The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.
The risk
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 18V-400 (18V400000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 18208 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification |
| Report date | June 14, 2018 |
| Owners notified | August 7, 2018 |
| Vehicles affected | 66 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 18V-400 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 66 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.