NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,006 reports110,000 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Steering
HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 32K MILES, 2ND OWNER I THINK. STARTING ABOUT 1 AND 1/2 YR AGO THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) STARTED TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING UNDER ANY CONDITION. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT IS VERY HARD TO TURN THE CAR. CAR MUST BE STOPPED AND ENGINE TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN TO RESET EPS SYSTEM. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS…
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HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 32K MILES, 2ND OWNER I THINK. STARTING ABOUT 1 AND 1/2 YR AGO THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) STARTED TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING UNDER ANY CONDITION. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT IS VERY HARD TO TURN THE CAR. CAR MUST BE STOPPED AND ENGINE TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN TO RESET EPS SYSTEM. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND HAPPENS AT RANDOM.
NHTSA ODI #10576632
142,000 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Steering
TRAVELING ON SOLOMON'S ISLAND RD. IN ANNAPOLIS, MD., I HEARD A CHIME SOUND, "POWER STEERING" APPEARED AS A LIGHTED WARNING, AND I SUDDENLY HAD NO POWER STEERING. I PULLED INTO A SHOPPING CENTER, MAKING A LEFTHAND TURN, AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I CHECKED MY MANUAL WHICH TOLD ME NOT TO KEEP DRIVING, CALLED MY HUSBAND WH…
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TRAVELING ON SOLOMON'S ISLAND RD. IN ANNAPOLIS, MD., I HEARD A CHIME SOUND, "POWER STEERING" APPEARED AS A LIGHTED WARNING, AND I SUDDENLY HAD NO POWER STEERING. I PULLED INTO A SHOPPING CENTER, MAKING A LEFTHAND TURN, AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I CHECKED MY MANUAL WHICH TOLD ME NOT TO KEEP DRIVING, CALLED MY HUSBAND WHO IS A FORMER AUTO TECH, AND HE ADVISED ME TO START THE CAR AGAIN TO SEE IF THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. IT DIDN'T, SO HE THOUGHT THAT MAYBE IT WAS A TEMPORARY PROBLEM AND ADVISED ME TO DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, BUT TO PULL OVER IF IT CAME ON AGAIN. I WAS MORE THAN AN HOUR FROM HOME (DENTON, MD.) AND REALLY DIDN'T WANT TO GET STRANDED AT NIGHTFALL, SO I DROVE EAST ON ROUTE 50, AND JUST BEFORE ROWE BLVD., IT CAME ON AGAIN, AND I PULLED OFF TO TRY TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PARK. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER, ESPECIALLY MAKING A 90-DEGREE TURN. IT WAS GETTING DARK, AND I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT PARKING IN A SAFE PLACE TO WAIT FOR MY HUSBAND TO MEET UP WITH ME. SO I REASONED THAT, ONCE I GOT BACK ON ROUTE 50, I WOULD ONLY HAVE TO DRIVE STRAIGHT TO GET TO KENT ISLAND AND MEET UP WITH MY HUSBAND WHO WOULD DRIVE MY CAR THE REST OF THE WAY HOME. I PRAYED MY CAR WOULDN'T GET STRANDED ON THE BAY BRIDGE, BUT IT SEEMED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS THE ONLY ISSUE. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME SAFELY. WE WENT ONLINE TO FIND OUT IF THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE HHR, AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE MANY OWNERS WHO REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. FRANKLY, WE WERE AND ARE SURPRISED THAT HHRS OLDER THAN 2010 HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED. INTERMITTENTLY, THE PROBLEM KEPT OCCURRING WITH MY HUSBAND DRIVING MY CAR UNTIL I FINALLY GOT IT REPAIRED TWO WEEKS LATER ON MARCH 25, 2014. MY STEERING MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR $262.50. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576553
30,000 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Service Brakes
WHILE DRIVING FREEWAY SPEED APPLIED BRAKES AND STARTED TO GET A VIOLENT VIBRATION IN THE STEER WHEEL WHERE I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE BRAKES CHECK.THE PADS WERE REPLACED AND THE ROTORS TURNED. THE DEALER STATED THEY ARE GETTING A LOT OF HHR'S COMING IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THERE SHOULD…
