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2013 Chevrolet Spark

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Spark years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark are substantially higher than the model-year median of 23.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

112 reports with mileage · 34 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.

  • Engine. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

10 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Vehicle stalls when started, after vehicle is up to temp the rpm’s fluctuate and vehicle misfires. I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the car went into limp mode I couldn’t do anything and me and my son almost got run off the road but after a few minutes of pressing the gas pedal it finally started to move. Dealers…

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Vehicle stalls when started, after vehicle is up to temp the rpm’s fluctuate and vehicle misfires. I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the car went into limp mode I couldn’t do anything and me and my son almost got run off the road but after a few minutes of pressing the gas pedal it finally started to move. Dealership is unable to fix problem because they can’t even figure out what it is $7000.00 later and no one can figure out the problem. This is a lemon and Chevy should be recalling all Chevy spark before someone gets hurt.

NHTSA ODI #11642223

Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I do not know what system affects the problem my car is having it stalls in front of oncoming traffic on left turns it's done this to me 3 to 4 times and it scares me. It will start right back up and go but it'll still continuously throughout the day when I slow down or come to a red light. The speed control sensor went out and …

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I do not know what system affects the problem my car is having it stalls in front of oncoming traffic on left turns it's done this to me 3 to 4 times and it scares me. It will start right back up and go but it'll still continuously throughout the day when I slow down or come to a red light. The speed control sensor went out and I replaced it and there seem to be middle or something on that. I've read different reports or seen on YouTube that people have reported the same problem with their cars it is definitely a safety issue had it not started up or had I panicked like I did the first time and almost not get it started but a car could crash into me because my car stalled in front of traffic the problem has not been reproduced for anybody and there has been no report to dealership insurance police anything like that. I have checked periodically to see if there is a recall on it and there hasn't been this is the first time I'm seeing where you can report something like this so I thought I would

NHTSA ODI #11445690

83,000 miles · May 28, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSuspension

USED CAR W/36,000 MILES AND/OR 1 YR WRNTY. UNDER A YR, BUT OUTSIDE OF MILEAGE, CHECK ENG LIGHT STARTS COMING ON TO THE DAY, FROM FEB 28, 2017 TO MAY 28, 2017. FROM FEB 28 TO MAR 27 TO APRIL 27 HAVE HAD TO DO OIL CHANGE. CHECK ENG LIGHT WOULD NO LONGER BE ON AFTER OIL CHANGE. THEN CAR STARTED MAKING EXCESSIVELY LOUD NOISE AT 77,0…

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USED CAR W/36,000 MILES AND/OR 1 YR WRNTY. UNDER A YR, BUT OUTSIDE OF MILEAGE, CHECK ENG LIGHT STARTS COMING ON TO THE DAY, FROM FEB 28, 2017 TO MAY 28, 2017. FROM FEB 28 TO MAR 27 TO APRIL 27 HAVE HAD TO DO OIL CHANGE. CHECK ENG LIGHT WOULD NO LONGER BE ON AFTER OIL CHANGE. THEN CAR STARTED MAKING EXCESSIVELY LOUD NOISE AT 77,000 MILES SO LOUD NO ONE COULD HEAR ME WHILE ON MY BLUE TOOTH. CHEVY DEALER & A SHOP RAN A DIAGNOSTIC BUT NO ERROR CODES IN APRIL & MAY. SHOP TELLS ME TIRES ARE CUPPING, I NEED NEW TIRES THAT WERE PRETTY MUCH NEW AT USED CAR DEALER. CHEVY DEALER TELLS ME NO ERROR CODES ON DIAGNOSTIC PLUS I NEED WHEEL HUB BEARINGS, TIRE SHOP TELLS ME THE TIRES NEED REPLACING, DOES A THOROUGH INSPECT WHILE CAR IS ON LIFT, SAYS PROBLEM IS STRUTS IN FRONT NEED REPLACING IMMEDIATELY & SHOCKS NEED REPLACING SOON ON BACK THEN SAYS WHEEL HUB BEARINGS ARE FINE, IT'S THE HUB BRACKET THAT IS LOOSE & MAKING RATTLING NOISE ALONG WITH BAD TIRE NOISE. THIS IS AT 80,000 MILES. GOT TIRES, NO MONEY TO DO OTHER WORK. SMALL LOCAL SHOP NEAR HOME CONFIRMS BIG O IS CORRECT, TIRES ARE CUPPED & IT'S DUE TO BAD FRONT SHOCKS. HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR 80,000 MILES MAY 3 DEALER LOOKS AT REASON FOR DECELERATION WHICH STARTED END OF APRIL, SLOWING TO ALMOST A CRAWL ON FREEWAY WHILE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO FLOOR, DEALER SAYS THEY DROVE CAR, CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. COULDN'T BE, MILEAGE ON CAR SAME WHEN PICKED UP AS WHEN DROPPED OFF. MAY 28, 2017 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, CAR STARTED KNOCKING, GOT TO WORK 70 MILES FROM HOME, NOTICED ON A FULL TANK OF GAS, CAR WAS USING FUEL AT RAPID PACE SITTING ON IDLE IN PARKING LOT. STARTED WITH 214 MILES TO DRIVE ON FULL TANK OF GAS, INDICATOR SHOWS 104 MILES LEFT OFF 70 MILE TRIP THEN DROPPED TO 96 WHILE SITTING IDLE FOR A LESS THAN A MINUTE IN PARKING LOT! MOTHER TELLS ME TURN OFF ENGINE. SAID CHECK TO SEE IF FUEL IS DRIPPING UNDER CAR. IT IS NOT.

