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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

Steering complaints

458 reports
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70,000 miles · Apr 7, 2014
Steering

MY POWER STEERING JUST RANDOMLY WENT OUT. IT HAS CONTINUED TO DO THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10578120

135,000 miles · Apr 7, 2014
Steering

WAS DRIVING ON HWY 231 IN NORTHERN ALABAMA AT POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 65MPH, SUDDENLY CAR MADE A CHIME SOUND AND THE "POWER STEERING" MESSAGE CAME ON. UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE SAFELY AS THE STEERING SEIZED. WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE CHEVY DEALER, BUT WHILE THE 2009-2010 HHR HAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, IT CURRENTLY DOES NOT…

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WAS DRIVING ON HWY 231 IN NORTHERN ALABAMA AT POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 65MPH, SUDDENLY CAR MADE A CHIME SOUND AND THE "POWER STEERING" MESSAGE CAME ON. UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE SAFELY AS THE STEERING SEIZED. WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE CHEVY DEALER, BUT WHILE THE 2009-2010 HHR HAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, IT CURRENTLY DOES NOT COVER THE EARLIER MODELS EVEN THOUGH IT IS OBVIOUSLY THE SAME PROBLEM. AWAITING COST OF REPAIR... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10578083

85,000 miles · Apr 7, 2014
EngineService BrakesSteering

ENGINE SHUT OFF FIRST TIME RESULTING IN MINOR CONTACT WITH GARAGE DOOR WHILE PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY. SHUT DOWN 2 MORE TIMES AT LOW SPEEDS AND A 4TH TIME AT 50MPH IN A CEMENT BARRIER CONSTRUCTION ZONE ON A BRIDGE, NO ROAD SHOULDER, DUE TO SPEED AT SHUT DOWN WAS ABLE TO COAST THROUGH CONSTRUCTION TO ROADSIDE. IGNITION CONTROL MODUL…

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ENGINE SHUT OFF FIRST TIME RESULTING IN MINOR CONTACT WITH GARAGE DOOR WHILE PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY. SHUT DOWN 2 MORE TIMES AT LOW SPEEDS AND A 4TH TIME AT 50MPH IN A CEMENT BARRIER CONSTRUCTION ZONE ON A BRIDGE, NO ROAD SHOULDER, DUE TO SPEED AT SHUT DOWN WAS ABLE TO COAST THROUGH CONSTRUCTION TO ROADSIDE. IGNITION CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED AFTER INCIDENT, HOWEVER SHUTDOWNS CONTINUED AFTER. DROVE CAR WITH SINGLE KEY ONLY SINCE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER MY VEHICLE STILLS SHUTS DOWN! IT HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT IT STILL IS NOT SAFE AND I DON'T BELIEVE WILL BE SAFE AFTER RECALL REPAIR! I DON'T WANT TO WAIT UNTIL I KILL SOMEONE TO HAVE THE GOV, GM, OR ANYONE CARE, THAT THE CARS THAT ARE ACTUALLY SHUTTING DOWN NEED TO BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD AND REPLACED! PLEASE SOMEONE HELP THE CAR OWNERS LIKE ME! HELP US FEEL SAFE AGAIN AND NOT AS THOUGH WE ARE PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE EVERY TIME WE DRIVE OUR CARS! I AM BEGGING SOMEONE AT THIS AGENCY TO PLEASE MAKE THEM REPLACE OUR KNOWN DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE CARS! MY CAR CONTINUES TO SHUTDOWN AFTER REMOVAL OF ALL THINGS ON THE KEY! HELP! I HAVE 2 SMALL KIDS AND HAVE TO KEEP THEM SAFE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10577847

95,000 miles · Apr 3, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE MADE A LEFT TURN AT 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MAN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE MADE A LEFT TURN AT 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 06/17/14*LJ UPDATED 08/15/2017

NHTSA ODI #10577128

110,000 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Steering

HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 32K MILES, 2ND OWNER I THINK. STARTING ABOUT 1 AND 1/2 YR AGO THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) STARTED TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING UNDER ANY CONDITION. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT IS VERY HARD TO TURN THE CAR. CAR MUST BE STOPPED AND ENGINE TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN TO RESET EPS SYSTEM. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS…

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HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 32K MILES, 2ND OWNER I THINK. STARTING ABOUT 1 AND 1/2 YR AGO THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) STARTED TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING UNDER ANY CONDITION. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT IS VERY HARD TO TURN THE CAR. CAR MUST BE STOPPED AND ENGINE TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN TO RESET EPS SYSTEM. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND HAPPENS AT RANDOM.

