Vehicle Recall IndexVIN decoding & NHTSA recall records

Model year 2016 · Chevrolet

2016 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 10 safety recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recent was reported on August 20, 2021. Campaigns are matched by the model names in NHTSA's records: MALIBU, MALIBU HYBRID.

NHTSA data through October 6, 2026 · How these pages are built

Campaigns at a glance

Recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, newest first
NHTSA numberReportedComponent
21V649000August 20, 2021Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners
18V400000June 14, 2018Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification
18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
16V781000October 26, 2016Air Bags › Side/Window
16V521000July 8, 2016Hybrid Propulsion System
16V502000July 5, 2016Electrical System › Ignition
16V272000May 5, 2016Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
16V151000March 11, 2016Air Bags › Side/Window
16V125000March 2, 2016Air Bags › Frontal
16V084000February 11, 2016Electrical System › Software

Systems involved: Air Bags (4) · Electrical System (2) · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (1) · Fuel System, Gasoline (1) · Hybrid Propulsion System (1) · Power Train (1) · Seat Belts (1)

Recall records

NHTSA 21V649000Manufacturer no. N212333380

Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners

Report received by NHTSA
August 20, 2021
Owner notification
September 17, 2021
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
402 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
MALIBU

Components: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners; Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor

Defect summary

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Safety risk

An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V649000, filed by General Motors, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 18V400000Manufacturer no. 18208

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification

Report received by NHTSA
June 14, 2018
Owner notification
August 7, 2018
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
66 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
November 20, 2015 – September 8, 2017
Model names in the NHTSA record
MALIBU

Defect summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.

Safety risk

In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 18V400000, filed by General Motors LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 18V358000Manufacturer no. 18188 18268

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

Report received by NHTSA
May 31, 2018
Owner notification
July 2, 2018
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
895 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
January 27, 2016 – April 27, 2018
Model names in the NHTSA record
MALIBU

Defect summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Safety risk

A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 18V358000, filed by General Motors LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 16V781000Manufacturer no. 16079

Air Bags › Side/Window

Report received by NHTSA
October 26, 2016
Owner notification
October 27, 2016
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
18 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
November 18, 2015 – June 7, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record
MALIBU

Defect summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured November 18, 2015, to June 7, 2016. The fabric of the side-impact air bag cushion may tear during deployment.

Safety risk

If the air bag tears during deployment, the air bag may not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 27, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16079.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 16V781000, filed by General Motors LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 16V521000Manufacturer no. 51230

Hybrid Propulsion System

Report received by NHTSA
July 8, 2016
Owner notification
August 10, 2016
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
534 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
October 27, 2015 – June 3, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record
MALIBU HYBRID

Defect summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Malibu Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 27, 2015, to June 3, 2016. The affected vehicles have a shut-off switch for the high voltage battery for use when servicing the vehicle. This manual service disconnect switch (MSD) may not be properly installed and thus may not lock into position, unexpectedly disconnecting the high-voltage power while driving, effectively stalling the vehicle.

Safety risk

A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the MSD and correct the installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 10, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 51230.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 16V521000, filed by General Motors LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 16V502000Manufacturer no. 50490, 50491

Electrical System › Ignition

Report received by NHTSA
July 5, 2016
Owner notification
October 14, 2016
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
8,367 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
April 7, 2016 – May 31, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record
MALIBU

Components: Electrical System › Ignition; Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/PCM/Tecm)

Defect summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Safety risk

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 16V502000, filed by General Motors LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 16V272000Manufacturer no. 39440

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Report received by NHTSA
May 5, 2016
Owner notification
June 17, 2016
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
66 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
March 7, 2016 – March 12, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record
MALIBU

Defect summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured March 7, 2016, through March 12, 2016. The memory chip in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may fail and cause the loss of electronically controlled brake systems including anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Safety risk

If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a replacement EBCM, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020). GM's number for this recall is 39440.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 16V272000, filed by General Motors LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 16V151000Manufacturer no. 31820

Air Bags › Side/Window

Report received by NHTSA
March 11, 2016
Owner notification
April 14, 2016
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
3,137 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
February 16, 2016 – March 5, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record
MALIBU

Defect summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Malibu vehicles manufactured February 16, 2016, to March 5, 2016. The two weld studs that mount the front and rear side impact air bags may fracture and separate from the air bag during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214, "Side Impact Protection."

Safety risk

Fractured weld studs may allow the side air bag to move out of position during deployment, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 31820.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 16V151000, filed by General Motors LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 16V125000Manufacturer no. 28030

Air Bags › Frontal

Report received by NHTSA
March 2, 2016
Owner notification
April 14, 2016
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
1,579 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
January 9, 2016 – January 26, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record
MALIBU

Defect summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.

Safety risk

An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 28030.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 16V125000, filed by General Motors LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 16V084000Manufacturer no. 15808

Electrical System › Software

Report received by NHTSA
February 11, 2016
Owner notification
March 14, 2016
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
139 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
July 23, 2015 – October 29, 2015
Model names in the NHTSA record
MALIBU

Defect summary

Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety risk

An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15808.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 16V084000, filed by General Motors LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

Records reproduce NHTSA's published text for each campaign. Last record date for this page: August 20, 2021.