NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Seat Belts complaints
14 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 4, 2023
Air BagsSeat Belts
My mat sensor in my passenger seat is not working properly. Nobody ever really sits in the passenger seat and the light came on stating that someone is sitting in the passenger seat when there is actually nobody sitting in the seat! Which means the airbag will not deploy this seems to be an issue with many 09 bmw 328i vehicle’s!…
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My mat sensor in my passenger seat is not working properly. Nobody ever really sits in the passenger seat and the light came on stating that someone is sitting in the passenger seat when there is actually nobody sitting in the seat! Which means the airbag will not deploy this seems to be an issue with many 09 bmw 328i vehicle’s! I noticed through research that vehicles prior to said year had same issues and was part of a recall. I feel this should also be part of a new recall with this vehicle year
NHTSA ODI #11505577
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2022
Seat BeltsSeats
I have the seatbelt and airbag light illuminated on my car for the passenger. I have researched this issue and it seems to be a common problem on BMWs. It was part of a recall for the 2006 model but nothing past that year. Apparently, it is the sensor that is in the passenger seat that has broken. So the airbag can't sense wheth…
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I have the seatbelt and airbag light illuminated on my car for the passenger. I have researched this issue and it seems to be a common problem on BMWs. It was part of a recall for the 2006 model but nothing past that year. Apparently, it is the sensor that is in the passenger seat that has broken. So the airbag can't sense whether or not a person is occupying that seat.
NHTSA ODI #11475040
99,000 miles · Aug 8, 2020
Air BagsSeat Belts
IT STARTED HAPPENING HERE AND THERE, WHILE NO ONE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, IT IS SAYING SEAT BELTS NEED TO BE ON AND AN AIRBAG LIGHT, AFTER A LITTLE WHILE OF DRIVING THE AIRBAG LIGHT SOMETIMES GOES OFF BUT SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL STAY ON. EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS IN THE SEAT WITH THEIR SEAT BELT ON - BOTH OF THOSE LIGHTS ARE ON SEAT B…
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IT STARTED HAPPENING HERE AND THERE, WHILE NO ONE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, IT IS SAYING SEAT BELTS NEED TO BE ON AND AN AIRBAG LIGHT, AFTER A LITTLE WHILE OF DRIVING THE AIRBAG LIGHT SOMETIMES GOES OFF BUT SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL STAY ON. EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS IN THE SEAT WITH THEIR SEAT BELT ON - BOTH OF THOSE LIGHTS ARE ON SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG. I'M SCARED IF I GET IN AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAGS WONT DEPLOY. I'M ALSO SEEING I'M NOT THE ONLY BMW WITH THIS ISSUE. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL WHEN THIS CAN COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE. NO CARS AIRBAG SYSTEM SHOULD JUST GO.
NHTSA ODI #11344071
Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2020
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats
SENSOR WARNING STATES PASSENGER AIRBAG AND PASSENGER SEATBELT IS NOT ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11329481
100,000 miles · Jun 4, 2019
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats
CAR HAS A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM ERROR. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. WARNING COMES ON AS SOON AS THE CAR IS STARTED UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SHUT DOWN. THE AIRBAG MAY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
NHTSA ODI #11217887
154,985 miles · Apr 18, 2019
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats
RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULTY WARNING CAME ON
NHTSA ODI #11197081
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2018
Air BagsSeat Belts
WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2009, AT THE TIME THE MILLEAGE ONLY AROUND 30000 MILES, ON 12-1-2012 AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT LIGHT ON. WE BROUGHT TO BMW DEALER, THE SERVICE TECH STATED THAT WE HAVE TO PAY CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY TO DIAGNOSE IT, TO CHANGE BOTH OF IT WILL COST US THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. UNTIL TODAY WE STILL HAVE THEY SAME PROBLE…
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WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2009, AT THE TIME THE MILLEAGE ONLY AROUND 30000 MILES, ON 12-1-2012 AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT LIGHT ON. WE BROUGHT TO BMW DEALER, THE SERVICE TECH STATED THAT WE HAVE TO PAY CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY TO DIAGNOSE IT, TO CHANGE BOTH OF IT WILL COST US THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. UNTIL TODAY WE STILL HAVE THEY SAME PROBLEMS BECAUSE WE CAN NOT AFFORD IT. I GOT SOME INFORMATION FROM OTHER PEOPLE THAT MANY OWNERS OF BMW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM CONCERNED WITH MY DAUGHTER'S LIFE. SHE USE THE CAR, WE JUST HOPE NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO HER. I WOULD LIKE YOU TO PLEASE REPLACE OUR CAR PROBLEMS. THANK YOU.
