The problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
The risk
If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 12V-460 (12V460000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 12106 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL) |
| Report date | September 18, 2012 |
| Owners notified | January 1, 2013 |
| Vehicles affected | 426,240 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
- 2008 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems 86
- 2009 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems 121
- 2010 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems 133
- 2008 Pontiac G6 transmission problems 83
- 2009 Pontiac G6 transmission problems 46
- 2010 Pontiac G6 transmission problems 14
- 2007 Saturn Aura transmission problems 184
- 2008 Saturn Aura transmission problems 124
- 2009 Saturn Aura transmission problems 65
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 12V-460 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 426,240 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.