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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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79,000 miles · Aug 5, 2009
Steering

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT THAT WHEN DRIVING DOWN RODE IT FLASHES AND SAYS POWER STEERING THEN YOU LOSE ALL POWER IN THE STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. AFTER REASSURING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE LEARNED IT IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN ON CHEVY COBALTS. THIS ALMOST CAUSED ME AND MY 9 YR OLD SOME TO WRECK CAUSE IT HAPPENE…

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT THAT WHEN DRIVING DOWN RODE IT FLASHES AND SAYS POWER STEERING THEN YOU LOSE ALL POWER IN THE STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. AFTER REASSURING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE LEARNED IT IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN ON CHEVY COBALTS. THIS ALMOST CAUSED ME AND MY 9 YR OLD SOME TO WRECK CAUSE IT HAPPENED IN A CURVE. YOU HAVE TO STOP THE CAR SHUT IT OFF THEN CRANK IT BACK AGAIN AND IT RESETS. GM SAYS THEY ARE UNAWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I'M TELLING YOU ABOUT THIS PROBLEM CAUSE SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT BADLY IF NOTHING IS DONE ABOUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279449

129,000 miles · Aug 5, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT BLINKED OFF AND ON. THE STEERING THEN BECAME VERY STIFF WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MANEUVER THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO HIS DESTINATION. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED TH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT BLINKED OFF AND ON. THE STEERING THEN BECAME VERY STIFF WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MANEUVER THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO HIS DESTINATION. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND ALLOW THE COMPUTER SYSTEM TO RESET, AND THEN RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED HIM TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE CONTACT HAS CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE FAILURE WITH THE POWER STEERING AND THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF. THE FAILURE IS NOT CORRECTING ITSELF BY THE COMPUTER RESETTING. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. HE ALSO PLANS ON NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10279431

79,000 miles · Aug 4, 2009
Steering

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT GAVE A STEERING ALARM THEN LOCKED GOING INTO A CURVE HAD TO STOP AND TURN THE KEY OFF AND RESTART HAD TO STOP IN MIDDLE OF THE ROAD SO I CALLED GM THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD NOT BEEN ANY COMPLAINTS THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID THAT THEY WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM I MEAN HELLO IT IS A PROBLEM THEY ARE A…

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT GAVE A STEERING ALARM THEN LOCKED GOING INTO A CURVE HAD TO STOP AND TURN THE KEY OFF AND RESTART HAD TO STOP IN MIDDLE OF THE ROAD SO I CALLED GM THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD NOT BEEN ANY COMPLAINTS THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID THAT THEY WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEM I MEAN HELLO IT IS A PROBLEM THEY ARE A NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS EVERY ONE NEED TO CALL GM AND COMPLAIN THEY HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM . THE REPAIRS IS ANYWHERE FROM 1000 TO 1500 DOLLARS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279391

54,900 miles · Aug 4, 2009
Steering

I HAVE AN 05 COBALT AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES. I HAVE HAS THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AND MY POWER STEERING HAS HAD TO BE FIXED ALONG WITH A FEW OTHER ISSUES. THE PLACE I PURCHASED AND HAD MY CAR SERVICED WAS CLOSED DUE TO DOING SHADY BUSINESS(BILL HEARD IN BUFORD GA). I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD NAME BR…

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I HAVE AN 05 COBALT AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES. I HAVE HAS THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AND MY POWER STEERING HAS HAD TO BE FIXED ALONG WITH A FEW OTHER ISSUES. THE PLACE I PURCHASED AND HAD MY CAR SERVICED WAS CLOSED DUE TO DOING SHADY BUSINESS(BILL HEARD IN BUFORD GA). I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD NAME BRAND AND IT WAS SAFE AS I JUST HAD A BABY. AS IT TURNS OUT THIS CAR SEEMS TO BE A DEATH TRAP AND NO ONE WILL DO ANYTHING AS THESE ARE SAFETY ISSUES AND ISSUES ON THINGS THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279309

54,972 miles · Aug 4, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering

WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT OR AROUND 60 MPH AND THE POWERSTEERING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND HARD FOR ME TO PULL OF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED MY CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT BEGAN WORKING NORMALLY. APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES LATER THE POWERSTEERING WENT OUT …

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WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT OR AROUND 60 MPH AND THE POWERSTEERING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND HARD FOR ME TO PULL OF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED MY CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT BEGAN WORKING NORMALLY. APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES LATER THE POWERSTEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. AS OF TODAY AUGUST 3, 2009 IT HAS GONE OUT 3 TIMES WITHIN 3 DAYS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279282

29,000 miles · Aug 1, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering

DRIVING MY 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT, THE STEERING LOCKUP AND A ALARM APPEAR ON DASH SAID POWER STEERING FAILURE, TO CORRECT THIS. HAVE TO STOP THE CAR, TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART. THEN ANYWHERE FROM 5 TO 15 MINUTE THE STEERING LOCKUP AGAIN. I THINK THIS IS A SAFE ISSUE. THE CAR HAS A ELECTRICAL POWER PUMP AND IS NOT THE ONLY …

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DRIVING MY 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT, THE STEERING LOCKUP AND A ALARM APPEAR ON DASH SAID POWER STEERING FAILURE, TO CORRECT THIS. HAVE TO STOP THE CAR, TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART. THEN ANYWHERE FROM 5 TO 15 MINUTE THE STEERING LOCKUP AGAIN. I THINK THIS IS A SAFE ISSUE. THE CAR HAS A ELECTRICAL POWER PUMP AND IS NOT THE ONLY CAR AT HAS IS PUMP, CHEVROLET EQUINOX HAS THE SAME PUMP AND ALSO THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279038

45,000 miles · Jul 31, 2009
Steering

I AM HAVING SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT LS WITH 66,000 MI. SINCE ABOUT 45,000 MILES THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT EVERYTIME I GO TO DRIVE THE CAR ALMOST AS SOON AS I PULL OFF. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND ALMOST CAUSED ME BODILY HARM ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THOUGH INTERNET SEARCHES I HAVE FOUNDS THE T…

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I AM HAVING SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT LS WITH 66,000 MI. SINCE ABOUT 45,000 MILES THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT EVERYTIME I GO TO DRIVE THE CAR ALMOST AS SOON AS I PULL OFF. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND ALMOST CAUSED ME BODILY HARM ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THOUGH INTERNET SEARCHES I HAVE FOUNDS THE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THESE COBALTS OF ALL YEARS. I REALLY THINK THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279012

77,000 miles · Jul 30, 2009
Steering

POWER STEERING GOES COMPLETELY OUT... VERY DANGEROUS. HAS GONE OUT RANDOMLY OVER THE LAST 2 WEEKS. VERY DANGEROUS WITH MY BABIES IN THE CAR! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10278755

50,000 miles · Jul 29, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE LACK OF POWER STEERING MAKES THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO TURN AT HIGH SPEEDS, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A CRASH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE LACK OF POWER STEERING MAKES THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO TURN AT HIGH SPEEDS, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A CRASH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #10278717

Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2009
Steering

ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING NON REPAIRABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10278682

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.