2008 Pontiac G8
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › G8 › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Pontiac G8. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2008 Pontiac G8. Newest first.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to October 22, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 seat belt tensioner assembly which includes the steel cable, free of charge. These replacement parts reposition the tensioner cable out of the path of entry into the vehicle and uses a more flexible cable, set at a more upright angle. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 15206.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to December 6, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position could cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the key blade from the original flip key/RKE transmitter assemblies, and cut and fit a revised key blade and housing assembly, in which the blade has been indexed by 90 degrees, to the original RKE transmitter assembly. GM issued an interim notification to owners on December 31, 2014. The recall began on February 4, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14445. Note: Until the recall has been performed, it is very important that drivers adjust their seat and steering column to allow clearance between their knee and the ignition key.
General motors (gm) IS recalling certain model year 2008-2009 pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured from november 2, 2007 through january 22, 2009. a 5TH percentile female anthropomorphic test device (atd) in a 30 mph frontal barrier test exceeded the head injury criteria (hic) requirements of the standard. with the front passenger seat positioned full…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, this delay may result in increased head injury to certain front seat occupants.
Remedy
Gm dealers will reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module free of charge. the safety recall began on november 30, 2011. owners may contact pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Gm IS recalling 35,038 my 2008-2009 pontiac G8 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment" and federal motor vehicles safety standard no. 138, "tire pressure monitoring systems". the brake pedal position switch may have been incorrectly…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Inappropriate, non-standard lights could increase the risk of a crash or driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the brake position sensor and the remote control door lock receiver with the correct values free of charge. the recall IS expected to begin on or before june 5, 2009. owners may contact gm pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Owner complaints
71 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the key was accidentally bumped, and the ignition switch was knocked out of the run position, turning off the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA…
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the key was accidentally bumped, and the ignition switch was knocked out of the run position, turning off the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V540000 (Electrical System). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the recall was marked closed by the dealer without performing the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
- Electrical system
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the ignition key could not be removed from the ignition switch. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Steering
Was driving on both highway & neighborhood streets and the air bag fault light & warning tone came on. after many diagnosis drive tests, I learned that every time making a complete left u-turn the airbag fault indicator would disappear. however once completing the full left u-turn, and driving…
Was driving on both highway & neighborhood streets and the air bag fault light & warning tone came on. after many diagnosis drive tests, I learned that every time making a complete left u-turn the airbag fault indicator would disappear. however once completing the full left u-turn, and driving straight center wheel position, the airbag fault indicator light and warning tones would reoccur. when contacting my onstar monitoring service, they were able to do an over the air diagnostic fault code test. it came back as fault code b0012 for clockspring, driver steering wheel airbag deployment loop failure. whenever the airbag fault indicator IS activated on this model, the entire airbag deployment system IS completely disabled and nonfunctional in preventing major injuries which can lead to fatalities. I contacted the dealership to inquire of the replacement clockspring part cost, and was quoted in the $450.00 range plus labor tech install. in addition, was told the part was on back order. it has been recognized as a known defect on this model and since IS airbag related, should be corrected by the manufacturer, which IS general motors. I could be like thousands of other owners to misinterpret the severity of this defect, and be driving a vehicle that will fail to save my life if ever involved in a major collision. this should not go unnoticed & should be investigated & resolved just like the one that was for other major car manufacturers for faulty airbag deployment issues. as to this date 06/11/2020 the issue keeps recurring on every drive on any street or highway. thank you for serving your citizens & the commitment of making the automobile industry accountable for safety. *tr
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
Passenger airbag light fault remains illuminated indicating that the system IS disabled. The passenger airbag sensor IS known by gm as being defective and they would not replace it under warranty. the ABS, traction control, and stability control indicators are illuminated and will not function.…
Passenger airbag light fault remains illuminated indicating that the system IS disabled. The passenger airbag sensor IS known by gm as being defective and they would not replace it under warranty. the ABS, traction control, and stability control indicators are illuminated and will not function. The manufacturer suggested to check all fuses, the wiring harness, replace wheel bearings, and change all wheel sensors. All items were replaced and the failed system remains inactive. the airbag sensor in the passenger seat IS recommended to be replaced by removal of the seat, cutting into the seat and installing a new sensor. Then the vehicle must be reprogrammed by an authorized gm service facility. this repair IS in excess of $1,200.00. the failed systems occur if moving or not and IS a life safety concern.
- Air bags · Service brakes
Keep getting air bag light on code u0170 and b0081 seems like this IS a big safety problem with the pontiac G8 needs a recall on this problem and replaced the rear ABS sensors and still have the issue with it not working and replaced them 2 times with new sensors
- Air bags
Passenger seat does not register when a person IS sitting in seat to activate. Codes recieved: u0170, b0081.
