NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
151 reportsClear category filter79,000 miles · Mar 7, 2012
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN INSERTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, IT WOULD NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN INSERTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, IT WOULD NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 79,000.
NHTSA ODI #10450630
25,104 miles · Mar 3, 2012
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting
7/10 - CENTER CONSOLE LIGHTS INOP. DEALER REPLACED INTERNALLY SHORTED RELAY. WARRANTY 11/10 - ENGINE WOULD NOT CRANK/SERVICE AIRBAG & POWER STEERING MSG ON DIC. DEALER TOWED IN, REPLACED STARTER AND FOUND LOSS OF COMM W/ BCM DUE TO INTERNAL SHORT. DEALER REPLACED BCM. WARRANTY 12/10 - ENGINE TURNS OVER WONT START. DEALER TOWED…
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7/10 - CENTER CONSOLE LIGHTS INOP. DEALER REPLACED INTERNALLY SHORTED RELAY. WARRANTY 11/10 - ENGINE WOULD NOT CRANK/SERVICE AIRBAG & POWER STEERING MSG ON DIC. DEALER TOWED IN, REPLACED STARTER AND FOUND LOSS OF COMM W/ BCM DUE TO INTERNAL SHORT. DEALER REPLACED BCM. WARRANTY 12/10 - ENGINE TURNS OVER WONT START. DEALER TOWED IN, FOUND POWER TRAIN RELAY OPEN. REPLACED RELAY. WARRANTY 4/11 - SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT. DEALER FOUND OPEN CIRCUIT AT PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG. RECONNECTOR CONNECTOR ADDED DIELECTRICAL GREASE. STABILITRACK LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON (EVER). WAS TOLD SYSTEM IS OKAY, SOME MODELS DON'T HAVE WARNING LIGHTS. (GO FIGURE, WILL NOT RETURN TO THAT DEALER) WARRANTY 2/12 - SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT. COMES ON AND GOES OUT 3 - 4 TIMES DURING FIRST 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING FIRST TRIP OF THE DAY. HAPPENS 90% OF THE TIME. IF I CAN FIND A DEALER I CAN TRUST I WILL HAVE THEM CHECK THIS AND THE STABILITRACK PROBLEM. MILEAGE IS NOW 63,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10450134
60,000 miles · Mar 2, 2012
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUSES WOULD NEED TO BE DISCONNECTED IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUSES WOULD NEED TO BE DISCONNECTED IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 04/11/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 04/23/12. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10450030
45,773 miles · Feb 29, 2012
Electrical System
UNABLE TO TURN ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE THE KEY. THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE RUNNING POSITION AND WILL NOT MOVE. HAD TO REMOVE FUEL PUMP FUSE AND DISCONNECT BATTERY TO TURN OFF ENGINE AND LIGHTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE, HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND PAY FOR REPAIR THE FIRST TIME AND WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK TO COME GET IT THE SECOND TIME I…
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UNABLE TO TURN ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE THE KEY. THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE RUNNING POSITION AND WILL NOT MOVE. HAD TO REMOVE FUEL PUMP FUSE AND DISCONNECT BATTERY TO TURN OFF ENGINE AND LIGHTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE, HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND PAY FOR REPAIR THE FIRST TIME AND WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK TO COME GET IT THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR, WHICH I'M SURE I'LL HAVE TO PAY FOR AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10449774
50,000 miles · Jan 24, 2012
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. ON A LATER DATE, THE KEY COULD NOT BE TURNED IN ORDER TO START THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE TUMBLERS FAILED IN THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. ON A LATER DATE, THE KEY COULD NOT BE TURNED IN ORDER TO START THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE TUMBLERS FAILED IN THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 53,000. UPDATED 02/15/12*LJ UPDATED 02/22/12
NHTSA ODI #10445030
45,000 miles · Jan 16, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
KEY STUCK IN IGNITION AFTER PARKING. COULD NOT TURN CAR OFF AND COULD NOT REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION. MORE SPECIFICALLY, PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY, PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND COULD NOT TURN OFF VEHICLE OR REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION SWITCH OPENING. THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND I COULD NOT PULL IT OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. HAD …
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KEY STUCK IN IGNITION AFTER PARKING. COULD NOT TURN CAR OFF AND COULD NOT REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION. MORE SPECIFICALLY, PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY, PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND COULD NOT TURN OFF VEHICLE OR REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION SWITCH OPENING. THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND I COULD NOT PULL IT OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY REMOVED GAS PUMP FUSE AND CAR STOPPED RUNNING. DEALERSHIP TODAY (1-15-2012) CONFIRMS THERE WAS A FAILURE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE A CHEVY COBALT 2009 WHICH HAS A RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. THESE ARE BASICALLY THE SAME KINDS OF CAR AND SO THERE SHOULD ALSO BE A RECALL ON THE HHR IGNITION SWITCH, BUT APPARENTLY THERE IS NOT ONE. DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE HHR IGNITION SWITCH, BUT THERE IS ON THE COBALT IGNITION SWITCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10443942