NHTSA ODI #10576632

142,000 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Steering

TRAVELING ON SOLOMON'S ISLAND RD. IN ANNAPOLIS, MD., I HEARD A CHIME SOUND, "POWER STEERING" APPEARED AS A LIGHTED WARNING, AND I SUDDENLY HAD NO POWER STEERING. I PULLED INTO A SHOPPING CENTER, MAKING A LEFTHAND TURN, AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I CHECKED MY MANUAL WHICH TOLD ME NOT TO KEEP DRIVING, CALLED MY HUSBAND WH…

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TRAVELING ON SOLOMON'S ISLAND RD. IN ANNAPOLIS, MD., I HEARD A CHIME SOUND, "POWER STEERING" APPEARED AS A LIGHTED WARNING, AND I SUDDENLY HAD NO POWER STEERING. I PULLED INTO A SHOPPING CENTER, MAKING A LEFTHAND TURN, AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I CHECKED MY MANUAL WHICH TOLD ME NOT TO KEEP DRIVING, CALLED MY HUSBAND WHO IS A FORMER AUTO TECH, AND HE ADVISED ME TO START THE CAR AGAIN TO SEE IF THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. IT DIDN'T, SO HE THOUGHT THAT MAYBE IT WAS A TEMPORARY PROBLEM AND ADVISED ME TO DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, BUT TO PULL OVER IF IT CAME ON AGAIN. I WAS MORE THAN AN HOUR FROM HOME (DENTON, MD.) AND REALLY DIDN'T WANT TO GET STRANDED AT NIGHTFALL, SO I DROVE EAST ON ROUTE 50, AND JUST BEFORE ROWE BLVD., IT CAME ON AGAIN, AND I PULLED OFF TO TRY TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PARK. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER, ESPECIALLY MAKING A 90-DEGREE TURN. IT WAS GETTING DARK, AND I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT PARKING IN A SAFE PLACE TO WAIT FOR MY HUSBAND TO MEET UP WITH ME. SO I REASONED THAT, ONCE I GOT BACK ON ROUTE 50, I WOULD ONLY HAVE TO DRIVE STRAIGHT TO GET TO KENT ISLAND AND MEET UP WITH MY HUSBAND WHO WOULD DRIVE MY CAR THE REST OF THE WAY HOME. I PRAYED MY CAR WOULDN'T GET STRANDED ON THE BAY BRIDGE, BUT IT SEEMED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS THE ONLY ISSUE. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME SAFELY. WE WENT ONLINE TO FIND OUT IF THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE HHR, AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE MANY OWNERS WHO REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. FRANKLY, WE WERE AND ARE SURPRISED THAT HHRS OLDER THAN 2010 HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED. INTERMITTENTLY, THE PROBLEM KEPT OCCURRING WITH MY HUSBAND DRIVING MY CAR UNTIL I FINALLY GOT IT REPAIRED TWO WEEKS LATER ON MARCH 25, 2014. MY STEERING MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR $262.50. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576553

50,000 miles · Mar 31, 2014
Steering

WAS DRIVING AT LUNCH & POWER STEERING MESSAGE CAME ON & WHEN I WENT TO TURN, I HAD NO POWER STEERING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10575898

25,826 miles · Mar 29, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

UNABLE TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION SWITCH. DEALER REPLACED SOLENOID IN SHIFTER. VERY DANGEROUS, PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10575623

35,487 miles · Mar 29, 2014
Steering

STEERING I-SHAFT FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10575622

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

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.