2005 CHEVY COBALT CAUGHT FIRE WHEN THE IGNITION KEY TRIED TO START THE ENGINE. THIS CAR WAS PARKED DURING THE WORK DAY AT THE HOSPITAL COVERED PARKING LOT. *TR
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cobalt years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1,407 reports with mileage · 242 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.
- Steering. Review the 1,143 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 323 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 99 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
51 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. SHE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH OVER A RAILROAD TRACK, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED ACROSS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE MOMENTS LATER AND TOOK THE VEHI…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. SHE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH OVER A RAILROAD TRACK, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED ACROSS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE MOMENTS LATER AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING COLUMN DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED BY HER FACTORY WARRANTY. THE REPAIRS DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING COLUMN A SECOND TIME. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN AND THE POWER STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED A THIRD TIME. SHE ALSO STATED THAT MOST OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE VEHICLE HAD FAILED; UPON OPENING THE DRIVER'S DOOR, THE HORN WOULD BLOW. THE POWER LOCKS WOULD NOT OPERATE, THE ELECTRICAL TRUNK RELEASE WOULD NOT OPERATE AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER ALSO FAILED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THERE WERE NO ADDITIONAL POWER STEERING FAILURES AFTER THE THIRD REPAIR, HOWEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD FEEL HARD AT TIMES. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR ANY OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
TL* HE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, FOLLOWED BY AN ENGINE STALL. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN S…
Read full complaint
TL* HE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, FOLLOWED BY AN ENGINE STALL. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A SHORTAGE IN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) AND PCM. THE COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,233.
MY DAUGHTER DRIVES A 2005 COBALT. ON 8-10-2009 SHE WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH WHEN HER CAR SHUTOFF AND SHE LOST STEERING ABILITY. SHE CROSSED THE ONCOMING LANE ON A BLIND CURVE AND STOPPED IN A DRIVEWAY. IF THERE HAD BEEN A CAR COMING TOWARD HER IN THE ONCOMING LANE SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVEREL…
Read full complaint
MY DAUGHTER DRIVES A 2005 COBALT. ON 8-10-2009 SHE WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH WHEN HER CAR SHUTOFF AND SHE LOST STEERING ABILITY. SHE CROSSED THE ONCOMING LANE ON A BLIND CURVE AND STOPPED IN A DRIVEWAY. IF THERE HAD BEEN A CAR COMING TOWARD HER IN THE ONCOMING LANE SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED AT A MINIMUM. THE CHEVROLET DEALER SAID HE HAD NEVER HAD NEVER SEEN THAT HAPPEN. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ECM AND PUT THE PCM CAUSED A SHORT. *TR
I OWN A 2005 CHEVY COBALT AND AS I WAS DRIVING IT BEGAN TO ACT ALMOST LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL OUT ON ME AS IN DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY! MY POWER STEERING IS SHOT AND NEEDS TO REPLACED I HAVEN'T HAD IT THAT LONG GOT IN AUG 2008! *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE IT BEGAN TO STALL AND SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT GASOLINE WAS POURING INTO THE ENGINE AND THAT THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIO…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE IT BEGAN TO STALL AND SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT GASOLINE WAS POURING INTO THE ENGINE AND THAT THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 64000.
BOUGHT A NEW 2005 CHEVY COBALT. THE CAR HAD SERIOUS AIR CONDITIONING LEAKING PROBLEMS RIGHT AWAY THAT TOOK OVER A YEAR TO SOLVE. WE WERE ABOUT TO GO LEMON LAW ON THE CAR WHEN CHEVY CAME OUT WITH A SERVICE NOTICE AND GOT THE LEAK SOLVED. THE CAR THEN HAD A HEADLIGHT THAT WOULD FILL UP WITH WATER AND SHORT OUT THE HEAD LIGHT. THE …
Read full complaint
BOUGHT A NEW 2005 CHEVY COBALT. THE CAR HAD SERIOUS AIR CONDITIONING LEAKING PROBLEMS RIGHT AWAY THAT TOOK OVER A YEAR TO SOLVE. WE WERE ABOUT TO GO LEMON LAW ON THE CAR WHEN CHEVY CAME OUT WITH A SERVICE NOTICE AND GOT THE LEAK SOLVED. THE CAR THEN HAD A HEADLIGHT THAT WOULD FILL UP WITH WATER AND SHORT OUT THE HEAD LIGHT. THE DEALER TOLD ME TO DRILL A HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE HEADLIGHT CASE AND THE WATER WOULD LEAK OUT. THE DEALER TOLD ME TO DO THIS!!! THE CAR RECENTLY STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE ODOMETER JUMPING AROUND WHILE YOUR DRIVING. WHILE THAT'S HAPPENING THE POWER STEERING LOCKS UP AS THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. IT HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME WITH MY 22 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DRIVING THE CAR TO SCHOOL DOING 65 ON I95. SCARED HER AND SHE HAD TO TRY GET THE CAR OVER THREE LANES TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE WAS ABLE TO DO IT AND AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, THE STEERING WAS WORKING AGAIN. IT TOOK TWO WEEKS FOR IT TO HAPPEN AGAIN, THIS TIME ON A SIDE ROAD AS SHE IS NOT ALLOWED TO DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY ANYMORE. SHE IS A STUDENT AND NEEDS TO GET TO COLLEGE. WE HAVE CONTACTED CHEVY AND THEY TELL US IT'S NOT UNDER RECALL AND IT'S GOING TO COST BETWEEN $600- $1200 DOLLARS. IT COULD EITHER BE THE POWERSTEERING MOTOR OR THE STEERING COLUMN. THEY WON'T KNOW UNTIL THEY GET IN TO THE WORK. I LOOKED ON LINE AND FOUND A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE 05-06 MODEL. THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AS THE PROBLEM IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE ON THE ROAD. THE EXPENSE IS BOTH UNNECESSARY AND A BURDEN IN THESE TOUGH TIMES. MY CHILD IS A STUDENT AND DOES NOT NEED TO SHOULDER THIS BURDEN BECAUSE OF THE BAD ENGINEERING BY CHEVY. I KNOW THEY ARE BANKRUPT AND THIS IS A BURDEN WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO TAKE. SOME ONE IS GOING TO DIE! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE "REDUCED ENGINE SPEED" AND "ENGINE DISABLED" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103000.
