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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

Steering complaints

1,143 reports
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18,000 miles · Oct 26, 2006
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED, ALL DASH BOARD INDICATORS BLACKED OUT AND THERE WAS NO POWER BRAKING. NO WARNING SIGNALS ALERTED THE CONTACT PRIOR THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE PROBLEM RECURRED ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER OPENE…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED, ALL DASH BOARD INDICATORS BLACKED OUT AND THERE WAS NO POWER BRAKING. NO WARNING SIGNALS ALERTED THE CONTACT PRIOR THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE PROBLEM RECURRED ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER OPENED A CASE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO RESET THE ELECTRONIC MODULE, HOWEVER THE DEFECT PERSISTED. *AK THE WINDOWS WOULD GO DOWN SLOW, THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 11/30/06. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10171928

4,698 miles · Oct 11, 2006
Steering

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING BECAME VERY TIGHT AND THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 10/30/06. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10170499

20,000 miles · Oct 4, 2006
Steering

POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND ELECTRICAL PANEL FLUCTUATES. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS AND AT A STANDSTILL. CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 8 TIMES FOR THIS DEFECT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10169968

15,390 miles · Aug 18, 2006
SteeringSuspension

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED TWICE DUE TO A RATTLING NOISE HEARD WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS LAST REPLACED WAS 8-11-06 BUT THE RATTLING NOISE CONTINUED. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO EITHER SIDE, A GRINDING NOISE WAS ALSO HEARD. THE REAR BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED O…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED TWICE DUE TO A RATTLING NOISE HEARD WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS LAST REPLACED WAS 8-11-06 BUT THE RATTLING NOISE CONTINUED. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO EITHER SIDE, A GRINDING NOISE WAS ALSO HEARD. THE REAR BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED ONCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE BOUNCING ALL OVER THE ROAD. SOON AFTER, THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE HEARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO REVERSE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED.

NHTSA ODI #10165968

38,000 miles · Jul 24, 2006
Steering

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AFTER BEING DRIVEN FOR TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE IS USUALLY DRIVEN BY STUDENT DRIVER'S WHO PRACTICE PARKING ON A DAILY BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE OVERDRIVE LIMITS ON THE POWER STEERING ENGAGED AUTOMATICALLY WHEN THE POWER S…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AFTER BEING DRIVEN FOR TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE IS USUALLY DRIVEN BY STUDENT DRIVER'S WHO PRACTICE PARKING ON A DAILY BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE OVERDRIVE LIMITS ON THE POWER STEERING ENGAGED AUTOMATICALLY WHEN THE POWER STEERING WAS USED EXCESSIVELY. THE MANUFACTURER COULD OFFER NO REPAIR BECAUSE THE OVERRIDE FEATURE WAS MANUFACTURED ON THE VEHICLE TO KEEP THE POWER STEERING PUMP INTACT.

NHTSA ODI #10163323

8,000 miles · Jun 26, 2006
EquipmentExterior LightingSteering

WE BOUGHT THIS CAR IN JULY 2005. SINCE THIS TIME, IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 8 TIMES FOR VARIOUS REASONS. MAINLY THE STEERING. GOING OVER BUMPS, IT RATTLES VERY LOUDLY. THE STEERING COLUMN, STRUTS, MOUNTS, AND ALMOST EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE STEERING HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE!! STILL RATTLES LOUDLY. GM TELLS US THAT IS NOT A SAFETY …

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WE BOUGHT THIS CAR IN JULY 2005. SINCE THIS TIME, IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 8 TIMES FOR VARIOUS REASONS. MAINLY THE STEERING. GOING OVER BUMPS, IT RATTLES VERY LOUDLY. THE STEERING COLUMN, STRUTS, MOUNTS, AND ALMOST EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE STEERING HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE!! STILL RATTLES LOUDLY. GM TELLS US THAT IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD. THERE IS A FIX IN PROGRESS BUT MAY TAKE 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR! I PAY A LOT OF MONEY A MONTH FOR A RATTLE TRAP! OTHER ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON THE CAR IS THE RADIO, THE BLOWER MOTOR, THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT, ALL 4 DOOR BEZELS, ALL 4 DOOR WEATHER STRIPPING DUE TO WIND NOISE, THE SHIFTING COLUMN BECAUSE I HAD TROUBLE GETTING THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST NEW CAR PURCHASE I HAVE EVER MADE. I HAVE ALREADY BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE BBB ABOUT IT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10160755

