NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
20 reportsClear category filter84,000 miles · Aug 18, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMIN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
NHTSA ODI #10625908
Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
I BOUGHT MY HHR BRAND NEW. WITHIN WEEKS OF HAVING IT, THE BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WARPING. THIS HAS BECOME AN EVERY SIX MONTH ROUTINE NOW. THE BRAKES DON'T ALWAYS CATCH AND CAN BE SCARY WHEN TRYING TO SLOW DOWN. I'VE BARELY AVOIDED WRECKS SEVERAL TIMES, AND USUALLY THAT INVOLVES STEERING TOWARDS A DITCH. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10617472
31,000 miles · Jun 3, 2014
Electrical SystemService BrakesVisibility/wiper
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE WHEEL WOBBLED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE WIPERS FAILED TO FUNCTION AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION LOCK AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE WHEEL WOBBLED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE WIPERS FAILED TO FUNCTION AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION LOCK AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10595752
90,000 miles · Apr 22, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteering
THE ESC LIGHT CAE ON AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER, TURN, AND JERKING WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES. I'VE TAKEN MY HHR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 3 AND 4 OF APRIL 2014 FOR SOFTWARE UPDATE. BACK TO DEALERSHIP ON 7,8,9, FOR COMPUTER, HOWEVER THERE WAS NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE. 17 APRIL SAME ISSUES AS THE 3 RD. 21 ST TO TWEAK THE ESC PROBLEMS. …
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THE ESC LIGHT CAE ON AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER, TURN, AND JERKING WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES. I'VE TAKEN MY HHR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 3 AND 4 OF APRIL 2014 FOR SOFTWARE UPDATE. BACK TO DEALERSHIP ON 7,8,9, FOR COMPUTER, HOWEVER THERE WAS NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE. 17 APRIL SAME ISSUES AS THE 3 RD. 21 ST TO TWEAK THE ESC PROBLEMS. I HAVE SPOKE WITH [XXX] THE SERVICE MANAGER AT RINKE CHEVROLET 586 754 7000. I HAVE LEFT SEVERAL MESSAGES FOR ED RINKE THE DEALERSHIP OWNER. I NEED MY VEHICLE TO BE SAFE! CAN YOU PLEASE ASSIST ME [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584285
Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemService Brakes
MY AIR BAG SERVICE INDICATOR LIGHT TURNS ON INTERMITTENTLY. AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR, NO ACCIDENTS, NO PROBLEM SEEN WITH AIR BAGS BY SERVICE DEPT AT DEALER. ???? .THE SAFETY LOCK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CONTROLS FOR ALL PASSENGER WINDOWS DOES NOT LOCK THE WINDOW OPERATION. BRAKING SYSTEM PROBLEM IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. IVE RE…
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MY AIR BAG SERVICE INDICATOR LIGHT TURNS ON INTERMITTENTLY. AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR, NO ACCIDENTS, NO PROBLEM SEEN WITH AIR BAGS BY SERVICE DEPT AT DEALER. ???? .THE SAFETY LOCK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CONTROLS FOR ALL PASSENGER WINDOWS DOES NOT LOCK THE WINDOW OPERATION. BRAKING SYSTEM PROBLEM IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. IVE RETURNED TO THE MECHANIC 4 TIMES HAD MY BRAKE PADS CHANGED, ROTORS TURNED, ROTORS RESURFACED , ONLY TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.....STEERING WHEEL SHUDDERING BAD WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE. THE ROTORS OVERHEAT AND WARP, BUT I WILL DRIVE ONLY 2 BLOCKS AND IT HAPPENS. DON'T THINK THAT IS ENOUGH TO OVERHEAT THE ROTORS. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10579495
88,000 miles · Apr 8, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Seat BeltsService Brakes
MY CAR STARTED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH BACK IN OCTOBER WITH THE KEY NOT SHUTTING OFF THE CAR AND HAVING TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO SHUT IT OFF, TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY FIXED IT, BUT NOW THINGS ARE GETTING SCARY. EVERY OTHER DAY MY CAR IS TELLING ME THAT THE ABS SYSTEMS NEEDS FIXED AND THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL NEEDS …
