Quick answer: Oil Change on a 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu is rated Moderate and takes about 30-45 minutes. You'll need 7 tools for this job, and parts cost about $47. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
Oil spec
1.5L I4 turbo (LFV)
Capacity 4.2 qt with filter Viscosity 0W-20 Spec dexos1 Gen 2
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Engine Oil (0W-20 full synthetic) |
— |
$35.00 |
|
| Oil Filter |
12640445 |
$12.00 |
|
| Drain Plug Crush Washer Optional |
— |
$3.00 |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Prepare the vehicle
The 2016–2025 Malibu's 1.5L turbo (LFV) takes 4.2 quarts of 0W-20 meeting dexos1 Gen 2. It uses a spin-on filter, OE part 12640445 or equivalent, under the engine. Have a filter wrench, drain-plug socket, and funnel ready. Park on level ground with the engine warm.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I've learned: that 5W-30 versus 0W-20 split trips people up — the 2016–2017 books say 5W-30 but GM revised it to 0W-20. Go with the updated recommendation; running the older spec in the turbo just costs you efficiency.
2
Lift and support safely
Set the parking brake and chock the wheels. Lift the front at the pinch-weld points and support the Malibu on jack stands — never work under it on the jack alone.
3
Drain the oil
Remove the oil fill cap to vent the crankcase. Position the drain pan under the oil pan, remove the drain plug, and drain the oil fully. The plug tightens to about 18 ft-lbs on reinstall. Wipe the pan flange clean.
4
Replace the oil filter
Wipe the mounting surface, coat the new filter's gasket with fresh 0W-20, thread it on by hand until seated, and tighten per the box instructions. Reinstall the drain plug to about 18 ft-lbs.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
I've learned to always run a finger around the mounting surface after the old filter comes off. An old gasket stuck to the block gives you a double-gasket seal that blows out under pressure — and that's an engine-full of oil on your driveway.
5
Refill the oil
Lower the vehicle to level ground. Pour in about 4 quarts of dexos1 Gen 2 0W-20 through a funnel, wait a minute, then check the dipstick and top up to the full mark — 4.2 quarts total with the filter.
6
Check for leaks and reset
Start the engine for 30 seconds, shut it off, and inspect the filter and plug for leaks. Recheck the level after a short drive. Reset the oil-life monitor through the driver information center, then recycle the used oil and filter.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Overfilling the crankcase
- • Reusing a crushed drain-plug washer
- • Not resetting the oil-life monitor
- • Overtightening the drain plug or filter
- • Using the wrong oil viscosity/spec