- Air bags
Passenger seat does not register a person sitting in it to activate air bag system. Codes retrieved: u0170 and b0081. Odometer: 86,000
- Air bags
Fault light activation,fault code states it's the passenger seat module. When this happens, there will be no airbag activation . This IS very common with all G8 vehicles, do you think there might be an investigation into this problem?
- Air bags
Air bag fault light comes on when car IS started, which means that the air bags will not work. There IS an air bag recall to this car, but they will not fix my car's fault light problem. This IS a big safety defect that many gm have, according to your website. thank you my car has 30,000 miles on it. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac G8. While the vehicle was stationary, the air bag indicator remained illuminated without warning. The vehicle was repaired, but the issue recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seats
Passenger seat occupancy module - failure the failure of an electronic module located under the passenger seat, defaults the airbag system to "off". cost IS just under $1,000 for dealer replacement. dealer indicated there was no method to turn on the airbag system - regardless of passenger or…
Passenger seat occupancy module - failure the failure of an electronic module located under the passenger seat, defaults the airbag system to "off". cost IS just under $1,000 for dealer replacement. dealer indicated there was no method to turn on the airbag system - regardless of passenger or not. because of this failure (many failures recognized since the 2006 solstice model) any passenger IS subject to an unsafe condition without active airbag. the value of the vehicle negates the dealer cost to repair. complaint filer feels the cost of the replacement module should be half of that quoted by the dealer since genuine gm parts are available at $275 instead of dealer cost of $417 and that labor of 2.5 hours to replace module under the seat IS excessive based on time taken by others self-correcting the problem. (Times indicated ran from 20 minutes to 45 minutes for most). because of costs, many of these modules will (likely) go un-repaired and potentially un-reported if sold as a used vehicle..
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac G8. While driving 40 mph, the check engine indicator illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the timing chain was stretched and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 94,000.
- Air bags
My car has just over 100K and the airbag light came on with codes b0081 and u0170. The airbags are now not functioning because of a faulty passenger presence module. It happens almost every time I start the vehicle (about 95% of the time). The airbag light illuminates, stays on, and the vehicle…
My car has just over 100K and the airbag light came on with codes b0081 and u0170. The airbags are now not functioning because of a faulty passenger presence module. It happens almost every time I start the vehicle (about 95% of the time). The airbag light illuminates, stays on, and the vehicle shows an airbag fault warning. from the research I've done, this IS a very common issue with the pontiac G8 and the entire airbag system IS inoperable once this module needs to be replaced. There are dozens, if not hundreds of complaints regarding this module and the fact that it disables the airbag system. This IS a serious safety issue and the end consumer should not have to foot the bill to replace this module, considering that gm knows about this defect and the numerous complaints.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac G8. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v399000 (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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac G8. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v399000 (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 repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. updated 08/16/16*lj updated 08/17/16. *Jb
- Steering · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
My automatic locks on my 2008 pontiac G6 quit working on the back doors. My hazard light button will go on but will not shut off when you shut it off. And most importantly, my power steering light on my radio comes on. It has flashed off once and then the other day, it came on and stayed on until I…
My automatic locks on my 2008 pontiac G6 quit working on the back doors. My hazard light button will go on but will not shut off when you shut it off. And most importantly, my power steering light on my radio comes on. It has flashed off once and then the other day, it came on and stayed on until I shut my car off. I hear a squeal also that IS getting worse. And the other day I went to go up a hill coming out of town and it made a weird noise; I left off the gas and it quit. It only has 54,500 miles or so on it.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac G8. The contact stated that the air bag light illuminated soon after the vehicle was purchased three months ago. The light has remained illuminated ever since. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls. The failure was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac G8. The contact stated that the air bag light illuminated soon after the vehicle was purchased three months ago. The light has remained illuminated ever since. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls. The failure was not remedied. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000. ...Updated 03/31/16 *bf the consumer stated the problem was solved. it was due to a loose wire under the seat. Updated 04/05/16.*jb
- Air bags · Electrical system
I have gotten a "airbag fault" warning every time I start my car. Apparently this IS due to a censor giving out and to repair the issue costs about $1000. This IS highly unsatisfactory as many users of this particular vehicle have reported this issue when operating this type of vehicle under normal…
I have gotten a "airbag fault" warning every time I start my car. Apparently this IS due to a censor giving out and to repair the issue costs about $1000. This IS highly unsatisfactory as many users of this particular vehicle have reported this issue when operating this type of vehicle under normal conditions. This in a sense renders the vehicle unsafe to operate as drivers (some unaware), whivh I was not, are operating the vehicle without any operable airbags. The cost to repair IS very high for a feature that IS a safety standard across the industry. The airbag system of a vehicle should never have any faults or failures unless it has been deployed or tampered with. It IS quite disappointing that a system that has never been used or tampered with can have such costly faults/failures. This IS an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. This IS scary. I feel like some thing needs to be done to fix the problem. Gm needs to recall the module that will fix this issue asap. This air fault IS putting many families at risk of loss of life!!! Bring attention to this issue or to what IS causing it.
