NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
412 reportsClear category filter58,500 miles · Jun 17, 2009
Electrical System
THE CAR SHIFTER BUTTON WON'T RELEASE THE KEY. IN OTHER WORDS THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. THE REPAIR SHOP HAS TO PUT A NEW SHIFTER IN BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T BUY JUST THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM (BUTTON). THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BE…
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THE CAR SHIFTER BUTTON WON'T RELEASE THE KEY. IN OTHER WORDS THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. THE REPAIR SHOP HAS TO PUT A NEW SHIFTER IN BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T BUY JUST THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM (BUTTON). THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP HAD SEVERAL IN STOCK. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. IT IS DANGEROUS WHEN YOU HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR KEY IN YOUR CAR OVERNIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10274116
68,000 miles · Jun 1, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING AFTER A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER; HOWEVER, THE CON…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING AFTER A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD BE EXPENSIVE SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,000.
NHTSA ODI #10272570
80,000 miles · May 14, 2009
Electrical System
THE 2006 CHEVY COBALT THAT I HAVE CONSTANTLY SHUTS OFF WHEN BACKING UP, AND INTO THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10268706
39,600 miles · Apr 29, 2009
Electrical System
MY "IGNITION MODULE" GAVE OUT AT 39,000 MILES!!!! ISN'T THAT A DEFECT???? IT COST ME $335.00 TO REPAIR, EVEN THOUGH I BOUGHT A $2,000 EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR LAST YEAR (2006 CHEVY COBALT). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10267214
85,200 miles · Apr 24, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, HEARD BEEPING AND MESSAGE ON DIC READ"POWER STEERING". PULLED TO THE SHOULDER AND RESTARTED THE CAR. NO MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, BUT PROBLEM REMAINS. CAR WILL LOSE POWER STEERING NOW MORE FREQUENTLY, AT LEAST 5 TIMES DURING A 45 MINUTE RIDE. HAVE TO KEEP PULLING OVER TO RESTART THE…
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WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, HEARD BEEPING AND MESSAGE ON DIC READ"POWER STEERING". PULLED TO THE SHOULDER AND RESTARTED THE CAR. NO MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, BUT PROBLEM REMAINS. CAR WILL LOSE POWER STEERING NOW MORE FREQUENTLY, AT LEAST 5 TIMES DURING A 45 MINUTE RIDE. HAVE TO KEEP PULLING OVER TO RESTART THE CAR TO FIX THE PROBLEM. CAR IS 3 YEARS OLD WITH ABOUT 85,200. HAVE NOT REPAIRED IT YET, CAR NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10266661
56,000 miles · Apr 22, 2009
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE 'OFF' POSITION AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. WHEN THE IGNITION KEY RELEASE CONTROL BUTTON WAS PUSHED, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE K…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE 'OFF' POSITION AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. WHEN THE IGNITION KEY RELEASE CONTROL BUTTON WAS PUSHED, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISKS INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 56,000.
NHTSA ODI #10266360
54,000 miles · Mar 23, 2009
Electrical SystemPower Train
06 COBALT WITH ONLY 54,000 MILES. IGNITION MODULE AND COIL SYSTEM FAILED. SERIOUS MISFIRE IN THE ENGINE MADE FOR THIS CAR TO HAVE A TOUGH TIME MOVING. DEALER COULDN'T BELIEVE THIS HAD GONE ON ME AT 54,000 MILES, NEITHER COULD FIRESTONE. UNREAL. DEALER SHOULD BE DOING THIS REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RECA…
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06 COBALT WITH ONLY 54,000 MILES. IGNITION MODULE AND COIL SYSTEM FAILED. SERIOUS MISFIRE IN THE ENGINE MADE FOR THIS CAR TO HAVE A TOUGH TIME MOVING. DEALER COULDN'T BELIEVE THIS HAD GONE ON ME AT 54,000 MILES, NEITHER COULD FIRESTONE. UNREAL. DEALER SHOULD BE DOING THIS REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RECALLING 2006 COBALTS AND REPLACING IGNITION COIL SYSTEMS. THIS IS NOT A TYPICAL PART OF THE ENGINE TO FAIL! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10262735
45,044 miles · Feb 24, 2009
Electrical SystemFuel System, Other
I PURCHASED A USED 2006 CHEVY COBALT FIRST THE IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT I HAD IT REPLACED THEN DROVE TO STORE CAR JUST DIED HAD TO BE TOWED REPLACED FUEL RELAY CENSOR DRIVING BACK FROM DEALER SHIP IT DIES IN MIDDLE OF 4 LANE TRAFFIC NOW ITS BACK AT THE SHOP IT ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES ON THE CAR LOOKS LIKE THE LEMON LAW NEEDS TO BE…
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I PURCHASED A USED 2006 CHEVY COBALT FIRST THE IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT I HAD IT REPLACED THEN DROVE TO STORE CAR JUST DIED HAD TO BE TOWED REPLACED FUEL RELAY CENSOR DRIVING BACK FROM DEALER SHIP IT DIES IN MIDDLE OF 4 LANE TRAFFIC NOW ITS BACK AT THE SHOP IT ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES ON THE CAR LOOKS LIKE THE LEMON LAW NEEDS TO BE ENFORCED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10259792
50,000 miles · Jan 21, 2009
Electrical SystemSteeringCrashInjury
THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT. IT HAPPENS EVERYDAY, ATLEAST ONCE EVERY THREE MINUTES. IN ORDER TO "TEMPORARILY" FIX IT YOU HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURN IT OFF AND RESTART THE CAR THEN IN ABOUT THREE MINUTES IT GOES OUT AGAIN. THEN YOU HAVE TO REPEAT THIS. I AM N…
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THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT. IT HAPPENS EVERYDAY, ATLEAST ONCE EVERY THREE MINUTES. IN ORDER TO "TEMPORARILY" FIX IT YOU HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURN IT OFF AND RESTART THE CAR THEN IN ABOUT THREE MINUTES IT GOES OUT AGAIN. THEN YOU HAVE TO REPEAT THIS. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH 2005 AND 2006 COBALTS. YOU CAN SEARCH ON THE INTERNET POWER STEERING PROBLEMS COBALT AND YOU WILL SEE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS BECAUSE ON TOP OF MY CAR NOTE AND INSURANCE I CAN NOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10255896
59,000 miles · Jan 18, 2009
Electrical System
THE CAR GAUGES AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. THE FLOOR GEAR SHIFT HAS BEEN DIFFICULT TO CHANGE GEARS AND PUT IN TO PARK. ONCE CAR SHUTS DOWN AT LEAST 15 MINUTES IS NEEDED FOR CAR TO RESTART. CAR SHUTS DOWN AT RANDOM TIMES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10255495
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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