54,255 miles · Jan 5, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
I PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND REMOVE THE KEY TO GO INTO A STORE. I COULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF OR REMOVE THE KEY. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND PARKED. I COULD STILL NOT TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF OR REMOVE THE KEY. NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS OF PUTTING CAR INTO REVERSE, OR DRIVE AND…
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I PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND REMOVE THE KEY TO GO INTO A STORE. I COULD NOT TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF OR REMOVE THE KEY. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND PARKED. I COULD STILL NOT TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF OR REMOVE THE KEY. NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS OF PUTTING CAR INTO REVERSE, OR DRIVE AND INTO PARK DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE KEY WAS TRAPPED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH! CALLED ONSTAR AND WAS FORWARDED TO CUSTOMER SERVICE; TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED. TOW TRUCK DELIVERED CAR TO DEALERSHIP WITH ENGINE STILL RUNNING. PROBLEM DIAGNOSED IN IGNITION KEY CYLINDER WHICH WAS REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10442475
43,000 miles · Dec 13, 2011
Electrical System
THE HHR WON'T START. CAME OUT FROM WORK AND THE KEY WON'T TURN IN THE IGNITION AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED. EVERYTHING IS LOCKED UP.......I CAN'T GET THE CAR TO START. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10439829
58,003 miles · Dec 5, 2011
Electrical System
IGNITION PROBLEMS AFTER STARTING AND CUTTING OFF THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES DECEMBER 4, 2011, I STOPPED BY THE GROCERY STORE, REACHED UP TO CUT THE IGNITION OFF AND THE KEY WOULD ONLY MOVE ABOUT 1/4" FORWARD, NOT CAUSING THE CAR TRY TO CRANK, AS IT NORMALLY WOULD, AND NOT TURNING BACKWARDS, AS IF CUTTING THE CAR OFF, AT ALL. I TRIED…
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IGNITION PROBLEMS AFTER STARTING AND CUTTING OFF THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES DECEMBER 4, 2011, I STOPPED BY THE GROCERY STORE, REACHED UP TO CUT THE IGNITION OFF AND THE KEY WOULD ONLY MOVE ABOUT 1/4" FORWARD, NOT CAUSING THE CAR TRY TO CRANK, AS IT NORMALLY WOULD, AND NOT TURNING BACKWARDS, AS IF CUTTING THE CAR OFF, AT ALL. I TRIED GOING THE GEARS, WORKING THE KEY IN EACH GEAR, CUTTING THE WHEELS, AGAIN WORKING THE KEY AS I TURNED THE WHEEL, ALL OF WHICH TO NO AVAIL. AS IT HAPPENED ON A SUNDAY, THERE WERE NO DEALERSHIPS OR SHOPS OPEN IN THE AREA, I HAD TO LET MY CAR SIT AND RUN FOR SEVERAL HOURS UNTIL I COULD GET A MECHANIC FRIEND OVER TO LOOK AT THE CAR. HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE IGNITION TO CUT OFF OR TO GET THE KEY TO MOVE AT ALL, SO HE TOOK THE HOUSING OFF AND FOUND A WIRING HARNESS THAT COULD BE UNPLUGGED TO CUT THE IGNITION OFF THEREFORE ENABLING THE CAR TO CUT OFF. WE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THIS CAN BE USED TO RETURN THE CAR TO RUNNING IN AN EMERGENCY, IF YOU PLUG IT BACK IN AND TURN THE KEY SLIGHTLY AS IF STARTING THE CAR, AS THIS IS THE ONLY DIRECTION THE KEY WILL TURN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10438541
15,000 miles · Nov 22, 2011
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED NUMEROUS TIMES TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF; HOWEVER THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO TURN AND REMAINED IN THE ON POSITION. THE CONTACT DISABLED THE FUSE AND THEN DISENGAGED THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THE KEY REMAINED STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHIC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED NUMEROUS TIMES TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF; HOWEVER THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO TURN AND REMAINED IN THE ON POSITION. THE CONTACT DISABLED THE FUSE AND THEN DISENGAGED THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THE KEY REMAINED STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
NHTSA ODI #10436739
Official recalls
4Apr 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.
Mar 31, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
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 6, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP IS FULLY ENGAGED. IN THE EVENT THAT THE CLIP DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
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
1PE20011 · Fuel Line Leak
Opened Jul 5, 2020 · Closed Aug 17, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel/propulsion System
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel/propulsion System
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
Fuel System, Gasoline
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
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