NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,143 reportsClear category filter138,000 miles · Sep 29, 2019
Steering
ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING WILL FLASH ON MY DASH AND MY CAR WILL START TO JERK AGGRESSIVELY. IF I CAN'T PULL OVER AND I DRIVE FOR JUST A WHILE TO FIND SOMEWHERE TO PULL OVER, MY CAR WILL STOP MOVING AND START GOING BACKWARDS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. I HAD AN O2 SENSOR REPLACED WHICH STOPPED THE POWER STEERING …
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ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING WILL FLASH ON MY DASH AND MY CAR WILL START TO JERK AGGRESSIVELY. IF I CAN'T PULL OVER AND I DRIVE FOR JUST A WHILE TO FIND SOMEWHERE TO PULL OVER, MY CAR WILL STOP MOVING AND START GOING BACKWARDS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. I HAD AN O2 SENSOR REPLACED WHICH STOPPED THE POWER STEERING TO GO OUT FOR A WHILE BUT IT STARTED BACK AGAIN. MY POWER STEERING WILL ALSO GO OUT AS I START THE CAR, FORCING ME TO TURN THE CAR, WAIT A FEW SECONDS AND START IT AGAIN. IT CAN GO ON FOR A WHILE AND MULTIPLE MECHANICS HAVE LOOKED AT THE CAR BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON BUT THEY CAN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE TO WAIT 30 SECONDS BEFORE I CAN DRIVE MY CAR, WHICH CAN MAKE ME LATE TO PLACES IF I HAVE TO DO IT MULTIPLE TIMES, IF I DON'T WAIT THEN THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT ON ME AND IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE. LAST YEAR, IT WENT OUT WHILE I WAS GOING 60MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND I COULDN'T GO ANYWHERE TO PULL OVER, I'M LUCKY I DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #11258839
120,000 miles · Aug 8, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE STRENGTH TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST FUEL. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ALSO HESITATED AND JERKED VIOLENTLY, AND "FAULTY POWER STEERING" AND "LOSS OF FUEL" APP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE STRENGTH TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST FUEL. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ALSO HESITATED AND JERKED VIOLENTLY, AND "FAULTY POWER STEERING" AND "LOSS OF FUEL" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE TRANSMISSION MADE AN ABNORMAL SHIFTING NOISE. THE CONTACT CALLED ANDERSON CHEVROLET (31201 AUTO CENTER DR, LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530, (951) 226-0822) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION RECALL WAS SERVICED IN 2009; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #11242483
120,000 miles · Jun 22, 2019
Power TrainSteeringVehicle Speed Control
TCM MODULE, POWER STEERING AND ODOMETER NOT WORKING PROPERLY
NHTSA ODI #11221936
197,000 miles · Jun 11, 2019
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. CABLE DAHMER CHEVROLET OF INDEPENDENCE (1834 S NOLAND RD, I…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. CABLE DAHMER CHEVROLET OF INDEPENDENCE (1834 S NOLAND RD, INDEPENDENCE, MO 64055, (866) 650-1809) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000.
NHTSA ODI #11219261
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2019
Steering
TAKATA RECALL POWER STEERING NEEDS TO BE FIXED IT'S A STRONG DANGERS TURN WHEN PARKING OR DRIVING WHICH SCARES ME A LOT I JUST GOT A RECALL FIXED ON MY IGNITION AND I I THOUGHT THIS WAS APART OF THE RECALL I LOOKED ONLINE NOTICE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS NOTICED MINE ACTING UP I NEED IT FIXED I HAVE A FAMILY AND I DON'T WANT NOTHING C…
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TAKATA RECALL POWER STEERING NEEDS TO BE FIXED IT'S A STRONG DANGERS TURN WHEN PARKING OR DRIVING WHICH SCARES ME A LOT I JUST GOT A RECALL FIXED ON MY IGNITION AND I I THOUGHT THIS WAS APART OF THE RECALL I LOOKED ONLINE NOTICE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS NOTICED MINE ACTING UP I NEED IT FIXED I HAVE A FAMILY AND I DON'T WANT NOTHING CRITICAL HAPPENING
NHTSA ODI #11206145
170,000 miles · Apr 16, 2019
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE FORCE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE FORCE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA ODI #11196787
187,254 miles · Nov 2, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT REGISTERING THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT REGISTERING THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,254.
NHTSA ODI #11145028
111,000 miles · Sep 27, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING) AND NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE10005 (STEER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING) AND NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE10005 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
NHTSA ODI #11132000
63,000 miles · Aug 26, 2018
Steering
THE OTHER DAY WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION THE POWER STEERING ABRUPTLY STOPPED WORKING ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT! THERE IS A WARNING ON THE DASH THAT GOES OUT AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING IT. THE POWER STEERING WORKS FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN ABRUPTLY STOPS WORKING AGAIN WITHOUT NOTICE!
NHTSA ODI #11122402
95,000 miles · Aug 2, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MOSS BROS. CHEVROLET DEALER AT 951-485-3500 (LOCATED AT 12625 AUTO MALL DR., MORENO VALLEY, CA 92555), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MOSS BROS. CHEVROLET DEALER AT 951-485-3500 (LOCATED AT 12625 AUTO MALL DR., MORENO VALLEY, CA 92555), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.
NHTSA ODI #11115440
Official recalls
5Apr 10, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Feb 10, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Mar 3, 2010
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Jan 18, 2007
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.'
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Nov 22, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BULB SHIELDS INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMPS CAN LOOSEN DUE TO VIBRATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BULB SHIELD CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. IF THIS OCCURRED ON A HEADLAMP INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE, ONCOMING DRIVERS MAY NOTICE ADDITIONAL GLARE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
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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