C0196: owner reports and bulletins

Chassis. We haven't written the explanation for this code yet. Below is what owners and manufacturers have filed with NHTSA.

Got C0196 on your scanner? Tell the mechanic your year, make, model and any symptoms and you'll get the likely cause and what to check first. Ask about this code.

What owners report to NHTSA

8 complaints filed with NHTSA mention C0196, 6 of them since 2015, across 4 different models. The component owners most often filed it under: air bags.

Most-reported models

VehicleComplaintsModel years reported
CHEVROLET MALIBU42015, 2020

Manufacturer service bulletins that name C0196

34 technical service bulletins and manufacturer communications filed with NHTSA mention C0196, from 5 makes. A bulletin means the manufacturer has documented a known cause or a fix procedure for that model. Examples:

  • CADILLAC ELR (2014), bulletin 10246917: Service Stabilitrak DTC C0196 After Vehicle Has Been Transported.
  • CHEVROLET VOLT (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014), bulletin 10246917: Service Stabilitrak DTC C0196 After Vehicle Has Been Transported.
  • KARMA REVERO (2017, 2018), bulletin 10119576: DTC C0196 active code after transport present, The vehicle wakes up in transport and it senses movement with no wheel speed. this is a procedure to clear the code and reset behavior.
  • CHEVROLET EQUINOX (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), bulletin 10151859: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp, service Antilock Braking System, Service Stabilitrak, Service A…
  • GMC TERRAIN (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), bulletin 10151859: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp, service Antilock Braking System, Service Stabilitrak, Service A…
  • CADILLAC ESCALADE (2015, 2016), bulletin 10126347: This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of a Service Stabilitrak message displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC). During diagnosis, a technician may find DTC C0196-5A se…

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database and manufacturer communications file, snapshots September 2026. A complaint or bulletin that mentions a code is a report about that vehicle, not a statement that the code has one cause.