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2012 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

646 reports with mileage · 260 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 290 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 202 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 191 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

50 crash reports13 fire reports27 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

290 reports
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64,000 miles · Jun 23, 2016
Electrical System

MY STATIONARY CAR WOULD NOT START ONE MORNING , AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP I WAS TOLD THE RELAY SWITCH WAS REPLACED BUT THE CAR HAD AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT MIGHT REOCCUR AND SHOULD BE TAKEN TO A GM DEALERSHIP. TWO WEEKS LATER THE STATIONARY CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN AND I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER CARE LINE…

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MY STATIONARY CAR WOULD NOT START ONE MORNING , AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP I WAS TOLD THE RELAY SWITCH WAS REPLACED BUT THE CAR HAD AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT MIGHT REOCCUR AND SHOULD BE TAKEN TO A GM DEALERSHIP. TWO WEEKS LATER THE STATIONARY CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN AND I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER CARE LINE AND SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED, BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO ARRIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR STARTED WITHOUT ISSUE AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. I TOOK THE CARE TO THE GM DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND. ANOTHER 4 DAYS PASSED AND AFTER I STARTED MY CAR AND WHILE IN MOTION IT SHUT COMPLETELY DOWN AND WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY START, I SAT FOR MAYBE 10MINS AND THE CAR STARTED UP WITHOUT AN ISSUE. ANOTHER WEEK PASSED AFTER THAT AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER I PARKED IT FOR AROUND 1 HOUR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK THE GM DEALERSHIPS WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THERE WERE 2 SHORTAGES . THERE IS A FAULTY SECTION OF THE REAR TERMINAL AND MY TERMINAL IN SECTION A10 HAD TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI #10876109

50,000 miles · Apr 7, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

LOW BEAMS ARE TO LOW FOR NIGHT TIME DRIVING CAN THEY BE ADJUSTED? CAN'T SEE VERY FAR SO HAVE TO USE BRIGHTS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC ALSO. ALSO THE INTERIOR LIGHTS, INSTRUMENT LIGHTS, GET REAL DIM EITHER DRIVING OR STOPPED, SO DIM GAUGES ARE HARD TO READ. AFTER A WHILE THEY COME BACK ON.

NHTSA ODI #10854237

80,000 miles · Mar 28, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine

CAR WILL NOT START.SON WAS DRIVING AND IT JUST STALLED OUT FORTUNATELY HE WAS NOT GOING FAST. TRIED TO RESTART BUT NO LUCK. DID RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF MALIBU OWNERS WITH THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE. AS A DAD AND A CONSUMER I WOULD LIKE GM TO FIX THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE…

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CAR WILL NOT START.SON WAS DRIVING AND IT JUST STALLED OUT FORTUNATELY HE WAS NOT GOING FAST. TRIED TO RESTART BUT NO LUCK. DID RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF MALIBU OWNERS WITH THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE. AS A DAD AND A CONSUMER I WOULD LIKE GM TO FIX THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE . WE CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD 400$ TO FIX.LOOKS LIKE US CONSUMERS ARE GETTING SCREWED AGAIN CAN U HELP?

NHTSA ODI #10852061

90,000 miles · Mar 21, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE ESC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE IGNITION TO THE OFF POSITION AND BACK ON THREE TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTED OPERATING CORRECTLY. THE VEHICL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE ESC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE IGNITION TO THE OFF POSITION AND BACK ON THREE TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTED OPERATING CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #10850684

65,535 miles · Feb 1, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,535.

NHTSA ODI #10823387

110,000 miles · Jan 7, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. APPROXIMATELY FIVE SECONDS LATER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE BRAKES FAIL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. APPROXIMATELY FIVE SECONDS LATER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND A DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE LOST ENGINE POWER, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS AND AIR CONDITIONING STILL FUNCTIONED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10818712

46,000 miles · Jan 2, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

DRIVING DOWN THE CITY ROAD AT 55 MPH, I HEARD THREE BELLS AND ON THE DASHBOARD IT READ "SERVICE ESC...SERVICE ESC...TRACTION CONTROL OFF" THE VEHICLE THEN SIMULTANEOUSLY BEGAN TO REDUCE ENGINE POWER AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND BECAME UNLOCKED WITHIN SECONDS. THIS CAUSED SWERVING AND A NEAR ACCIDENT. I SEE RECALLS FOR THIS …

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DRIVING DOWN THE CITY ROAD AT 55 MPH, I HEARD THREE BELLS AND ON THE DASHBOARD IT READ "SERVICE ESC...SERVICE ESC...TRACTION CONTROL OFF" THE VEHICLE THEN SIMULTANEOUSLY BEGAN TO REDUCE ENGINE POWER AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND BECAME UNLOCKED WITHIN SECONDS. THIS CAUSED SWERVING AND A NEAR ACCIDENT. I SEE RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE BUT THE VIN DOES NOT SHOW AN OPEN RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10817417

45,000 miles · Dec 18, 2015
Air BagsElectrical System

AT APPROXIMATELY 45,000-50,000 MILES "SERVICE AIRBAG" LIGHT WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. TOOK INTO DEALER, NOT COVERED BY EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE THE SEATS WERE INVOLVED WITH THE ISSUE ON SOME LEVEL. GM WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR THOUGH THE CAR WAS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD. DEALER DID SOMETHING AND LIGHT STOPPED COMING ON. …

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AT APPROXIMATELY 45,000-50,000 MILES "SERVICE AIRBAG" LIGHT WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. TOOK INTO DEALER, NOT COVERED BY EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE THE SEATS WERE INVOLVED WITH THE ISSUE ON SOME LEVEL. GM WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR THOUGH THE CAR WAS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD. DEALER DID SOMETHING AND LIGHT STOPPED COMING ON. NOW AT 85,000-90,000 MILES THE LIGHT IS BACK ON FOR DAYS AT A TIME. THE LIGHT ALWAYS COMES ON UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10811073

92,000 miles · Dec 16, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Vehicle Speed Control

HARD TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND THE TRACTION CONTROL DISABLE COMES ON AND THE BRAKES LIGHTS WILL QUIT WORKING AND THE STABILITY CONTROL SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I RESEARCHED AND I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR ALL THIS. RECALL # 14V252000 IS ALL THE SAME SYMPTOMS I AM EXPERIENCING AND I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID M…

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HARD TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND THE TRACTION CONTROL DISABLE COMES ON AND THE BRAKES LIGHTS WILL QUIT WORKING AND THE STABILITY CONTROL SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I RESEARCHED AND I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR ALL THIS. RECALL # 14V252000 IS ALL THE SAME SYMPTOMS I AM EXPERIENCING AND I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID MY VIN IS NOT LISTED. THIS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED TWICE DUE TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING WHEN IT ACTS UP

NHTSA ODI #10810829

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, THE A/C CONTINUED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, THE A/C CONTINUED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10809945

Official recalls

2

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.