NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
63 reportsClear category filter90,100 miles · Mar 31, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE FACE, KNEE, WRIST, NECK, AND BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE FACE, KNEE, WRIST, NECK, AND BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WAS RECEIVED AFTER THE CRASH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,100. UPDATED 05/19/14*LJ
NHTSA ODI #10575806
25,340 miles · Mar 29, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting
TURN SIGNALS DO NOT CANCEL. DEALER FOUND BROKEN CLOCK SPRING IN DRIVERS AIR BAG. REPLACED ON WARRANTY. HELLO, ANYONE LISTENING? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575625
26,564 miles · Mar 29, 2014
Air BagsSteering
FAULTY STEERING COLUMN, AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN EVENT OF A CRASH. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BY DEALER. VERY SERIOUS !!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575574
24,000 miles · Mar 14, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THE KEY WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO WAIT A BRIEF MOMENT AND APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THE KEY WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO WAIT A BRIEF MOMENT AND APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24000.
NHTSA ODI #10569266
70,271 miles · Mar 5, 2014
Air BagsSteering
I TOOK MY 2006 HHR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. MY CAR HAS EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THOSE DESCRIBED, BUT I WAS TOLD THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT LOOK AT MY VEHICLE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY HHR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL WHILE OTHERS ARE. I DID NOT SEE WHERE THERE WAS A DISTINCTION BETWEEN…
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I TOOK MY 2006 HHR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. MY CAR HAS EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THOSE DESCRIBED, BUT I WAS TOLD THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT LOOK AT MY VEHICLE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY HHR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL WHILE OTHERS ARE. I DID NOT SEE WHERE THERE WAS A DISTINCTION BETWEEN SOME 2006 HHR AND OTHERS. THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT IN MY VEHICLE ON A REGULAR BASIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10567431
105,000 miles · Apr 1, 2013
Air BagsCrashFireInjury
I WAS IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION, MY CAR FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10505295
75,000 miles · Nov 15, 2012
Air BagsSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHETHER A PASSENGER WAS OCCUPYING THE SEAT OR NOT. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHETHER A PASSENGER WAS OCCUPYING THE SEAT OR NOT. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER, POWERED OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED FOR THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V046000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10484846
46,000 miles · Jan 10, 2012
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT WAS EXCITING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE INTERIOR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE DETACHED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE ABNORMALLY WHEN THE BRAKES W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT WAS EXCITING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE INTERIOR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE DETACHED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE ABNORMALLY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT INSIDE DOOR ASSEMBLY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH BOTH SIDE FRONT ROTORS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V046000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
NHTSA ODI #10443273
106,000 miles · Dec 7, 2011
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES WAS DEPRESSED AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES WAS DEPRESSED AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE POLICE STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY PLANNED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
NHTSA ODI #10438863
35,000 miles · Apr 12, 2011
Air Bags
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. WHEN A PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT, THE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. WHEN A PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT, THE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT SINCE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 05/25/11 *BF UPDATED 07/08/11
NHTSA ODI #10395618
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.
Sep 3, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 296,422 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE DOOR ON THE STORAGE BIN IN THE TOP CENTER OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED AS REQUIRED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: A REDESIGNED LATCH WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Jan 30, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 181,516 MY 2006-2008 CHEVROLET HHR VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIR BAGS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.' IN TESTS, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS TO PROVIDE HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY-ABSORBING PLASTIC PIECE TO THE HEADLINER TRIM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Oct 31, 2006
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
Remedy: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
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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