | 4.7 L / 5.0 qt, 5W-20/0W-20 |
| 2.4L LUK (2013-2015) | 4.7 L / 5.0 qt, 5W-30 |
| 2.4L LE5/LAF (2008-2012) | 4.7 L / 5.0 qt, dexos1-spec |
| 1.8L hybrid (2016-2019) | 5.0 L / 5.3 qt, 5W-20/0W-20 |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Chevrolet Malibu: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How much oil does a Chevrolet Malibu with the 1.5L turbo take?
The 1.5L turbo (engine code LFV), used from 2016 through 2024, takes 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) of 0W-20 synthetic oil when the filter is also changed. Confirm on your oil filler cap or owner's manual since some markets or later revisions may differ slightly.
Does the 2.0L turbo Malibu need a different oil capacity than the 1.5L?
Yes. The 2.0L LTG turbo, offered in both the 2013-2015 and 2016-2024 generations, takes about 5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) of 5W-30, roughly 0.8 quarts more than the smaller 1.5L LFV turbo, so do not assume both engines share a number.
What oil viscosity does my Malibu need?
It depends on the engine: 1.5L LFV turbo models use 0W-20, 2.0L LTG turbo and 2013-2015 2.4L models use 5W-30 (with 0W-30 approved for very cold climates), and 2.5L LKW models typically call for 5W-20 or 0W-20. Your owner's manual and oil filler cap are the definitive source for your specific car.
Where is the most reliable place to find my exact Malibu's oil capacity?
Check the sticker under the hood near the oil filler cap, the Capacities and Specifications section of your owner's manual, or ask a dealer parts department using your VIN, since that source will account for your exact engine code and model-year revision.