The engine air filter in a 2019 Chevy Malibu sits inside a rectangular plastic air box in the engine bay on the driver’s side near the front. To service it, open the box by unclipping or unscrewing the lid, remove the old filter, and insert a new one in the same orientation.
Location in the engine bay
In the Malibu, the air intake box sits on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, toward the front. It’s a rectangular black plastic enclosure connected to a large ribbed intake hose that runs toward the throttle body.
Engine variants and identifying features
The Malibu offered two engines in 2019: a 1.5L turbo and a 2.0L turbo. Both use the same basic air-filter housing design, though the orientation of hoses and the clip setup can vary slightly by trim. Look for the large intake hose connected to the air box.
Before you begin, ensure the engine is cool and the hood is open. The following list helps you identify the air box and confirms you’re looking at the engine air filter housing, not the cabin filter or other components.
Use the features below to locate and verify the air-filter housing:
- Rectangular black plastic box with a removable lid
- Connected to a large ribbed intake hose that runs toward the engine
- Clips or screws on the lid (often 2–4 clips or a few screws depending on model year)
- Label or stamping indicating "Air Filter" on or near the housing
- Located on the driver’s side of the engine bay, near the front of the vehicle
By locating these features, you can confidently identify the engine air filter housing on a 2019 Malibu.
How to replace the engine air filter
Once you have located the housing, you can replace the filter by following these typical steps. Note that some trims use clips instead of screws, so adapt accordingly.
- Open the hood and secure it safely.
- Unclip or unscrew the lid of the air filter housing. Save the clips or screws for reassembly.
- Carefully lift the lid and remove the old air filter. Take note of the filter’s orientation (which way is up).
- Wipe or brush out any dirt inside the housing to keep debris from entering the intake path.
- Insert the new filter in the same orientation as the old one, ensuring it seats evenly in the housing.
- Replace the lid and secure it with clips or screws, ensuring a snug seal.
- Close the hood and run the engine briefly to verify there are no unusual sounds and that the intake is functioning normally.
Following these steps will keep the intake system clean and maintain engine efficiency. Regular checks during routine maintenance can prevent excessive dust or debris from entering the engine.
Summary
In a 2019 Chevy Malibu, the engine air filter lives in a rectangular black plastic air box in the engine bay on the driver’s side near the front. Access it by releasing the lid’s clips or screws, remove the old filter, and install a new one with the correct orientation. The process is similar across the 1.5L and 2.0L turbo variants, with minor variations in clip hardware. Regular replacement helps protect the engine from dust and prolongs performance.