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2010 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.

About this comparison →
1,360Owner complaints

Model-year median: 310.5

3Recall campaigns

View recall details →

0Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
977
2007987
20081,509
20091,360
2010977
2011906
2012835
2013
Compare all Malibu years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Steering
454Electrical System
294Electronic Stability Control (esc)
227Exterior Lighting
194Service Brakes
184
All reported categories
Air Bags
144Power Train
132Vehicle Speed Control
116Engine
115Unknown Or Other
63Structure
44Wheels
33Fuel/propulsion System
31Seats
25Traction Control System
23Visibility/wiper
19Latches/locks/linkages
17Seat Belts
16Service Brakes, Hydraulic
15Suspension
13Engine And Engine Cooling
11Fuel System, Gasoline
8Tires
6Visibility
5Equipment
3Forward Collision Avoidance
3Interior Lighting
1Lane Departure
1Service Brakes, Air
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,071 reports with mileage · 289 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 454 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 294 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 227 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

41 crash reports14 fire reports35 injury reports

Steering complaints

454 reports
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131,000 miles · Jan 29, 2021
Steering

STARTED VEHICLE AND THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND SERVICE ESC MESSAGE COMES ACROSS THE MESSAGE CENTER. WHEN THIS OCCURS THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. THIS IS DANGEROUS! THIS VEHICLE IS A 4 CYLINDER AND HAS THE ELECTRONIC STEERING, NOT HYDRAULIC STEERING. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON DRIVEW…

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STARTED VEHICLE AND THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND SERVICE ESC MESSAGE COMES ACROSS THE MESSAGE CENTER. WHEN THIS OCCURS THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. THIS IS DANGEROUS! THIS VEHICLE IS A 4 CYLINDER AND HAS THE ELECTRONIC STEERING, NOT HYDRAULIC STEERING. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON DRIVEWAY. SEARCHED SOME FORUMS AND OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE, IT APPEARS THAT A FAULTY SENSOR IN OR NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN IS THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11390609

104,613 miles · Jan 18, 2021
Electrical SystemSteeringVehicle Speed Control

I HAD JUST LEFT THE GAS STATION AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS I CAME TO A STOPLIGHT AND WHEN I WENT TO TAKE OFF FROM A STOP THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING AND ONLY GOING AT VERY LOW POWER I TURNED THE CAR AROUND AND NOTICED THERE WAS A TICK IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT MOVED BACK AND FORTH THE STEERING BECAME HARD TO TURN AS I LOST MY P…

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I HAD JUST LEFT THE GAS STATION AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS I CAME TO A STOPLIGHT AND WHEN I WENT TO TAKE OFF FROM A STOP THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING AND ONLY GOING AT VERY LOW POWER I TURNED THE CAR AROUND AND NOTICED THERE WAS A TICK IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT MOVED BACK AND FORTH THE STEERING BECAME HARD TO TURN AS I LOST MY POWER STEERING THEN THE CAR SHUT OFF WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN IT WAS STILL RUNNING AT HALF POWER I MANAGED TO MAKE IT BACK TO THE HOUSE AND UPON RESTARTING THE CAR IT WAS STUCK IN LIMP MODE AND WAS DISPLAYING POWER STEERING AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LOTS ON THE DASH AFTER RESETTING THE CODES IT RUNS PROPERLY BUT THEN KICKS BACK INTO LIMP MODE AND LOSES STEERING ABILITY OF THE ELECTRONIC ASSIST.

NHTSA ODI #11388620

95,000 miles · Jan 6, 2021
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN AND BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN AND BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #11386847

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2021
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT'S NEPHEW STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS MORE EVIDENT WHILE STOPPED OR DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE RES…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT'S NEPHEW STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS MORE EVIDENT WHILE STOPPED OR DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11386652

160,000 miles · Jan 5, 2021
Air BagsSteering

FROM THE MINUTE I DROVE MY CAR OFF THE LOT THE DASH HAS BEEN SAYING 'SERVICE AIRBAGS'. A WEEK AGO WHILE I WAS DRIVING I LOST POWER STEERING. THE DASH SAID 'SERVICE ESC' AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT POPPED UP ON THE DASH. IF I TURN OFF MY CAR FOR A WHILE THE POWER STEERING MAY STILL WORK WHEN I START IT BACK UP, BUT EVENTUALLY …

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FROM THE MINUTE I DROVE MY CAR OFF THE LOT THE DASH HAS BEEN SAYING 'SERVICE AIRBAGS'. A WEEK AGO WHILE I WAS DRIVING I LOST POWER STEERING. THE DASH SAID 'SERVICE ESC' AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT POPPED UP ON THE DASH. IF I TURN OFF MY CAR FOR A WHILE THE POWER STEERING MAY STILL WORK WHEN I START IT BACK UP, BUT EVENTUALLY I LOSE POWER STEERING AGAIN WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11386570

174,000 miles · Dec 29, 2020
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING CEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED AND OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY MILEAGE WAS EXCEEDED FOR THE STEERING WARRANTY REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000.

NHTSA ODI #11385515

212,000 miles · Dec 26, 2020
Exterior LightingSteeringVehicle Speed Control

STEERING GETS HARD TO MANEUVER WHILE DRIVING ALL LIGHTS COME ON ON THE DASHBOARD AND HAVE TO STOP AND RESET VEHICLE, HEADLIGHTS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN MY STEERING GOT HARD TO USE. I HAD TO GET ON THE SHOULDER AND RESET THE BATTERY, IN ORDER TO GET HOME SAFELY

NHTSA ODI #11384971

158,000 miles · Dec 21, 2020
Steering

POWER STEERING LIGHTS UP ON DASH AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKS. HAPPENS MOSTLY WITH COLD WEATHER. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY THE STEERING LOCKS. I HAVE TO STOP AND RESTART CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ALSO. AFTER BEING PARKED. WHEN THE CAR GETS TO A COLD TEMPERATURE THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP.

NHTSA ODI #11384373

180,000 miles · Dec 20, 2020
Steering

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT A 2 HOUR TRIP AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND AT FIRST I COULD TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON AND IT WORKED BUT ONLY A FEW MINUTE AND THE SAME NIGHT IT WENT COMPLETELY OUT AND NOW IT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. IT'S VERY HARD TO TURN AND IT SAYS SERVICE ESC, ALSO TRACTION AND DID SAY POWER…

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DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT A 2 HOUR TRIP AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND AT FIRST I COULD TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON AND IT WORKED BUT ONLY A FEW MINUTE AND THE SAME NIGHT IT WENT COMPLETELY OUT AND NOW IT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. IT'S VERY HARD TO TURN AND IT SAYS SERVICE ESC, ALSO TRACTION AND DID SAY POWER STEERING, IT ALSO SAYS THAT ESC IS OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11384221

120,000 miles · Dec 15, 2020
Steering

AFTER RECALL SERVICE FOR POWER STEERING FAILURE IT'S DOING THE SAME THING. POWER STEERING FAILS WHILE DRIVING . I HAVE TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART TO RESET THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11383513

Official recalls

3

19V019000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 16, 2019

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, the air bag inflator may explode due to being overpressurized.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 25, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N182206630.

14V252000 · Electrical System:wiring; Electronic Stability Control (esc); Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

May 14, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Electrical System:wiring

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

12V460000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Sep 18, 2012

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.