Recall 15V164 affects 87,063 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles for a roof-panel switch defect. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 87,063 2013-2015 Malibu sedans because the roof panel Slide or Tilt switch is not recessed enough and can be pressed by accident. The roof panel can auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury, and Chevrolet dealers will correct the switch issue free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The power roof panel on the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu uses slide and tilt switches to open, close, or vent the sunroof. Those switches are supposed to sit low enough in the surrounding trim that they are not pressed by accident. When the driver intentionally touches the switch, the one-touch feature lets the roof panel move without the switch being held down.
On affected Malibu vehicles, the slide and tilt switches are not recessed enough. GM found during testing that a 20 mm radius test sphere activated the non-recessed part of the switches during certain sunroof operation cycles. Because the switches also have one-touch operation, that unintended press can make the roof panel close automatically from the open position. The revised software removes that one-touch function for certain switch positions.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is the switch design, not a worn part that makes noise, feels loose, or gives a dashboard warning before it is activated unintentionally.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2013, 2014, and 2015 Malibu model years, all tied to the sunroof assembly.
| 2015 Chevrolet Malibu | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2014 Chevrolet Malibu | visibility component |
| 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | visibility component |
| Units affected | 87,063 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch can be pressed by accident, causing the roof panel to close unexpectedly and increasing the risk of a pinch injury. Keep hands, fingers, and loose items clear of the roof opening until the software update is completed. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free BCM software update that removes the unexpected roof-panel auto-close condition.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet sent one. If not, reference recall number 15V164 and Chevrolet recall 15176 when you call.
- Keep hands and fingers away from the roof opening until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician updates the Body Control Module (BCM) software so the roof panel auto-close feature no longer works in the affected switch positions. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. GM is not offering a separate reimbursement program for this campaign because owners would not have known about the software issue before the recall and would not have paid for this specific repair beforehand.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| March 23, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 21, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V164?
Recall 15V164 covers 87,063 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with a roof panel Slide or Tilt switch that is not recessed enough to prevent accidental pressing. The roof panel can auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury. Chevrolet dealers update the Body Control Module software for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Malibu is included in recall 15V164. If it is, call a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the Body Control Module software update. Reference recall number 15V164 and Chevrolet recall number 15176 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects and compliance defects at no cost. Chevrolet dealers will update the Body Control Module software free of charge, removing the auto-close feature for certain roof-panel switch positions.
Is it safe to drive my Chevrolet Malibu before the recall repair?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk is a roof panel that auto-closes unexpectedly after the Slide or Tilt switch is pressed. Use extra care around the roof switch and keep hands clear of the roof panel until a Chevrolet dealer completes the software update.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Malibu used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Malibu is included, then contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and reference recall number 15V164 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V164000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V164 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V164000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →