Manufacturer recall number

Chevrolet recall 16146

Q: Is 16146 the same recall as 16V870000?

Yes. 16146 is Chevrolet’s own number for it; 16V870000 is NHTSA’s. One recall, two references.

Chevrolet calls it 16146. NHTSA filed it as campaign 16V870000 on Dec 2, 2016: air bags on the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, 113 vehicles potentially affected. One recall, two numbers — the dealer quotes the manufacturer’s, the federal record carries NHTSA’s.

The full filing, 16V870000 →Check a VIN at NHTSA Chevrolet’s own VIN lookup →

What NHTSA has under this number

Source: 49 CFR Part 573 filings

NHTSA campaign	Vehicles	Component	Filed	Affected	Severity
16V870000	2017 Chevrolet Malibu	Air Bags	Dec 2, 2016	113	high

Problem General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016. The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds. Risk Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash. Also, the inflator could fail to inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16146.

The manufacturer’s own words as filed for 16V870000. Every model year it covers, the build window and the filed PDFs →

Two numbers, one recall

Every safety recall carries two identifiers. 16146 is the number Chevrolet assigned in its own system: it is what appears on the owner letter, on the dealer’s service screen and on the repair order. 16V870000 is the number NHTSA filed the same recall under when the manufacturer reported it, and it is the one every federal record, this site included, is keyed on.

The repair is free by federal law for vehicles up to fifteen years old. Whether one particular vehicle is included is settled by its VIN against the manufacturer’s build list, not by its model year.

Check one specific vehicle

Both lookups check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list and say whether the repair is still outstanding on that vehicle.

NHTSA VIN recall lookup →Chevrolet’s own VIN lookup →

Common questions

Source: NHTSA, 49 CFR Part 573

Is 16146 the same recall as 16V870000?

Yes. 16146 is Chevrolet’s own number for it; 16V870000 is NHTSA’s. One recall, two references.

Which vehicles does 16146 cover?

2017 Chevrolet Malibu, 113 vehicles by the manufacturer’s count. A recall covers a build range, so the VIN decides whether one particular vehicle is in it.

Does the 16146 repair cost anything?

No. The manufacturer must remedy a safety defect at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from first sale.