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2006 Chevrolet Hhr

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Hhr do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 565.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

843 reports with mileage · 163 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 458 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 222 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 119 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

47 crash reports8 fire reports24 injury reports

Latches/locks/linkages complaints

70 reports
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69,000 miles · Mar 17, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

KEY GETS STUCK / CAN NOT TURN TO OFF POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY. IF YOU CAN NOT REMOVE THE KEY WITHIN AN HOUR, YOUR BATTERY WILL BE DEPLETED. THERE IS AN ACTUATING ROD IN THE SHIFTER THAT PUSHES A MICRO SWITCH THAT COMPLETES A CIRCUIT TO PULL A SOLENOID IN THE STEERING COLUMN TO ALLOW THE IGNITION SWITCH TO BE TUNED TO THE OFF…

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KEY GETS STUCK / CAN NOT TURN TO OFF POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY. IF YOU CAN NOT REMOVE THE KEY WITHIN AN HOUR, YOUR BATTERY WILL BE DEPLETED. THERE IS AN ACTUATING ROD IN THE SHIFTER THAT PUSHES A MICRO SWITCH THAT COMPLETES A CIRCUIT TO PULL A SOLENOID IN THE STEERING COLUMN TO ALLOW THE IGNITION SWITCH TO BE TUNED TO THE OFF POSITION (AND REMOVE THE KEY) WHEN IN PARK. THE PLASTIC PART IN THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY BREAKS AND ALLOWS THE ACTUATING ROD TO FALL OUT. THE FIX FOR THIS IS TO REPLACE THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. $185 NOT INCLUDING LABOR. THE QUICK FIX FOR THIS IS THERE IS A PLASTIC PLUG ON THE UNDER SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. INSIDE YOU HAVE TO FEEL FOR THE END OF THAT SOLENOID AND DEPRESS IT TO RELEASE THE KEY. GM TSB #06-07-30-004F ACKNOWLEDGES THE COMMON OCCURRENCE OF THIS FAILURE FROM 2006 TO 2010 HHR, COBALT, AND PONTIAC G5 . ALTHOUGH, IF YOU ARE OUT OF WARRANTY, YOUR DEALER MAY BE RELUCTANT TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT COST. TIRES, BALL JOINTS, BRAKES, WHAT HAVE YOU, FAIL AND ARE, NO DOUBT, A COMMON OCCURRENCE. IF FACT THAT IS TO BE EXPECTED. BUT THE SHIFTER IN AN AUTOMATIC? I WOULD THINK THAT THE SHIFTER IN AN AUTOMATIC SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. IMO, THEY INSTALLED A POORLY MADE PART. TO ME, THIS IS OBVIOUS SINCE THEY ARE STATING IN THAT TSB, 2006 - 2010 SHIFTER ARE EXPECTED TO FALL APART AS MINE DID. I HAVE A 1965 PLYMOUTH BELVEDERE, THE OLDEST CAR IN MY POSSESSION, THAT THE SHIFTER NEVER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. IN FACT I'VE NEVER HAD AN AUTOMATIC SHIFTER PROBLEM WITH ANY CAR. IT WAS STATED IN A FORUM THAT GM SHOULD HAVE CONSIDERED A METAL COLLAR OR RING AROUND THE PLASTIC BIT THAT HOLDS THAT PIN TO REINFORCE IT AND THIS PROBLEM WOULD HAVE NEVER BECOME A NUISANCE. ALSO, WHEN THAT PIN FALLS OUT, THE SHIFT LEVER IS FREE TO MOVE WITHOUT PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON ON THE FRONT OF THE SHIFT LEVER, SO IT COULD ACCIDENTALLY BE MOVED TO ANOTHER GEAR WHILE DRIVING, EVEN REVERSE!! I GUESS THAT IS NOT ENOUGH OF A SAFETY ISSUE FOR GM TO WORRY ABOUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10320551

40,000 miles · Jan 20, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

THE KEY TO MY 2006 HHR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. AS A RESULT THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OUT AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE LOCKED. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS TRAVELING, WHICH PUT MY PERSONAL SAFETY AT RISK AND IF I LEFT MY VEHICLE FOR ANY REASON IT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN STOLEN. I HAVE BEEN ONLINE AND FOUND THA…

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THE KEY TO MY 2006 HHR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. AS A RESULT THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OUT AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE LOCKED. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS TRAVELING, WHICH PUT MY PERSONAL SAFETY AT RISK AND IF I LEFT MY VEHICLE FOR ANY REASON IT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN STOLEN. I HAVE BEEN ONLINE AND FOUND THAT SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10300435

30,000 miles · Jan 15, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages

THE KEY FOB BATTERY HOLDER BECAME DETACHED MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE LOCK/UNLOCK/REMOTE START/PANIC BUTTONS TO WORK. THIS HAPPENED TO BOTH KEY FOBS ISSUED TO ME BY GM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10299817

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2009
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF WHEN GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR UNLESS I PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE YOU CANNOT EXIT THE VEHICLE UNLESS YOU LET THE WINDOW DOWN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10297380

50,959 miles · Nov 3, 2009
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

FRONT PASSENGER DOOR ON 2006 CHEVROLET HHR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR DOES SAME SPORADICALLY. NO DAMAGE TO DOORS FROM PHYSICAL DAMAGE, THEY JUST STOPPED WORKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10290747

70,000 miles · Oct 30, 2009
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE DRIVER-SIDE DOOR CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE DOOR PANEL AT AN EXPENSE OF $600.00. BASED UPON THE CONCLUSION OF THE MANUFACTURERS RESEARCH THEY MAY OFFER HER A DISCOUNT ON THE REPAIRS. THE FAILUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE DRIVER-SIDE DOOR CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE DOOR PANEL AT AN EXPENSE OF $600.00. BASED UPON THE CONCLUSION OF THE MANUFACTURERS RESEARCH THEY MAY OFFER HER A DISCOUNT ON THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10290372

34,200 miles · Sep 17, 2009
Latches/locks/linkages

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. HE HAD TO ROLL THE WINDOW TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,200 AND…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. HE HAD TO ROLL THE WINDOW TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,210.

NHTSA ODI #10284431

52,239 miles · Sep 8, 2009
Latches/locks/linkages

2006 CHEVROLET HHR - DOOR HANDLE BROKE NOT ALLOWING ME TO EXIT VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10283139

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2009
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

2006 CHEVROLET HHR INSIDE DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HE COULD NOT PURCHASE JUST THE DOOR HANDLE, BUT HE WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE THE ENTIRE DOOR PANEL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DOOR HANDLE WAS MADE OF PLASTIC. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10278950

78,000 miles · Jul 10, 2009
Latches/locks/linkages

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FAILED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DOOR PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $413. THE PART NUMBER FOR THE REPAIR WAS 15787576. THE CONTACT DOES NOT WANT TO PAY …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FAILED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DOOR PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $413. THE PART NUMBER FOR THE REPAIR WAS 15787576. THE CONTACT DOES NOT WANT TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #10276333

Official recalls

5

14V171000 · Electrical System:ignition

Apr 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.

14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch

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. GM’s 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. GM’s 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. GM’s 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.

08V444000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

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> .

08V046000 · Air Bags

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> .

06V417000 · Air Bags:frontal

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 ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.