2005 CHEVY COBALT--POWER STEERING GOES OUT SUDDENLY ON CAR. *TR
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (~65 MPH) THE CAR HAS SHUT OFF 4 TIMES. EACH TIME CAR BEHAVED THE SAME WAY, AS IF THE KEY HAD BEEN REMOVED: THE ENGINE STOPPED, INSTRUMENT PANEL DIALS WENT TO 0, LIGHTS TURNED OFF. RADIO STAYED ON (AS IT WOULD IF THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF). THE SHUT OFFS WERE SUDDEN: THERE WERE NO WARNINGS (LIGHTS,…
Read full complaint
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (~65 MPH) THE CAR HAS SHUT OFF 4 TIMES. EACH TIME CAR BEHAVED THE SAME WAY, AS IF THE KEY HAD BEEN REMOVED: THE ENGINE STOPPED, INSTRUMENT PANEL DIALS WENT TO 0, LIGHTS TURNED OFF. RADIO STAYED ON (AS IT WOULD IF THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF). THE SHUT OFFS WERE SUDDEN: THERE WERE NO WARNINGS (LIGHTS, SOUNDS, VIBRATIONS) BEFORE SHUT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO COAST/BRAKE AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHIFT TO PARK AND RESTART THE CAR EACH TIME. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS IN JULY 2008 APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES INTO A TRIP. THE SECOND THREE INCIDENTS HAPPENED IN ABOUT A 30 MINUTE TIME SPAN ON THE SAME TRIP IN MID OCTOBER. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP AFTER THE OCTOBER INCIDENTS AND THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. THEY PERFORMED A COMPUTER UPDATE. I HAD THEM CHECK THE WIRING IN JANUARY 2009 AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. THE CLOCK RADIO RESETS TO 12:00 (WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR, NOT DURING DRIVING) ABOUT ONCE EVERY 3 MONTHS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2005 - I'M NOT SURE IF THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED. THE CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC 2005 COBALT, 4 DOORS WITH ABOUT 35000 MILES. *TR
Official recalls
514V171000 · Electrical System:ignition
Apr 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.
14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch
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.
10V073000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
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.
07V014000 · Structure
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.
04V560000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE10005 · Electric Power Steering Failure
Opened Jan 27, 2010 · Closed Jul 19, 2010
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
In a March 1, 2010 letter, General Motors Corporation (GM) provided a defect information report to NHTSA regarding a problem that could result in sudden loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and MY 2007 through 2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS).The letter indicates that the loss of steering assist could occur at any time while driving and that, once assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and a chime sounds to inform the driver.The letter further states that steering control is maintained in manual mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds.In the next ignition cycle, power assist is typically regained and the DIC message is no longer displayed.GM's letter identifies the root cause of the EPS failure as the EPS motor and indicates that production of a new motor started in December 2009.GM's recall repair procedure instructs dealers to replace the EPS motor in all recalled vehicles. ODI's analysis of all information available related to sudden loss of EPS assist while driving in the MY 2005 through 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles shows current complaint and warranty rates of 323/100,000 vehicles and 0.4% respectively.In response to ODI's request for information, GM identified 81 complaints where a crash was claimed that may be related to loss of EPS assist.ODI's analysis of all crash claims was based on verifiable factors such as; whether a loss of EPS was indicated at the time of the crash by a chime or malfunction indicator lamp or if a EPS related component malfunction was identified after the crash occurred.With this method ODI identified 36 possible crashes related to EPS failure.GM assessed crash claims based on the available facts and excluded crash claims that indicated that the vehicle was travelling at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater.GM said that it believes if power assist is lost while a vehicle is moving at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater there is a small difference in steering efforts perceived in subjective evaluations at those speeds and it is unlikely to lead to loss of vehicle control. Based on GM's safety recall, this investigation is closed.
Illustration