IllustrationPOWER STEERING WENT OUT ON INTERSTATE AND HAS CONTINUED TO GO OUT IN LAST FEW DAYS SINCE INCIDENT. HAS NOT GOTTEN SO BAD THAT POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING PRETTY MUCH AT ALL. INFO CENTER SAYS POWER STEERING ESC OFF. SEEN THERE HAS BEEN MILLION CAR PLUS RECALL ON THIS ISSUE WITH SAME MODEL CAR BUT APPARENTLY NOT MINE!?!? *TR
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
What owners actually said
1,360 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,200.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE DRIVER HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN ABOUT WHAT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUM…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE DRIVER HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN ABOUT WHAT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE DRIVER HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE ABOUT WHAT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMERO…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE DRIVER HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE ABOUT WHAT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL TORQUE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
WHEN I STARTED MY VEHICLE, AN INDICATOR LIGHT IMMEDIATELY REPORTED A NEED TO SERVICE MY ESC AND MY POWER STEERING WAS DISABLED. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, IT SEEMED TO CORRECT ITSELF. NOW, WHEN DRIVING, MY STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES WHEN THERE IS NO TORQUE APPLIED TO THE WHEEL AND MAKES A CHATTERING NOISE PERIODICALLY. THIS H…
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WHEN I STARTED MY VEHICLE, AN INDICATOR LIGHT IMMEDIATELY REPORTED A NEED TO SERVICE MY ESC AND MY POWER STEERING WAS DISABLED. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, IT SEEMED TO CORRECT ITSELF. NOW, WHEN DRIVING, MY STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES WHEN THERE IS NO TORQUE APPLIED TO THE WHEEL AND MAKES A CHATTERING NOISE PERIODICALLY. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A WEEK NOW. *TR
YESTERDAY I SENT AN E-MAIL ABOUT THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ARM MALFUNCTIONING FOR THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ON MY 2010 CHEVY MALIBU. IT GOT TO THE POINT YESTERDAY THAT IF I WANTED TO INDICATE A RIGHT TURN I HAD TO CONSTANTLY HOLD UP THE ARM TO GET IT TO SIGNAL. TODAY I TOOK IT IN TO BE REPAIRED AND IT COST ME $218.00. THE MECHANI…
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YESTERDAY I SENT AN E-MAIL ABOUT THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ARM MALFUNCTIONING FOR THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ON MY 2010 CHEVY MALIBU. IT GOT TO THE POINT YESTERDAY THAT IF I WANTED TO INDICATE A RIGHT TURN I HAD TO CONSTANTLY HOLD UP THE ARM TO GET IT TO SIGNAL. TODAY I TOOK IT IN TO BE REPAIRED AND IT COST ME $218.00. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE HAS REPLACED CLOSE TO A HUNDRED OF THESE IN THE LAST FEW YEARS AND THAT IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM PRODUCTS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT COULD HAVE GOTTEN ME PULLED OVER BY A POLICEMAN FOR NOT SIGNALING. ALL THE OTHER CARS THAT I'VE OWNED HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS WHY WE WON'T BE BUYING ANY OTHER GM PRODUCTS. WE'VE HAD TO TAKE THE MALIBU IN FOR A TOTAL OF 5 RECALLS SO FAR. COME ON NOW -- DON'T YOU THINK THIS IS A BIT EXCESSIVE?? *TR
WHEN TRIED TO PUT ON THE TURN SIGNAL FOR THE DIRECTION TO THE RIGHT, THE TURN SIGNAL ARM WOULDN'T ENGAGE AND HAD TO TRY SEVERAL TIMES TO GET IT TO SIGNAL. SINCE THEN, THE TURN SIGNAL ARM ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. *TR
POWER STEERING WENT OUT WITHOUT ANY INDICATION!!! *TR
LAST SPRING I HAD AN ISSUE WITH MY 2010 CHEVY MALIBU WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY. THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY FAILED RESULTING IN NO POWER STEERING. AFTER RESEARCH I BECAME AWARE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CHEVY MALIBU'S BUT WAS ONLY COVERED IN RECALLS UNTIL 2009. I PAID FOR REPAIR ON THIS OUT OF…
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LAST SPRING I HAD AN ISSUE WITH MY 2010 CHEVY MALIBU WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY. THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY FAILED RESULTING IN NO POWER STEERING. AFTER RESEARCH I BECAME AWARE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CHEVY MALIBU'S BUT WAS ONLY COVERED IN RECALLS UNTIL 2009. I PAID FOR REPAIR ON THIS OUT OF POCKET LIKE MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS AS SEEN WITH RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. I HAVE JUST DISCOVERED THE COMPANY THAT MADE THE STEERING COLUMN FOR GM, DORMAN, IS RECALLING THEIR STEERING COLUMN THAT WAS INSTALLED IN THE 2010 CHEVY MALIBU. THIS RECALL WAS POSTED IN JULY. WITH THE TROUBLE GM HAS BEEN THROUGH THEY SHOULD BE ON A BETTER HONOR SYSTEM. THIS CAR WAS MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY GENERAL MOTORS WHO SHOULD BE REIMBURSED BY DORMAN. THE PHONE NUMBER FOR DORMAN IS 1-800-523-2492 AND YOU COULD POTENTIALLY BE REIMBURSED BUT YOU WILL NEED THE PART NUMBER OF THE DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN. GENERAL MOTORS OFFERS NO COOPERATION IN PART NUMBER INFORMATION. EVEN WITH PREVIOUS CALLS I HAD WITH GM SAYING ALL PARTS USED IN CARS WERE IDENTIFIED BY THE VIN NUMBER OF THE CAR SO THEY KNOW THE ORIGIN WHERE ALL PARTS WERE MANUFACTURED. IT APPEARS TO BE A FINGER POINTING GAME AND THE LOSER IS THE CONSUMER. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BECAME EXTREMELY HOT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE HEATED SEATS. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A HOLE WAS BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BECAME EXTREMELY HOT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE HEATED SEATS. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A HOLE WAS BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELEMENTS IN THE SEAT WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
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.