B101D Control module internal hardware fault (Chevrolet and GMC; module varies)

Electronic control unit hardware fault, airbag light or OnStar fault

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

The code is stored by different modules on GM vehicles, from the OnStar module to the airbag computer. With the airbag light on, the restraint system may not work as designed, but no source rates the code itself, so the severity is not verified.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: The airbag (SRS) light is on or flashing with the code, as in several Malibu reports

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

B101D in short

On Chevrolet and GMC, B101D is an internal hardware fault reported by a control module. GM bulletins file it under the OnStar telematics module, while owners also see it with the airbag light on. Which module stored it matters; if the airbag light is on, have it inspected soon and do not work on airbag wiring.

B101D is stored by whichever control module has found a fault inside itself. GM calls the family electronic control unit hardware faults; the same code number shows up in different modules.

GM bulletins in the local cache attach B101D to the OnStar telematics module: one says vehicles with it stored need campaigns 14395 or 15086 completed, another says the OnStar module does not support every B101D symptom code, and a third says B101D-37 in history only is harmless to OnStar. Another bulletin lists B101D among rear view camera coaxial codes.

Owners tell a different story: on 2013 and 2015 Malibus B101D came with C0186, C0196, C0287 and an airbag light, and a dealer called for the airbag sensing module. A 2019 Acadia dealer found it from a water-damaged vision processing module. Check which module stored it before assuming the airbag computer.

Pick your make

B101D is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. OnStar telematics or vehicle communication interface module fault or history code

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Several GM bulletins in the cache tie B101D to the telematics communication interface module, and one says the B101D-37 history version is harmless. All are cache summaries, status unverified, so this cannot be called confirmed.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code sits in the telematics module with OnStar or navigation problems and no airbag light. Falls if it is stored in the airbag module.

  2. Airbag sensing and diagnostic module internal fault

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Several 2013 and 2015 Malibu complaints show B101D with airbag codes and the airbag light on, and a dealer on one said the airbag sensing module needed replacement. Complaint signal only, no bulletin.
    What would change this
    Rises if the airbag module itself holds B101D with the airbag light on. Falls if the code is only in the telematics module.

  3. Vision processing module internal failure or water intrusion

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    One 2019 Acadia dealer found B101D from an internal failure with corrosion from water in the vision processing module. A single report.
    What would change this
    Rises if camera or driver-assist features are dead and the module is corroded. Falls if those features work.

  4. Rear view camera coaxial cable fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletin 23-NA-062 lists B101D among codes for rear view camera coaxial issues on 2019-2023 models; summary only.
    What would change this
    Rises if the rear camera image is lost or noisy with B101D on a 2019 or later model. Falls if the camera works.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Note whether the airbag light is on, and have a shop read which module stores B101D (airbag module, OnStar module or another) and what other codes sit with it.

    Low riskTool: GM diagnostic tool or scan tool with access to all modules

  2. Have a dealer or trained technician diagnose the airbag module and its power and communication before replacing it.

    Best left to a shopTool: GM diagnostic tool and service information

    Warning:Never probe, unplug or test airbag, pretensioner or seat belt buckle connectors yourself. Airbags and pretensioners can deploy and injure you even with the ignition off, and an incorrect repair can leave the restraint dead in a crash. Leave this to a dealer or trained technician.

Symptoms

  • Airbag (SRS) light on or flashing Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • OnStar or navigation not working
  • Rear camera or driver-assist features dead

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

  • Affected control module (airbag, OnStar or vision processing):Which module to replace depends on where B101D is stored. Used airbag modules need to match and not have been in a deployment, as one Malibu owner was told. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2013–2015 · Malibu

    Supported by vehicle data

    Malibu owners report B101D with C0186, C0196 and C0287 and the airbag light on; a dealer on a 2015 recommended replacing the airbag sensing module. GM bulletins file B101D under the OnStar module on the same models, so check which module stored it.

  • 2011–2015 · Silverado 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletins list B101D for Silverado 1500 telematics modules; an owner says B101D:31 appears when OnStar is disconnected.

  • 2011–2015 · Impala

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletins cover Impala telematics module B101D; no Impala-specific repair is stated in the summaries.

  • PIT5236J (chevrolet)Status unverified

    OnStar telematics module B101D, complete campaign then call GM

    2006–2017impala, malibu, silverado-1500 · issued · NHTSA 10113318

    Tells technicians that vehicles with B101D stored in the telematics module need campaign 14395 or 15086 completed, then data gathered and GM Technical Assistance contacted.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIT5236B (chevrolet)Status unverified

    OnStar module does not support all B101D symptom codes

    2011–2015impala, malibu, silverado-1500 · issued · NHTSA 10114801

    Says the OnStar module does not support every B101D symptom code.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIC5492E (chevrolet)Status unverified

    B101D-37 history in the communication interface module

    2000–2017impala, malibu, silverado-1500 · issued · NHTSA 10111715

    Says engineering found B101D-37 only shows in history on the scan tool and does not cause OnStar problems.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

GMC

  • 2011–2019 · Acadia

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletins cover Acadia telematics module B101D; a 2019 Acadia dealer found B101D from a water-damaged vision processing module.

  • PIT5236J (gmc)Status unverified

    OnStar telematics module B101D, complete campaign then call GM

    2006–2017acadia, sierra-1500, yukon, yukon-xl · issued · NHTSA 10113318

    Tells technicians that vehicles with B101D stored in the telematics module need campaign 14395 or 15086 completed, then data gathered and GM Technical Assistance contacted.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIT5236B (gmc)Status unverified

    OnStar module does not support all B101D symptom codes

    2011–2015acadia, sierra-1500, yukon, yukon-xl · issued · NHTSA 10114801

    Says the OnStar module does not support every B101D symptom code.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIC5492E (gmc)Status unverified

    B101D-37 history in the communication interface module

    2000–2017acadia, sierra-1500, yukon, yukon-xl · issued · NHTSA 10111715

    Says engineering found B101D-37 only shows in history on the scan tool and does not cause OnStar problems.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • B0081Passenger presence (seat occupant sensing) system fault

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    B0081 (passenger presence fault) was stored together with B101D on a 2015 Malibu with the airbag light on.

All Body electrical codes

B101D questions

Is B101D always an airbag code?

No. GM bulletins file it under the OnStar telematics module, and owners also see it from the airbag and vision modules. The airbag light and the module that stored it tell you which case you have.

Sources and review

  1. 2023 Accord Owner's Manual: Airbag System Indicators — American Honda Motor Co.
  2. Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  3. GM PIT5236J: DTC B101D stored in the telematics communication interface control module — General Motors (via NHTSA bulletin summary)
  4. GM PIT5236B: OnStar module does not support all B101D symptom codes — General Motors (via NHTSA bulletin summary)
  5. GM PIC5492E: B101D-37 in history in the vehicle communication interface or telematics module — General Motors (via NHTSA bulletin summary)
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 1890140: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, OnStar disconnected — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  7. NHTSA complaint ODI 1608585: 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, airbag light flashing — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  8. NHTSA complaint ODI 1613746: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, B101D-00 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  9. NHTSA complaint ODI 1412532: 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, service airbag message — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  10. NHTSA complaint ODI 1966616: 2019 GMC Acadia, vision processing module — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  11. GM 23-NA-062: rear view camera coaxial issues, DTCs B395A, B395B, B395C, B101E, B101D — General Motors (via NHTSA bulletin summary)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
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Technician review
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