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2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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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.

97 crash reports12 fire reports57 injury reports

Power Train complaints

99 reports
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53,000 miles · Jul 12, 2011
Electrical SystemPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WERE MALFUNCTIONING AND THE POWER OF STEERING WOULD FAIL SPORADICALLY WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING GEARS INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES WERE MALFUNCTIONING AND THE POWER OF STEERING WOULD FAIL SPORADICALLY WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING GEARS INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

NHTSA ODI #10412059

32,700 miles · Jun 12, 2011
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD NO MILEAGE OR SPEEDOMETER READING. I TOOK IT TO MR. TIRE WHICH WAS ABOUT 3 MILES AWAY. THEY PUT THE CAR ON A MACHINE AND FOUND MIL CODE U0101. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS. I CALLED THE DEALER THE NEXT MORNING AND TOOK IT RIGHT OVER TO THEM…

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THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD NO MILEAGE OR SPEEDOMETER READING. I TOOK IT TO MR. TIRE WHICH WAS ABOUT 3 MILES AWAY. THEY PUT THE CAR ON A MACHINE AND FOUND MIL CODE U0101. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS. I CALLED THE DEALER THE NEXT MORNING AND TOOK IT RIGHT OVER TO THEM. THEY HAD THE CAR FOR TWO DAYS AND FINALLY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE TCM AND REPROGRAM IT, CLEAR THE CODES AND RETEST. THIS WAS GOING TO COST $500. I HAD TAKEN THIS CAR TO BOB BELL LAST JUNE WHEN I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE. IT WAS REPAIRED. AFTER A FEW MONTHS I NOTICED THAT THREE OR FOUR TIMES THE SIGNAL CAME ON ABOUT BRAKES BUT THEN DISAPPEARED AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. THEN THIS MONDAY THIS HAPPENED.

NHTSA ODI #10406608

25,300 miles · Jun 1, 2011
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK. DURING THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT ALSO BEGAN TO HEAR A CLICKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND SHUT OFF. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCU…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK. DURING THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT ALSO BEGAN TO HEAR A CLICKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND SHUT OFF. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE POWER STEERING SERVICE LIGHT AND ANOTHER WARNING BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THERE WAS NO STEERING FAILURE EVEN THOUGH THE POWER STEERING SERVICE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,300.

NHTSA ODI #10404021

99,940 miles · Feb 1, 2011
Power TrainSteeringTraction Control System

WITH NO ADVANCED SIGNS OR WARNING (MILEAGE AT 99,930), UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR'S RPM REVVED UP AND DOWN AND WANTED TO STALL. THE FUEL GAUGE JUMPED BACK AND FORTH. THERE WAS A CONSTANT CLICKING IN THE GEAR SHIFT AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED INTO PLACE WHERE I COULD N…

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WITH NO ADVANCED SIGNS OR WARNING (MILEAGE AT 99,930), UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR'S RPM REVVED UP AND DOWN AND WANTED TO STALL. THE FUEL GAUGE JUMPED BACK AND FORTH. THERE WAS A CONSTANT CLICKING IN THE GEAR SHIFT AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED INTO PLACE WHERE I COULD NOT TURN IT. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES BEFORE EVERYTHING SEEMED TO GO BACK TO NORMAL AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE. THE NEXT TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS WHEN MILEAGE WAS AT 99960. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AT STOPPING AND STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND SECURITY WARNING LIGHTS WENT OUT AND I PUT THE CAR INTO GEAR TO DRIVE, ONLY TO BE PRACTICALLY JERKED OUT OF MY SEAT WITH HARD SHIFTING AND ACTING LIGHT IT WANTED TO STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP. I DROVE THE CAR DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUED ON THE ENTIRE DRIVE THERE. ONCE THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF, THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE RECREATED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEREFORE I WAS SENT ON MY WAY WITH NO EXPLANATION OF WHAT MIGHT BE WRONG. THE NEXT REPEAT EVENT OCCURRED 3 WEEKS LATER (MILEAGE 100,450) BUT CORRECTED ITSELF WITH SEVERAL OFF/ON OF THE ENGINE. NEXT OCCURRENCE AGAIN AT 100,600 WITH SAME RESULTS. THIS HAS NOT YET HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING, BUT I DID ASK THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS HAPPENING AND HE SAID IF IT DID, I WOULD EASILY BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AND PULL OFF THE ROAD. PERSONALLY, I DO NOT WANT TO EXPERIENCE THIS WHILE DRIVING 55-65 MPH! THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THIS COULD BE A COSTLY FIX SINCE IT IS A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION AND NO GUARANTEES EACH TIME WHATEVER THEY TRIED WOULD FIX IT...NOT MUCH CONFIDENCE COMING FROM THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP MECHANIC!! *LN

NHTSA ODI #10379893

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2010
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

*PLEASE NOTE...THE INCIDENT DATE IS APPROXIMATE. WE HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT SEDAN THAT WAS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING MOTOR INTERMITTENT POWER STEERING FAILURE. WE HAD NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING PRIOR TO THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED. AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, WE BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WIT…

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*PLEASE NOTE...THE INCIDENT DATE IS APPROXIMATE. WE HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT SEDAN THAT WAS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING MOTOR INTERMITTENT POWER STEERING FAILURE. WE HAD NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING PRIOR TO THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED. AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, WE BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH INTERMITTENT POWER STEERING FAILURE - PLUS ADDITIONAL FAILURES. UPON START-UP, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED NO POWER STEERING, AND HAD TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RETRY NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE THE POWER STEERING RETURNS. IN ADDITION TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATING RANDOM CLICKING OF THE BRAKE SAFETY INTERLOCK RELAY / ACTUATOR (WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKE). CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TRANSMISSION GOING INTO "LIMP MODE"..."SLAMMING" INTO GEAR WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK - OR IMPROPER SHIFTING WHILE DRIVING. RANDOM DASH GAUGE FAILURE RANDOM FAILURES OF THE "DRIVER'S INFORMATION CENTER" - FLASHING, ETC. THIS WAS INITIALLY HAPPENING ONLY UPON START-UP...BUT STARTED HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING AS WELL - NEARLY LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY URBAN STREET. SHE WAS FORTUNATELY ABLE TO DRIFT INTO THE TURN LANE AND COME TO A STOP TO AVOID A COLLISION AND LIKELY SERIOUS INJURY TO HERSELF AND OTHERS, AS IT WAS VIRTUALLY UNCONTROLLABLE. IN ADDITION TO THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING (WHILE DRIVING), THE TRANSMISSION ALSO WENT INTO "LIMP MODE", CAUSING VERY HARD SHIFTING AND MUCH DIFFICULTY IN DRIVABILITY. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I AM 6'3", 260LBS., AND I WAS STRUGGLING TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO BEEN IN CONTACT WITH OTHER COBALT OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME SET OF "SYMPTOMS". IT IS CLEAR THAT THE MOTOR REPLACEMENT WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, AND - IN SOME CASES - MAY BE LEADING TO FURTHER PROBLEMS AS IN OUR CASE. THIS VEHICLE IS VERY DANGEROUS! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10373202

60,000 miles · Nov 29, 2010
Power TrainSteering

CHEVY DEALER REPLACED POWER STEERING ASSIST, SINCE THE REPAIR, ISSUE HAS BEEN RECURRING. TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND KNOCKS THE CAR FORWARD, POWER STEERING ERROR APPEARS, TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER SHORT OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10368113

40,350 miles · Oct 18, 2010
Power TrainSteering

I RECENTLY PURCHASED USED MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT AND SUNDAY A WEEK AFTER HAVING THE CAR GAVE ME PROBLEMS. ACCORDING TO THE CARFAX REPORT THE POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED IN APRIL ASSUMING DO TO THE RECALL. BUT I GOT IN MY CAR AND THE POWER STEERING READ ACROSS THE MILEAGE AREA AND CHIMED. VERY LITTLE NOTICEABLE ISSUES DO TO STEER…

