NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
71 reportsClear category filter15,000 miles · Jul 1, 2014
Air BagsSteeringStructureCrashInjury
I WAS GOING TO WORK EARLY IN THE MORNING. A TRAIN WAS IN THE DISTANCE WHICH SCARED A HUGE BUCK DEER. THE BUCK DEER WITH HUGE ANTLERS RAN STRAIGHT INTO MY CAR HEAD ON. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER AWAY FROM THE DEER AND MY CAR SEEMED TO SHUT DOWN. THE HUGE BUCK DEER HIT ME HEAD ON. THE LIGHTS WERE TOTALLY SMASHED. THE HOOD OF THE CAR …
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I WAS GOING TO WORK EARLY IN THE MORNING. A TRAIN WAS IN THE DISTANCE WHICH SCARED A HUGE BUCK DEER. THE BUCK DEER WITH HUGE ANTLERS RAN STRAIGHT INTO MY CAR HEAD ON. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER AWAY FROM THE DEER AND MY CAR SEEMED TO SHUT DOWN. THE HUGE BUCK DEER HIT ME HEAD ON. THE LIGHTS WERE TOTALLY SMASHED. THE HOOD OF THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DAMAGED. THE WINDSHIELD WAS TOTALLY SMASHED. THE ROOF WAS DAMAGED AND THE CAR WAS LOPSIDED. THE BUCK DEER ANTLERS WENT THRU THE WINDSHIELD JUST INCHES AWAY FROM ME.THE AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH GREAT FORCE. MY CAR SEEMED TO SHUT OFF AND I COULD NOT STEER AWAY FROM THE DEER. I WAS CUT WITH GLASS ON MY FACE, ARMS AND HANDS. MY NECK AND BACK WAS HURT. I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON BUT MY STOMACH HURT FROM THE DRAMATIC IMPACT. I COMPLAINED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK AND THAT MY CAR ACTED STRANGELY IN WHICH IT SEEMED THE IGNITION SWITCH SHUT EVERYTHING DOWN AND I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR BUT I WAS TOTALLY IGNORED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10607256
Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER WRITE IN REGARDS TO IGNITION KEY AND DEALERSHIP PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED ON A CONSTANT BASIS. SHE FELT AS THOUGH THE DEALER WAS GIVING HER THE RUN-AROUND. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10597185
135,531 miles · Jun 13, 2014
Air BagsSteeringCrash
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 30-40 MPH, LOST CONTROL OF CAR, COULD NOT STEER, CRASHED THROUGH TREES, CAR TOTALED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10598081
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE TO DO THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10596674
4,700 miles · May 17, 2014
Air BagsSteeringStructureCrashInjury
I RENTED THIS BRAND NEW COBALT 4 MONTHS AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA FROM MOBILE ALABAMA, SO AS TO GO BACK TO MY HOME TOWN OF SAN FRANCISCO, CA. BY THE TIME I MADE IT THROUGH LOS ANGELES, AT AROUND 430 AM. I LOST CONTROL OF CAR DUE TO SEVERE STIFFNESS IN THE STEERING. WHICH LED TO THE VEHICLE RUNNING OFF OF I-5 HEADING NORTH BOUND AT…
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I RENTED THIS BRAND NEW COBALT 4 MONTHS AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA FROM MOBILE ALABAMA, SO AS TO GO BACK TO MY HOME TOWN OF SAN FRANCISCO, CA. BY THE TIME I MADE IT THROUGH LOS ANGELES, AT AROUND 430 AM. I LOST CONTROL OF CAR DUE TO SEVERE STIFFNESS IN THE STEERING. WHICH LED TO THE VEHICLE RUNNING OFF OF I-5 HEADING NORTH BOUND AT A SPEED OF 60 MILES PER HOUR. VISIBILITY WAS GOOD, I VEERED OFF THE FREEWAY INTO THE MEDIAN PORTION OF I-5, AND I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN BUT NO RESPONSE WHICH LED ME TO ROLL OVER FEW TIMES, END TO END AND OVER AND OVER, LUCKILY I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT AND IT HELD VERY WELL, SUPRISINGLY, NO AIRBAGS, NONE OF THEM DEPLOYED, AND ALL THE WINDOWS BLEW OUT, AND NOT THE REINFORCED KIND INCLUDING THE FRONT WIND SHIELD. THE AMBULANCE CAME, AND SO DID THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL. THERE IS A REPORT ABOUT IT WHICH INDICATES THAT NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED, AND I DO HAVE PICTURES OF CAR AFTER INCIDENT. I HAD FEW BUMPS AND BRUISES AND HAD FEW CUTS FROM THE GLASS ON MY ARMS AND LEGS, AND I HAD TO ACQUIRE A FEW ROUNDS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AND ACCUPUNCTURE.BUT LUCKILY I WAS IN GOOD SPIRITS.THE CAR WAS COVERED UNDER 3 INSURANCES, WHICH PAID FOR SOME DAMAGE, INCLUDING MY DISCOVER CARD, AND MY GRANDMA'S AARP. AND THE RENTAL CAR COMPANY. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10592084
88,000 miles · May 15, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY CONTINUED TO GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THEY COULD…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY CONTINUED TO GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. RK
NHTSA ODI #10588681
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND14V047000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HAD PASSED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT…
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TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND14V047000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HAD PASSED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10588328
Mileage unknown · May 12, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemCrash
2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST FORM. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. DURING THE ACCIDENT,THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. ALSO, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. IT WAS CONFIRMED, THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT GM RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10586961
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START. WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALER, THE TOLD HER TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL UP AND DOWN AND TAP ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE WERE TIMES THROUGH OUT THE YEARS, WHERE…
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2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START. WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALER, THE TOLD HER TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL UP AND DOWN AND TAP ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE WERE TIMES THROUGH OUT THE YEARS, WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT, THE OIL PAN WAS LEAKING, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS INOPERABLE, AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10585888
Mileage unknown · May 2, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10586188
Official recalls
5Apr 10, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Feb 10, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Mar 3, 2010
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Jan 18, 2007
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.'
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Nov 22, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BULB SHIELDS INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMPS CAN LOOSEN DUE TO VIBRATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BULB SHIELD CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. IF THIS OCCURRED ON A HEADLAMP INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE, ONCOMING DRIVERS MAY NOTICE ADDITIONAL GLARE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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