Recall 16V781 affects 18 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles for a side-impact air bag cushion that can tear. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 18 2016 Malibu vehicles because the side-impact air bag cushion fabric can tear during deployment. A torn cushion can keep the air bag from performing as designed in a crash, increasing injury risk, and Chevrolet dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The side-impact air bag in the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is built to inflate from the side of the cabin during a side crash. Its cushion is the fabric bag that fills with gas and creates a barrier between the occupant and the door, window, or pillar. The inflator is the metal gas generator that fills that cushion in a controlled burst.
On affected Malibu vehicles, the supplier loaded the inflator with more propellant than the design called for. That extra propellant raises the force of deployment. When the bag opens, the fabric cushion can tear instead of staying intact, so the side-impact air bag does not provide the protection it was designed to provide.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem shows up only when the side-impact air bag deploys, so an owner is not expected to hear, feel, or see a change while driving.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Chevrolet Malibu | side air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 18 |
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?
If the air bag tears during deployment, it can fail to perform as designed. This increases the risk of injury in a crash. Until inspected, drive with care and schedule the dealer repair 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 a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free side-impact air bag module inspection and replacement if the inspection shows it is needed.
- Reference recall number 16V781 and Chevrolet recall 16079 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one, plus any service paperwork tied to the air bag repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician inspects the side air bag module and replaces the module if the inspection shows it is needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Because the remedy is available, affected Malibu owners can schedule the inspection through a Chevrolet dealer and ask the service desk to reference recall 16V781 or GM recall 16079 when setting the appointment.
Timeline
| October 26, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 26, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| October 26, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 27, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 31, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V781?
Recall 16V781 covers 18 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with side-impact air bag cushion fabric that can tear during deployment. A torn cushion keeps the air bag from performing as designed in a crash. Chevrolet dealers will inspect the air bag module and replace it for free when needed.
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 16V781. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the side air bag module inspection. Reference recall 16V781 or Chevrolet recall number 16079 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Chevrolet's remedy for recall 16V781 also states that dealers will inspect and, when needed, replace the air bag module free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced side-impact air bag protection in a crash. If the cushion tears during deployment, the air bag does not perform as designed, increasing injury risk. The fix is a dealer inspection and air bag module replacement when needed.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Malibu used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Malibu is included, then call a franchised Chevrolet dealer or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 for scheduling help.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V781000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V781 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V781000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - 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 →