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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 →
906Owner complaints

Model-year median: 310.5

2Recall campaigns

View recall details →

0Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
1,509
20091,360
2010977
2011906
2012835
2013351
2014270
2015
Compare all Malibu years →

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

What owners reported most

Electrical System
290Exterior Lighting
202Steering
191Electronic Stability Control (esc)
129Air Bags
101
All reported categories
Engine
99Service Brakes
65Vehicle Speed Control
52Fuel/propulsion System
51Unknown Or Other
51Power Train
49Seat Belts
47Seats
36Visibility/wiper
27Wheels
19Structure
16Suspension
10Traction Control System
10Service Brakes, Hydraulic
8Fuel System, Gasoline
5Visibility
4Engine And Engine Cooling
3Tires
2Child Seat
1Equipment
1Lane Departure
1Latches/locks/linkages
1

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

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

What owners actually said

906 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2015
Seat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V269000 (SEAT BELTS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V269000 (SEAT BELTS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #10808447

63,000 miles · Dec 3, 2015
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE WHEEL LOCKED, WHICH MADE IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED UNKNOWN REPAIRS AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE WHEEL LOCKED, WHICH MADE IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED UNKNOWN REPAIRS AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY DETAILS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. UPDATED 2/4/16 *CN UPDATED 02/16/16*JB

NHTSA ODI #10808205

Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemSeat BeltsService Brakes

2012 CHEVY MALIBU ON 3RD RECALL LIST. 1. BRAKES 2. SEAT BELTS. 3. THROTTLE-POSITION SENSOR. BUT YOU SAY YOUR NOT GOING TO REPAIR 3RD ITEM UNLESS I HAVE A PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10808073

12,000 miles · Dec 1, 2015
Service BrakesSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A VIBRATING MOTION, AND STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE P…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A VIBRATING MOTION, AND STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

NHTSA ODI #10807852

45,400 miles · Dec 1, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

WHEN I STARTED MY CAR THIS MORNING, IT WAS RUMBLING AND SOUNDED VERY LOUD, WHEN I GOT IN THE CAR THE SERVICE ENGINE AND TRACTION LIGHTS WERE BOTH ON. THE MESSAGE READ TO SERVICE ESC. IT ALSO STATED THAT I HAD REDUCED ENGINE POWER. I DROVE TO WORK (3.5 MILES). THE CAR CRAWLED ALONG FINALLY BEING ABLE TO GET UP TO 40 MPH. I…

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WHEN I STARTED MY CAR THIS MORNING, IT WAS RUMBLING AND SOUNDED VERY LOUD, WHEN I GOT IN THE CAR THE SERVICE ENGINE AND TRACTION LIGHTS WERE BOTH ON. THE MESSAGE READ TO SERVICE ESC. IT ALSO STATED THAT I HAD REDUCED ENGINE POWER. I DROVE TO WORK (3.5 MILES). THE CAR CRAWLED ALONG FINALLY BEING ABLE TO GET UP TO 40 MPH. I HAD TO STOP AT A MAJOR INTERSECTION WHERE 2 HIGHWAYS INTERSECT. WHILE STOPPED, MY CAR LUNGED OUT INTO THE CENTER OF TRAFFIC. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND WAS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. THANK GOD I DIDN'T HAVE MY 2 SONS WITH ME. ONCE I ARRIVED AT WORK, MY CAR WANTED TO AGAIN LUNGE FORWARD AS I TRIED TO PARK IT. I'VE READ ONLINE WHERE MANY CHEVROLET OWNERS WITH CARS THE SAME AGE AND SIMILAR MILES ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I ONLY HAVE 45,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL ON THIS VERY SERIOUS AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY ISSUE. THERE ARE SEVERAL SEMI TRUCKS THAT ARE TRAVELING THE HIGHWAY I HAD TO CROSS THIS MORNING. GM IS LUCKY THIS ISN'T ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS REPORTING A DEADLY INCIDENT TO THE MEDIA. THIS MUST BE ADDRESSED BY GM BEFORE THERE ARE CASUALTIES AND LIFE LOST. I WILL BE AWAITING A PROMPT RESPONSE.

NHTSA ODI #10807661

Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 2015
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHT SOCKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. VI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHT SOCKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10806486

43,000 miles · Nov 23, 2015
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY HAPPENED INITIALLY AFTER DRIVING OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 1…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY HAPPENED INITIALLY AFTER DRIVING OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

NHTSA ODI #10806291

22,000 miles · Nov 18, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BCM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 02/12/16*LJ THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE SOLD THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 02/22/16.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10794589

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2015
Seat Belts

2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE RECALL NOTICE 15V269. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IT HAS BEEN ALMOST HAVE A YEAR. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10806985

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2015
Air Bags

2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER INFORMED HER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10806984

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.