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.

The compatible replacement light bulb type is any miniature wedge base including the 2825, 194, 168 and W5W.

If you would like to have a brighter cargo area light, install a 2825 LED bulb.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) light bulb is marked as part number Osram 12V8W (12 volts 8 watts).

The only tool needed to access and replace the bulb is a small flat head screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool.

The first two steps are to open the trunk lid and then locate the light housing attached to the "ceiling" of the cargo area.

Gently pry the light housing out of the metal panel.

Use the blade of the small flat head screwdriver to gently push the wedge shaped base of the old light bulb out of the socket.

Push in a new number 2825, 194, 168 or W5W light bulb straight into the socket.

If you would like to have a brighter cargo area light that will also last much longer than the traditional incandescent bulb, install a compatible replacement 2825 LED bulb.

You should feel or hear the power plug "click" securely into place.

If the new light bulb didn't turn on as soon as you plugged in the connector, press the "Unlock" button on the key fob to re-activate the interior lights.

Tip - If your new LED bulb doesn't work, try pulling it out of the socket, rotating it 180 degrees and pushing it back into the socket. Some LED bulbs are polarized and will only work when the "+" positive and "-" negative electrical contacts are in the correct orientation.

Re-insert the wires and the right (passenger) side of the light housing back into the opening.

Double check that the light housing is securely in place.

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

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