13,400 miles · Jun 11, 2006
Steering

AFTER RECENTLY PURCHASING A 2005 CHEVY COBALT, I NOTICED THE STEERING FELT LIKE IT WAS IN A BIND AND I CAN HEAR A RUBBING NOISE WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS. I HAVE BECOME AWARE OF OTHER COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS EXACT SAME THING. I AM CONCERNED THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT AND I WILL LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I KNOW TH…

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AFTER RECENTLY PURCHASING A 2005 CHEVY COBALT, I NOTICED THE STEERING FELT LIKE IT WAS IN A BIND AND I CAN HEAR A RUBBING NOISE WHEN MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS. I HAVE BECOME AWARE OF OTHER COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS EXACT SAME THING. I AM CONCERNED THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT AND I WILL LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I KNOW THERE ARE TWO SERVICE BULLETINS OUT ON THIS; NHTSA ITEM NUMBERS: 10019478 AND 10017497. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF THE DETAILS OF THESE BULLETINS AND WHAT IS BEING DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10159536

19,520 miles · Jun 9, 2006
Steering

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS THERE IS A BINDING AND VIBRATION FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THERE WAS AN ENGINEERING DESIGN FLAW POSSIBLY WITH THE RACK AND PINION. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THERE WAS CURRENTLY NOT A FIX…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING RIGHT HAND TURNS THERE IS A BINDING AND VIBRATION FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THERE WAS AN ENGINEERING DESIGN FLAW POSSIBLY WITH THE RACK AND PINION. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THERE WAS CURRENTLY NOT A FIX FOR THIS, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS WORKING ON FINDING A REMEDY FOR THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10159396

12,500 miles · Jun 6, 2006
Steering

MY NEW 2005 CHEVY COBALT PURCHASED 08/28/05 HAS IMPAIRED MY DRIVING ABILITY TWICE NOW. MY POWER STEERING LIGHT HAS BEEN GENERATED EACH TIME BEFORE I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE OR STEER PROPERLY. ON 04/11/06 WAS ON THE HWY 1ST TIME AND EXITED OFF SAFELY. JUNE 2ND 2006 8 WEEKS LATER 2ND TIME OCCURRED DOWN TOWN DROPPING OFF CHILD TO DA…

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MY NEW 2005 CHEVY COBALT PURCHASED 08/28/05 HAS IMPAIRED MY DRIVING ABILITY TWICE NOW. MY POWER STEERING LIGHT HAS BEEN GENERATED EACH TIME BEFORE I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE OR STEER PROPERLY. ON 04/11/06 WAS ON THE HWY 1ST TIME AND EXITED OFF SAFELY. JUNE 2ND 2006 8 WEEKS LATER 2ND TIME OCCURRED DOWN TOWN DROPPING OFF CHILD TO DAYCARE AND MY WAY TO WORK FOR IMPORTANT WORK MEETING. POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND BEGAN TO JERK MY CAR AGGRESSIVELY BACK AND FORTH UNTIL I GOT SAFELY HOME. CALLED DEALER TO GET TOWED TO THEM THEY GAVE ME A 1800-222-1020, BUT FAILED TO TELL ME THAT IT WOULD BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST CHEVY DEALER WHERE THE CAR IS NOW. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE DEARLERSHIPS HAVE GIVEN ME THE RUN AROUND FOR FOUR DAYS, AND THE CHEVY CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DEALERSHIP INDICATES SUGGEST NO MANUFACTURE DEFECT ISSUE OR SAFETY. NO REASSURANCE TO THE CHEVY COBALT OR WHAT THEIR WILLING TO DO FOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DOES NOT SEEM TO ADDRESSED, OR WHAT I CAN OR CANNOT DO WITH THE CAR. NO CAR LOANER WAS GOING TO BE GIVEN UNTIL THE SERVICE MANAGER SAW A PROBLEM FIRST. IT HAS BEEN DIFFICULT TO GET A STRAIGHT ANSWERS AND QUALITY CUSTOMER CARE AS TO A CONSIDERABLE DEFECT WITH THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE OR THE IMPAIRMENT OF THIS TYPE VEHICLE THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I REQUESTED A REFUND BACK T. STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM EITHER ONE. I WAS TOLD BETWEEN 12 AND 2PM TODAY JUNE 6 2006 I WOULD GET AN ANSWER. NO PHONE CALL AS OF YET. ITS 2:30PM. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10159136

6,800 miles · May 26, 2006
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES FAILED. THE POWER STEERING AND T-C LIGHTS ON THE DASH ILLUMINATED. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WERE AN UNKNOWN COMPUTER PART WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 06/23/06. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10158312

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.