NHTSA ODI #10991990

56,000 miles · Jun 1, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion System

TAKATA RECALL: I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE OCT 9 2015 WITH 56K MILES ON IT. FROM THE DAY I PURCHASED IT UP TO TODAY I HAVE BEEN HEARING A HUMMING/BUZZING/WHISTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD IT CHECKED OUT BY A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A FAULTY FUEL PUMP WITH AN ESTIMATED COST OF $500. THE NOISE CAN BE…

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TAKATA RECALL: I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE OCT 9 2015 WITH 56K MILES ON IT. FROM THE DAY I PURCHASED IT UP TO TODAY I HAVE BEEN HEARING A HUMMING/BUZZING/WHISTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD IT CHECKED OUT BY A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A FAULTY FUEL PUMP WITH AN ESTIMATED COST OF $500. THE NOISE CAN BE HEARD ONLY WHEN THE CAR IS ON AND RUNNING AND IT CAN BE HEARD INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN STOPPED OR MOVING. IT CAN BE HEARD FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND HAS ONLY GOT WORSE SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED IT. I AM A PART TIME UBER DRIVER AND I OWN A MOBILE CELL PHONE REPAIR BUSINESS AND I AM IN MY RUNNING VEHICLE UP TO 15 HRS/DAY. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND THERE ARE MANY THREDS AND BLOGS ONLINE WITH CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR CHARGES HAS THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING THIS NOISE SOON AFTER THE PURCHASE AND I WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THIS NOISE HAS STARTED TO AFFECT ME MENTALLY AS THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO TO DROWN IT OUT. I IS ALSO STARTING TO AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP. "TAKATA RECALL" ALSO, SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE I HAVE NOTICED THE AC DOES NOT BLOW COLD AIR WHEN SITTING AT AN IDLE. I LIVE IN ARIZONA AND TEMPERATURES CAN REACH 120 DEGREES. AS I MENTIONED I AM IN MY VEHICLE UP TO 15 HRS/DAY AND MANY OF THOSE HOURS ARE SPENT SITTING IDLING WHILE I REPAIR MY CUSTOMERS CELL PHONES. WHEN I AM SITTING IN 120 DEGREE HEAT WITH BARELY COOL AIR BLOWING ON ME IT MAKES IT ABOUT 90 DEGREES IN MY VEHICLE WHICH CAN CAUSE HEALTH ISSUES AND WORST CASE SCENARIO DEATH. I AM AT THE VERGE OF SELLING THIS VEHICLE, OBTAINING A LAWYER, AND FILING A COMPLAINT OR LAW SUIT, ESPECIALLY IF MY HEALTH IS BEING AFFECTED. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ODI #10871896

35,450 miles · Jan 13, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL ACCELERATION POWER. IT RAN 5K RPMS TO GO 55 MPH AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON AND THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS BLINKING. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR A WEEK AND THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX IT. SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS STAY ON AND SOMETIMES THEY…

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WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL ACCELERATION POWER. IT RAN 5K RPMS TO GO 55 MPH AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON AND THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS BLINKING. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR A WEEK AND THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX IT. SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS STAY ON AND SOMETIMES THEY GO OFF EVEN THOUGH I CONTINUE TO HAVE LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND RIDICULOUSLY HIGH RPMS TO TRAVEL 35-55MPH.

NHTSA ODI #10819881

21,000 miles · May 29, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

STARTED CAR, DROVE TO WORK AT VARYING SPEEDS. ENGINE REVVED HIGH DURING ENTIRE 30 MINUTE DRIVE. PARKED, ENGINE OFF FOR 8 HOURS. WHEN I CAME OUT TO GO HOME, CAR WAS RUNNING FINE. I HAVEN'T HAD ANOTHER EPISODE SINCE.

