2016 Chevrolet Malibu Recall: Memory chip in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may fail and…
NHTSA campaign 16V272000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc) · filed May 5, 2016 · verified Sep 13, 2026
The defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured March 7, 2016, through March 12, 2016. The memory chip in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may fail and cause the loss of electronically controlled brake systems including anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
The risk
If the EBCM fails the primary braking system will still function, however, the loss of ABS and ESC increase the risk of a crash.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a replacement EBCM, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020). GM's number for this recall is 39440.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Chevrolet Malibu recalls
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Other campaigns involving Chevrolet vehicles
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Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 16V272000 (manufacturer number 39440). Data last verified Sep 13, 2026.