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WHILE DRIVING FREEWAY SPEED APPLIED BRAKES AND STARTED TO GET A VIOLENT VIBRATION IN THE STEER WHEEL WHERE I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE BRAKES CHECK.THE PADS WERE REPLACED AND THE ROTORS TURNED. THE DEALER STATED THEY ARE GETTING A LOT OF HHR'S COMING IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE BRAKING PROBLEM. I HAVE ABOUT 20,000 MILE SINCE AND THE VIBRATIONS ARE STARTING TO RETURN EVEN AT LOWER SPEEDS OF 40 MPH. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE BRAKING SYSTEM OR LOOKED IN TO BEFORE A FATAL ACCIDENT HAPPENS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576453
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR . THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE NO FAILURES AT THIS TIME. ..UPDATED 05-09-14 *BF UPDATED 05/13/14
NHTSA ODI #10576173
890,000 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Air BagsCrash
I HIT A DEER THERE WAS OVER 4000.00 IN DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE BACK WHEN IT HAPPEN KNOW ONE KNEW WHY THE THEY DID NOT WORK SO I JUST TALK TO CHEVY AND THEY SAID IT COULD OF BEEN THE WAY I HIT AND THAT ALL AND IT IS AT THE CHEVY FOR ELECTRICAL WORK EVEN WHEN THE RADIO IS OFF AND YOU TURN THE KEY OFF THE RADIO COMES ON AND LIGH…
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I HIT A DEER THERE WAS OVER 4000.00 IN DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE BACK WHEN IT HAPPEN KNOW ONE KNEW WHY THE THEY DID NOT WORK SO I JUST TALK TO CHEVY AND THEY SAID IT COULD OF BEEN THE WAY I HIT AND THAT ALL AND IT IS AT THE CHEVY FOR ELECTRICAL WORK EVEN WHEN THE RADIO IS OFF AND YOU TURN THE KEY OFF THE RADIO COMES ON AND LIGHT IN THE DASH WORK THEN DON T WORK DRIVING DOWN THE DOWN HOW ARE WE TO KNOW FOR SURE IF IT THERE FAULT OR NOT JUST PAY THE BILL WE GET WHEN THEY SAY IT S NOT AND WE ARE NOW STUCK WITH THE CAR NO ONE WILL BUY IT OR TAKE AS A TRADE IN SO NOW THAT EVERYONE IS STUCK WITH A CAR WE DON T FEEL SAFE IN WHAT ARE WE TO DO IT IS NOT FARE TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576108
50,000 miles · Mar 31, 2014
Steering
WAS DRIVING AT LUNCH & POWER STEERING MESSAGE CAME ON & WHEN I WENT TO TURN, I HAD NO POWER STEERING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575898
90,100 miles · Mar 31, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE FACE, KNEE, WRIST, NECK, AND BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE FACE, KNEE, WRIST, NECK, AND BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WAS RECEIVED AFTER THE CRASH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,100. UPDATED 05/19/14*LJ
NHTSA ODI #10575806
25,000 miles · Mar 30, 2014
Engine
ENGINE DIED TODAY FOR 6TH TIME WHILE DRIVING. WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE AT 73MPH AND ENGINE DIED ALMOST CAUSING ME TO BE REAR ENDED WITH MY YOUNG INFANT IN THE CAR WHILE TRYING TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO RESTART IT. NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575645
115,798 miles · Mar 29, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
WAS PULLING OUT OF MY GARAGE WHEN ALL MY ELECTRICAL SHUT DOWN NO POWER. HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO RICKS AUTOMOTIVE AND THEY REPAIRED MY STARTER $ 427.00. I WOULD LIKE TO GET REIMBURSED FROM GM AND NEED TO KNOW HOW GE TO MY MONEY BACK? I HAD TROUBLE WITH MY IGNITION SWITCH FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND NOT LETTING ME REMOVE THE K…
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WAS PULLING OUT OF MY GARAGE WHEN ALL MY ELECTRICAL SHUT DOWN NO POWER. HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO RICKS AUTOMOTIVE AND THEY REPAIRED MY STARTER $ 427.00. I WOULD LIKE TO GET REIMBURSED FROM GM AND NEED TO KNOW HOW GE TO MY MONEY BACK? I HAD TROUBLE WITH MY IGNITION SWITCH FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND NOT LETTING ME REMOVE THE KEY TWICE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575631
71,362 miles · Mar 29, 2014
Wheels
RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575627
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 ↗
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