2015 Chevrolet Malibu · symptom sheet
Airbag warning light or recall
- 49owner reports
- 48,000median miles
- 8involved a crash
Newest report Jul 22, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
49 of the 267 complaints on this car describe airbag, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2015 Malibu.
Tick what matches of 49 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the occupant sensor (14 reports) and the module (12 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the airbags covers the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.
NHTSA investigations into the airbags on the Malibu
Dtn air bag inflator rupture. Open.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2015 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 26,000 and 65,000 miles, from the 29 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Service airbag light goes on and off. Also passenger air bag keeps turning on and off.”
Filed Aug 20, 2025
“Air bag light is on dashboard and my driver seat wonât recline back up to a normal driving position. Brought it to the mechanic to have it checked and was told I am in need of a new driver seat do to a faulty airbag. The car is not even 10 years old yet and I canât use the seat properly to drive safely.”
Filed Oct 9, 2023
“Air bag warning service notification appeared. Contacted dealership and they stated no recall on my vehicle only trucks and SUV's.”
Filed Aug 3, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 8 of 49 reports involved a crash and 7 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 30 reports