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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

Wheels complaints

19 reports
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65,000 miles · Jan 14, 2017
Wheels

A LEFT FRONT FLAT TIRE IN DECEMBER 2016 (FOUR TIRES BOUGHT NEW IN MAY 2016) WAS DISCOVERED TO NOT BE A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE, BUT THE FACTORY-INSTALLED, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT RIM WITH A SEAM CRACK. NOW TODAY IN JANUARY 2017, A FLAT TIRE ON THE RIGHT FRONT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE RESULT OF A SECOND BAD RIM, AGAIN ONE OF THE FOUR FACTOR…

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A LEFT FRONT FLAT TIRE IN DECEMBER 2016 (FOUR TIRES BOUGHT NEW IN MAY 2016) WAS DISCOVERED TO NOT BE A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE, BUT THE FACTORY-INSTALLED, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT RIM WITH A SEAM CRACK. NOW TODAY IN JANUARY 2017, A FLAT TIRE ON THE RIGHT FRONT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE RESULT OF A SECOND BAD RIM, AGAIN ONE OF THE FOUR FACTORY-INSTALLED ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT RIMS (TWO MORE TO GO?). IT WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE BOTH THE RIM AND THE VALVE STEM EACH TIME. RESEARCH IS SHOWING ANOTHER COMPLAINT HAS BEEN FILED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE OTHER REPORT HAVING HAD TO REPLACE THREE RIMS SO FAR. THIS DEFINITELY APPEARS TO BE A SUPPLIER/MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE PROBLEM WAS SHOWN TO ME AFTER THE RIM WITH THE TIRE ON IT HAD BEEN SUBMERGED IN WATER, AND BUBBLES FORMED AT THE DEFECTIVE AREA. UNFORTUNATELY I DID NOT TAKE A PICTURE, NOT KNOWING ABOUT THIS WEBSITE UNTIL I GOT HOME AFTER THIS SECOND REPAIR/REPLACEMENT AND STARTED MY RESEARCH. MY ONLY DOCUMENTATION ARE MY TWO REPAIR BILLS, WHICH I CAN SEND IF NEEDED.

NHTSA ODI #10945311

100,000 miles · Jan 7, 2017
Wheels

CRACK IN THE WELD AT ONE OF THE SPOKES WHERE IT IS CONNECTED TO THE WHEEL. SO FAR 3 OF THE 4 WHEELS HAVE FAILED.

NHTSA ODI #10940314

25,000 miles · Dec 2, 2016
Wheels

I PURCHASED NEW IN 2012. IT HAS 25,000 MILES AND NEVER BEEN ABUSED OR IN AN ACCIDENT. ALL FOUR TIRES FIRESTONE FR 710 P215 55R 17 HAVE EXTENSIVE CRACKING ON SIDEWALL WHERE THE TREAD BEGINS ON CIRCUMFERENCE AND THE TREADED PART APPEARS TO BE SEPARATING FROM THE SIDEWALL. DEALER SAYS THAT IS NORMAL AND WILL NOT OFFER ANY PRICE RED…

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I PURCHASED NEW IN 2012. IT HAS 25,000 MILES AND NEVER BEEN ABUSED OR IN AN ACCIDENT. ALL FOUR TIRES FIRESTONE FR 710 P215 55R 17 HAVE EXTENSIVE CRACKING ON SIDEWALL WHERE THE TREAD BEGINS ON CIRCUMFERENCE AND THE TREADED PART APPEARS TO BE SEPARATING FROM THE SIDEWALL. DEALER SAYS THAT IS NORMAL AND WILL NOT OFFER ANY PRICE REDUCTION ON NEW TIRES. COMMON SENSE TELLS ME OTHERWISE.

NHTSA ODI #10929696

92,000 miles · Jun 5, 2016
Power TrainService BrakesWheels

MY CAR HAS BEEN MAKING A HORRIBLE SOUND FOR A COUPLE MONTHS NOW AND THE LAST WEEK IT'S GOTTEN REALLY LOUD WHEN I GO OVER 20 IT SOUNDS THE WORST OF SLOW DOWN I CAN'T GO OVER 40 WITHOUT IT SOUNDING LIKE IT'S TAKING OFF AND MY FRONT END SHAKES LIKE MY TIRES GONNA COME OFF I REPLACED THE BREAKS AND IT'S STILL MAKING THE SOUND IT'S T…

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MY CAR HAS BEEN MAKING A HORRIBLE SOUND FOR A COUPLE MONTHS NOW AND THE LAST WEEK IT'S GOTTEN REALLY LOUD WHEN I GO OVER 20 IT SOUNDS THE WORST OF SLOW DOWN I CAN'T GO OVER 40 WITHOUT IT SOUNDING LIKE IT'S TAKING OFF AND MY FRONT END SHAKES LIKE MY TIRES GONNA COME OFF I REPLACED THE BREAKS AND IT'S STILL MAKING THE SOUND IT'S TO THE POINT I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE I DON'T WANT IT TO DIE ON ME MY BATTERY HAS BEEN DYING A LOT AND MY SERVICE ESC LIGHT COMES ON AND GOES OFF PLEASE CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHY MY CAR IS DOING THIS OR AN IDEA IT SOUNDS LIKE AN AIRPLANE THAT'S THE BEST WAY I CAN DESCRIBE IT AND MY RIGHT REAR TIRE IS ALWAYS SAYING MY TIRE IS LOW I ROTATED MY TIRES AND IT'S STILL NOT READING IT RIGHT THERE BRAND NEW TIRES TO BOOT PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME

