2011 Chevrolet Malibu Oil Type & Capacity

The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu oil type depends on the engine: the LS, 2.4 1 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LS, 2.4 U takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LT, 2.4 1 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LT, 2.4 U takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LT, 3.6 7 takes 5W-30 (5.5 quarts with filter); the LTZ, 2.4 1 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LTZ, 2.4 U takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LTZ, 3.6 7 takes 5W-30 (5.5 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.

Factory-spec answer

It depends on the engine:

LS, 2.4 1: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
LS, 2.4 U: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
LT, 2.4 1: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
LT, 2.4 U: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
LT, 3.6 7: 5W-30, 5.5 quarts with filter
LTZ, 2.4 1: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
LTZ, 2.4 U: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
LTZ, 3.6 7: 5W-30, 5.5 quarts with filter

Oil capacity by engine

Engine	Oil Type (viscosity)	Capacity w/ Filter	Capacity w/o Filter	Notes
LS, 2.4 1 — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LS, 2.4 U — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LT, 2.4 1 — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LT, 2.4 U — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LT, 3.6 7 — 3.6L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.50 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LTZ, 2.4 1 — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LTZ, 2.4 U — 2.4L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
LTZ, 3.6 7 — 3.6L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.50 QTS.	—	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.

Buy the right oil

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More specs & repair guides for your Malibu

2011 Chevrolet Malibu factory service manual All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)

Coolant capacity

7.5 quarts (7.09 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water. After refill, the level must be checked. Add enough engine coolant so that the fluid is within the proper operating range.

Frequently asked questions

What type of oil does a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu take?

It depends on the engine: LS, 2.4 1 uses 5W-30; LS, 2.4 U uses 5W-30; LT, 2.4 1 uses 5W-30; LT, 2.4 U uses 5W-30; LT, 3.6 7 uses 5W-30; LTZ, 2.4 1 uses 5W-30; LTZ, 2.4 U uses 5W-30; LTZ, 3.6 7 uses 5W-30.

How much oil does a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu take?

Capacity depends on the engine: LS, 2.4 1 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LS, 2.4 U holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LT, 2.4 1 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LT, 2.4 U holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LT, 3.6 7 holds 5.5 quarts with filter; LTZ, 2.4 1 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LTZ, 2.4 U holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LTZ, 3.6 7 holds 5.5 quarts with filter.

Can I use synthetic oil in my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?

Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.