Recall 12V224 affects 4,304 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles for an airbag-control software reset after hard braking. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 4,304 2013 Malibu sedans under recall 12V224 because hard braking can reset the sensing and diagnostic module, the controller that helps manage airbag and seatbelt pretensioner deployment. In a later rollover or severe crash, the system can deploy the roof rail airbag unintentionally or fail to deploy airbags or pretensioners; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The sensing and diagnostic module, or SDM, is the safety computer in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. It monitors crash and vehicle signals and helps the restraint system decide when a safety response is needed. It also keeps diagnostic information that a Chevrolet dealer uses when checking the system.
In this recall, the problem is in the SDM software. After a hard braking event, the module can reset itself instead of continuing to run normally. The filing does not give a separate mechanical root cause, so the defect is best understood as a software reset problem inside the module, not a broken external part.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should treat the issue as hidden because the reset is tied to a hard braking event, not to a sound, smell, fluid leak, or visible part damage.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4,304 |
Not every 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
During an aggressive turn, the roof rail airbag can deploy unintentionally if the vehicle later senses a rollover. In a severe crash, the airbags or seatbelt pretensioners can also fail to deploy, increasing injury risk. Schedule the SDM reprogramming promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to ask whether the free SDM software reprogramming is open for your vehicle.
- Reference recall number 12V224 when you call the dealer.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one to you.
- Drive cautiously until the SDM update is complete; avoid hard braking and aggressive turns.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician reprograms the sensing and diagnostic module, called the SDM. That module helps manage crash sensing and air bag decisions, so the repair is a software update rather than a part swap. The recall notice says this service is free and the campaign began on June 13, 2012. If your VIN is included, ask the Chevrolet service desk to confirm the SDM reprogramming procedure and whether the repair is open for your vehicle before you make the appointment.
Timeline
| May 18, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 13, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V224?
Recall 12V224 covers 4,304 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with software in the sensing and diagnostic module that resets after hard braking. Chevrolet dealers will reprogram the module for free so the roof rail airbag and crash restraints respond correctly.
What should I do if my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Malibu is included in recall 12V224. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the sensing and diagnostic module reprogramming. Reference recall number 12V224 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Chevrolet dealers will reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is incorrect airbag or restraint operation after the module resets. In a rollover sequence, the roof rail airbag can deploy when it should not. In a severe crash, the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners can fail to deploy, increasing injury risk.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Malibu used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is included, then call a franchised Chevrolet dealer and reference recall number 12V224.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V224000 |
|---|---|
| NHTSA recall # | 12V224 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V224000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →