NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
181 reportsClear category filter2,000 miles · Mar 6, 2014
Steering
ERRATIC STEERING WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHEN IN THE LEFT LANE THE CAR WILL ALWAYS DRIFT TOWARDS THE DITCH AFTER A FEW FEET. WHEN IN THE RIGHT LANE THE CAR WILL ALWAYS DRIFT INTO THE LEFT LANE WITHIN A FEW FEET. ALSO HAVE ISSUE WITH A 'LOCK' IN THE STEERING WHEEL, WHEN DRIVING FOR A COUPLE OF MILES, WHEN TURNING LEF…
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ERRATIC STEERING WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHEN IN THE LEFT LANE THE CAR WILL ALWAYS DRIFT TOWARDS THE DITCH AFTER A FEW FEET. WHEN IN THE RIGHT LANE THE CAR WILL ALWAYS DRIFT INTO THE LEFT LANE WITHIN A FEW FEET. ALSO HAVE ISSUE WITH A 'LOCK' IN THE STEERING WHEEL, WHEN DRIVING FOR A COUPLE OF MILES, WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, HAVE TO GIVE STEERING WHEEL EXTRA PUSH TO MAKE IT MOVE, IT FEELS LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED IN PLACE. EXTRA PUSH IS GIVEN THEN I OVER STEER INTO ANOTHER LANE AND NEED TO CORRECT INTO MY LANE. LOOKS LIKE I AM SWERVING WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10567639
18,000 miles · Mar 5, 2014
Steering
THE CAR APPEARS TO HAVE NO CENTER. SOMETIMES IT PULLS LEFT AND SOMETIMES IT PULLS RIGHT. WHEN I GO TO CORRECT THE ISSUE THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND RIGHT AWAY, THEN IT OVER CORRECTS. THE CAR NEVER RIDES IN THE CENTER ANYMORE. I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT. I FEEL LIKE SOMEONE IS GOI…
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THE CAR APPEARS TO HAVE NO CENTER. SOMETIMES IT PULLS LEFT AND SOMETIMES IT PULLS RIGHT. WHEN I GO TO CORRECT THE ISSUE THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND RIGHT AWAY, THEN IT OVER CORRECTS. THE CAR NEVER RIDES IN THE CENTER ANYMORE. I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT. I FEEL LIKE SOMEONE IS GOING TO REPORT ME FOR DRUNK DRIVING OR THAT I AM GOING TO GET PULLED OVER FOR IT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR IT AND THEY "CANNOT DUPLICATE" AND TELL ME THAT IT'S NORMAL FOR THE CAR TO DRIVE THAT WAY BECAUSE ITS ALL ELECTRIC NOW. THE CAR DID NOT DRIVE LIKE THIS WHEN I BOUGHT IT LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. IF IT DID, I WOULD HAVE NOT PURCHASED IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10567503
10,000 miles · Feb 18, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. ..UPDATED 03/18/14 *BF THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. UPDATED 03/21/14
NHTSA ODI #10564751
5,600 miles · Jan 31, 2014
Steering
STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO LOCK AND NEEDS A HARD PULL TO TURN WHEEL, I HAVE NOTICED THIS ISSUE ON OTHER TRIPS. I CAME HOME CHECKED ON LINE TO SEE IF THIS PROBLEM IS SOMETHING OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCE AND I SEE IT IS. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED FOR SAFETY REASONS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562382
8,500 miles · Jan 31, 2014
Steering
WHILE DRIVING ON LONG STRAIGHT STRETCHES OF SMOOTH ROAD (I.E. INTERSTATE) THE STEERING SYSTEM APPEARS TO TAKE A "SET" WHEN MAKING SMALL STEERING CORRECTIONS. THIS MANIFESTS AS A SLIGHT BUMP OR RESISTANCE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, AND NEVER APPEARS DURING PERIODS OF MUCH STE…
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WHILE DRIVING ON LONG STRAIGHT STRETCHES OF SMOOTH ROAD (I.E. INTERSTATE) THE STEERING SYSTEM APPEARS TO TAKE A "SET" WHEN MAKING SMALL STEERING CORRECTIONS. THIS MANIFESTS AS A SLIGHT BUMP OR RESISTANCE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, AND NEVER APPEARS DURING PERIODS OF MUCH STEERING ACTIVITY (I.E. LOTS OF TURNS, TOWN DRIVING, ETC.) IN MY CASE IT USUALLY APPEARS ON LONG TRIPS, AND AT SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH, ON ROADS WHERE VERY LITTLE STEERING INPUT IS NEEDED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MALIBUS AS ATTESTED TO BY THE CHEVROLET OWNERS FORUM. EXTREMELY HARD FOR DEALERS SERVICE TO DUPLICATE DUE TO THE INTERMITTENT NATURE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562321
8,100 miles · Jan 30, 2014
Steering
DEAD SPOT AT DEAD CENTER. TAKES EXTRA FORCE TO MAKE VERY SMALL ADJUSTMENTS TO PUSH THROUGH THE FORCE - MAKING A MUCH LARGER OUTPUT THAN NORMAL INPUT. FEELS DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562296
7,000 miles · Jan 30, 2014
Steering
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THERE IS A STIFF OR STICKY SPOT IN THE STEERING. STEERING MUST BE PULLED HARDER THAN WHAT WOULD BE NORMAL TO RIGHT OR LEFT GIVING A CLICKY OR BUMPY FEELING IN THE STEERING. PROBLEM IS CONTINUOUS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562172
8,200 miles · Jan 28, 2014
Steering
WHILE TRAVELING PRIMARILY AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS, I NOTICE THE STEERING LIGHTLY "STICKING" OR "LOCKING" CAUSING THE CAR TO VEER OFF CENTER, MAINLY TO THE LEFT BUT OCCASIONALLY TO THE RIGHT. WHEN I MAKE THE CORRECTION I CAN FEEL A "CATCH" AND THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS IN THE DIRECTION OF THE CORRECTION. AT TIMES THE PROBLEM OCCURS…
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WHILE TRAVELING PRIMARILY AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS, I NOTICE THE STEERING LIGHTLY "STICKING" OR "LOCKING" CAUSING THE CAR TO VEER OFF CENTER, MAINLY TO THE LEFT BUT OCCASIONALLY TO THE RIGHT. WHEN I MAKE THE CORRECTION I CAN FEEL A "CATCH" AND THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS IN THE DIRECTION OF THE CORRECTION. AT TIMES THE PROBLEM OCCURS FREQUENTLY AND AT OTHER TIMES INFREQUENTLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561844
13,000 miles · Jan 17, 2014
Steering
WHILE DRIVING STRETCHES OF STRAIGHT ROAD, THE STEERING SEEMS TO ALMOST LOCK INTO POSITION. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A VERY SLIGHT CORRECTION, THERE IS RESISTANCE THAT MUST BE OVERCOME, IN MY CASE, ONLY WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560325
9,000 miles · Jan 16, 2014
Steering
WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT (MOST NOTABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS) THE STEERING FEELS STIFF ON CENTER. MINOR STEERING CORRECTIONS ARE BECOMING DIFFICULT DUE TO THE RESISTANCE FELT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560307
Official recalls
10Dec 22, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
Aug 12, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212330130.
Dec 21, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
Jul 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:ignition
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Apr 24, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 10, 2012, to August 2, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the console transmission gear selection indicator may not illuminate the shift position selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Position Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the console shift indicator does not illuminate the transmission gear selection, a driver could inadvertently select a transmission position other than the position the driver intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the transmission gear selection control module, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12162.
Mar 23, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.
Nov 13, 2013
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured October 25, 2011, through June 29, 2012 and equipped with the 8-way power adjustable front seat feature. The wiring harness for the power seat may contact the seat frame which may chafe the harness.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended movement of the seat, the seat to become inoperative, sparking under the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or possibly a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness and repair and secure it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13342.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured October 25, 2011, through June 29, 2012 and equipped with the 8-way power adjustable front seat feature. The wiring harness for the power seat may contact the seat frame which may chafe the harness.
Consequence: If the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended movement of the seat, the seat to become inoperative, sparking under the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or possibly a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness and repair and secure it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13342.
Electrical System:wiring
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured October 25, 2011, through June 29, 2012 and equipped with the 8-way power adjustable front seat feature. The wiring harness for the power seat may contact the seat frame which may chafe the harness.
Consequence: If the harness is chaffed enough to expose the wires, a short circuit could occur, resulting unintended movement of the seat, the seat to become inoperative, sparking under the seat, flickering lights, smoke, or possibly a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wire harness and repair and secure it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13342.
Jan 23, 2013
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles, manufactured December 6, 2011, through January 15, 2013. One or more rear suspension bolts may not have been tightened to the specified torque. This may lead to sudden changes in vehicle handling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Sudden changes in vehicle handling may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and retighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notifications have already begun and will be completed shortly. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Oct 4, 2012
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Buick Regal and model year 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with two turn signal bulbs in each front turn signal. If one of the two front turn signal bulbs burn out in either front turn signal lamp, there is no indication to the driver. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver is not aware that a turn signal is not functioning properly, the driver may continue to drive the vehicle. If half of a front turn signal is not illuminating, other driver's may not be aware that the affected vehicle is turning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 12212.
May 18, 2012
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 31, 2012. AFTER AN EVENT OF HARD BRAKING, THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) MAY RESET ITSELF.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS DURING AN AGGRESSIVE TURNING MANEUVER, AND THEN AFTERWARDS A POTENTIAL VEHICLE ROLLOVER EVENT IS SENSED, THE ROOF RAIL AIRBAG MAY UNINTENTIONALLY DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY, THE AIR BAGS AND/OR SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS MAY NOT DEPLOY DURING A SEVERE CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SDM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2012.
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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