NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,649 reports81,000 miles · Aug 7, 2009
Steering
2005 CHEVY COBALT WITH 81K MILES ON IT. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS TODAY. WHILE DRIVING TO THE STORE FROM WORK I HEARD A DING, LOOKED AT THE DASH, AND SAW THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT MY POWER STEERING WAS OUT. I PULLED OFF INTO A PARKING LOT, RESTARTED THE CAR, AND THINGS WERE FINE AGAIN. AFTER STOPPIN…
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2005 CHEVY COBALT WITH 81K MILES ON IT. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS TODAY. WHILE DRIVING TO THE STORE FROM WORK I HEARD A DING, LOOKED AT THE DASH, AND SAW THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE. I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT MY POWER STEERING WAS OUT. I PULLED OFF INTO A PARKING LOT, RESTARTED THE CAR, AND THINGS WERE FINE AGAIN. AFTER STOPPING AT THE STORE, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES DURING THE DRIVE HOME, EACH TIME REQUIRING THAT I PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR IN ORDER TO REGAIN POWER STEERING. EVERYTHING I HAVE FOUND ONLINE SAYS THAT IT WILL COST 1100 DOLLARS TO FIX AS THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10279718
63,000 miles · Aug 7, 2009
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IMMEDIATELY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DRIVER HAD TO EXERT GREATER EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE O…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IMMEDIATELY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DRIVER HAD TO EXERT GREATER EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE ONLY STEERED IN ONE DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 63,000. UPDATED 09/18/09. *LJ UPDATED 09/21/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10279687
71,932 miles · Aug 6, 2009
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. MOMENTS LATER, THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 71,932.
NHTSA ODI #10279595
46,500 miles · Aug 6, 2009
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE DIVIDER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE LACK OF POWER STEERING COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE DIVIDER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE LACK OF POWER STEERING COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,500.
NHTSA ODI #10279579
60,000 miles · Aug 5, 2009
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10279450
79,000 miles · Aug 5, 2009
Steering
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT THAT WHEN DRIVING DOWN RODE IT FLASHES AND SAYS POWER STEERING THEN YOU LOSE ALL POWER IN THE STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. AFTER REASSURING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE LEARNED IT IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN ON CHEVY COBALTS. THIS ALMOST CAUSED ME AND MY 9 YR OLD SOME TO WRECK CAUSE IT HAPPENE…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT THAT WHEN DRIVING DOWN RODE IT FLASHES AND SAYS POWER STEERING THEN YOU LOSE ALL POWER IN THE STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. AFTER REASSURING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE LEARNED IT IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN ON CHEVY COBALTS. THIS ALMOST CAUSED ME AND MY 9 YR OLD SOME TO WRECK CAUSE IT HAPPENED IN A CURVE. YOU HAVE TO STOP THE CAR SHUT IT OFF THEN CRANK IT BACK AGAIN AND IT RESETS. GM SAYS THEY ARE UNAWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I'M TELLING YOU ABOUT THIS PROBLEM CAUSE SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT BADLY IF NOTHING IS DONE ABOUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10279449
129,000 miles · Aug 5, 2009
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT BLINKED OFF AND ON. THE STEERING THEN BECAME VERY STIFF WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MANEUVER THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO HIS DESTINATION. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED TH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT BLINKED OFF AND ON. THE STEERING THEN BECAME VERY STIFF WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MANEUVER THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO HIS DESTINATION. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND ALLOW THE COMPUTER SYSTEM TO RESET, AND THEN RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED HIM TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE CONTACT HAS CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE FAILURE WITH THE POWER STEERING AND THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF. THE FAILURE IS NOT CORRECTING ITSELF BY THE COMPUTER RESETTING. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. HE ALSO PLANS ON NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10279431
79,000 miles · Aug 4, 2009
Steering
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT GAVE A STEERING ALARM THEN LOCKED GOING INTO A CURVE HAD TO STOP AND TURN THE KEY OFF AND RESTART HAD TO STOP IN MIDDLE OF THE ROAD SO I CALLED GM THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD NOT BEEN ANY COMPLAINTS THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID THAT THEY WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM I MEAN HELLO IT IS A PROBLEM THEY ARE A…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT GAVE A STEERING ALARM THEN LOCKED GOING INTO A CURVE HAD TO STOP AND TURN THE KEY OFF AND RESTART HAD TO STOP IN MIDDLE OF THE ROAD SO I CALLED GM THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD NOT BEEN ANY COMPLAINTS THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID THAT THEY WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM I MEAN HELLO IT IS A PROBLEM THEY ARE A NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS EVERY ONE NEED TO CALL GM AND COMPLAIN THEY HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM . THE REPAIRS IS ANYWHERE FROM 1000 TO 1500 DOLLARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10279391
54,900 miles · Aug 4, 2009
Steering
I HAVE AN 05 COBALT AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES. I HAVE HAS THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AND MY POWER STEERING HAS HAD TO BE FIXED ALONG WITH A FEW OTHER ISSUES. THE PLACE I PURCHASED AND HAD MY CAR SERVICED WAS CLOSED DUE TO DOING SHADY BUSINESS(BILL HEARD IN BUFORD GA). I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD NAME BR…
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I HAVE AN 05 COBALT AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES. I HAVE HAS THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AND MY POWER STEERING HAS HAD TO BE FIXED ALONG WITH A FEW OTHER ISSUES. THE PLACE I PURCHASED AND HAD MY CAR SERVICED WAS CLOSED DUE TO DOING SHADY BUSINESS(BILL HEARD IN BUFORD GA). I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD NAME BRAND AND IT WAS SAFE AS I JUST HAD A BABY. AS IT TURNS OUT THIS CAR SEEMS TO BE A DEATH TRAP AND NO ONE WILL DO ANYTHING AS THESE ARE SAFETY ISSUES AND ISSUES ON THINGS THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10279309
54,972 miles · Aug 4, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering
WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT OR AROUND 60 MPH AND THE POWERSTEERING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND HARD FOR ME TO PULL OF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED MY CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT BEGAN WORKING NORMALLY. APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES LATER THE POWERSTEERING WENT OUT …
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WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT OR AROUND 60 MPH AND THE POWERSTEERING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND HARD FOR ME TO PULL OF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED MY CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT BEGAN WORKING NORMALLY. APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES LATER THE POWERSTEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. AS OF TODAY AUGUST 3, 2009 IT HAS GONE OUT 3 TIMES WITHIN 3 DAYS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10279282
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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