Recall 23V516 covers 767 2013 Camaro, Sonic, Verano, and Volt vehicles for driver air bag inflator explosions. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 767 2013 Camaro, Sonic, Verano, and Volt vehicles under recall 23V516 because the driver-side air bag inflator can explode during deployment. An inflator explosion can send sharp metal fragments into the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death; Chevrolet dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The driver front airbag module in the 2013 Camaro, Sonic, Verano, and Volt contains the inflator for the driver's air bag. In a crash, that inflator is supposed to create gas fast enough to fill the air bag and help cushion the driver. The module depends on the inflator opening in a controlled way, without breaking apart.
On affected vehicles, the inflator came from a suspect production lot. GM's filing says the rupture is likely tied to a manufacturing defect, not propellant breakdown from age or environmental exposure. If the inflator ruptures during deployment, metal inflator parts can break apart instead of staying contained inside the airbag module.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem happens only when the driver's air bag deploys, so an owner should not expect a light, sound, smell, or change in driving feel before the inflator breaks.
Who's affected?
Scope spans four 2013 nameplates using the same driver front air bag module.
| 2013 Chevrolet Camaro | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | front air bag |
| 2013 Buick Verano | front air bag |
| 2013 Chevrolet Volt | front air bag |
| Units affected | 767 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
If the driver-side air bag inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments can strike the driver or passengers, causing serious injury or death. There is no routine owner check that confirms the inflator is safe. Schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, Sonic, Volt, or Buick Verano is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer, or a Buick dealer for Verano owners, to schedule the free repair.
- Schedule the free driver-side air bag module replacement that addresses the inflator explosion risk; 2013 Volt vehicles also get the steering wheel replaced when required.
- Bring the recall notice if GM mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V516 and GM recall N232413120 when you call.
- Call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 with questions before your appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician replaces the driver side air bag module. For affected 2013 Volt vehicles that need the extra repair, the technician replaces the steering wheel as well. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm whether your VIN needs only the air bag module or both the air bag module and steering wheel before the appointment.
Timeline
| July 27, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 27, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| July 27, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 21, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 16, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 23, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V516?
Recall 23V516 covers 767 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Sonic, Buick Verano, and Chevrolet Volt vehicles with a driver-side air bag inflator defect. During deployment, the inflator can explode and send sharp metal fragments toward the driver or passengers. Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Chevrolet Camaro, Sonic, Verano, or Volt is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V516. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet or Buick dealer to schedule the free driver-side air bag module replacement. For some 2013 Volt vehicles, the dealer will also replace the steering wheel for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. For recall 23V516, dealers will replace the driver-side air bag module free of charge, and some 2013 Volt vehicles also receive a free steering wheel replacement.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V516?
The safety risk is serious injury or death from an exploding driver-side air bag inflator. NHTSA campaign 23V516 says sharp metal fragments can strike the driver or other occupants during deployment. The repair path is clear: a franchised dealer replaces the affected air bag module for free.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2013 Camaro, Sonic, Verano, or Volt is included, then reference recall 23V516 when you call a franchised Chevrolet or Buick dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V516000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-521-7300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V516 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V516000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →