NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
146 reportsClear category filter175,000 miles · May 22, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other
FOR THE PAST THREE DAYS DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK MY CHEVY COBALT HAS BEEN PUTTING ME IN DANGER. WHEN I START TO BREAK, SOMETIMES THE SYMBOL WITH A LOCK AND KEY, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS WILL TURN ON AND THE CAR STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK AND THE BRAKES WOULD COME UP RESULTING IN THE CAR BEING TURNED OFF WHILE I AM ON DRIVE. THIS IS DAN…
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FOR THE PAST THREE DAYS DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK MY CHEVY COBALT HAS BEEN PUTTING ME IN DANGER. WHEN I START TO BREAK, SOMETIMES THE SYMBOL WITH A LOCK AND KEY, AND AIR BAG LIGHTS WILL TURN ON AND THE CAR STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK AND THE BRAKES WOULD COME UP RESULTING IN THE CAR BEING TURNED OFF WHILE I AM ON DRIVE. THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE I CANNOT TURN THE WHEEL AND THE BRAKE IS ALSO LOCKED. I GET OUT OF MY CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC TO PUSH IT BY MYSELF THEN JUMP IN IT AND TRY TO START IT. THIS METHOD WORKS SOMETIMES BUT IS DANGEROUS TO NOT ONLY MYSELF BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY OTHERS. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS THE MAIN CAUSE FOR THIS ISSUE HOWEVER I DID SOME RESEARCH AND DID NOT SEE ANY RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I NEED HELP FINGERING IT OUT BEFORE I HURT MYSELF OR OTHERS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD DRIVING UNABLE TO STEER OR BREAK
NHTSA ODI #11209367
18,071 miles · Jan 4, 2019
Air BagsEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT SHUDDERED AND VIBRATED WHILE IDLING. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE KEY SWITCHED BACK TO THE ACCESSORY POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT SHUDDERED AND VIBRATED WHILE IDLING. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE KEY SWITCHED BACK TO THE ACCESSORY POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,071.
NHTSA ODI #11165181
40,000 miles · May 26, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemWheels
PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. IGNITION SHUTS CAR OFF WHEN HITTING BUMPS AS WELL AS NOT TURNING OFF COMPLETELY WHEN PARKED. FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BEARINGS CONTINUE TO FAIL, REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 3 YEARS.
NHTSA ODI #11098127
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other
I HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH CHANGED 3 YEARS AGO AND IT IS NOW MESSED UP. MY CAR WON'T START AND I NEED A NEW IGNITION SWITCH
NHTSA ODI #11079726
115,000 miles · Sep 7, 2017
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN THE RAIN, ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE AN ILLEGAL TURN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACE, HEAD, MOUTH, CHEST, BACK, NECK, AND RIGHT SHOULDER INJ…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN THE RAIN, ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE AN ILLEGAL TURN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACE, HEAD, MOUTH, CHEST, BACK, NECK, AND RIGHT SHOULDER INJURIES AS WELL AS BRUISES FROM THE SEAT BELT. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK, BACK, HEAD, AND LEG INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000....UPDATED 11/15/17 *BF UPDATED 11/28/2017*JS
NHTSA ODI #11022213
Mileage unknown · May 30, 2017
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting
SIGNAL SHOWING AIRBAG NEEDS SERVICING GOES ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. HEADLIGHTS, LOW BEAM (BOTH OF THEM) JUST STOPPED WORKING. NEW BULBS AND NEW FUSES ARE NOT THE PROBLEM. NOW, I CAN'T EVEN KEEP MY HIGH BEAMS IN "ON" POSITION. ONLY IF I HOLD THE SWITCH. I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR UNDER 3 MONTHS. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK SOMETIME…
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SIGNAL SHOWING AIRBAG NEEDS SERVICING GOES ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. HEADLIGHTS, LOW BEAM (BOTH OF THEM) JUST STOPPED WORKING. NEW BULBS AND NEW FUSES ARE NOT THE PROBLEM. NOW, I CAN'T EVEN KEEP MY HIGH BEAMS IN "ON" POSITION. ONLY IF I HOLD THE SWITCH. I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR UNDER 3 MONTHS. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK SOMETIMES WORKS, SOMETIMES DOESN'T. I HAVE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR MANUALLY (SOMETIMES). I FIND THAT ODD. MY LARGEST PROBLEM IS OBVIOUSLY HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND CAN'T DRIVE AT NIGHT, EVEN IN AN EMERGENCY.
NHTSA ODI #10992126
95,000 miles · Apr 15, 2017
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or OtherCrash
CAR SMELLS LIKE BURNING WIRE, LOCKS UNLOCK ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT, SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM DRAINS BATTERY OVER NIGHT. I AM TERRIFIED. GMC WILL NOT CONTACT ME.
NHTSA ODI #10978644
78,000 miles · Mar 8, 2017
Air BagsSeats
THE ACTIVATING SWITCH FOR THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG FAILED AROUND 78,000 MILES. THIS SEAT SWITCH ACTIVATES THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SAFETY SYSTEM WHEN AN OCCUPANT SITS DOWN IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I WAS TOLD AT THE TIME WE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL REPAIR DONE TO THE CAR THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REPLACE THE BROKEN SEAT SWITCH…
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THE ACTIVATING SWITCH FOR THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG FAILED AROUND 78,000 MILES. THIS SEAT SWITCH ACTIVATES THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SAFETY SYSTEM WHEN AN OCCUPANT SITS DOWN IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I WAS TOLD AT THE TIME WE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL REPAIR DONE TO THE CAR THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REPLACE THE BROKEN SEAT SWITCH WAS TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT COVER. TO DO THIS REQUIRES AN INITIAL OUTLAY OF $150.00 DOLLARS FOR THE PART( THE SWITCH IS WOVEN INTO THE SEAT FABRIC)PLUS LABOR TO INSTALL(PRICE UNKNOWN)AT THE DEALERSHIP. WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE,WEIGHT OR GENDER ANY FRONT SEAT PASSENGER MAY BELIEVE THEY ARE PROTECTED UPON READING THE DASHBOARD 'AIRBAG' SIGN WHEN SITTING IN THE CAR. THE PANEL-MOUNTED INDICATOR FOR THAT AIRBAG IS A LIGHTED DISPLAY WHICH, IN DAYLIGHT, IS HARD TO SEE WITHOUT CUPPING YOUR HAND OVER THE ANNUNCIATOR-OR WAIT UNTIL NIGHTFALL , GET SOMEBODY TO SIT IN THE SEAT, AND THEN CHECK OUT THE DASH LIGHT.
NHTSA ODI #10959549
90,000 miles · Feb 10, 2017
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT ROAD DIVIDER. DURING THE CRASH, THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURED LEG. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT ROAD DIVIDER. DURING THE CRASH, THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURED LEG. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10953791
Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2017
Air Bags
AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR HAS BEEN CONSTANTLY ON.
NHTSA ODI #10947827
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.
Oct 29, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, NEVADA AND TEXAS. THE PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN PORT ON THE MODULAR RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. IF EITHER OF THESE PORTS DEVELOPS A CRACK, FUEL WILL LEAK FROM THE AREA. IF THE CRACK BECOMES LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY BE OBSERVED DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL COVERAGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME FOR MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE AND TEXAS AND MODEL YEAR 2007 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN: ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 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.
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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