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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

Seat Belts complaints

7 reports
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130,000 miles · Apr 9, 2014
Air BagsEngineSeat BeltsCrash

MY DAUGHTER WAS ON HER WAY TO WORK AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP ANDHIT THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE CAR SHUT OFF... SHE DID WHAT THE RECALL WAS TOLD TO DO AND HAD JUST THE KEY IN THE IGNITION... LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO TURN ON THE CAR TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC AND SHE WAS NOT GOING TOO FAST THE SEATBELTS DID NOT WORK A…

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MY DAUGHTER WAS ON HER WAY TO WORK AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP ANDHIT THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE CAR SHUT OFF... SHE DID WHAT THE RECALL WAS TOLD TO DO AND HAD JUST THE KEY IN THE IGNITION... LUCKILY SHE WAS ABLE TO TURN ON THE CAR TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC AND SHE WAS NOT GOING TOO FAST THE SEATBELTS DID NOT WORK AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT WORK AS WELL.. ALSO BEFORE WE KNEW ABOUT THE RECALL HER IGNITION WAS MESSING UP BY NOT ABLE TO COMPLETELY TURN OFF WHILE IN PARK AND KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT... WE HAVE TO SHIFT GEARS AND TURN OFF AND ON THE CAR TO GET THE KEY LOOSE... SO NOW WE ARE DOWN A CAR, I PAID THE CAR IN FULL AND ITS NOW NOT DRIVABLE... ?? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10578576

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2014
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

WAS HIT FROM A CAR GOING 70 MILES PER HR. THE SEAT BELTS THAT MORNING WERE NOT WORKING FOR THE DRIVER SIDE, ENABLING MY MOTHER TO HAVE SAFETY PROTECTION. WE HAVE EVIDENCE AND PICTURES OF THIS, SHE WAS THROWN OUT OF THE CAR. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, BECAUSE WE WERE HIT AT SUCH A FAST SPEED, IT CAUSED OUR CAR TO S…

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WAS HIT FROM A CAR GOING 70 MILES PER HR. THE SEAT BELTS THAT MORNING WERE NOT WORKING FOR THE DRIVER SIDE, ENABLING MY MOTHER TO HAVE SAFETY PROTECTION. WE HAVE EVIDENCE AND PICTURES OF THIS, SHE WAS THROWN OUT OF THE CAR. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, BECAUSE WE WERE HIT AT SUCH A FAST SPEED, IT CAUSED OUR CAR TO SPIN AROUND IN CIRCLES AND RUN INTO A BUILDING. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ALSO DID NOT LOCK UP, CAUSING ME TO BE THROWN INTO THE DRIVER SEAT WITHOUT THE AIRBAGS PRESENCE TO KEEP ME IN PLACE. I AM DISGUSTED TO KNOW THERE WAS ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THIS IN 2004 YET THEY JUST NOW CHOOSE TO CALL A RECALL ON THESE SITUATIONS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10566888

61,882 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Seat BeltsSteeringStructure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 15-20 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. A CHIME SOUNDED INSIDE THE VEHICLE; FOLLOWED BY THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATION. IMMEDIATELY, THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 15-20 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. A CHIME SOUNDED INSIDE THE VEHICLE; FOLLOWED BY THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATION. IMMEDIATELY, THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF FIVE SECONDS. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR CAUSED AN EXTREMELY INTENSE ELECTRICAL SHOCK WHENEVER ACCESSING THE DOOR. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRENCES WERE WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WITHOUT A SERVICE CHARGE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED FOR THE FAILURE OR REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,882.