NHTSA ODI #10722122

21,471 miles · Oct 27, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System

I GET THIS LOUD ANNOYING HIGH PITCHED RINGING SOUND COMING FROM BACK WHEELS. THE SOUND IS SO LOUD AT TIMES THAT PEDESTRIANS CAN HEAR IT AS I AM DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. IT DOES THIS AFTER I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR FOR 30 MINUTES OR MORE. ONCE THE RINGING SOUND STARTS IT WILL NOT STOP NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I'M GOING OR WHETHER I…

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I GET THIS LOUD ANNOYING HIGH PITCHED RINGING SOUND COMING FROM BACK WHEELS. THE SOUND IS SO LOUD AT TIMES THAT PEDESTRIANS CAN HEAR IT AS I AM DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. IT DOES THIS AFTER I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR FOR 30 MINUTES OR MORE. ONCE THE RINGING SOUND STARTS IT WILL NOT STOP NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I'M GOING OR WHETHER I AM SITTING IN IDOL, PARK OR IN ANY GEAR. CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP REPAIR DEPARTMENT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT IT IS BUT SAID IT MAY BE THE FUEL PUMP. WHAT CONCERNS ME IS THAT THE DEALERSHIP REPAIR DEPARTMENT WILL NOT AT LEAST CHECK THE FUEL PUMP WHICH WOULD ELIMINATE THIS AS THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM. IT DEFINITELY IS NOT A FUNCTIONAL SOUND AND IT MAY BE DANGEROUS TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR WHEN IT IS MAKING THIS SOUND. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10650541

21,354 miles · Oct 27, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel/propulsion System

CAR HAS EXCESSIVE GAS CONSUMPTION. IT IS PRESENTLY GETTING ONLY 24.9 MILES TO THE GALLON. OCCASIONALLY IT WILL HAVE A VERY STRONG SULFUR ODOR COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. I SHOULD BE AVERAGING ABOUT 34 MILES PER GALLON WITH DRIVING PATTERN WHICH IS A MIX OF CITY AND HIGHWAY MILEAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10650523

21,354 miles · Oct 27, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel/propulsion System

CAR HAS EXCESSIVE GAS CONSUMPTION. IT IS PRESENTLY GETTING ONLY 24.9 MILES TO THE GALLON. OCCASIONALLY IT WILL HAVE A VERY STRONG SULFUR ODOR COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. I SHOULD BE AVERAGING ABOUT 34 MILES PER GALLON WITH DRIVING PATTERN WHICH IS A MIX OF CITY AND HIGHWAY MILEAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10650522

500 miles · Feb 17, 2013
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

VEHICLE WHILE COASTING IN GEAR WILL ACCELERATE ON IT`S OWN. ENGINE RPM INCREASES APPROX 300 RPM.. HAPPENS 10- 15 TIMES DAILY. I DRIVE 120 MILES ONE WAY TO WORK. CAR NOW HAS 7000 MILES. PURCHASED IN DEC 2012. KINDA SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF NOT PAYING ATTENTION.. DEFECT IS DOCUMENTED BY ANOTHER OWN…

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VEHICLE WHILE COASTING IN GEAR WILL ACCELERATE ON IT`S OWN. ENGINE RPM INCREASES APPROX 300 RPM.. HAPPENS 10- 15 TIMES DAILY. I DRIVE 120 MILES ONE WAY TO WORK. CAR NOW HAS 7000 MILES. PURCHASED IN DEC 2012. KINDA SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF NOT PAYING ATTENTION.. DEFECT IS DOCUMENTED BY ANOTHER OWNER AT CHEVYSPARKFORUM.COM UNDER GENERAL POWERTRAIN DISCUSSIONS/ IDLE PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10498442

Official recalls

5

22V640000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Aug 25, 2022

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark EV vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot, preventing the hood latch from properly engaging.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A hood latch failure can result in the vehicle's hood opening unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the hood striker assembly and hood latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A222359300. This recall supersedes and expands NHTSA recall number 14V-593. Vehicles previously repaired under 14V-593 will need to have the new remedy performed.

16V422000 · Electrical System:software; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Jun 10, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

16V257000 · Electrical System:software; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Apr 28, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."

Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

14V593000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Sep 24, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured January 17, 2012, to July 29, 2014. The secondary hood latch may prematurely corrode at the latch pivot causing the striker to get stuck out of position, preventing it from properly engaging the hood latch.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the secondary hood latch corrodes causing the latch to be stuck out of position, and the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the striker with a new part which has superior corrosion protection, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14456.

14V298000 · Air Bags

Jun 6, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.

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.