NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
726 reports12,000 miles · Apr 22, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FRONT ROTORS WERE RESURFACED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FRONT ROTORS WERE RESURFACED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS AND THE FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACED ON BOTH VISITS. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000.
NHTSA ODI #10327017
61,000 miles · Apr 17, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, THE KEY WOULD NOT REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION. ALSO, THE CAR COULD BE SHIFTED THROUGH THE GEARS WITHOUT PRESSING THE BUTTON ON THE SHIFTER. THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT THE GEAR SHIFT CAN BE BUMPED INTO AND OUT OF VARIOUS GEARS. AFTER OPENING THE CENTER CONSOLE, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC PLUN…
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WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, THE KEY WOULD NOT REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION. ALSO, THE CAR COULD BE SHIFTED THROUGH THE GEARS WITHOUT PRESSING THE BUTTON ON THE SHIFTER. THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT THE GEAR SHIFT CAN BE BUMPED INTO AND OUT OF VARIOUS GEARS. AFTER OPENING THE CENTER CONSOLE, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC PLUNGER THAT GOES DOWN THROUGH THE SHIFTER HAD BROKEN, AND IN THE PROCESS ALLOWED THE METAL PIN THAT CLOSES THE CONTACT WITH THE IGNITION TO COME LOOSE. THIS HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 6 - 10 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 WEEKS, WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, TERRY LABONTE CHEVY IN GREENSBORO, NC ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT I HAD PROBABLY SPILLED SOME LIQUID. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10326156
24,878 miles · Mar 25, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE A 2007 CHEVY HHR, WHICH HAS BEEN IN SHOP 6 TIMES FOR FRONT BRAKES. WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES THE WHOLE FRONT END SHAKES AND SHIMMYS. NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM, JUST ABOUT EVERY BRAKE COMPONENT HAS BEEN WORKED ON. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS IT SHOULD BE FIXED CORRECTLY OR I SHOULD GIVEN A NEW CAR!! THIS ONE IS A LEMON A…
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I HAVE A 2007 CHEVY HHR, WHICH HAS BEEN IN SHOP 6 TIMES FOR FRONT BRAKES. WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES THE WHOLE FRONT END SHAKES AND SHIMMYS. NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM, JUST ABOUT EVERY BRAKE COMPONENT HAS BEEN WORKED ON. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS IT SHOULD BE FIXED CORRECTLY OR I SHOULD GIVEN A NEW CAR!! THIS ONE IS A LEMON AND I DONT LIKE MY WIFE DRIVING IT. I NEED HELP, IM A DISABLED AMERICAN VETERAN AND I NEED A DECENT VEHICLE TO DRIVE, NOT A DEATH TRAP. RESPECTFULLY HOWARD H. HEROLD
NHTSA ODI #10322108
60,000 miles · Mar 5, 2010
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING WITH DIFFICULTY IN STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR AT ANY GIVEN SPEED. THE VEH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING WITH DIFFICULTY IN STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR AT ANY GIVEN SPEED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10317225
50,000 miles · Mar 3, 2010
SteeringCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DRIFTED TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONED REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU'RE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DRIFTED TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONED REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU'RE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY OR MAKING A TURN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63000. UPDATED 04/16/10. *LJ AS THE CONSUMER PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT AND STRUCK AN ANTENNA TOWER DAMAGING THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND FENDER. UPDATED 08/20/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10316073
51,000 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, THEN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD LOCK. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE MOTOR FOR $339. THE CHEVROL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, THEN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD LOCK. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE MOTOR FOR $339. THE CHEVROLET MANUFACTURER WAS NEVER CALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. UPDATED 5/17/2010 * CN THE DEALER REPALCED THE STERING MOTOR. UPDATED 05/20/10
NHTSA ODI #10315655
Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
2007 CHEVROLET HHR HAD A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE PROBLEM. *DT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS NOT SUPPLYING COMBUSTION TO THE THIRD VALVE OF THE FOUR VALVE ENGINE. WHICH MEANT NO REMOTE CONTROL START, IT SOUNDED LIKE A DIESEL ENGINE AND THE GAS MILEAGE HAD DROPPED FROM 32 TO 24 MILES PER GALLON. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10313183
Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2010
Steering
HHR WAS BROUGHT IN ON FRIDAY 02/12 FOR RUBBING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN. CAR WAS KEPT FOR 1 DAY TO REPAIR. I WAS TOLD "RATTLING" NOISE REPAIRED. I STATED IT WAS A RUBBING NOISE. TOLD TO BRING THE CAR IN WHEN IT WAS MAKING THE NOISE. CAR RETURNED TO POWER ON 02/18/10 WITH SAME RUBBING NOISE (SEE REPAIR ORDER 473237- NO SURVE…
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HHR WAS BROUGHT IN ON FRIDAY 02/12 FOR RUBBING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN. CAR WAS KEPT FOR 1 DAY TO REPAIR. I WAS TOLD "RATTLING" NOISE REPAIRED. I STATED IT WAS A RUBBING NOISE. TOLD TO BRING THE CAR IN WHEN IT WAS MAKING THE NOISE. CAR RETURNED TO POWER ON 02/18/10 WITH SAME RUBBING NOISE (SEE REPAIR ORDER 473237- NO SURVEY CARD GIVEN TO ME). SPENT 15 MINUTES WITH THE MECHANIC IN PARKING LOT WHILE CAR WAS MAKING THE RUBBING SOUND. IT WAS CLEARLY HEARD BY THE MECHANIC. CAR KEPT FOR ANOTHER DAY FOR REPAIR. WHEN I CALLED ON 02/19/10, I WAS TOLD BY MIKE THAT MARC WAS NOT IN AND THAT THE MECHANIC WORKED ON THE CAR ALL DAY, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE SOUND. I WAS TOLD HE EVEN DROVE THE CAR 25 MILES TO DUPLICATE AND YET MILEAGE IN/OUT ARE THE SAME ON INVOICE. PER THE MECHANIC, YOU CANNOT KEEP BRINGING THE CAR IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, THAT THEY (WHOEVER "THEY" ARE) WOULD START QUESTIONING THE WARRANTY. I FEEL THEY SHOULD QUESTION THE ABILITY OF THE MECHANIC TO DO THE JOB. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312370
67,000 miles · Feb 17, 2010
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED HE NOTICED A CLANKING SOUND ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE STABILIZER LINK WAS REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE RECENT FAILURE THE CONTACT HAD THE SAME PART REPLACED ON 3 ADDITIONAL OCCA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET HHR. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED HE NOTICED A CLANKING SOUND ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE STABILIZER LINK WAS REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE RECENT FAILURE THE CONTACT HAD THE SAME PART REPLACED ON 3 ADDITIONAL OCCASIONS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 67000.
NHTSA ODI #10311386
30,000 miles · Jan 2, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WITH 61,000 MILES ON MY 2007 CHEVY HHR, I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ONCE AGAIN. I HAVE HAD MANY CARS WITH DISC BRAKES AND HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS. THERE MUST BE A DESIGN FLAW IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10297812
Official recalls
4Apr 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> .
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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