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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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50,000 miles · Jun 3, 2010
SteeringCrashFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED HER DAUGHTER PERISHED IN A VIOLENT CAR CRASH ON JANUARY 10, 2010 AND BELIEVED THE CRASH WAS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE POWER STEERING MODULE. THE POLICE OFFICER WHO HANDLED THE CRASH STATED THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, THE VEHICLE FLIPPED SEVERAL …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED HER DAUGHTER PERISHED IN A VIOLENT CAR CRASH ON JANUARY 10, 2010 AND BELIEVED THE CRASH WAS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE POWER STEERING MODULE. THE POLICE OFFICER WHO HANDLED THE CRASH STATED THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, THE VEHICLE FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND RUN OVER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. ON APRIL 10, 2010, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V073000: STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST) DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE STEERING MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000. .. UPDATED 08-07-12 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES, MELTING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND OTHER COMPONENTS.

NHTSA ODI #10334412

43,067 miles · Jun 2, 2010
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR RECALL 10V073000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS BUT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH PARTS TO COVER THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT TH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR RECALL 10V073000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS BUT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH PARTS TO COVER THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CALL HER BACK WITH THE PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 43,067.

NHTSA ODI #10334306

54,000 miles · Jun 1, 2010
Steering

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT THAT WAS RECALLED FOR THE POWER STEERING COLUMN. I BEGAN HAVING DIFFICULTIES WITH MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOING OUT IN FEB 2010. I BROUGHT IT TO GET LOOKED AT AND WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS FINE. I BROUGHT IT BACK IN WHEN THEY POWER STEERING COLUMN WAS RECALLED. SINCE I HAVE GOTTEN THE POWER STEERING COLUM…

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT THAT WAS RECALLED FOR THE POWER STEERING COLUMN. I BEGAN HAVING DIFFICULTIES WITH MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOING OUT IN FEB 2010. I BROUGHT IT TO GET LOOKED AT AND WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS FINE. I BROUGHT IT BACK IN WHEN THEY POWER STEERING COLUMN WAS RECALLED. SINCE I HAVE GOTTEN THE POWER STEERING COLUMN REPLACED I HAVE CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH GM AND CHEVY AND HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS TOLD BY ALL THREE THAT THERE "WAS NOTHING MORE THEY COULD DO." THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN SO BAD THAT MY CAR WILL JOLT WHEN THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT MAKING THE CAR VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I WILL PULL OFF THE ROAD AND TURN MY CAR OFF FOR APPROX. 15 MINUTES. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AT LOW SPEEDS. MAY 29, 2010 WAS THE LAST DATED ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10334017

86,000 miles · May 30, 2010
Electrical SystemSteering

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT LS WITH POWER STEERING PROBLEMS AND SWITCH PROBLEMS. MY HUSBAND TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE AND TOLD HIM THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS GOOD SO WE TOOK OUR CAR HOME WITH DANGER. SINCE THAT DAY WE HAVE ALOTS OF PROBLEMS. HE HAD TO REPLACE SEVERAL PARTS TO THE CAR. I WANTED TO GIVE MY REPORT BECAUSE I FEEL UNSAFE…

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT LS WITH POWER STEERING PROBLEMS AND SWITCH PROBLEMS. MY HUSBAND TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE AND TOLD HIM THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS GOOD SO WE TOOK OUR CAR HOME WITH DANGER. SINCE THAT DAY WE HAVE ALOTS OF PROBLEMS. HE HAD TO REPLACE SEVERAL PARTS TO THE CAR. I WANTED TO GIVE MY REPORT BECAUSE I FEEL UNSAFE ON MY VEHICLE FOR ME AND MY KIDS AND OTHERS PEOPLE LIFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10333883

89,000 miles · May 28, 2010
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V073000, COMPONENT: STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAS CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES TO GET THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED AND THEY STILL DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS. THE CONTACT STATED SHE DID NOT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V073000, COMPONENT: STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAS CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES TO GET THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED AND THEY STILL DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS. THE CONTACT STATED SHE DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000. UPDATED 12/7/10 *CN

NHTSA ODI #10332650

Mileage unknown · May 25, 2010
Steering

I STARTED DRIVING MY CAR AND WITHIN TEN MINUTES THE WHEEL OF MY CHEVY COBALT 2005 WAS VERY HARD TO STEER. AND I COULD NOT TURN AND ALMOST CAUSED A ACCIDENT. IT WAS VERY STIFF AND VERY HARD TO TURN. THERE WAS A BLINKING SIGN THAT STATED POWER STEERING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THREE DAYS NOW AND I HAVE VISITED A MECHANIC AND …

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I STARTED DRIVING MY CAR AND WITHIN TEN MINUTES THE WHEEL OF MY CHEVY COBALT 2005 WAS VERY HARD TO STEER. AND I COULD NOT TURN AND ALMOST CAUSED A ACCIDENT. IT WAS VERY STIFF AND VERY HARD TO TURN. THERE WAS A BLINKING SIGN THAT STATED POWER STEERING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THREE DAYS NOW AND I HAVE VISITED A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD US THAT HE COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT HAS CAUSED ME MANY PROBLEMS. I DO NOT WANT TO PUT MYSELF IN DANGER AND IT CAN CAUSE LIFE THREATENING PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10332097

80,000 miles · May 17, 2010
SteeringCrash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 45-50 MPH AND SUDDENLY WANDERED INTO THE OPPOSING LANE. THE DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON FATAL CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED A…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 45-50 MPH AND SUDDENLY WANDERED INTO THE OPPOSING LANE. THE DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON FATAL CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #10330748

80,000 miles · May 12, 2010
Electrical SystemSteering

I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. GM DID REPLACE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR, BUT I STILL DO NOT HAVE THE POWER STEERING BACK. THE SERVICE COMPANY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE POWER STEERING MODULE THAT HAS GONE BAD AND IT IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL OR THE WARRANTY. IT IS CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO JUMP AND SPUTTER. WHEN THIS OCCURS I LOO…

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I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. GM DID REPLACE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR, BUT I STILL DO NOT HAVE THE POWER STEERING BACK. THE SERVICE COMPANY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE POWER STEERING MODULE THAT HAS GONE BAD AND IT IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL OR THE WARRANTY. IT IS CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO JUMP AND SPUTTER. WHEN THIS OCCURS I LOOSE ALL MY SAFETY GAUGES LIKE MY SPEEDOMETER, GAS, ETC. THE VEHICLE EVEN CUTS OFF COMPLETELY WHEN I COME TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS. WHAT DO I DO NOW? OH YEAH, I EVEN HAD THE TRANSMISSION WORKED TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T THAT EITHER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10330058

49,000 miles · May 11, 2010
Steering

POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING WHILE DRIVING , YOU CAN PULL OVER STOP AND RESTART ENGINE THEN THE POWER STEERING COMES BACK FOR A WHILE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE BUT SO FAR NOTHING HAS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10329999

175,364 miles · May 11, 2010
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE THE CONTACT WAS TURNING. THE CONTACT NOTED THAT THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT BUT SHE MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT. SHE THEN TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND WAITED FIVE MINUTES TO RESTART; AFTER THE RESTART, THE VEHI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE THE CONTACT WAS TURNING. THE CONTACT NOTED THAT THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT BUT SHE MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT. SHE THEN TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND WAITED FIVE MINUTES TO RESTART; AFTER THE RESTART, THE VEHICLE BEHAVED NORMALLY. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT IT HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP AND THE DEALER INFORMED THAT A RECALL WAS IN PROGRESS FOR THE STEERING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 175,364.

NHTSA ODI #10329887

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.