There are two air filters in a 2016 Malibu: the engine air filter in the engine bay and the cabin air filter behind the glove box. These filters protect the engine and the interior air respectively, and replacing them when needed helps maintain performance and air quality.
The Malibu uses a rectangular engine air box in the engine compartment and a separate cabin air filter tucked behind the passenger-side glove box. Accessing each filter requires different steps, but both are straightforward replacements that most DIYers can handle in under 15 minutes.
Engine air filter location
To locate and replace the engine air filter, follow these steps.
- Park on level ground, turn off the engine, and open the hood. Locate the large black plastic air intake box, usually toward the front of the engine bay on the passenger side, connected to a thick ribbed hose leading toward the throttle body.
- Release the clips or screws securing the air filter housing lid and lift the lid off to expose the filter.
- Remove the old filter, noting its orientation as a reference for the new filter (the filter has a specific direction of airflow, usually indicated by an arrow).
- Insert the new filter with the correct orientation, reseat the lid, and resecure the clips or screws securely.
- Reattach any hoses or clamps that were loosened during the process and close the hood. Start the engine and listen for any abnormal air leaks.
Replacing the engine air filter is typically quick and should be done according to the mileage interval in your owner's manual, or sooner if you drive in dusty or harsh conditions.
Cabin air filter location
To replace the cabin air filter, access is from the passenger side under the dashboard behind the glove box. The glove box may need to be lowered or removed to reach the filter housing.
The steps below guide you through the cabin air filter replacement process.
- With the glove box open, release the glove box damper or sides to let the box drop down further, granting access to the filter cover behind it.
- Find the rectangular cabin air filter housing and unlatch or remove the cover to expose the filter.
- Remove the old cabin filter, taking note of its orientation (the direction of airflow is typically toward the inside of the vehicle).
- Insert the new cabin filter in the same orientation, then reattach the housing cover and secure any latches.
- Lift the glove box back into place and ensure it closes fully. Run the HVAC system briefly to confirm it’s drawing air properly.
Cabin air filter replacement intervals vary by environment, but a typical recommendation is every 15,000 miles or about once a year, or more often in dusty areas or heavy city driving.
Summary
In the 2016 Chevy Malibu, two filters deserve attention: the engine air filter in the engine bay and the cabin air filter behind the glove box. The engine filter sits in a rectangular air box toward the front of the engine compartment on the passenger side, while the cabin filter sits behind the glove box on the same side. Both replacements are relatively simple and can be performed with basic tools and a few minutes of time. Regular checks help maintain engine efficiency and interior air quality.