2016 Chevrolet Malibu Recall: Fabric of the side-impact air bag cushion may tear during deployment
NHTSA campaign 16V781000 · Air Bags · filed Oct 26, 2016 · verified Sep 13, 2026
The defect
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured November 18, 2015, to June 7, 2016. The fabric of the side-impact air bag cushion may tear during deployment.
The risk
If the air bag tears during deployment, the air bag may not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in the event 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 inspect and, as necessary, replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 27, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16079.
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
- 2023–2025 Chevrolet Malibu — Rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank…
- 2024 Cadillac XT4 and 1 other model — Vehicles may have the wrong owner's manual in the glove box
- 2022–2023 Chevrolet Malibu — Front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle…
- 2022 Cadillac XT4 and 3 other models — Driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in…
- 2010–2013 Buick Lacrosse and 2 other models — These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an…
Other campaigns involving Chevrolet vehicles
- 2024–2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 1 other model — Tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire…
- 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ and 3 other models — High voltage battery may have an improperly secured…
- 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV and 1 other model — A manufacturing defect may result in the steel wheels…
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 16V781000 (manufacturer number 16079). Data last verified Sep 13, 2026.