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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

What owners actually said

1,006 reports
5,600 miles · Dec 8, 2009
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine And Engine Cooling

2006 NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE SERVICED 8 TIMES FOR MULTIPLE FAILURES RELATED TO EITHER ELECTRICAL/BRAKING/ABS/ WHEELS/EMISSIONS/ TRACTION CONTROL/COMPUTER/POWER STEERING AND OR COMPUTER ISSUES/ALL REPAIRED/AND RESOLVED AT GM DEALER/VEHICLE CAN NOT BE DRIVEN SAFELY WHEN ISSUE OCCURS THE FAILED SYSTEM IN QUESTION OVERRIDES DRIVER LAS…

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2006 NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE SERVICED 8 TIMES FOR MULTIPLE FAILURES RELATED TO EITHER ELECTRICAL/BRAKING/ABS/ WHEELS/EMISSIONS/ TRACTION CONTROL/COMPUTER/POWER STEERING AND OR COMPUTER ISSUES/ALL REPAIRED/AND RESOLVED AT GM DEALER/VEHICLE CAN NOT BE DRIVEN SAFELY WHEN ISSUE OCCURS THE FAILED SYSTEM IN QUESTION OVERRIDES DRIVER LAST INCIDENT FAILURE OCCURRED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC RESULTING IN REMOVAL FROM SERVICE WHICH TOOK 3 WEEKS TO REPAIR/HAD THE CONDITIONS BEEN DIFFERENT THIS MAY HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10294994

39,000 miles · Dec 5, 2009
Structure

I HAVE A 2006 HHR THAT WE BOUGHT IN JULY OF 2006. I HAVE NOTICED IN ISSUE OF WATER GETTING IN THE CAR FROM SOMEWHERE UNDER THE DASHBOARD, AND IT IS CAUSING THE FLOORBOARDS TO GET WET EVERY TIME IT RAINS. I FIRST NOTICED THE ISSUE IN AUGUST OF 2009 AND IT HAPPENED ONCE AND DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT. THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME MORE …

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I HAVE A 2006 HHR THAT WE BOUGHT IN JULY OF 2006. I HAVE NOTICED IN ISSUE OF WATER GETTING IN THE CAR FROM SOMEWHERE UNDER THE DASHBOARD, AND IT IS CAUSING THE FLOORBOARDS TO GET WET EVERY TIME IT RAINS. I FIRST NOTICED THE ISSUE IN AUGUST OF 2009 AND IT HAPPENED ONCE AND DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT. THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME MORE OF A NUISANCE SINCE. I CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SINCE THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE WINDSHIELD THAT MY GLASS COVERAGE WOULDN'T COVER IT, AND THAT I NEED TO BRING IT IN TO MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER AND HAVE THEM DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM WHICH IS GOING TO MOST LIKELY COST ME AN ARM AND A LEG TO FIX SINCE MY WARRANTY IS NO LONGER VALID. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHEVY ACTUALLY HONOR THE PRODUCT THAT THEY PRODUCE AND FINALLY COME TO THEIR SENSES AND FIX THE ISSUES OR I WILL HAVE TO START BUYING A DIFFERENT BRAND, BECAUSE I DON'T THINK THAT A CAR THAT ONLY HAS 41,176 MILES THAT IS ABOUT THREE YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT HAVE SOGGY CARPETS AND A MOLD AND MILDEW ISSUES. SINCERELY ONE UNHAPPY CUSTOMER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10294600

Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2009
Unknown Or Other

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING - LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM MYRNA Z. KROH EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO MR. CHAN AND MAGNO FOR THEIR CONSUMER ASSISTANCE. ***NAR*** *NJ

NHTSA ODI #10293868

71,971 miles · Nov 12, 2009
Air BagsCrashInjury

2006 CHEVY HHR LT I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT AND ROLL OVER VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON OCTOBER 17TH, 2009 AT WHICH TIME MY AIR BAGS, BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE, FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, BOTH MYSELF AND MY PASSENGER WERE INJURED. I HAVE FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH GM AND AM AWAITING THEIR RESPONSE. I AM SUBMITTING T…

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2006 CHEVY HHR LT I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT AND ROLL OVER VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON OCTOBER 17TH, 2009 AT WHICH TIME MY AIR BAGS, BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE, FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, BOTH MYSELF AND MY PASSENGER WERE INJURED. I HAVE FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH GM AND AM AWAITING THEIR RESPONSE. I AM SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT TO MAKE OTHERS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10291996

18,000 miles · Nov 6, 2009
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET HHR. WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 18000.

NHTSA ODI #10291258

94,000 miles · Nov 6, 2009
Electrical System

PARKED 2005 CHEVY HHR AND KEY WOULD NOT DISENGAGE FROM IGNITION. THIS IS PERMANENT UNTIL AN NEW SHIFT ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED AS THE SOLENOID HOLDING THE KEY IS LOCKED. THIS HAPPENED IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE. HAVING THE KEY LOCKED IN THE IGNITION MAKES THE VEHICLE THEFT PRONE. THIS MALFUNCTION IS NOT A…

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PARKED 2005 CHEVY HHR AND KEY WOULD NOT DISENGAGE FROM IGNITION. THIS IS PERMANENT UNTIL AN NEW SHIFT ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED AS THE SOLENOID HOLDING THE KEY IS LOCKED. THIS HAPPENED IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE. HAVING THE KEY LOCKED IN THE IGNITION MAKES THE VEHICLE THEFT PRONE. THIS MALFUNCTION IS NOT A DRIVING HAZARD BUT CREATES A THEFT HAZARD IF IT HAPPENS WHERE THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE SECURED, LIKE MY HOME GARAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10291222

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

54,578 miles · Oct 27, 2009
Structure

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE PART REQUIRES THE COMPLETE DOOR PANEL BEING REPLACED FOR A COST OF $466. MY CONCERN IS WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED IN AN ACCIDENT AND I COULD NOT GET OUT OF MY CAR AND IT WAS MY ONLY OPTION FOR A WAY OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10289930

74,504 miles · Oct 21, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

2006 CHEVY HHR STALLS WHEN POTHOLES/BUMPS ARE HIT IN THE ROAD. CAR HAS STALLED THREE TIMES ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR STALLED BACK IN JUNE 2009, I TOOK THE CAR TO A CHEVORLET DEALER TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED OUT AND THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHY THE CAR STALLED. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT HAPPENE…

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2006 CHEVY HHR STALLS WHEN POTHOLES/BUMPS ARE HIT IN THE ROAD. CAR HAS STALLED THREE TIMES ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR STALLED BACK IN JUNE 2009, I TOOK THE CAR TO A CHEVORLET DEALER TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED OUT AND THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHY THE CAR STALLED. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT HAPPENED ON TUESDAY NIGHT OCTOBER 13, 2009. I HIT A POTHOLE IN THE ROAD MY CAR STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. LUCKY FOR ME THERE WAS NO TRUCKS OR CARS BEHIND ME BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SHOULDER ON THE ROAD. AT THIS POINT, I AM NERVOUS AND ANXIOUS WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10289292

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.