Recall 16V151 affects 3,137 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles for side air bag weld studs that can fracture. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 3,137 2016 Malibu sedans because the two weld studs that hold the front and rear side impact air bags can fracture and separate during deployment. If that happens, the side air bag can move out of position and increase injury risk; Chevrolet dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side impact air bags in the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu are built into the seat area to help protect occupants in a side crash. Each air bag module has an inflator, which produces the gas that fills the bag during deployment. Two weld studs hold the inflator module to the air bag assembly so the parts stay together under the force of deployment.
On affected Malibu vehicles, those weld studs were not bonded strongly enough to the inflator housing. If the studs fracture during deployment, they can separate from the air bag assembly instead of holding the module in place. That means the side air bag does not deploy as designed, and the vehicle does not meet the federal side-impact protection requirement.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is inside the mounted air bag module, so an owner would not be expected to hear, feel, or see the problem during normal driving.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Chevrolet Malibu | side air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 3,137 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Fractured weld studs can let the side air bag move out of position during deployment, increasing injury risk. Because the problem involves air bag placement during deployment, the issue is not something to wait out. Confirm your VIN and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free side air bag module replacement that addresses weld studs that can fracture and move the air bag out of position during deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. Reference recall number 16V151 when you call.
- Ask Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 if you need help finding a dealer or confirming the repair path.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician replaces the side air bag modules covered by this recall. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the covered vehicles were under warranty. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 11, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 11, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| March 11, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 14, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V151?
Recall 16V151 covers 3,137 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with side air bag weld studs that can fracture during deployment. If the studs break, the side air bag can move out of position and raise injury risk. Chevrolet dealers replace the side air bag modules for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Malibu is included in recall 16V151. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the side air bag module replacement. Reference recall number 16V151 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 replace the side air bag modules free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V151?
The risk is reduced side air bag protection during a crash. Fractured weld studs can let the side air bag move out of position during deployment, increasing injury risk. Chevrolet's repair replaces the affected side air bag modules.
What if I bought my 2016 Chevrolet Malibu used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner, so a used Malibu with an included VIN remains eligible. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Chevrolet dealer and reference recall number 16V151.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V151000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V151 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V151000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall 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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →