How many quarts of transmission fluid does a 2017 Chevy Malibu use?
Approximately 9.5 quarts for the typical 6-speed automatic in the 2017 Malibu, with around 12–13 quarts for the 9-speed variant. Exact amounts depend on the specific transmission installed and whether a filter is replaced during service.
Transmission options in the 2017 Malibu
The 2017 Malibu offered different automatic transmissions depending on the engine choice. The most common setup is a 6-speed automatic, but some configurations use a higher-capacity 9-speed unit. Fluid capacities vary accordingly, so it’s important to identify your exact transmission before servicing.
Most Malibu models: 6-speed automatic transmission
Here are the typical fluid capacity figures you’ll encounter with the common 6-speed automatic setup in the 2017 Malibu:
- Total system capacity (including the torque converter): about 9.5 quarts (roughly 9–10 quarts).
- Drain-and-fill replacement (pan drain): usually about 4–5 quarts are removed and replaced during a simple service.
- Fluid specification: Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid, or a GM Dexron VI-compatible fluid.
- Notes: A full service that includes a filter change may affect the total amount needed by a small amount.
In practice, the exact capacity can vary slightly by model year, production run, and whether the service includes a full fluid exchange versus a simple drain-and-fill. Always verify with your owner's manual or a GM service bulletin for your VIN.
Less common: 9-speed automatic transmission
A smaller subset of 2017 Malibu models used a higher-capacity 9-speed automatic. Here are the typical figures for that configuration:
- Total system capacity: about 12–13 quarts.
- Drain-and-fill replacement: roughly 6–7 quarts are removed and replaced during a standard service.
- Fluid specification: Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid, compatible with GM recommendations.
Because the 9-speed variant is less common, always confirm the exact capacity for your vehicle using your VIN and GM’s service information or by contacting a Chevrolet dealer.
Summary
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu’s transmission fluid capacity varies by the transmission type. The most common 6-speed automatic requires about 9.5 quarts for a full fill, while the 9-speed variant uses roughly 12–13 quarts. For a drain-and-fill, expect to replace about 4–5 quarts (6–7 quarts for the 9-speed). Always consult the owner's manual or a GM service reference for your specific VIN to ensure accurate quantities and proper fluids.
