2004 Chevrolet Malibu Oil Type & Capacity
The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu oil type depends on the engine: the Base takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the LS takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the LT takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Maxx takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Maxx LS takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Maxx LT takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- LS: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- LT: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Maxx: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Maxx LS: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Maxx LT: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base — 2.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| LS — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | Use oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| LT — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | Use oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| Maxx — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | Use oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| Maxx LS — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | Use oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| Maxx LT — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | Use oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
Everything you need delivered in one order. Pre-matched to your factory spec (5W-30, 5.0 quarts).
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are real-time retail estimates.
Buy the right oil & filter for your Malibu
🛒 Buy 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil (5.0 quarts needed) on AmazonPopular Full Synthetic Brands (5W-30):
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More factory specs & repair guides for your Malibu
🛞 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
6.9 quarts (6.52 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu take?
It depends on the engine: Base uses 5W-30; LS uses 5W-30; LT uses 5W-30; Maxx uses 5W-30; Maxx LS uses 5W-30; Maxx LT uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LS holds 4.0 quarts with filter; LT holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Maxx holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Maxx LS holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Maxx LT holds 4.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2004 Chevrolet Malibu?
Most 2004 Chevrolet Malibu owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Chevrolet recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2004 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.