NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
23 reportsClear category filter92,300 miles · Jan 27, 2019
Exterior Lighting
THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE HEADLIGHT HAD MOISTURE BUILDUP INSIDE THE FIXTURE .PLUS THE FIXTURE HAD DISCOLORED AND FADED AND WAS NOT CLEAR. APPARENTLY THE SEALANT AROUND THE HEADLIGHT FIXTURE DID NOT MAKE A PERMANENT TIGHT SEAL THEREFORE WATER ENTERED INSIDE. AS A RESULT THE DAYTIME LIGHT WENT OFF AND ON AND THE SIGNAL LIGHT DID THE S…
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THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE HEADLIGHT HAD MOISTURE BUILDUP INSIDE THE FIXTURE .PLUS THE FIXTURE HAD DISCOLORED AND FADED AND WAS NOT CLEAR. APPARENTLY THE SEALANT AROUND THE HEADLIGHT FIXTURE DID NOT MAKE A PERMANENT TIGHT SEAL THEREFORE WATER ENTERED INSIDE. AS A RESULT THE DAYTIME LIGHT WENT OFF AND ON AND THE SIGNAL LIGHT DID THE SAME. THE SAFETY ISSUE WAS WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET TURNING THE DRIVER FACING ME DID NOT KNOW I WAS SIGNALING AND THE DRIVER BEHIND ME SAW FAST SIGNAL LIGHTS FLASHING FROM MY CHEVY COBALT. I HAD MY COMPLETE HEADLIGHT LIGHT ASSEMBLY REPLACED BY A BODY SHOP AND THIS CORRECTED THE WHOLE PROBLEM. IT COST ME $173.52
NHTSA ODI #11172338
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting
TAKATA RECALL THE PROBLEMS I'M HAVING WITH MY CAR IS THAT THE LOCKS KEEP UNLOCKING AND LOCKING AND WON'T LET MY CAR STARTUP. IT LOCKS ME OUT AND WHEN I PUT THE KEY IN THE SWITCH IT WON'T CRANK AND THE ONLY WAY THAT I'M ABLE TO GET THE KEY OUT OF THE SWITCH IS IF I JUMP IT OFF. I WAS AT HOME WHEN IT HAPPENED PARKED.
NHTSA ODI #11115262
88,674 miles · May 5, 2018
Exterior Lighting
THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, THAT HAS A PLASTIC FINISH, BROKE AND CRACKED AT THE POINT THAT MEETS THE STEERING COLUMN. MY RIGHT SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT, WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE DARK GOING TO WORK WHICH IS 10 MILES ON CITY STREETS . THE NEXT DAY I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER WHO I FREQUENTLY BRING FOR REPAIRS. THE SERVI…
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THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, THAT HAS A PLASTIC FINISH, BROKE AND CRACKED AT THE POINT THAT MEETS THE STEERING COLUMN. MY RIGHT SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT, WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE DARK GOING TO WORK WHICH IS 10 MILES ON CITY STREETS . THE NEXT DAY I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER WHO I FREQUENTLY BRING FOR REPAIRS. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THE THAT THIS IS FLORIDA AND HEAT DOES TERRIBLE THINGS. MY CAR LIGHTS MAY HAVE ALL GONE OFF AND CREATE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. MY CAR IS NOW AT THE CHEVROLET DEALER FOR REPAIR IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 4 DAYS THEY ARE ORDERING A NEW PART. PLUS LABOR , ESTIMATED COST $400.00 MILEAGE ON MY CAR IS 88,694.
NHTSA ODI #11092040
108,400 miles · Aug 1, 2017
Exterior LightingStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE THE HEADLAMP BULB BECAUSE THE BULB SHIELD FELL OFF. THE CONTACT HAD NOT NOTICED THE SHIELD WAS MISSING UNTIL HE NOTICED A GLARE IN THE BULB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO LIGHT BULBS AFFECTED DUE TO THE REFLECTOR FAILING WITHOUT WARNING. THE C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE THE HEADLAMP BULB BECAUSE THE BULB SHIELD FELL OFF. THE CONTACT HAD NOT NOTICED THE SHIELD WAS MISSING UNTIL HE NOTICED A GLARE IN THE BULB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO LIGHT BULBS AFFECTED DUE TO THE REFLECTOR FAILING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A REPAIR MANUAL AND NOTICED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V560000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE GLARE COULD AFFECT AN ONCOMING MOTORIST, RESULTING IN A CRASH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,400.
