WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 30-40 MPH, LOST CONTROL OF CAR, COULD NOT STEER, CRASHED THROUGH TREES, CAR TOTALED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JS
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.
Steering complaints
1,143 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,951.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BOX DISCONNECTED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF FAILURE AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,0…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BOX DISCONNECTED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF FAILURE AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 8/11/14*CN UPDATED 8/30/2017*CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS ALSO A BUZZING CHIME THAT SOUNDED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND ONCE RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING RESUMED NORMALLY. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS ALSO A BUZZING CHIME THAT SOUNDED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND ONCE RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
POWER STEERING GAVE OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TR
I RENTED THIS BRAND NEW COBALT 4 MONTHS AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA FROM MOBILE ALABAMA, SO AS TO GO BACK TO MY HOME TOWN OF SAN FRANCISCO, CA. BY THE TIME I MADE IT THROUGH LOS ANGELES, AT AROUND 430 AM. I LOST CONTROL OF CAR DUE TO SEVERE STIFFNESS IN THE STEERING. WHICH LED TO THE VEHICLE RUNNING OFF OF I-5 HEADING NORTH BOUND AT…
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I RENTED THIS BRAND NEW COBALT 4 MONTHS AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA FROM MOBILE ALABAMA, SO AS TO GO BACK TO MY HOME TOWN OF SAN FRANCISCO, CA. BY THE TIME I MADE IT THROUGH LOS ANGELES, AT AROUND 430 AM. I LOST CONTROL OF CAR DUE TO SEVERE STIFFNESS IN THE STEERING. WHICH LED TO THE VEHICLE RUNNING OFF OF I-5 HEADING NORTH BOUND AT A SPEED OF 60 MILES PER HOUR. VISIBILITY WAS GOOD, I VEERED OFF THE FREEWAY INTO THE MEDIAN PORTION OF I-5, AND I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN BUT NO RESPONSE WHICH LED ME TO ROLL OVER FEW TIMES, END TO END AND OVER AND OVER, LUCKILY I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT AND IT HELD VERY WELL, SUPRISINGLY, NO AIRBAGS, NONE OF THEM DEPLOYED, AND ALL THE WINDOWS BLEW OUT, AND NOT THE REINFORCED KIND INCLUDING THE FRONT WIND SHIELD. THE AMBULANCE CAME, AND SO DID THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL. THERE IS A REPORT ABOUT IT WHICH INDICATES THAT NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED, AND I DO HAVE PICTURES OF CAR AFTER INCIDENT. I HAD FEW BUMPS AND BRUISES AND HAD FEW CUTS FROM THE GLASS ON MY ARMS AND LEGS, AND I HAD TO ACQUIRE A FEW ROUNDS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AND ACCUPUNCTURE.BUT LUCKILY I WAS IN GOOD SPIRITS.THE CAR WAS COVERED UNDER 3 INSURANCES, WHICH PAID FOR SOME DAMAGE, INCLUDING MY DISCOVER CARD, AND MY GRANDMA'S AARP. AND THE RENTAL CAR COMPANY. *JS
I PURCHASE MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 2005 AND HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING EVER SINCE. I HAD THIS CAR AT THE DEALER FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AS WELL AS FOR THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THE CART IN THE SHOP MONTHLY FOR THEM TO EVALUATE UNTIL THEY SAID THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THE…
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I PURCHASE MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 2005 AND HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING EVER SINCE. I HAD THIS CAR AT THE DEALER FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AS WELL AS FOR THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THE CART IN THE SHOP MONTHLY FOR THEM TO EVALUATE UNTIL THEY SAID THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THEY COULD DO THEY CANT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. WENT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND STILL NO SATISFACTION I EVEN CALLED GM TO COMPLAIN SEVERAL TIMES AND I CRIED THAT I WAS GOING TO GET KILLED AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NOW 13 + PEOPLE ARE DEAD. I HAVE MY CAR AT THE DEALER AND IT WAS A FIASCO. THEY GAVE ME BACK MY CAR WITH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND SAID I SHOULD PAY FOR DIAGNOSTICS. REALLY?? THEY HAD MY CAR I DID NOT GIVE IT TO THEM THAT WAY. I CALLED GM AND THEY TOLD ME TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC MY CAR IS TO OLD SO THEY WONT MAKE THEM DO ANYTHING. NICE REAL NICE - I GUESS I AM LUCKY TO STILL BE ALIVE TODAY - I WISH I COULD SUE THEM BUT I WORK HARD AND DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO SPEND. AGAIN THEY ARE LUCKY THEY HAVE NO PENALTY. THEY DON'T CARE AND THEY WILL ONLY DO WHAT THEY ARE FORCED TO DO NOT WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BAILED OUT THEY SHOULD NEVER HAVE THAT PRIVILEGE AGAIN. IN THIS WORLD ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE AND THE WEAK FAIL. LET THEM FAIL. *TR
2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START. WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALER, THE TOLD HER TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL UP AND DOWN AND TAP ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE WERE TIMES THROUGH OUT THE YEARS, WHERE…
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2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START. WHEN SHE CALLED THE DEALER, THE TOLD HER TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL UP AND DOWN AND TAP ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE WERE TIMES THROUGH OUT THE YEARS, WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT, THE OIL PAN WAS LEAKING, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED, THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS INOPERABLE, AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTHERBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTHERBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
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.
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