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I RECENTLY PURCHASED USED MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT AND SUNDAY A WEEK AFTER HAVING THE CAR GAVE ME PROBLEMS. ACCORDING TO THE CARFAX REPORT THE POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED IN APRIL ASSUMING DO TO THE RECALL. BUT I GOT IN MY CAR AND THE POWER STEERING READ ACROSS THE MILEAGE AREA AND CHIMED. VERY LITTLE NOTICEABLE ISSUES DO TO STEERING BUT WHEN I CAME TO A STOP LIGHT IT VIBRATED REALLY BAD AND THEN EVERYTIME IT SHIFTED(ITS AN AUTOMATIC) TO ANOTHER GEAR HIGHER OR LOWER IT WOULD ACT LIKE IT HAD SHIFTING PROBLEMS. ALSO WHEN I WOULD COME TO STOPS AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN IT WOULD VIBRATE REALLY BAD TO THE POINT WHERE IT SEEMED LIKE IT WOULD STALE OUT. IT HAD ONLY STALLED ONCE. I JUST HOPE SOMEONE CAN RESOLVE THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE TONS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10361007

50,000 miles · Jun 30, 2010
Electrical SystemPower Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE GEAR SHAFT WOULD NOT GO IN PARK AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND HAD HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. TH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE GEAR SHAFT WOULD NOT GO IN PARK AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND HAD HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO PAY $397 FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED THE PROBLEM HAD HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT AND RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHO CLOSED THE CASE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS GIVEN BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILES WERE 50000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10340802

59,000 miles · Jun 20, 2010
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT. 59000 MILES ON IT. HAD THE WHOLE POWER STEERING PROBLEM RIGHT AFTER I FINANCED THE CAR, THE RECALL THAT WENT OUT IN MARCH WAS REPLACED IMMEDIATELY, 3000 MILES LATER (I DRIVE ABOUT 2500-3000 A MONTH) POWER STEERING STARTED ACTING UP AGAIN, TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, IT WOULDN'T ACT UP FOR HIM, HE SAID TO B…

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT. 59000 MILES ON IT. HAD THE WHOLE POWER STEERING PROBLEM RIGHT AFTER I FINANCED THE CAR, THE RECALL THAT WENT OUT IN MARCH WAS REPLACED IMMEDIATELY, 3000 MILES LATER (I DRIVE ABOUT 2500-3000 A MONTH) POWER STEERING STARTED ACTING UP AGAIN, TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, IT WOULDN'T ACT UP FOR HIM, HE SAID TO BRING IT BACK WHEN IT WAS ACTUALLY ACTING UP. IT WORKED FINE FOR A FEW WEEKS, HAPPENED AGAIN, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TOOK IT IN STILL WOULDN'T GIVE HIM ANY PROBLEMS, MECHANIC ADVISED TO HAVE CHEVY CHECK THE POWER STEERING MOTOR RECALL TO SEE IF MAYBE THEY REPLACED IT WITH A BAD MOTOR. CALLED CHEVROLET TO GET THE POWER STEERING RECALL LOOKED AT AGAIN TO SEE IF MAYBE THE REPLACEMENT WAS A BAD ONE..... CHEVY DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT IT, CHECKED THE CAR AND SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH IT, AND THAT HE COULD CHANGE A FEW THINGS.... POWER STEERING COLUMN, NEW BATTERY...ETC. $1000 DOLLARS + WORTH OF WORK AND NOT KNOWING THE WHOLE TIME IF IT WAS EVEN THE PROBLEM. WORKED OK AGAIN FOR A COUPLE MORE WEEKS AND NOW IT DOESN'T WANT TO SHIFT IN AND OUT OF GEARS AND GAIN SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AS SOON AS IT HAPPENED, HE TOOK IT OUT TO TEST DRIVE AND THE DARN THING WOULDN'T ACT UP ON HIM. THIS CAR IS A LEMON, EVEN THE IDIOTIC CHEVROLET PEOPLE AT THE DEALERSHIP DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS GOING ON WITH THE CAR AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. I JUST WANT THE THING OFF MY HANDS, DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO PAY ANYMORE INTO IT, IT'S UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10339244

65,000 miles · Mar 18, 2010
Power Train

MY "TRANSMISSION" WARNING LIGHT ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT IS DISPLAYED ON MY DASH AND THE CAR WILL GAIN OR LOSE R.P.M.'S WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED (WITHOUT DEPRESSING OR LETTING UP ON THE ACCELERATOR). THIS CAUSES THE CAR'S SPEED TO JUMP OR DROP. PLEASE ADVISE ME ON WHAT TO DO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10320704

Official recalls

5

14V171000 · 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. GM’s 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. GM’s 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. GM’s 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

1

PE10005 · 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.