NHTSA ODI #11012025
80,000 miles · Feb 3, 2015
Exterior LightingSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE TAIL LIGHTS AND HEAD LAMPS RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10680833
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START. WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALER, THE TOLD HER TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL UP AND DOWN AND TAP ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE WERE TIMES THROUGH OUT THE YEARS, WHERE…
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2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START. WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALER, THE TOLD HER TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL UP AND DOWN AND TAP ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE WERE TIMES THROUGH OUT THE YEARS, WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT, THE OIL PAN WAS LEAKING, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS INOPERABLE, AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10585888
53,379 miles · Apr 2, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior LightingCrashInjury
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED SIGNAL FOR A FEW MINUTES. SUDDENLY, A UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO STUDENT HIT MY CAR FROM THE REAR AT FULL FORCE. HE WAS TEXTING AND WHEN HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR HE WAS STILL TEXTING. HE ADMITTED IT WAS HIS FAULT BECAUSE HE WAS NOT LOOKING AT THE ROAD AND WAS TEXTING ON HIS PHONE. I CALLED THE POLICE AND OBTAINED …
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I WAS STOPPED AT A RED SIGNAL FOR A FEW MINUTES. SUDDENLY, A UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO STUDENT HIT MY CAR FROM THE REAR AT FULL FORCE. HE WAS TEXTING AND WHEN HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR HE WAS STILL TEXTING. HE ADMITTED IT WAS HIS FAULT BECAUSE HE WAS NOT LOOKING AT THE ROAD AND WAS TEXTING ON HIS PHONE. I CALLED THE POLICE AND OBTAINED A POLICE REPORT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK. MY MOM AND I WERE JOLTED FORWARD AT FULL FORCE WITH BACK AND NECK TRAUMA. MY CAR STALLED ON IMPACT OF THE OTHER CAR. LUCKILY MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I DID NOT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO RESTART MY CAR AND I PULLED THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO NOT BLOCK THE BUSY STREET. I COMPLAINED THAT MY AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK BUT I WAS IGNORED. ALSO, THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD TURNED OFF THE CAR WHICH I THOUGHT WAS STRANGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576910
97,000 miles · Feb 14, 2014
Air BagsExterior LightingStructureCrashInjury
WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CAR FELT AS IF IT WAS SLIDING AND HIT A GUARDRAIL. THEN, SLIDE ALONGSIDE IT. THAT IMPACT PROPELLED MY CAR ACROSS THE STREET AND IT COLLIDED WITH A GUARD-WALL, ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET, TOTALING THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564315
70,000 miles · Oct 23, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR RUNNING LIGHTS AND ALL OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR RUNNING LIGHTS AND ALL OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
NHTSA ODI #10482010
Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2010
Exterior LightingSuspension
HEADLIGHT FULL OF MOISTURE HAS GOT WORSE AND WORSE FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS ALMOST AND GM WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT MY HEADLIGHT. TODAY 6/15/2010 I TOOK MY CAR FOR THE RECALL NOTICE GOT ABOUT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST. AND FOUND OUT THAT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS NEED REPLACED, AND MY RIGHT FRONT RIM IS BENT AND POSS…
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HEADLIGHT FULL OF MOISTURE HAS GOT WORSE AND WORSE FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS ALMOST AND GM WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT MY HEADLIGHT. TODAY 6/15/2010 I TOOK MY CAR FOR THE RECALL NOTICE GOT ABOUT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST. AND FOUND OUT THAT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS NEED REPLACED, AND MY RIGHT FRONT RIM IS BENT AND POSSIBLE WHEEL BRG MIGHT NEED REPLACED AND I CALLED GM ABOUT THIS AND THEY WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF ANY OF THESE PROBLEM THEY SAID (SORRY ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE) WHY IS GM NOT HELPING! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10336541
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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