NHTSA ODI #10872640

28,080 miles · Jun 17, 2015
StructureVisibility/wiperWheelsCrash

THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT THE SPEED LIMIT WHEN THE TIRE POPPED. THE IMPACT WAS AS MUCH AS A FRONT END COLLISION; THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED ALONG WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE BUMPER AND THE WHEEL WAS BENT. A MECHANIC SAID THAT BECAUSE THE SEAT BELTS LOCKED THE IMPACT WAS GREAT ENOUGH WHERE THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF, B…

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THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT THE SPEED LIMIT WHEN THE TIRE POPPED. THE IMPACT WAS AS MUCH AS A FRONT END COLLISION; THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED ALONG WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE BUMPER AND THE WHEEL WAS BENT. A MECHANIC SAID THAT BECAUSE THE SEAT BELTS LOCKED THE IMPACT WAS GREAT ENOUGH WHERE THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF, BUT THEY DID NOT.

NHTSA ODI #10725743

52,000 miles · Apr 3, 2015
Wheels

I HAVE HAD TWO RIM CRACK. THIS LEADS TO AIR PRESSURE LOSS. THE TIRE STORE THAT I GO. LES SCHWAB SAID THEY HAVE SEEN I ALREADY BOUGHT ONE NEW RIM. NOW I NEED ANOTHER ONE. I ASKED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEYHAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THESE WHEELS. I DON'T BELIEVE THEM. I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAS THE SAM…

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I HAVE HAD TWO RIM CRACK. THIS LEADS TO AIR PRESSURE LOSS. THE TIRE STORE THAT I GO. LES SCHWAB SAID THEY HAVE SEEN I ALREADY BOUGHT ONE NEW RIM. NOW I NEED ANOTHER ONE. I ASKED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEYHAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THESE WHEELS. I DON'T BELIEVE THEM. I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10703448

74,300 miles · Oct 14, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesWheels

WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN, VEHICLE DOES NOT HANDLE WELL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. HAS ISSUE WITH BRAKING, TIRES SKID. WHEN I HIT THE GAS PEDAL AFTER A STOP, THE TIRES SKID. . RECENTLY HAS A ALIGNMENT DONE, AND THE TIRES ARE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. THOUGHT MAYBE THAT WAS THE ISSUE, I WAS WRONG. VEHICLE HAD RECENT INSPECTION "BRAKES A…

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WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN, VEHICLE DOES NOT HANDLE WELL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. HAS ISSUE WITH BRAKING, TIRES SKID. WHEN I HIT THE GAS PEDAL AFTER A STOP, THE TIRES SKID. . RECENTLY HAS A ALIGNMENT DONE, AND THE TIRES ARE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. THOUGHT MAYBE THAT WAS THE ISSUE, I WAS WRONG. VEHICLE HAD RECENT INSPECTION "BRAKES ARE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. VEHICLE HAS HAD ISSUES SINCE PURCHASE. MY FAMILY AND I WERE BELTED IN AS ALWAYS, WHILE DRIVING THE DASH CONSOLE LIGHT CAME ON "SERVICE AIR BAG" THE LIGHT STAYED ON CONSTANT FOR APPROX. 30 MIN THEN WENT OUT. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER AND WILL HAVE VEHICLE CHECKED AT APPOINTMENT IN 2 WEEKS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644500

27,680 miles · Jul 29, 2014
Wheels

THE PLASTIC-COVERED LUG NUTS ON MY 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU DO NOT STAY TIGHT AGAINST THE WHEELS. THE OEM LUG NUTS VIBRATE LOOSE AND NEED TO BE CHECKED PERIODICALLY (I.E., MONTHLY). LOOSE LUG NUTS ARE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD. I WAS UNABLE TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT ALL-METAL LUG NUTS FOR THIS VEHICLE FROM A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP…

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THE PLASTIC-COVERED LUG NUTS ON MY 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU DO NOT STAY TIGHT AGAINST THE WHEELS. THE OEM LUG NUTS VIBRATE LOOSE AND NEED TO BE CHECKED PERIODICALLY (I.E., MONTHLY). LOOSE LUG NUTS ARE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD. I WAS UNABLE TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT ALL-METAL LUG NUTS FOR THIS VEHICLE FROM A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. I SUGGEST THAT CHEVROLET REPLACE THE PLASTIC-COVERED LUG NUTS WITH ALL-METAL LUG NUTS AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMERS. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10617276

25,500 miles · Dec 19, 2013
Wheels

WHILE DRIVING OUT OF PARKING GARAGE GOING MINIMAL SPEED, MY RIGHT REAR PASSENGER WHEEL DISLOCATED FROM MY VEHICLE. AFTER GETTING IT TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND FURTHER INSPECTION, LOOKS LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY ASSEMBLED WITH ONLY 2 OF THE NEEDED 4 BOLTS ATTACHING THE WHEEL TO THE HUB OF THE CAR. THIS CAUSED STRAIN TO…

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WHILE DRIVING OUT OF PARKING GARAGE GOING MINIMAL SPEED, MY RIGHT REAR PASSENGER WHEEL DISLOCATED FROM MY VEHICLE. AFTER GETTING IT TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND FURTHER INSPECTION, LOOKS LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY ASSEMBLED WITH ONLY 2 OF THE NEEDED 4 BOLTS ATTACHING THE WHEEL TO THE HUB OF THE CAR. THIS CAUSED STRAIN TO THE 2 BOLTS AND YOU CAN VISIBLY SEE STRESS CRACKS ON THE HUB WHERE THERE WERE PLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10556735

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.