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2012 Chevrolet Malibu Oil Type & Capacity

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu oil type depends on the engine: the 2.4L takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 3.6L takes 5W-30 (5.5 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.

Factory-spec answer

It depends on the engine:

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Oil capacity by engine

EngineOil Type (viscosity)Capacity w/ FilterCapacity w/o FilterNotes
2.4L — LS, 2.4L Eng VIN 0, 2.4L EngAPI - SAE 5W-305.00 QTS.—Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.4L — LS, 2.4L Eng VIN 1, 2.4L EngAPI - SAE 5W-305.00 QTS.—Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.4L — LS, 2.4L Eng VIN U, 2.4L EngAPI - SAE 5W-305.00 QTS.—Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.4L — LT, 2.4L Eng VIN 0, 2.4L EngAPI - SAE 5W-305.00 QTS.—Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.4L — LT, 2.4L Eng VIN 1, 2.4L EngAPI - SAE 5W-305.00 QTS.—Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.4L — LT, 2.4L Eng VIN U, 2.4L EngAPI - SAE 5W-305.00 QTS.—Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.4L — LTZ, 2.4L Eng VIN U, 2.4L EngAPI - SAE 5W-305.00 QTS.—Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.4L — LTZ, 2.4L Eng VIN 0, 2.4L EngAPI - SAE 5W-305.00 QTS.—Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
2.4L — LTZ, 2.4L Eng VIN 1, 2.4L EngAPI - SAE 5W-305.00 QTS.—Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
3.6L — LT, 3.6L Eng VIN 7, 3.6L EngAPI - SAE 5W-305.50 QTS.—Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
3.6L — LTZ, 3.6L Eng VIN 7, 3.6L EngAPI - SAE 5W-305.50 QTS.—Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. If in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.

More factory specs & repair guides for your Malibu

🛞 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Chevrolet Malibu Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)

Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.

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 2012 Chevrolet Malibu take?

It depends on the engine: 2.4L uses 5W-30; 3.6L uses 5W-30.

What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

Oil capacity depends on the engine: 2.4L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 3.6L holds 5.5 quarts with filter.

How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

Most 2012 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 2012 Chevrolet Malibu?

Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.

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