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MY CAR STARTED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH BACK IN OCTOBER WITH THE KEY NOT SHUTTING OFF THE CAR AND HAVING TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO SHUT IT OFF, TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY FIXED IT, BUT NOW THINGS ARE GETTING SCARY. EVERY OTHER DAY MY CAR IS TELLING ME THAT THE ABS SYSTEMS NEEDS FIXED AND THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL NEEDS SERVICED. THE BREAKS WERE REPLACED IN DECEMBER OF 2013 AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING ELSE WRONG WITH THE CAR AND NOW THIS.. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED US THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, BUT THE LIGHTS COME ON AND GO OFF FOR NO REASON.. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT LOCKS ALL THE TIME AND EVEN AFTER YOU UNLATCH IT, IT STAYS LOCKED FOR SOME TIME. I AM SO FRUSTRATED OVER THIS ISSUE AND CAN'T GET ANY ANSWERS ON IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10578262
51,300 miles · Mar 24, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND BOTH LEGS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE MANUFACTURE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND BOTH LEGS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,300. UPDATED 12/30/14*CN UPDATED 9/25/2015 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10574377
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2013
Service Brakes
WHEN HHR IS STOPPED ON A HILL, FOR A RED LIGHT OR FROM BEING PARKED ON A HILL OR EVEN A SLOPE, IT DRIFTS BACKWARDS AS SOON AS YOU GO FROM HAVING THE BRAKES ON, SUCH AS AT A RED LIGHT, TO HITTING THE GAS TO GO FORWARD WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THERE IS A CAR BEHIND YOU BECAUSE THE HHR ALWAYS DRIFTS …
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WHEN HHR IS STOPPED ON A HILL, FOR A RED LIGHT OR FROM BEING PARKED ON A HILL OR EVEN A SLOPE, IT DRIFTS BACKWARDS AS SOON AS YOU GO FROM HAVING THE BRAKES ON, SUCH AS AT A RED LIGHT, TO HITTING THE GAS TO GO FORWARD WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THERE IS A CAR BEHIND YOU BECAUSE THE HHR ALWAYS DRIFTS BACKWARDS. YOU HAVE TO BE PREPARED TO HIT THE GAS QUICK AND HOPE THE CAR BEHIND YOU ISN'T TOO CLOSE. ALSO, WHEN BACKING UP WHILE ON A HILL, THE CAR DRIFTS FORWARD EVEN THOUGH YOU'RE HITTING THE GAS CAUSING THE HHR TO COME WITHIN INCHES OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. WE'VE HAD A NUMBER OF CLOSE CALLS AND CONTINUE TO DO SO. IT'S A PANICKY SITUATION BECAUSE YOU'RE BASICALLY 'STUCK' BECAUSE AS SOON AS YOU TAKE YOU'RE FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE, IT DRIFTS AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO, BUT HOPE YOU CAN GET OUT OF THE SITUATION WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. IT'S SCARY, SO YOU HAVE TO GET YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS AND HIT IT IMMEDIATELY AND PRAY THAT YOU DON'T DRIFT INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU OR BEHIND YOU, DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION. THIS DOESN'T JUST HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY - IT WILL HAPPEN EACH TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10542602
37,049 miles · Mar 24, 2013
Service Brakes
FRONT DISC BRAKES PULSATE AND CAUSE VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10504323
32,000 miles · Nov 2, 2012
EngineService BrakesSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURES INCLUDED THE BRAKES, POWER STEERING ASSIST AND A FOUL ODOR BEING EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE CABLE FRACTURED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUM…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURES INCLUDED THE BRAKES, POWER STEERING ASSIST AND A FOUL ODOR BEING EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE CABLE FRACTURED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE STEERING RACK WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIVE ROUGHLY AFTERWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE BRAKE FAILURE, DOOR HANDLE AND THE EXHAUST AND THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE BRAKE PROBLEM OR THE FOUL ODOR THAT WAS COMING THROUGH THE EXHAUST. IN ADDITION, THE CABLE IN THE DOOR HANDLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
NHTSA ODI #10483163
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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