POWER STEERING FAILS WHILE DRIVING. *TR
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
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.
What owners actually said
726 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE POWER STTERING WARNING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS A WARNING CHIME SOUNDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE POWER STTERING WARNING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS A WARNING CHIME SOUNDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
THERE IS A MASSIVE BLIND SPOT TO THE DRIVERS FRONT LEFT SIDE. THIS PREVENTS BEING ABLE TO SEE MEDIANS GOING INTO A LEFT HAND TURN. I WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE I HAVE COME VERY CLOSE TO HITTING THEM 5 TIMES OR SO BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF VISIBILITY. THIS MOST RECENT TIME, I TRIED MY BEST TO JUDGE THE MEDIANS LOCATION, B…
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THERE IS A MASSIVE BLIND SPOT TO THE DRIVERS FRONT LEFT SIDE. THIS PREVENTS BEING ABLE TO SEE MEDIANS GOING INTO A LEFT HAND TURN. I WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE I HAVE COME VERY CLOSE TO HITTING THEM 5 TIMES OR SO BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF VISIBILITY. THIS MOST RECENT TIME, I TRIED MY BEST TO JUDGE THE MEDIANS LOCATION, BUT WHEN IT ENTERED INTO THE BLIND SPOT, I JUDGED THE BEST I COULD AND STILL HIT THE CURB. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT IN ALL MY DRIVING YEARS (7 YEARS!).. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAD HIT ANYTHING. I AM VERY UPSET WITH CHEVY'S HUGE BLIND SPOT THAT CAUSES SO MANY PROBLEMS WHILE TAKING LEFT'S NEAR MEDIANS. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED A CHEVY, AND I HAVE TO SAY THAT I AM NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL BY THE HHR FOR THIS PROBLEM AND PROBLEMS WITH THE SUSPENSION. *TR
WHENEVER I WOULD GO OVER SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THERE WOULD BE A LARGE CLUNKING SOUND AS IF I HAD HIT A POT HOLE. *TR
WELL JUST BEFORE INSPECTION TIME, WHICH SHOULD BE NOW. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT HAS COME OFF AND ON. MORE ON THAN OFF. STEERING BECOMES MANUAL STEERING AND HARD TO HANDLE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE PART. FOR SOMEONE THAT'S NOT AS STRONG THIS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR WRECK, DURING HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE. ESPECIALLY DURI…
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WELL JUST BEFORE INSPECTION TIME, WHICH SHOULD BE NOW. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT HAS COME OFF AND ON. MORE ON THAN OFF. STEERING BECOMES MANUAL STEERING AND HARD TO HANDLE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE PART. FOR SOMEONE THAT'S NOT AS STRONG THIS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR WRECK, DURING HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE. ESPECIALLY DURING TURNING AND CHANGING LANES. IF THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED YET I BET I KNOW WHY. CHEVY AND GM MOTORS ARE AFRAID OF LOSING MONEY ON REPAIRS AND PARTS. HUMANS THAT DRIVE THE VEHICLE TYPE SHOULD BE PUT ON PRIORITY. MY WIFE WAS VERY AFRAID WHEN IT WENT OUT ON HER WHILE DRIVING ON A MAJOR FREEWAY. SHE HAD TO PULL OVER AND GET HER WITS BACK IN ORDER TO DRIVE BACK HOME. IM NOT PAYING NO 450.00 US DOLLARS FOR REPAIR, I KNOW HOW TO FIX IT AND CAN GET A CHEAPER PART. BUT IF MY WIFE WOULD HAVE HAD A WRECK BECAUSE OF THE POWER STEERING MOTOR GOING OUT, THERE WOULD OF BEEN A DEFINITE LAW SUIT. PLEASE RECALL THE PART. HUMAN BEINGS SAFETY COMES FIRST AND FOREMOST. *TR
STARTED THE CAR AND THE POWER STEERING WAS OUT. MY HUSBAND NOTICED THE 60 AMP SQUARE FUSE WAS BLOWN. LOOKED IT UP ON LINE AND FOUND THE HUNDREDS OF HHR OWNERS HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR
THE DOOR HANDLE OF DRIVERS SIDE OF 2007 HHR. BROKE OFF. AS I OPENED DOOR..IT IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND IF BATTERY SHOULD DIE OR IF THERE IS A FIRE THERE IS NO WAY TO EXIT QUICKLY FROM DRIVERS SEAT..THE HANDLE CANNOT BE REPLACED...RATHER AN ENTIRE DOOR PANEL UPWARDS OF 350.00 PLUS LABOR IS ONLY REMEDY..I SPOKE TO A GM REP WHO ADVISE…
