2020 Chevrolet Malibu — Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu holds approximately 6.9–9.0 quarts (6.5–8.5 liters) of coolant depending on engine (1.5L turbo vs 2.0L turbo) and options.

Quick answer

• Total cooling system capacity: about 6.9–9.0 qt (6.5–8.5 L), engine-dependent
• OEM coolant spec: GM Dex‑Cool long‑life coolant, orange color, OAT chemistry; use a Dex‑Cool–licensed coolant meeting GM’s Dex‑Cool specification (often referenced as GMW3420) and ASTM D3306
• Mix ratio: 50/50 coolant and deionized/distilled water (use premix or mix concentrate yourself); up to 60/40 (coolant/water) for extreme cold protection

Capacity by engine option

Engine	Approx. capacity (qt)	Approx. capacity (L)
1.5L Turbo (4‑cyl)	6.9–7.9 qt	6.5–7.5 L
2.0L Turbo (4‑cyl)	7.9–9.0 qt	7.5–8.5 L

Notes:

• Actual fill volume varies with how thoroughly the system is drained, heater core purging, and whether a vacuum fill is used. If you only drain the radiator/surge tank, you will add less than the total system capacity.

Flush interval

• Normal service: Replace Dex‑Cool every 5 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever comes first.
• Severe service (frequent short trips, extreme temps, heavy idling, or dusty conditions): Inspect annually; many shops service at 5 years/100,000 miles to be conservative, especially if testing shows low corrosion protection or contamination.
• Always test freeze point and pH after service; top up only with Dex‑Cool–compatible OAT coolant.

How to refill & bleed

Most 2020 Malibus self‑bleed through the surge (degas) tank and do not use a traditional bleed screw. A vacuum fill tool is preferred to minimize trapped air, but gravity fill works with patience.

1. Prep

• Park on a level surface, engine cool. Set HVAC to full hot to open the heater core.
• If using concentrate, pre‑mix 50/50 with deionized water.

2. Drain

• Remove the surge tank cap. Open the radiator drain petcock (bottom of radiator) and drain into a suitable container. For a more complete drain, disconnect the lower radiator hose after initial draining. Close petcock when finished.

3. Refill

• Slowly fill the surge tank with Dex‑Cool (premix or 50/50) until the level reaches the COLD mark. Allow it to settle as air escapes through the small de‑aeration hoses leading to the tank.

4. Initial bleed

• Start the engine and let it idle. Watch for the coolant level to drop as the thermostat begins to open; add coolant to keep the level at the COLD mark. Lightly squeeze the upper radiator hose (with gloves) to help move air.

5. Warm‑up and fan cycles

• Allow the engine to reach operating temperature. Confirm cabin heat is hot and steady. Wait for the radiator fan to cycle on and off at least twice. Maintain level at or just above the COLD line during this process.

6. Cool‑down and top‑off

• Shut the engine off and let it cool completely. Top off to the COLD mark. Reinstall the cap securely.

7. Recheck

• After the first few drives and full heat cycles, recheck the level cold and top off if needed.

Tips:

• If you hear gurgling behind the dash or have weak cabin heat, there’s still air in the heater core—repeat the warm‑up/ cool‑down top‑off cycle. Raising the nose of the car slightly can help.
• For best results or after major component replacement (water pump, heater core, head work), use a vacuum fill tool to pull 20–25 inHg and then ingest 50/50 mix—this prevents air pockets.

Common cooling system issues on this generation Malibu (2016–2022)

• Thermostat housing/water outlet seepage: The composite housing and gasket can weep over time, leaving pink/orange crust. Replacement of the housing and seal is the fix.
• Surge tank cap losing pressure: A weak cap can vent early, causing gradual coolant loss and higher temps. Replace the cap if the seal is cracked or if pressure testing shows it won’t hold spec.
• Quick‑connect hose fittings: Plastic quick‑connects on radiator and heater hoses can drip—look for dried coolant at the fittings; replace the fitting or hose assembly as needed.
• Water pump seep/leak: Bearing weep holes may show early signs—watch for coolant traces around the pump. Replace if leakage progresses or if noise/play is present.
• Heater core restriction: Contamination (mixing green IAT with Dex‑Cool, stop‑leak use, or corrosion) can partially block the core, causing poor cabin heat; back‑flush or replace the core and refill with the correct Dex‑Cool mix.
• Cooling fan or control issues: A failing fan motor, relay/module, or a faulty ECT sensor can trigger hot‑running or a fan stuck on high. Scan for codes and verify sensor data.
• Active grille shutter faults (some trims): Stuck shutters can reduce airflow at speed and contribute to elevated temps; repair actuator/shutter assembly as needed.

Use only Dex‑Cool–licensed OAT coolant (orange) and maintain a 50/50 mix for the best corrosion protection and freeze/boil coverage. When in doubt about capacity, add in stages and verify level after multiple heat cycles.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.