NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
323 reportsClear category filter31,000 miles · Mar 19, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,155.
NHTSA ODI #10573579
151,894 miles · Mar 19, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
I WENT TO CRANK MY VEHICLE THEN PROCEEDED TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE TO TAKE OFF, BUT I HAD NO POWER NOTHING. TURNED MY KEY OVER TO RECRANK AND IT CRANK WITH NO PROBLEM. THIS TIME ALLOWING ME TO TAKE OFF AND DRIVE. NOW IF I HAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TURN IT TO THE ON POSITION IT SPUTTERS FOR ATLEAST 50 TO 60 SECS BEFORE CRANKIN…
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I WENT TO CRANK MY VEHICLE THEN PROCEEDED TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE TO TAKE OFF, BUT I HAD NO POWER NOTHING. TURNED MY KEY OVER TO RECRANK AND IT CRANK WITH NO PROBLEM. THIS TIME ALLOWING ME TO TAKE OFF AND DRIVE. NOW IF I HAVE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TURN IT TO THE ON POSITION IT SPUTTERS FOR ATLEAST 50 TO 60 SECS BEFORE CRANKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10573491
9,000 miles · Mar 19, 2014
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND RESUME DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND RESUME DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
NHTSA ODI #10573462
100,000 miles · Mar 18, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION MODULE FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TWICE, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BOTH TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION MODULE FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TWICE, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BOTH TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:14V047000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AFTER THE FAILURE AND WAS AWAITING THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10573192
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine
I KNOW MY CAR IS INVOLVED WITH THE GM RECALL FOR THE IGNITION, AS I CALLED THE CHEVROLET 1-800 NUMBER. YET I HAVE STILL NOT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER. WHICH CONCERNS ME VERY MUCH. HOW DO I GET A LETTER? AND WHEN WILL I GET THIS LETTER. WHY IS GM NOT MOVING FASTER WITH THIS RECALL AND TRYING TO GET THE CARS FIXED, WHEN IT IS SO DA…
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I KNOW MY CAR IS INVOLVED WITH THE GM RECALL FOR THE IGNITION, AS I CALLED THE CHEVROLET 1-800 NUMBER. YET I HAVE STILL NOT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER. WHICH CONCERNS ME VERY MUCH. HOW DO I GET A LETTER? AND WHEN WILL I GET THIS LETTER. WHY IS GM NOT MOVING FASTER WITH THIS RECALL AND TRYING TO GET THE CARS FIXED, WHEN IT IS SO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE CAR, BUT WE HAVE NO CHOICE TOO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10572558
160,000 miles · Mar 14, 2014
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed ControlVisibility
THE BLOWER FOR HEATING AND COOLING BEGAN TO WORK SPORADICALLY, THEN ONE DAY IT JUST STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. I REMOVED THE HVAC CONTROL RAND NOTICED THE ORANGE WIRE HAD OVERHEATED WHICH CAUSED THE CONTROL KNOB AND WIRING PLUG IN CONNECTOR TO FUSE TOGETHER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10569462
60,000 miles · Mar 14, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
I WAS TRAVELING HOME WITH ONE OTHER PASSENGER IN THE CAR WITH ME AT 35 MPH, THE CAR TURNED OFF, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I WAS SCARED AND DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I SHIFTED THE CAR FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN RESTARTED IT, THEN SLIPPED IT BACK INTO DRIVE... I'VE NEVER BEEN MORE SCARED THEN WHEN I HAD ABSOLUTE NO CONTROL…
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I WAS TRAVELING HOME WITH ONE OTHER PASSENGER IN THE CAR WITH ME AT 35 MPH, THE CAR TURNED OFF, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I WAS SCARED AND DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I SHIFTED THE CAR FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN RESTARTED IT, THEN SLIPPED IT BACK INTO DRIVE... I'VE NEVER BEEN MORE SCARED THEN WHEN I HAD ABSOLUTE NO CONTROL OVER MY CAR. IM JUST LUCKY I DIDN'T PANIC. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE TO ME. I NOW DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY COBALT AND VERY DISAPPOINTED THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED. TO ME I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MYSELF OR MY FAMILY IN THAT CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10569311
131,008 miles · Mar 14, 2014
Electrical SystemCrash
WHILE TRAVELING AT 35MPH ON A CITY STREET, I HIT A POTHOLE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AND THE KEY FELL OUT. I LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A LIGHT POST CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THIS ALSO HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR HAD 18,000 MILES WHILE TRAVELING AT 75 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. THE IGNITION SHUT OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO REINS…
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WHILE TRAVELING AT 35MPH ON A CITY STREET, I HIT A POTHOLE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AND THE KEY FELL OUT. I LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A LIGHT POST CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THIS ALSO HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR HAD 18,000 MILES WHILE TRAVELING AT 75 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. THE IGNITION SHUT OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO REINSERT THE KEY AND REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND THEY ACCUSED ME OF ABUSE. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE KEY INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH SINCE THE 1ST INCIDENT BUT THIS DID NOT PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM SHUTTING OFF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10569237
Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2014
Electrical System
MY CAR IS SUBJECT TO THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR UNTIL THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED. ACCORDING TO REPORTS ON ABC NEWS AND ARTICLE IN THE RICHMOND, VA TIMES DISPATCH I CAN GET A LOANER CAR WHILE AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW SWITCH. THE DEALER (DOMINION CHEVROLET, RICHMOND, VA) DO…
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MY CAR IS SUBJECT TO THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR UNTIL THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED. ACCORDING TO REPORTS ON ABC NEWS AND ARTICLE IN THE RICHMOND, VA TIMES DISPATCH I CAN GET A LOANER CAR WHILE AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW SWITCH. THE DEALER (DOMINION CHEVROLET, RICHMOND, VA) DOESN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT PROVIDING A LOANER CAR. CALLED THE GM HOTLINE AND THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT PROVIDING A LOANER CAR EITHER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10569098
118,000 miles · Mar 11, 2014
Electrical System
I WAS GETTING OFF AN EXIT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF. SOMETIMES ALSO WHEN I'M DRIVING THE KEY IF TOUCHED TURNS THE CAR OFF WHILE DRIVING. NO ACCIDENT BECAUSE PEOPLE AVOIDED ME HAD THERE BEEN AN ACCIDENT I WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT AND I AM AFRAID EVERYTIME I DRIVE. ALSO TO TAKE OUT THE KEY EVERYTIME I HAVE TO…
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I WAS GETTING OFF AN EXIT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF. SOMETIMES ALSO WHEN I'M DRIVING THE KEY IF TOUCHED TURNS THE CAR OFF WHILE DRIVING. NO ACCIDENT BECAUSE PEOPLE AVOIDED ME HAD THERE BEEN AN ACCIDENT I WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT AND I AM AFRAID EVERYTIME I DRIVE. ALSO TO TAKE OUT THE KEY EVERYTIME I HAVE TO STICK MY FINGER IN THE HOLE UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL OTHERWISE IT STAYS STUCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10568639
Official recalls
5Apr 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.
Mar 3, 2010
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Jan 18, 2007
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.'
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Nov 22, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BULB SHIELDS INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMPS CAN LOOSEN DUE TO VIBRATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BULB SHIELD CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. IF THIS OCCURRED ON A HEADLAMP INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE, ONCOMING DRIVERS MAY NOTICE ADDITIONAL GLARE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
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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