IllustrationDRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL THE SUDDEN THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT.
2010 Chevrolet Malibu
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Malibu years
Owner complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Malibu years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1190–25K
12225–50K
22050–75K
24475–100K
256100–150K
110150K+
1,071 reports with mileage · 289 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 454 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 294 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 227 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
41 crash reports14 fire reports35 injury reports
Steering complaints
454 reportsWHENEVER THE CAR STARTS, THE SERVICE ESC LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON. STEERING WHEEL IS VERY HARD TO TURN AND WON'T TURN UNLESS THE CAR IS IN MOTION THUS CAUSING ME TO WRESTLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. EVERY MECHANIC I'VE SEEN TOLD ME TO TRADE IT IN BECAUSE THE REPAIRS ARE QUITE EXPENSIVE. THEY MENTION…
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WHENEVER THE CAR STARTS, THE SERVICE ESC LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON. STEERING WHEEL IS VERY HARD TO TURN AND WON'T TURN UNLESS THE CAR IS IN MOTION THUS CAUSING ME TO WRESTLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. EVERY MECHANIC I'VE SEEN TOLD ME TO TRADE IT IN BECAUSE THE REPAIRS ARE QUITE EXPENSIVE. THEY MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT REPLACING THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. THEY ALSO COULDN'T SERVICE THE POWER STEERING BECAUSE IT'S STRICTLY ELECTRONIC. THIS IS NOT SAFE FOR ME OR MY FAMILY BECAUSE WHO KNOWS WHEN IT WILL LOCK UP FOR GOOD WHILE I'M DRIVING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE PAST MONTH. PLEASE HELP ME
POWER STEERING FAILURE AT 80K MILES. MANY,MANY POSTS ON MALIBUS WITH SIMILAR MODULE FAILURE, THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HIT A POLE. CAN YOU ASSIST IN GETTING ME SERVICE UNDER RECALL, THAT ALTHOUGH MAY NOT APPLY TO 2010 IS QUITE OBVIOUSLY THE SAME ISSUE THEY HAD UNDER RECALL? THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION RE…
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POWER STEERING FAILURE AT 80K MILES. MANY,MANY POSTS ON MALIBUS WITH SIMILAR MODULE FAILURE, THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HIT A POLE. CAN YOU ASSIST IN GETTING ME SERVICE UNDER RECALL, THAT ALTHOUGH MAY NOT APPLY TO 2010 IS QUITE OBVIOUSLY THE SAME ISSUE THEY HAD UNDER RECALL? THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
MY BREAK LIGHTS ARE REVERSED OR JUST DON'T WORK SOMETIMES. ALSO MY ESC AND POWER STEERING LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AND MY POWER STEERING GOES OUT EVERY 10-15 MILES CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO TRY AND PULL OFF THE ROAD TO RESTART MY CAR AND RESET IT. AFTER HAVING ALMOST BEEN IN 12 ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS PROCESS AND READING UP ON SEVERAL OT…
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MY BREAK LIGHTS ARE REVERSED OR JUST DON'T WORK SOMETIMES. ALSO MY ESC AND POWER STEERING LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AND MY POWER STEERING GOES OUT EVERY 10-15 MILES CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO TRY AND PULL OFF THE ROAD TO RESTART MY CAR AND RESET IT. AFTER HAVING ALMOST BEEN IN 12 ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS PROCESS AND READING UP ON SEVERAL OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES I BELIEVE IN FULL THIS NEEDS LOOKED INTO.
TWO DAYS AGO, I NOTICED THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE WHEN I WOULD STOP AT A LIGHT OR SOMETHING BUT I COULD STILL DRIVE. THAT SAME NIGHT, I TURNED ON MY CAR TO LEAVE A PARKING LOT WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. IT WOULD NOT BUDGE. I NOTICED THAT IT SAID MY ESC SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE CHECKED. I TURNED MY CAR ON AND OFF …
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TWO DAYS AGO, I NOTICED THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE WHEN I WOULD STOP AT A LIGHT OR SOMETHING BUT I COULD STILL DRIVE. THAT SAME NIGHT, I TURNED ON MY CAR TO LEAVE A PARKING LOT WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. IT WOULD NOT BUDGE. I NOTICED THAT IT SAID MY ESC SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE CHECKED. I TURNED MY CAR ON AND OFF 5 TIMES TO SEE IF IT WOULD MOVE AND IT DID NOT. ON THE 6TH TRY, THE WHEEL MOVED AND I TOOK THE CHANCE TO DRIVE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER 2 DAYS OF WORKING ON MY CAR, THEY DETERMINED THAT SENSOR WENT BAD. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE, I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS. I COMMUTE 2 HOURS ROUND TRIP EACH DAY ON THE INTERSTATE AND I AM SO THANKFUL THAT THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT.
FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS I HAVE BEEN STARTING MY CAR AND RECEIVING A MESSAGE SAYING POWER STEERING ESC WE CHECKED THE FLUIDS AND THEIR WAS POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE CAR SO I STARTED IT AGAIN AND GOT THE SAME MESSAGE. I WOULD HAVE TO START IT AT LEAST 4 OR 5 TIMES FOR MY CAR TO RESET AND SO I CAN DRIVE IT. I'VE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM …
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FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS I HAVE BEEN STARTING MY CAR AND RECEIVING A MESSAGE SAYING POWER STEERING ESC WE CHECKED THE FLUIDS AND THEIR WAS POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE CAR SO I STARTED IT AGAIN AND GOT THE SAME MESSAGE. I WOULD HAVE TO START IT AT LEAST 4 OR 5 TIMES FOR MY CAR TO RESET AND SO I CAN DRIVE IT. I'VE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING I LOST CONTROL OF MY POWER STEERING ON A MAIN HIGHWAY AND MY CAR CUT COMPLETELY OFF . I COULD OF BEEN DIES AND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS I CONTACTED THE GM DEALERSHIP AND THEY SPOKE TO ME AS IF IT WASN'T A BIG DEAL WHICH I FEEL THIS IS A VERY DEAL CONSIDERING MY DAUGHTER COULD HAVE BEEN I. THE CAR WITH ME. I SEE ALL THE RECALLS FOR THE SAME THING HAPPENING BUT THEY PULLED UP MINE AND SAID THEIR IS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR . IT MAKES NO SINCE AND I NEED ANSWERS
DRIVING AND POWER STEERING ICON AND ALERT COMES ON WITH TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING. AS WITH OTHERS COMPLAINTS THIS IS VERY SCARY WHEN DRIVING AND HARD TO STEER. THIS IS A RISK AND HAZARD TO THOSE DRIVING AND THEIR PASSENGERS. THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING DONE OR LAWSUITS WILL BE FILED AS THIS IS A REPETITIVE ISSUE IN THESE VEHI…
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DRIVING AND POWER STEERING ICON AND ALERT COMES ON WITH TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING. AS WITH OTHERS COMPLAINTS THIS IS VERY SCARY WHEN DRIVING AND HARD TO STEER. THIS IS A RISK AND HAZARD TO THOSE DRIVING AND THEIR PASSENGERS. THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING DONE OR LAWSUITS WILL BE FILED AS THIS IS A REPETITIVE ISSUE IN THESE VEHICLES. RECALL!!! THIS IS RIDICULOUS CHEVY.
4 CYLINDER WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL..I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION AND PARKING .....ALSO THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CONSTANTLY STAYS ON
THE STEERING LOCKS ITSELF AND THERE IS LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. HAPPENING VERY FREQUENTLY NOW AND A WARNING LIGHT FLASHES WITH ESC SIGN. I AM SCARED I MIGHT BE AT INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT. IT HAPPENS 3 TO 4 TIMES WHILE WAS DRIVING AND IS HAPPENING WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. I HAVE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND REST…
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THE STEERING LOCKS ITSELF AND THERE IS LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. HAPPENING VERY FREQUENTLY NOW AND A WARNING LIGHT FLASHES WITH ESC SIGN. I AM SCARED I MIGHT BE AT INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT. IT HAPPENS 3 TO 4 TIMES WHILE WAS DRIVING AND IS HAPPENING WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. I HAVE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART IT BUT AGAIN IT HAPPENS AFTER A FEW MINUTES.
VEHICLE WAS WORKING GREAT AS HAS ALWAYS, UNTIL OUT OF NOWHERE , IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I LOST ALL MOVEMENT IN MY STEERING WHEEL. IT BECAME MORE THAN IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN AND I HAD TO STOP EVERY 10 SECONDS AND TURN MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO TRY AND GET IT HOME. I KNOW THAT MORE THAN A FAIR SHARE OF PEOPLE WITH T…
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VEHICLE WAS WORKING GREAT AS HAS ALWAYS, UNTIL OUT OF NOWHERE , IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I LOST ALL MOVEMENT IN MY STEERING WHEEL. IT BECAME MORE THAN IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN AND I HAD TO STOP EVERY 10 SECONDS AND TURN MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO TRY AND GET IT HOME. I KNOW THAT MORE THAN A FAIR SHARE OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME VEHICLE HAVING THE EXACT PROBLEM. SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING. I KNOW THAT THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL, BUT ITS NOT SHOWING MY VEHICLE HAS ANY CURRENT RECALLS, THOUGH THERE WAS ONE FOR THE POWER ASSISTED MOTOR THAT IS STILL OPEN FROM WHAT I CAN SEE. I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN CAER OF MY VEHICLE AND NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN, AM I CORRECT WITH TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP STILL TO GET IT REPLACED FROM THE RECALL?
Official recalls
319V019000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jan 16, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, the air bag inflator may explode due to being overpressurized.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 25, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N182206630.
14V252000 · Electrical System:wiring; Electronic Stability Control (esc); Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
May 14, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Electrical System:wiring
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
12V460000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Sep 18, 2012
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.