- Air bags
The vehicle has an airbag fault that disables the entire airbag system. To repair the issue costs over $900. This IS highly unsatisfactory as many users of this particular vehicle have reported this issue when operating this type of vehicle under normal conditions. This in a sense renders the…
The vehicle has an airbag fault that disables the entire airbag system. To repair the issue costs over $900. This IS highly unsatisfactory as many users of this particular vehicle have reported this issue when operating this type of vehicle under normal conditions. This in a sense renders the vehicle unsafe to operate as drivers (some unaware) are operating the vehicle without any operable airbags. The cost to repair IS very high for a feature that IS a safety standard across the industry. The airbag system of a vehicle should never have any faults or failures unless it has been deployed or tampered with. It IS quite disappointing that a system that has never been used or tampered with can have such costly faults/failures. This IS an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
The electronic door locks on 2008-2009 my pontiac G8 vehicles are defective and gm needs to issue a safety recall to permanently address this problem. there are multiple accounts online from G8 owners regarding the door locks failing anywhere from the first year to several years later. this…
The electronic door locks on 2008-2009 my pontiac G8 vehicles are defective and gm needs to issue a safety recall to permanently address this problem. there are multiple accounts online from G8 owners regarding the door locks failing anywhere from the first year to several years later. this premature failure may occur on any front, rear, left, or right door. with less than 40,000 total pontiac G8 produced, identical failures on multiple owners' vehicles indicate this IS not an isolated failure. the electronic motor within the door lock/latch mechanism IS not robust enough to withstand repeated locking/unlocking functions. the result of this failure IS that the door will no longer lock/unlock. the door lock design does not allow for manual override of sliding the interior lock handle unless electrical current IS applied to the motor. gm used to cover the cost of replacing these parts under the 3-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. the age of these vehicles has determined that the parts are no longer covered under warranty. owners must repair the defect at their own expense. new oem parts have not been revised to improve quality. owners have no permanent solution to this failure as the replacement part will again require replacement at owners' expense. the parts are defective which gm fails to acknowledge, and issue a safety recall. this IS a safety hazard for the following reasons: -doors will not unlock and driver/passengers cannot enter the vehicle. -doors will not unlock and driver/passengers cannot exit the vehicle, leading to driver/passenger entrapment and/or death/serious injury in event of collision. -doors will not lock and passengers can open door while at speed. -doors will not lock and could open in event of collision. -doors will not lock and vehicle/belongings/driver/passengers susceptible to theft/hijacking.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac G8. The contact received a recall notice on nhtsa campaign number: 14v540000 (electrical system), however the parts were unavailable for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was scheduled to be repaired however…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac G8. The contact received a recall notice on nhtsa campaign number: 14v540000 (electrical system), however the parts were unavailable for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was scheduled to be repaired however the vehicle was not repaired. The contact felt that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac G8. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 14v540000 (electrical system) was received in october of 2010. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac G8. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 14v540000 (electrical system) was received in october of 2010. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
Ever since I went to have the reprogram done on my air bags system I have gotten a "airbag fault" warning every time I start my car. Since IS has happened I just always ignored it until I recently found out that because it does that, my entire air bag system IS shut down and my air bags will not…
Ever since I went to have the reprogram done on my air bags system I have gotten a "airbag fault" warning every time I start my car. Since IS has happened I just always ignored it until I recently found out that because it does that, my entire air bag system IS shut down and my air bags will not deploy in the case of an accident. This upsets me very much, since I caring my family in this vehicle. I feel like some thing needs to be done to fix the problem. Gm needs to recall the module that will fix this issue. This air fault IS putting many families at risk of loss of life!!! Please do something about this !!! *tr
- Electrical system · Structure › Body › Door
Rear passenger door and drivers door are not locking with remote key or electric power door switch. this began with only the passenger rear door but has migrated to drivers door as well. this problem could lead to theft of internal contents and worse, vehicle robbery. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac G8. While driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired on several occasions, yet the failure kept recurring. The vehicle also exhibited multiple…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 pontiac G8. While driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired on several occasions, yet the failure kept recurring. The vehicle also exhibited multiple failures with the ignition switch and electrical system that recurred intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006849This service bulletin provides information on regular inspection of the Seat Belt Lap Anchor.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001325This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000160This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 11000119This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10254240Information on COAX Repair Kit Availability.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10253632Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249535This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248794Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
- 10248721This bulletin advises the technician that the 6L50 (MYB), 6L80 (MYC) and 6L90 (MYD) Transmission Oil Filter and Seal Kit part number 24236933 is currently transitioning from a kit to the filter (24236517) and seal (24225347) being sold individually.
- 10248493Bluetooth Stays Connected After RAP Is Canceled.
- 10248492Bluetooth Stays Connected After RAP Is Canceled.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
Every Pontiac G8 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.