The 2016 Malibu oil filter location and part number

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu uses a cartridge-style oil filter mounted on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter screwed to the side. The filter sits inside a plastic housing with a black cap — you remove the cap, pull out the old filter element, and drop in a new one. This design is common on modern GM engines and means you do not need a filter wrench to remove it.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part number is GM 12640957, which is what you will find in Chevrolet parts catalogs. Aftermarket filters that fit the 2016 Malibu include Fram PH16 and Mobil 1 M1-110, though dozens of brands make compatible cartridge filters for this engine. The filter element itself costs between $8 and $20 depending on the brand; the housing cap gasket (which you should replace each time) runs $3 to $5.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Malibu has a cartridge filter on top of the engine under a black plastic cap, not a traditional spin-on filter underneath.
  • The OEM part number is GM 12640957, and common aftermarket equivalents include Fram PH16 and Mobil 1 M1-110.
  • You will need a filter socket or wrench to remove the housing cap, a new filter element, and a replacement gasket for the cap.
  • The entire filter replacement takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have the parts and tools on hand.

Tools and parts you need before you start

Gather these items before you open the hood: a new oil filter cartridge (the part number above or an equivalent), a replacement gasket for the housing cap (usually included with the filter but worth confirming), a filter socket (typically 86 mm or 3.5 inches in diameter), a ratchet wrench, an oil drain pan, and a rag or paper towels. If you do not own a filter socket, a rubber strap wrench works in a pinch, though it is less reliable on a tight cap.

You will also need fresh oil to top off the engine after the filter swap — check your owner's manual for the correct grade and capacity. The 2016 Malibu holds between 4.5 and 5.5 quarts depending on whether you are also draining the pan, but a filter-only change requires only a quart or so to bring the level back to the full mark.

Step-by-step filter replacement process

Start with a cold or warm engine (not hot). Locate the black plastic cap on top of the engine — it is roughly in the center, toward the back. Place your drain pan underneath it to catch any oil that spills when you open the housing. Use your filter socket and ratchet to turn the cap counterclockwise; it will loosen after a quarter turn or so, then unscrew by hand the rest of the way.

Lift the cap straight up and out. Inside the housing you will see the old filter element — it looks like a white or yellow cylinder. Pull it out and set it aside. Wipe the inside of the housing with a clean rag to remove any debris or old gasket material. Take the new filter element and check that the rubber gasket on the cap is clean and not cracked; if it looks worn, replace it with the new gasket that came with your filter kit.

Drop the new filter element into the housing, making sure it sits flat on the bottom. Screw the cap back on by hand first, then use your filter socket to tighten it snugly — do not over-tighten, as the housing is plastic and can crack. A quarter turn past hand-tight is usually enough. Wipe up any spilled oil, then start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds. Check the filter cap area for leaks; if you see drips, turn off the engine and tighten the cap another quarter turn.

Common mistakes to avoid on the 2016 Malibu

The most frequent error is forgetting to replace the gasket on the cap. The rubber seal hardens over time and loses its grip, so reusing the old gasket often leads to leaks within a few hundred miles. Always swap it out, even if it looks fine. A second mistake is over-tightening the plastic housing cap, which can crack the threads and force you to replace the entire housing assembly — a much costlier repair.

Do not assume the filter element is the same as older Malibu models or other Chevy vehicles. The cartridge style was introduced on this generation, so if you own an older Malibu, the part numbers and procedure are different. Check your owner's manual or the parts diagram to confirm you have the right filter before you start.

Where to buy the filter and gasket

OEM filters and gaskets are available from any Chevrolet dealership parts department, though they typically cost more than aftermarket options. AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts all stock the Fram PH16 and other common cartridge filters in-store, and most will install it for free if you buy the filter from them. Online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto ship filters quickly, though you lose the option of same-day pickup.

If you order online, confirm the part number matches your engine before checkout — the 2016 Malibu came with different engine options, and while most use the same filter, it is worth double-checking. Many retailers list the filter under both the OEM number and the aftermarket equivalent, so searching for "2016 Chevy Malibu oil filter" will show you compatible options with their prices side by side.

When to replace the filter during an oil change

Chevrolet recommends replacing the oil filter every time you change the oil, not every other change. For the 2016 Malibu, that interval is typically 7,500 miles or six months under normal driving, or 3,750 miles or three months if you drive in severe conditions (frequent short trips, towing, or dusty environments). Skipping a filter change to save money usually backfires — a clogged filter restricts oil flow and can damage the engine far more expensively than the cost of a new filter.

If you are doing a full oil and filter change yourself, drain the old oil first, then replace the filter while the pan is still out. This order prevents you from spilling fresh oil when you open the filter housing. If you are only replacing the filter between oil changes (which is not necessary but sometimes done), you will lose a small amount of oil in the housing, so plan to top off the engine afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a spin-on filter instead of the cartridge filter?

No. The 2016 Malibu is designed for a cartridge filter only, and the engine does not have a spin-on adapter. Attempting to modify the system or use the wrong filter type will cause leaks and engine damage. Stick with the cartridge element specified in your owner's manual.

What should I do if the filter cap is stuck and will not turn?

explore penetrating oil like PB Blaster or WD-40 around the cap and wait 15 minutes for it to soak in. Use a filter socket with a long ratchet handle for better leverage — do not use a strap wrench on a stuck cap, as it can slip and strip the plastic. If it still will not budge, stop and take the vehicle to a shop rather than risk cracking the housing.

How much oil will spill when I open the filter housing?

Usually less than a cup, but it depends on how long the engine has been running. A cold engine will spill very little; a warm engine may spill up to a quart. Place your drain pan directly under the cap before you open it, and keep rags handy. Any oil that spills counts toward your total oil loss, so you may need to add more than a quart when you refill.

Is the filter gasket really necessary to replace every time?

Yes. The rubber gasket compresses and hardens each time the cap is removed and reinstalled. Reusing it often causes slow leaks that go unnoticed until oil level drops dangerously low. A new gasket costs $3 to $5 and takes five seconds to swap — it is cheap insurance against an oil leak.