2016 Chevrolet Malibu Oil Type & Capacity
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu oil type depends on the engine: the 1.5L takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the 2.0L takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Hybrid takes 5W-20 (5.3 quarts qt with filter); the L takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the LS takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the Premier takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 1.5L: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- 2.0L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Hybrid: 5W-20, 5.3 quarts with filter
- L: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- LS: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- Premier: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
| 2.0L — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
| Hybrid — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20. SAE 0W-20 maybe used as an alternative | 5.30 QTS. | — | Engine Oil Filling between "min." and "max." 1.06 qts. Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
| L — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
| LS — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.20 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
| Premier — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specification, or equivalent, of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Malibu
🛞 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
6.4 quarts (6.05 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu take?
It depends on the engine: 1.5L uses 5W-30; 2.0L uses 5W-30; Hybrid uses 5W-20; L uses 5W-30; LS uses 5W-30; Premier uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 1.5L holds 4.2 quarts with filter; 2.0L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Hybrid holds 5.3 quarts with filter; L holds 4.2 quarts with filter; LS holds 4.2 quarts with filter; Premier holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
Most 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.