NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Latches/locks/linkages complaints
38 reportsClear category filter155,000 miles · Sep 7, 2021
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesSteering
The contact's daughter owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. Additionally, the door locks would lock and unlock independently, and the speedometer was not functioning properly. The electric power steering warning …
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The contact's daughter owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. Additionally, the door locks would lock and unlock independently, and the speedometer was not functioning properly. The electric power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
NHTSA ODI #11431962
68,000 miles · Feb 7, 2017
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH WOULD NOT WORK CORRECTLY. IF THE DOOR WAS CLOSED AND LATCHED, IT WOULD NOT UNLATCH. IF THE DOOR WAS OPEN, IT WOULD NOT LATCH CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH WOULD NOT WORK CORRECTLY. IF THE DOOR WAS CLOSED AND LATCHED, IT WOULD NOT UNLATCH. IF THE DOOR WAS OPEN, IT WOULD NOT LATCH CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA ODI #10950177
178,000 miles · Dec 1, 2016
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE DOORS UNLOCKED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED. THE REARVIEW MIRROR DOME LIGHT WAS THE ONLY LIGHT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE DOORS UNLOCKED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED. THE REARVIEW MIRROR DOME LIGHT WAS THE ONLY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.
NHTSA ODI #10929464
106,000 miles · Dec 31, 2015
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WHEN THE DOORS WERE UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT STATED THE LATCH WAS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
NHTSA ODI #10817156
90,000 miles · Jan 30, 2015
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E021000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE DOORS FAILED TO REMAIN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E021000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE DOORS FAILED TO REMAIN LOCKED. WHEN THE LOCKS SPORADICALLY CONTINUED TO UNLOCK, THE BATTERY BECAME INOPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10679882
148,000 miles · Apr 15, 2014
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE HAS CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
NHTSA ODI #10582873
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2014
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT HAS HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES OF THE DOORS NOT LATCHING AND/OR NOT BEING ABLE TO BE OPENED. THE DRIVER DOOR, SEEMS TO DO OK, AS LONG AS I KEEP IT LUBED. CURRENTLY, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT LATCH. WHEN I LOOK AT THE LATCH, IT SEEMS TO BE MOVING FREELY, YET WILL NOT LATCH. IT HAS BEEN TIED CLOSED WITH A RO…
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MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT HAS HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES OF THE DOORS NOT LATCHING AND/OR NOT BEING ABLE TO BE OPENED. THE DRIVER DOOR, SEEMS TO DO OK, AS LONG AS I KEEP IT LUBED. CURRENTLY, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT LATCH. WHEN I LOOK AT THE LATCH, IT SEEMS TO BE MOVING FREELY, YET WILL NOT LATCH. IT HAS BEEN TIED CLOSED WITH A ROPE, SINCE OCTOBER 2013, AS IT WILL COST HUNDREDS, JUST TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. IT HAS MANUAL LOCKS, SO IS NOT AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. I NEED TO FIND A WAY TO FIX IT MYSELF, BUT CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10574180
60,000 miles · Mar 1, 2013
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
THE POWER LOCKS SUDDENLY DO NOT WORK AS USUAL. USUALLY, ALL THE DOORS ARE LOCKED WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR WHILE THEY ARE UNLOCKED WHEN I PARK THE CAR. NOW, THERE IS NO RESPONSE OF EACH DOOR WHEN I SHIFT THE CAR TO PARK OR DRIVE. I HEAR SOME TICK SOUND WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKE, WHICH IS NOT THERE WHEN THE LOCKS WORK WELL. SOMETIME…
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THE POWER LOCKS SUDDENLY DO NOT WORK AS USUAL. USUALLY, ALL THE DOORS ARE LOCKED WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR WHILE THEY ARE UNLOCKED WHEN I PARK THE CAR. NOW, THERE IS NO RESPONSE OF EACH DOOR WHEN I SHIFT THE CAR TO PARK OR DRIVE. I HEAR SOME TICK SOUND WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKE, WHICH IS NOT THERE WHEN THE LOCKS WORK WELL. SOMETIMES IT IS VERY HARD TO MOVE THE POWER STEERING WHEN I PARK THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10500901
98,000 miles · Mar 1, 2013
Latches/locks/linkages
MY DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT ALWAYS WORK.... THE DOORS WILL JUST BE LOCKED WHETHER YOUR INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THE LOCKS SHOW THE DOORS ARE UNLOCKED BUT WHEN YOU PULL THE HANDLE IT FEELS AS IF IT ISN'T ATTACHED TO ANYTHING. AFTER PUNCHING THE DOOR AROUND THE HANDLE AREA THE DOOR SOMETIMES WILL THEN OPEN. UPON SEARCHING THIS IS…
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MY DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT ALWAYS WORK.... THE DOORS WILL JUST BE LOCKED WHETHER YOUR INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THE LOCKS SHOW THE DOORS ARE UNLOCKED BUT WHEN YOU PULL THE HANDLE IT FEELS AS IF IT ISN'T ATTACHED TO ANYTHING. AFTER PUNCHING THE DOOR AROUND THE HANDLE AREA THE DOOR SOMETIMES WILL THEN OPEN. UPON SEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON LINE IT SEEMS THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. I WAS LOCKED IN MY CAR FOR HOURS YESTERDAY UNTIL I FINALLY CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW. AFTER THAT THE DOORS FINALLY OPENED AND WHEN I WENT TO THE STORE SHORTLY AFTER I WAS LOCKED OUT AND STRANDED OUTSIDE MY CAR FOR ANOTHER SEVERAL HOURS. I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL.... ALSO ONCE WHEN TRYING TO OPEN MY DOOR I TORE THE HANDLE RIGHT OFF THE CAR BECAUSE IT HAD LOCKED ME OUT. THIS ALSO SEEMS TO BE A HUGE ISSUE FOR MANY OTHERS AS I ALSO SEE THIS ONLINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10500899
50,000 miles · Feb 4, 2013
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
UNABLE TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. I CAN UNLOCK THE DOOR WITH NO ISSUES, BUT THE DOOR ITSELF WILL NOT OPEN. HAVE TO CLIMB IN AND OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. HAVE SEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE ON TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496389
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.
Oct 29, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, NEVADA AND TEXAS. THE PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN PORT ON THE MODULAR RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. IF EITHER OF THESE PORTS DEVELOPS A CRACK, FUEL WILL LEAK FROM THE AREA. IF THE CRACK BECOMES LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY BE OBSERVED DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL COVERAGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME FOR MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE AND TEXAS AND MODEL YEAR 2007 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN: ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 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.
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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