NHTSA ODI #10315456

61,000 miles · Feb 27, 2010
Seat BeltsSteering

POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY. LUCKILY I AM A STRONG MAN AND WAS DRIVING AND NOT MY WIFE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS NOW NO LONGER USABLE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS STUCK BUCKLED TOGETHER FOR THE 2ND TIME. IT CAN NO BE DETACHED. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. AND NOW I MUST REPLACE THIS SEAT BELT AND BUCK…

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POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY. LUCKILY I AM A STRONG MAN AND WAS DRIVING AND NOT MY WIFE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS NOW NO LONGER USABLE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS STUCK BUCKLED TOGETHER FOR THE 2ND TIME. IT CAN NO BE DETACHED. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. AND NOW I MUST REPLACE THIS SEAT BELT AND BUCKLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10314886

53,000 miles · Apr 25, 2008
Air BagsSeat Belts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTORS WERE LOCKED. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. HE REFUSED TO HAVE THE DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO CHARGE HIM $100. THE VEH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTORS WERE LOCKED. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. HE REFUSED TO HAVE THE DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO CHARGE HIM $100. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY REFERRED HIM BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. UPDATED 5/19/08 *CN UPDATED 05/19/08

NHTSA ODI #10225725

21,000 miles · Feb 26, 2008
Air BagsEquipmentSeat BeltsCrashInjury

ON THE DATE LISTED, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AT APP. 40MPH. AT WHICH POINT SHE RAN INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED. UPON IMPACT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO KEEP HER IN THE DRIVER SEAT. THERE WAS ALSO NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. UPON IMPACT SHE FLEW UPWARDS AND FORWARD, HITTING HER FACE ON THE VISOR. SHE WENT TO THE HOSPI…

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ON THE DATE LISTED, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AT APP. 40MPH. AT WHICH POINT SHE RAN INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED. UPON IMPACT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO KEEP HER IN THE DRIVER SEAT. THERE WAS ALSO NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. UPON IMPACT SHE FLEW UPWARDS AND FORWARD, HITTING HER FACE ON THE VISOR. SHE WENT TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE THEY DID SCANS AND FOUND NO BLEEDING ON THE BRAIN, HOWEVER SHE WAS INJURED IN THE FACE TO WHICH SHE STILL HAS A BUMP ON THE BRIDGE OF HER NOSE AND STILL GETS HEADACHES. ALSO, SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT SHE HAD TWO BLACK EYES AND A CONCUSSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT ANYTHING WAS DONE WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM OR THE SEAT BELT, BY THE AUTO BODY SHOP. WE CONTACTED GM A DAY OR TWO AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THEY SENT AN ENGINEER OUT TO GATHER READINGS FROM THE CAR A FEW WEEKS LATER. IT WASN'T UNTIL THIS WEEK THAT WE HEARD SOMETHING BACK FROM GM. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING FOR THEM TO DO AND THEY LEFT IT AT THAT. WE ARE STILL DRIVING THE SAME CAR AND ARE VERY WEARY OF WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF WE ARE INVOLVED IN ANOTHER ACCIDENT. I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL DONE AND THE MANUFACTURE HELD LIABLE FOR THE EQUIPMENT FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10219174

10,000 miles · Aug 29, 2005
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

DT: 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE SLIDING THROUGH A RED LIGHT ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT CONSUMER'S ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR. THE VEHICLE THEN HIT A POLE, SPUN AROUND, AND HIT ANOTHER POLE. THE VEHICLE ALMOST FLIPPED OVER. IT WENT UP ON TWO WHEELS AND CAME BACK DOWN. THERE WAS FRONT AND REAR END DAMAGE. T…

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DT: 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE SLIDING THROUGH A RED LIGHT ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT CONSUMER'S ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR. THE VEHICLE THEN HIT A POLE, SPUN AROUND, AND HIT ANOTHER POLE. THE VEHICLE ALMOST FLIPPED OVER. IT WENT UP ON TWO WHEELS AND CAME BACK DOWN. THERE WAS FRONT AND REAR END DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT CAME OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED YET TO DETERMINE WHY THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 27, 2005. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE PASSEWNGER SUSTAINED INJURIES, HIT CHEST AND ARM ON THE DASH,BOARD AND SHE WAS BRUISED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10134639

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.