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2011 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.

About this comparison →
977Owner complaints

Model-year median: 310.5

3Recall campaigns

View recall details →

0Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
987
20081,509
20091,360
2010977
2011906
2012835
2013351
2014
Compare all Malibu years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Electrical System
235Steering
213Electronic Stability Control (esc)
174Engine
160Exterior Lighting
130
All reported categories
Power Train
112Air Bags
93Vehicle Speed Control
87Unknown Or Other
60Seat Belts
53Seats
38Service Brakes
38Fuel/propulsion System
32Structure
19Traction Control System
15Engine And Engine Cooling
12Suspension
11Wheels
11Visibility/wiper
8Service Brakes, Hydraulic
6Tires
6Visibility
6Fuel System, Gasoline
5Forward Collision Avoidance
2Latches/locks/linkages
2Equipment
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

731 reports with mileage · 246 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 235 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 213 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 174 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

40 crash reports17 fire reports30 injury reports

What owners actually said

977 reports
45,000 miles · Mar 10, 2020
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

I HAVE A 2011 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ WITH 44,589 MILES AND I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY SCREENS READING THAT MY ESC SYSTEM IS BAD AND WILL REDUCE MY ENGINE POWER, I TOOK IT IN TO AIRPORT CHEVROLET IN MEDFORD, OREGON AND THEY PLUGED MY CAR IN AND TOLD ME HE HAS SEEN THIS ISSUE COUNTLESS TIMES, AND HAS SEEN PEOPLE HAVE TO REPLACE THINGS AS S…

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I HAVE A 2011 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ WITH 44,589 MILES AND I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY SCREENS READING THAT MY ESC SYSTEM IS BAD AND WILL REDUCE MY ENGINE POWER, I TOOK IT IN TO AIRPORT CHEVROLET IN MEDFORD, OREGON AND THEY PLUGED MY CAR IN AND TOLD ME HE HAS SEEN THIS ISSUE COUNTLESS TIMES, AND HAS SEEN PEOPLE HAVE TO REPLACE THINGS AS SIMPLE AS A SENSOR ALL THE WAY TO IT BEING AN ISSUE IN THE WIRING HARNESS AND PEOPLE WILL BRING THEIR CAR IN AND DO THE SMALL REPAIRS FIRST ( ECONOMICALLY MAKES SENSE) AND IT WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.. UNTIL THEY FIX THIS HUGE EXPENSIVE ISSUE ALL BECAUSE. CHEVY HAS AN ISSUE WITH A SYSTEM THEY PUT INTO A CAR THAT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY! I HAVE READ OTHER REVIEWS VERY SIMILAR TO MINE WHERE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HIT IN TRAFFIC . NOW LUCKILY I CAUGHT MINE BEFORE A WRECK. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED!

NHTSA ODI #11317263

100,000 miles · Mar 3, 2020
Air Bags

INTERMITTENTLY THE SERVICE AIRBAG WARNING COMES UP AND AT OTHER TIMES IT IS NOT ON. HAVE BEEN TOLD IT COULD BE LINKED TO DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT. THE CLIP HAS BEEN CHANGED AND STILL DOES IT.

NHTSA ODI #11315913

90,000 miles · Mar 3, 2020
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ALMOST CRASHED INTO TWO VEHICLES AND BARELY COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ALMOST CRASHED INTO TWO VEHICLES AND BARELY COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR TWO DAYS AND LATER WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE CODE C0545 WHICH WAS A STEERING WHEEL TORQUE SENSOR MALFUNCTION, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11315896

200,000 miles · Feb 29, 2020
Steering

POWER STEERING LIGHT DISPLAYS ON THE DASH THAN CAR LOST POWER STEERING CONTROL..WHILE DRIVING ABLE TO STEER WITH USING EXTREME STRENGTH TURNING BY DRIVER THIS HAPPEN ON CITY ROAD. *BF

NHTSA ODI #11312189

151,000 miles · Feb 28, 2020
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ENGINE DISABLED MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ENGINE DISABLED MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.

NHTSA ODI #11312099

100,000 miles · Feb 20, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

I WAS DRIVING AT 70 MILES PER HOUR, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING AND LOCKED UP, I ALMOST LOSS CONTROL OF THE CAR. THIS IS MY 2ND 2011 MALIBU AND THE OTHER CAR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. IT AN ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING CONTROL. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY CANNOT BE DRIVEN.

NHTSA ODI #11310442

100,000 miles · Feb 18, 2020
Seats

I GOT INTO MY CAR AND THE DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSED ON THE BACK-RIGHT SIDE. AFTER INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THE WELD BROKE, CAUSING MY CAR TO BE EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE! I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA FOR THIS ISSUE. WHY ISN'T AN OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION BEING CONDUCTED REGARDING THI…

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I GOT INTO MY CAR AND THE DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSED ON THE BACK-RIGHT SIDE. AFTER INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THE WELD BROKE, CAUSING MY CAR TO BE EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE! I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA FOR THIS ISSUE. WHY ISN'T AN OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION BEING CONDUCTED REGARDING THIS DEFECT? I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY RECALL AND GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS!

NHTSA ODI #11309864

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior LightingUnknown Or Other

THE ESC TURNS OFF PRETTY MUCH EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. LAST MONDAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING M. THE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NO LONGER SHIFT AND THE SOLENOID IS STUCK OPEN WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. PROMPTING THE DEALERSHIP TO TRY AND SELL ME A WHOLE NEW $5,000 TRANS. WHEN THE CAR ONLY…

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THE ESC TURNS OFF PRETTY MUCH EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. LAST MONDAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING M. THE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NO LONGER SHIFT AND THE SOLENOID IS STUCK OPEN WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. PROMPTING THE DEALERSHIP TO TRY AND SELL ME A WHOLE NEW $5,000 TRANS. WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAS 130,000 MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN RUNNING SLOW ON ACCELERATION BUT HAS NEVER BEEN STUCK IN FIRST GEAR LEAVING ME LEFT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WAITING FOR HELP TO COME GET ME. THE HEADLIGHT BURN OUT LIKE EVERY 6 MONTHS RESULTING IN TAKING OFF THE BUMPER OR PAYING $200 FROM THE DEALERSHIP FOR A $5 BULB. I HAVE NO PICTURES SINCE MY CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR ME TO EITHER GO GET OR PAY FOR THE TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ODI #11309420

65,674 miles · Feb 15, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

PER ONLINE REVIEWS FROM RECALLS FOR 2011 MALIBU THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT FLASHED. THIS RECALL WAS NOT SENT TO ME, HOWEVER, MY CAR IS AFFECTED.

NHTSA ODI #11309401

130,000 miles · Feb 4, 2020
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECOME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING SERVICE ESC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED JONES FORD DEALER, (510 FLORENCE RD, SAVANNAH, TN 38372, (731) 925-4018) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECOME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING SERVICE ESC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED JONES FORD DEALER, (510 FLORENCE RD, SAVANNAH, TN 38372, (731) 925-4018) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #11306943

Official recalls

3

19V019000 · 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.

15V269000 · Seat Belts

May 8, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 8, 2010, to October 11, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the outboard lap anchor mounting bracket and inspect the flexible steel cable, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 16, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15031.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.