NHTSA ODI #11155398
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2018
Air BagsSeat Belts
WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2009, AT THE TIME THE MILLEAGE ONLY AROUND 30000 MILES, SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG LIGHT ON, IN 2012. WE BROUGHT TO BMW DEALER, THE SERVICE TECH STATED THAT WE HAVE TO PAY CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY TO DIAGNOSE IT, AND TO CHANGE BOTH OF IT WILL COST US THOUSANDS OF FOLLARS. PLEASE REPLACE IT. IT WILL COST US T…
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WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2009, AT THE TIME THE MILLEAGE ONLY AROUND 30000 MILES, SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG LIGHT ON, IN 2012. WE BROUGHT TO BMW DEALER, THE SERVICE TECH STATED THAT WE HAVE TO PAY CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY TO DIAGNOSE IT, AND TO CHANGE BOTH OF IT WILL COST US THOUSANDS OF FOLLARS. PLEASE REPLACE IT. IT WILL COST US THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. UNTIL TODAY WE STILL HAVE THEY SAME PROBLEMS BECAUSE WE CAN NOT AFFORD IT. I GOT SOME INFORMATION FROM OTHER PEOPLE THAT MANY OWNERS OF BMW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM CONCERNED WITH MY DAUGHTER'S LIFE. SHE IS DRIVING IT, WE JUST HOPE NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO HER. I WOULD LIKE YOU TO PLEASE REPLACE OUR CAR PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI #11155396
61,000 miles · Sep 23, 2017
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats
THE VEHICLE BRINGS UP A WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DISABLED DUE TO SEAT OCCUPANCY, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, THE CAR WOULD NOT DEPLOY THE PASSENGER AIRBAG.
NHTSA ODI #11025210
55,000 miles · Aug 9, 2017
Air BagsSeat Belts
MY PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF AND SEATBELT WARNING LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY LIT UP ON BOTH THE DASH AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE ROOF. THIS BEGAN A COUPLE MONTHS AGO ONE DAY WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AND HAS BEEN CONSTANT SINCE. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO BE DIAGNOSED AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE A FAULTY PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR, AND WAS QUOTED…
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MY PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF AND SEATBELT WARNING LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY LIT UP ON BOTH THE DASH AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE ROOF. THIS BEGAN A COUPLE MONTHS AGO ONE DAY WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AND HAS BEEN CONSTANT SINCE. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO BE DIAGNOSED AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE A FAULTY PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR, AND WAS QUOTED $1,100 TO REPAIR. IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS SENSOR IN MANY 2004-2007 BMW VEHICLES INCLUDING THE 328I, JUST NOT MY YEAR. I HAVE SEEN A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE BY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME PROBLEM THAT ALSO FEEL THAT OUR VEHICLES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OF A FAULTY PART THAT IS DAMAGING TO THE SAFETY AND GENERAL FUNCTIONING OF THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE ALL ALREADY JUST HAD TO WAIT FOR OVER A YEAR TO HAVE THE TAKATA RECALL DONE, MINE IS JUST NOW BEING COMPLETED. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE SAFETY FUNCTIONS OF BMW AS WELL AS THEIR HANDLING OF SUCH ISSUES, AND WISH TO HAVE ADDITIONAL VEHICLES OUTSIDE OF THOSE THREE YEARS INCLUDED SEEING AS IT IS THE SAME EXACT FAULTY SENSOR THAT AFFECTS THOSE CARS. I BELIEVE THAT NOT DOING SO WOULD WARRANT A LEGAL CLAIM AND FOLLOWING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IF BMW CONTINUES TO REFUSE AND IGNORE CLAIMS ON THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11013940
Official recalls
6Jul 3, 2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags:frontal
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jan 15, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jun 19, 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Consequence: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Consequence: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
Electrical System
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Consequence: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
Oct 30, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Oct 25, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Feb 7, 2013
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical System
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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