The 9th generation Malibu was supposed to undergo a "facelift" in 2022 or 2023 and the refreshed vehicle may have continued being produced into the 2024 and 2025 model years but it will now apparently be discontinued after the 2023 model year.

Owners of other General Motors vehicles from Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Holden such as the Impala, Corvette, Bolt, Sonic, Spark, Express, Trax, TrailBlazer, Equinox, Traverse, Blazer, Tahoe, Suburban, Colorado, Silverado, Cruze, Volt, Camaro, Encore, Envision, Enclave, Regal, LaCrosse, Canyon, Sierra, Terrain, Acadia, Yukon, Savana, XT4, XT5, XT6, Escalade, CT4, CT5, CT6 and Commodore may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A few compatible replacement filters with their part numbers are as follows: ACDelco CF185, Spearhead BE-966, EcoGard XC10022C, TYC 800181P, Hastings AFC1624 and Premium Guard PC6154C.

No tools are needed to access and replace the cabin air filter element.

The first few steps are to sit in the front passenger seat, open the glove box and empty out the contents.

Move to the right outer side wall of the glove box and locate the plastic damper arm.

Detach the damper arm from the right side wall of the glove box by pulling out the mounting button.

Don't worry if the glove box hinges come apart. They can easily be re-attached later on.

Once the glove box is out of the way, you'll be able to see the HVAC blower motor housing and the rectangular shaped filter access cover.

Gently push in the two tabs towards the center of the filter cover to release the retaining clips.

Slide the old filter straight out of the slot in the HVAC blower motor housing.

If the old filter is dark grey or black and clogged with dirt, dust, sand, pollen, soot, hair, insects, leaves and other debris, it should be replaced with a new element.

I recommend buying the Spearhead BE-966 cabin air filter since it has excellent reviews on Amazon from other 9th generation Malibu owners.

If you'd prefer to buy the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) filter, the GM part number is ACDelco CF185.

If the old filter is relatively clean, just tap out the large debris and remove any fine dust with a vacuum cleaner.

If your vacuum has a crevice attachment, clean out the filter slot.

Orientate the new filter with the "Air Flow" arrow pointing down towards the floor mat.

Slide the new filter straight into the slot. Make sure it is fully seated in the slot.

You should feel or hear the two retaining clips "click" securely into place.

Double check that the filter cover is securely attached.

Raise the glove box up towards the dashboard.

Move to the right outer side wall of the glove box.

Re-insert the small mounting button on the damper arm into the larger hole.

Double check that the glove box damper arm is securely attached.

Replace the contents of the glove box and close it to complete the job.

Enjoy the fresh clean air from your A/C system!

Be sure to write down the filter change in your car's service records.

According to the owner's manual, the service interval specification for the passenger compartment air filter is to change it every 22,500 miles (or every 36,000 km).

Please check out all of the 2016-2023 GM Chevrolet Malibu DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.