NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,143 reportsClear category filter65,000 miles · Dec 17, 2009
Steering
WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITH NO WARNING AND MAKES IT VERY HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON OPEN HIGHWAY, ON FREEWAYS, AND EVEN IN THE CITY DRIVING CONDITIONS. WEATHER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A FACTOR AS I HAVE SEEN THIS HAPPEN IN SNOW, RAIN, AND SUNNY CALM WEATHER. THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME WAS AFTER WA…
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WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITH NO WARNING AND MAKES IT VERY HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON OPEN HIGHWAY, ON FREEWAYS, AND EVEN IN THE CITY DRIVING CONDITIONS. WEATHER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A FACTOR AS I HAVE SEEN THIS HAPPEN IN SNOW, RAIN, AND SUNNY CALM WEATHER. THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME WAS AFTER WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT, I STARTED TO TURN WHEN LIGHT BECAME GREEN, AND 1/2 WAY IN THE INTERSECTION THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND MY VEHICLE MADE IT VERY HARD TO STEER IT AND ALMOST HIT TRAFFIC THAT WAS WAITING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10296220
76,000 miles · Dec 16, 2009
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST POWER STEERING AND SWERVED ONTO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD; HOWEVER, SHE WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. A HALF MILE DOWN THE ROAD, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED A THIRD TIME SHE REFUSED TO CONTINUE DRIV…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST POWER STEERING AND SWERVED ONTO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD; HOWEVER, SHE WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. A HALF MILE DOWN THE ROAD, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED A THIRD TIME SHE REFUSED TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND NOTIFIED THE DEALER. SEVERAL DEALERS ADVISED HER THAT SHE WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY SINCE THE FAILURE WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE WARRANTY COVERAGE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 76,000.
NHTSA ODI #10296144
Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2009
Steering
2005 CHEVROLET COBALT 89,000 MILES. POWER STEERING WENT OUT 11/26/2009 WHILE ON EXPRESSWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH. POWER STEERING? LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE BECAME VERY HARD TO CONTROL. NEXT DAY VEHICLE RAN FINE. THREE DAYS LATER POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. IT IS NOW PERMANENTLY OUT AND I…
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2005 CHEVROLET COBALT 89,000 MILES. POWER STEERING WENT OUT 11/26/2009 WHILE ON EXPRESSWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH. POWER STEERING? LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE BECAME VERY HARD TO CONTROL. NEXT DAY VEHICLE RAN FINE. THREE DAYS LATER POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. IT IS NOW PERMANENTLY OUT AND I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP IT WILL COST $900 IF NOT MORE TO REPAIR, ALSO QUESTIONED DEALERSHIP IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS AND REPAIR MAN SAID HE CHECKED AND THERE WASN'T?T. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY VERY UNSAFE AND A VERY COSTLY MALFUNCTION WITH THESE VEHICLES AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY GM IN MY OPINION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10296097
79,900 miles · Dec 15, 2009
Steering
AS I WAS LEAVING MY PARKING GARAGE FROM WORK, I WAS GETTING READY TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN ONTO THE STREET, AND RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THE CAR STOPPED STEERING. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON TO GET IT TO STEER AGAIN. CURRENTLY IT'S FINE, BUT I AM SCARED THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN, AND WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGH…
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AS I WAS LEAVING MY PARKING GARAGE FROM WORK, I WAS GETTING READY TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN ONTO THE STREET, AND RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THE CAR STOPPED STEERING. I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON TO GET IT TO STEER AGAIN. CURRENTLY IT'S FINE, BUT I AM SCARED THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN, AND WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE CAR, AND ON THE INTERSTATE, NOT SO SAFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10295881
83,000 miles · Dec 14, 2009
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CURVE ON A HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH THE STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THEN HE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULT STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL FIRESTONE FACILITY FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING MOTOR,AND COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CURVE ON A HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH THE STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THEN HE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULT STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL FIRESTONE FACILITY FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING MOTOR,AND COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN EXPENSE OF $1,2000.00. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 83,000. UPDATED 1/14/10 *CN UPDATED 01/15/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10295595
55,000 miles · Dec 14, 2009
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS LOSS OF POWER STEERING. SHE HAD TO EXERT GREAT EFFORT TO CONTROL THE STEERING COLUMN . THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TAKEN FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE AND CU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS LOSS OF POWER STEERING. SHE HAD TO EXERT GREAT EFFORT TO CONTROL THE STEERING COLUMN . THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TAKEN FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 55,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10295559
50,032 miles · Dec 11, 2009
Steering
WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT MY POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT. I HAD TO STOP MY CAR, TURN IT OFF AND TURN MY CAR BACK ON AGAIN FOR MY POWER STEERING TO WORK AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW AND THE SECOND TIME WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND LUCKILY I DIDN'T GET IN AN ACCIDENT. THESE CARS NEED TO BE R…
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WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT MY POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT. I HAD TO STOP MY CAR, TURN IT OFF AND TURN MY CAR BACK ON AGAIN FOR MY POWER STEERING TO WORK AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW AND THE SECOND TIME WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND LUCKILY I DIDN'T GET IN AN ACCIDENT. THESE CARS NEED TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10295327
48,500 miles · Dec 10, 2009
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25 TO 30 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN HE LOST VEHICLE CONTROL. AFTER TWO MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, NO ASSISTANCE WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25 TO 30 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN HE LOST VEHICLE CONTROL. AFTER TWO MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 48500.
NHTSA ODI #10295278
27,450 miles · Dec 8, 2009
Steering
2005 CHEVY COBALT STEERING FAILURE,27450 KLMS ON CAR,SAID STEERING COLUMN NEEDS REPLACING . REPLACED COLUMN STILL STEERING FAILED ,AND NOW NEED TO REPLACE WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE STEERING MOTOR OR SWITCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10295013
50,000 miles · Dec 8, 2009
Steering
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT AND THE POWER STEERING GOES IN AND OUT,IF I TURN IT OFF IT WILL WORK AGAIN FOR A COUPLE MINUTES AND THEN SHUT OFF AGAIN. I HAVE READ OTHER REPORTS ON THE INTERNET AND SEE THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER COBALTS WITH POWER STEERING DEFECTS! THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM! ITS ALSO VERY E…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT AND THE POWER STEERING GOES IN AND OUT,IF I TURN IT OFF IT WILL WORK AGAIN FOR A COUPLE MINUTES AND THEN SHUT OFF AGAIN. I HAVE READ OTHER REPORTS ON THE INTERNET AND SEE THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER COBALTS WITH POWER STEERING DEFECTS! THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM! ITS ALSO VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX. MY BILL IS OVER $900.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10294966
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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