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THE DOOR HANDLE OF DRIVERS SIDE OF 2007 HHR. BROKE OFF. AS I OPENED DOOR..IT IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND IF BATTERY SHOULD DIE OR IF THERE IS A FIRE THERE IS NO WAY TO EXIT QUICKLY FROM DRIVERS SEAT..THE HANDLE CANNOT BE REPLACED...RATHER AN ENTIRE DOOR PANEL UPWARDS OF 350.00 PLUS LABOR IS ONLY REMEDY..I SPOKE TO A GM REP WHO ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT INTO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION...IT WAS DETERMINED THAT I WOULD STILL HAVE TO PAY....THIS IS VERY SERIOUS AND NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT HAD TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND ALLOW IT TO COOL DOWN BEFORE RESTARTING IT. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HIM OF THE REPAIR COST. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT HAD TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND ALLOW IT TO COOL DOWN BEFORE RESTARTING IT. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HIM OF THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON EVENING I HEARD A "BING" AND A WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON IN MY DASH READING "POWER STEERING" AND I IMMEDIATELY LOST THE POWER STEERING ASSIST ON MY CAR ENTIRELY MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD I WAS ON AND SAFELY INTO A PARKING LOT. IF I HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT HI…
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DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON EVENING I HEARD A "BING" AND A WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON IN MY DASH READING "POWER STEERING" AND I IMMEDIATELY LOST THE POWER STEERING ASSIST ON MY CAR ENTIRELY MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD I WAS ON AND SAFELY INTO A PARKING LOT. IF I HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT HIGHER SPEEDS OR IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN WHEN THIS FAILURE OCCURRED IT WOULD HAVE ALMOST CERTAINLY ENDED IN A CRASH. THE POWER STEERING MOTOR (THE SAME PART RECALLED ON 2007 CHEVY COBALTS, WHICH SHARE A POWER TRAIN AND CHASSIS WITH THE HHR) FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY JUST OVER 40,000 ON A WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE. I WOULD SUGGEST FURTHER INQUIRY INTO WHETHER THE RECALL ON THIS PART HAS BEEN COMPREHENSIVE ENOUGH AND SHOULD PERHAPS INCLUDE OTHER MAKES AND MODELS SUCH AS THE HHR. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH GM REGARDING THIS SAFETY ISSUE AND HAVE RECEIVED LITTLE TO NO HELP. *TR
I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A MAJOR CITY STREET IN FORT MYERS FLORIDA TRYING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN WHEN ALL AT ONCE MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON MY CAR. IT WAS SO HARD TO STEER THE CAR BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR SEMI OFF THE STREET. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT LITE UP ON MY DASH PANEL. I TURN THE CAR OFF AND WENT FOR H…
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I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A MAJOR CITY STREET IN FORT MYERS FLORIDA TRYING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN WHEN ALL AT ONCE MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON MY CAR. IT WAS SO HARD TO STEER THE CAR BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR SEMI OFF THE STREET. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT LITE UP ON MY DASH PANEL. I TURN THE CAR OFF AND WENT FOR HELP. A GENTLEMAN WAS KIND ENOUGH TO STOP LOOK AT MY CAR AND COULD NOT FIND WHERE THE POWER STEERING WAS. HE THEN GOT IN MY CAR AND RESTARTED MY CAR AND IT WAS WORKING JUST FINE. HE ADVISED ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO AUTO ZONE AND HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AS THEY WOULD HOOK IT UP TO THEIR EQUIPMENT AND FINED THE PROBLEM. ONCE AT AUTO ZONE THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A RECALL PROBLEM AND TO TAKE IT TO A CHEVY DEALER TO GET IT FIXED. IT COST ME $278.00 AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT IT WAS NOT ON A RECALL NOTICE BUT THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HHR'S. THEY ADVISED ME TO CONTACT GM AND SEE IF THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE COST. GUESS WHAT I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY OR A RECALL PROBLEM AND IT WAS ON ME. AFTER READING ABOUT ALL THE PROBLEMS REPORTS ON THIS WITH THE POWER STEERING IT SCARES ME TO THINK IT COULD GO OUT AGAIN AS I HAVE READ THAT SOME HAVE HAD IT TO HAPPEN MORE THAN ONE TIME TO THEM. *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.
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