2016 Chevrolet Suburban Oil Capacity, Weight, and Filter Guide

The 2016 Chevrolet Suburban with the 5.3L V8 engine requires exactly 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) of 0W-20 synthetic oil when replacing both the oil and the filter. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service the K2XX generation of GM SUVs, and maintaining proper lubrication is absolutely critical for the longevity of the EcoTec3 engines found under the hood of these massive family haulers.

Here is your complete reference guide to changing the oil in your 2016 Chevy Suburban.

Quick answer

• Oil Capacity: 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) with filter replacement.
• Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-20 Full Synthetic.
• Oil Specification: GM dexos1™ Gen 3 (backward compatible with Gen 2) / API SP.
• OEM Oil Filter: ACDelco PF63E (or PF63)
• Popular Aftermarket Filters: Fram PH10575 / XG10575, Mobil 1 M1-212A, Wix WL10255.

Capacity by engine option

For the standard consumer-grade 2016 Suburban 1500, there is only one engine option. (Note: Fleet and HD models may feature different powertrains, but the 5.3L is by far the most common).

Oil change interval

Chevrolet utilizes an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (OLM) system that calculates oil degradation based on engine operating conditions. However, here are the physical milestones you should observe:

• Normal Duty: Follow the OLM system. Typically, this will prompt an oil change every 7,000 to 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently tow heavy trailers, idle for extended periods, or drive primarily in dusty/extreme hot or cold environments, you should replace the oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Specification: 18 lb-ft (25 Nm).
• Note: The factory drain plug features an integrated rubber sealing gasket rather than a separate crush washer. Inspect this rubber seal during every oil change. If it is flattened, cracked, or missing, replace the entire drain plug.

How to change the oil

1. Prepare the vehicle: Ensure the engine is warm (but not dangerously hot). Secure the vehicle on level ground, apply the parking brake, and raise the front end using a jack and jack stands or drive onto ramps.
2. Drain the oil: Locate the 15mm drain plug on the rearward-facing side of the oil pan. Place a large catch pan (at least 10 quarts capacity) underneath, remove the plug, and allow the oil to drain completely.
3. Reinstall drain plug: Wipe the mating surface clean, thread the drain plug in by hand, and torque it to 18 lb-ft (25 Nm).
4. Replace the oil filter: Locate the oil filter near the front driver-side of the oil pan. Using an end-cap wrench or filter pliers, loosen the filter. Warning: oil will spill out and likely run down the crossmember. Let it drain, wipe the mounting surface clean, and apply a thin film of fresh oil to the new filter's rubber gasket. Spin the new filter on hand-tight, then give it an additional 3/4 turn.
5. Refill and check: Pour 8.0 quarts of 0W-20 dexos1 oil into the engine via the filler cap. Replace the cap, start the engine, and let it run for 30 seconds to fill the filter. Shut it off, wait two minutes, and verify the oil level on the dipstick is within the crosshatched area.
6. Reset the OLM: Use the steering wheel controls to navigate to the "Oil Life" screen on your dashboard cluster. Press and hold the checkmark (Select) button until it resets to 100%.

Common issues / tips

The 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (L83) in the 2016 Suburban uses Active Fuel Management (AFM), which deactivates four cylinders under light loads to save fuel. This system relies on complex, oil-pressure-driven lifters. Never let your Suburban run low on oil. Low oil levels or using the incorrect viscosity will starve the AFM lifters of oil pressure, often leading to a collapsed lifter, a damaged camshaft, and a repair bill in the thousands.

Additionally, the location of the oil filter means it will almost always drip onto the front differential and crossmember when removed. Keep a can of brake parts cleaner handy to spray down the metal parts after you install the new filter; otherwise, leftover oil will drip on your driveway for days, making you think you have a leak.

Need an oil change? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.