NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
458 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 19, 2013
EnginePower TrainSteering
VEHICLE WILL STALL AND WE WILL CRASH OR BE HIT BY SOME ONE. WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLS YOU LOOSE ALL POWER THAT IS POWER STEERING,BRAKES,THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE .IT BEGAN WITH MY KEY GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION,WOULD HAVE TO TRY TO PLACE IN PARK MULTIPLE TIMES TO RELEASE THE KEY. FOUND THE PANEL IN THE STEE…
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VEHICLE WILL STALL AND WE WILL CRASH OR BE HIT BY SOME ONE. WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLS YOU LOOSE ALL POWER THAT IS POWER STEERING,BRAKES,THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE .IT BEGAN WITH MY KEY GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION,WOULD HAVE TO TRY TO PLACE IN PARK MULTIPLE TIMES TO RELEASE THE KEY. FOUND THE PANEL IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE RELEASE BUTTON TO REMOVE KEY. NOW THE GEAR SHIFT BUTTON IS STUCK IN THE PRESSED POSITION, MAKING THE CAR VULNERABLE TO COMING OUT OF GEAR. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND COSTLY TO FIX. ADDITIONAL PERSONAL RESEARCH HAS INDICATED THIS IS A COMMON & KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10512695
131,250 miles · May 15, 2013
Electrical SystemSteering
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE (CHEVY HHR) AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN A WARNING WASSAGE DISPLAYED ASYIN POWER STEERING, A BELL STARTED DINGING AND STERING THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT. I WAS IN A CURVE ON A HILL. I WASW ABLE TO SAFELY GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED THE CAR OFF, CHECKED FUSES, FOUND NO PROBLEM. RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT STARTED W…
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WAS DRIVING VEHICLE (CHEVY HHR) AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN A WARNING WASSAGE DISPLAYED ASYIN POWER STEERING, A BELL STARTED DINGING AND STERING THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT. I WAS IN A CURVE ON A HILL. I WASW ABLE TO SAFELY GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED THE CAR OFF, CHECKED FUSES, FOUND NO PROBLEM. RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN. HAD NOW DONE THIS ABOUT 15 TIMES AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP OR TRAVELDED ABOUT 20 MILES. HAS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE A FEW TIMES AND CAUSES HER DIDICULTY IN STERING THE CAR WITH HER RECOVERY FROM SHOULDER SURGERY. IN RESEARCHING ON LINE AND I SEE THIS CAR HAS BEEN RECALLED IN CANADA, AND THE SAME PARTS ARE USED IN THE CHEVY COVALT AND HAS RECALLS FOR THE PROBLEM IN THE US. WHY NOT THE CHEVY HHR BEEN RECALLED? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10512200
56,000 miles · May 13, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10511711
65,000 miles · May 7, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH , THE POWER STEERING WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH , THE POWER STEERING WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510894
93,232 miles · May 6, 2013
Steering
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AT RANDOM INTERVALS. IF YOU TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON AGAIN, IT WORKS JUST FINE. IT COULD BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IF IT HAPPENED IN A SITUATION WHERE I WAS EXPECTING IT TO WORK, BUT IT DIDN'T. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510875
115,623 miles · May 2, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,623.
NHTSA ODI #10510430
Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2013
Steering
STEERING FAILS WHEN DRIVING. THE CAR IS NOT STEERABLE. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. CHEVY COBALT HAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. HHR IS THE SAME PLATFORM,SAME STEERING COMPONENTS,SAME MANUFACTURE OF STEERING COMPONENTS. GM IS SUING THE MANUFACTURE OF THE POWER STEERING UNITS BUT DOESN'T RECOGNIZE A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH …
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STEERING FAILS WHEN DRIVING. THE CAR IS NOT STEERABLE. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. CHEVY COBALT HAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. HHR IS THE SAME PLATFORM,SAME STEERING COMPONENTS,SAME MANUFACTURE OF STEERING COMPONENTS. GM IS SUING THE MANUFACTURE OF THE POWER STEERING UNITS BUT DOESN'T RECOGNIZE A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE CHEVY HHR. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10509535
115,000 miles · Apr 17, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion SystemSteering
I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE DASH PANEL WARNING LIGHTS ALL STARTED FLASHING ON AND OFF. WHEN IT DID THIS THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND WHEN I TRIED TO STOP THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND THE POWER BRAKES DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT. IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE HAD THE OLD STYLE MANUAL BRAKES. IT HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND WHE…
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I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE DASH PANEL WARNING LIGHTS ALL STARTED FLASHING ON AND OFF. WHEN IT DID THIS THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND WHEN I TRIED TO STOP THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND THE POWER BRAKES DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT. IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE HAD THE OLD STYLE MANUAL BRAKES. IT HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND WHEN I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE I NOTICED THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER HHR OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM ORIGINALLY STARTED WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT TO COME ON RANDOMLY AND I WOULD HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO RESET THE COMPUTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508493
85,500 miles · Apr 16, 2013
Steering
DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND THERE IS NO POWER STEERING, HARD TO STEER. HAPPENS NUMEROUS TIMES. TURN CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND IT'S FINE AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508486
15,000 miles · Apr 9, 2013
EngineSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR LT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR LT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,017.
NHTSA ODI #10505704
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.
Sep 3, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 296,422 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE DOOR ON THE STORAGE BIN IN THE TOP CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED AS REQUIRED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: A REDESIGNED LATCH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Jan 30, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 181,516 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIR BAGS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' IN TESTS, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PIECE TO THE HEADLINER TRIM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Oct 31, 2006
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
Remedy: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