IllustrationTHE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH AND IT BECAME HARD TO STEER AND TO TURN. IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE IN ANY CONDITION. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT REQUIRES A RECALL AS IT MAY RESULT IN BODILY INJURY. *JS
2007 Chevrolet Hhr
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2007 Chevrolet Hhr do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 565.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Hhr years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
650–25K
8725–50K
15050–75K
12175–100K
132100–150K
43150K+
598 reports with mileage · 128 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 424 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
42 crash reports4 fire reports23 injury reports
What owners actually said
726 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROX…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
DURING DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT. IT HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED. ONCE CAR IS PULLED OVER INTO PARKING LOT SHUT OFF THEN RESTARTED IT WORKS FINE FOR 12 SECONDS TO SEVERAL MINUTES. IT WILL GO A COUPLE OF DAYS WITHOUT PROBLEM THEN IT WILL HAVE THE PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL DAYS. ON 4/23/14 IT WENT OUT ON A S TURN ALMOST …
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DURING DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT. IT HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED. ONCE CAR IS PULLED OVER INTO PARKING LOT SHUT OFF THEN RESTARTED IT WORKS FINE FOR 12 SECONDS TO SEVERAL MINUTES. IT WILL GO A COUPLE OF DAYS WITHOUT PROBLEM THEN IT WILL HAVE THE PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL DAYS. ON 4/23/14 IT WENT OUT ON A S TURN ALMOST CAUSING A WRECK. I HAD A FRIEND WITH ME AT THE TIME. GM HAS BULLETIN 14119 STATING IT WILL REPLACE POWER STEERING FOR LIFE OF VEHICLE BUT DEALERSHIP STATES IT IS NOT RECALLED AND WILL DO NOTHING. I HAVE VIDEO OF IT DOING EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL FOR THE 2009 AND 2010 MODEL. DOES ONE OF MY CHILDREN OR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE TO DIE FROM THIS PROBLEM BEFORE GM WILL FIX IT? THE INTERNET IS FULL OF THE SAME PROBLEM FROM PLENTY OF OWNERS OF THE 2007 HHR. *TR
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE EVERY SINCE I GOT IT. NOW WITH ME READING THESE RECALLS COME TO FIND OUT THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE AT ALL. WHEN I GET TO 60MPH MY CAR SHAKES. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BRAKES BUT I HAVE BRAND NEW BRAKE PUT ON. IT STILL SHAKES WHEN TRYING TO RIDE ON THE HIGHWAY. IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING THES…
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I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE EVERY SINCE I GOT IT. NOW WITH ME READING THESE RECALLS COME TO FIND OUT THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE AT ALL. WHEN I GET TO 60MPH MY CAR SHAKES. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BRAKES BUT I HAVE BRAND NEW BRAKE PUT ON. IT STILL SHAKES WHEN TRYING TO RIDE ON THE HIGHWAY. IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING THESE ISSUES? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FAILED AND THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FAILED AND THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND MY STEERING WHEEL GOT VERY HARD TO STEER. I HEARD A DING AND LOOKED DOWN TO SEE POWER STEERING. I THINK GM SHOULD RECALL THESE, IF IT IS THE SAME ISSUE AS IT WAS IN THE SATURN. I HAVE TO TURN MY CAR OFF AT EVERY STOP SIGN BECAUSE MY POWER STEERING GOES OUT ABOUT 4 OR 5 TIMES A DAY, THIS IS DANGEROUS AND …
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I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND MY STEERING WHEEL GOT VERY HARD TO STEER. I HEARD A DING AND LOOKED DOWN TO SEE POWER STEERING. I THINK GM SHOULD RECALL THESE, IF IT IS THE SAME ISSUE AS IT WAS IN THE SATURN. I HAVE TO TURN MY CAR OFF AT EVERY STOP SIGN BECAUSE MY POWER STEERING GOES OUT ABOUT 4 OR 5 TIMES A DAY, THIS IS DANGEROUS AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET FIXED. I LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAY CHECK AND I'M VERY UPSET THAT CHEVY PUT A PRODUCT OUT ON THE MARKET WITH DEFECTS LIKE THIS. MAKES ME QUESTION ABOUT MY NEXT PURCHASE. VERY UNHAPPY CUSTOMER. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITH THE SOUND OF A CHIME AND THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITH THE SOUND OF A CHIME AND THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.
THE POWER STEERING NO LONGER WORKS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN IN MOTION FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. IT STARTED OCCASIONALLY IN DECEMBER 2013, THEN BY JANUARY IT HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE TIME THE CAR IS TURNED ON AND DRIVEN. IT MAKES THE CAR DIFFICULT TO TURN AROUND CORNERS OR AT INTERSECTIONS AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PARK AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS. …
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THE POWER STEERING NO LONGER WORKS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN IN MOTION FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. IT STARTED OCCASIONALLY IN DECEMBER 2013, THEN BY JANUARY IT HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE TIME THE CAR IS TURNED ON AND DRIVEN. IT MAKES THE CAR DIFFICULT TO TURN AROUND CORNERS OR AT INTERSECTIONS AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PARK AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AGAIN FOR THE FEW GOOD SECONDS OF POWER STEERING JUST TO QUICKLY PARK IT OR MANEUVER. SOMETIMES THIS DOES BECOME DANGEROUS IF I HAVE TO AVOID SOMETHING AT A MOMENTS NOTICE. MY CAR IS A 2007 HHR AND NOT PART OF THE OFFICIAL RECALL, BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT SHOULD MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE IF THERE IS A SYSTEMIC PATTERN OF FAILURE WITH THIS FEATURE IN CHEVY HHRS. *TR
THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR ON MY HHR FAILED CLOSE TO THIS DATE WHILE BEING DRIVEN DOWN OUR STREET AT AROUND 25 MPH AND I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH ABOUT THE FAILURE AT THE TIME BUT NOW I SEE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILURES ARE THE REASON FOR A CURRENT RECALL. MY HHR WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL BUT …
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THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR ON MY HHR FAILED CLOSE TO THIS DATE WHILE BEING DRIVEN DOWN OUR STREET AT AROUND 25 MPH AND I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH ABOUT THE FAILURE AT THE TIME BUT NOW I SEE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILURES ARE THE REASON FOR A CURRENT RECALL. MY HHR WASN'T PART OF THE RECALL BUT I WONDER IF IT'S MOTOR ALSO HAS A PROBLEM. MY MECHANIC USED A 19257876 MOTOR KIT FOR THE REPAIR. A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR THIS PART SHOWS THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS. CHEVROLET COBALT 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 CHEVROLET HHR 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 CHEVROLET HHR 5 DOOR HIGH ROOF H/B 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 CHEVROLET HHR 5 DOOR UPLEVEL HIGH ROOF H/B 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 PONTIAC G5 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 PONTIAC PURSUIT 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 SATURN ION 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 *TR
Official recalls
414V171000 · Electrical System:ignition
Apr 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.
14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch
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.
08V444000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
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> .
08V046000 · Air Bags
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> .
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.