IllustrationTAKATA RECALL. I HIT A PATCH OF ICE GOING TO A FRIENDS HOUSE. I DID A THREE SIXTY HITTING A GUARDRAIL ALL THE WAY AROUND. MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T GO OFF. THEY SHOULD OF WITH HOW HARD I HIT. TOTALED OUT MY CAR. I WAS TRAVELING DOWN I-75 IN OHIO
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
1780–25K
29325–50K
41350–75K
22775–100K
198100–150K
98150K+
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
Structure complaints
46 reportsWHEN DRIVING REAR AND FRONT DOORS OPEN WHEN HITTING A BUMPL THEY JUST FLY OPEN WON'T STAY LOCKED OR CLOSED. WHEN CLOSING THEM SOMETIMES NOT ABLE TO REOPEN THEM. THE DOOR MECHANISMS ARE FAULTLY AND DON'T WORK. REAL SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD BE ON RECALL LIST AS MANY PEOPLE ON-LINE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DOORS CONSTANTLY LOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO CRAWL IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE WINDOW. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE POWER STEERING AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED L…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DOORS CONSTANTLY LOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO CRAWL IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE WINDOW. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE POWER STEERING AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED HARRY GREEN CHEVROLET AT 304-624-6304 (1858 E PIKE ST, CLARKSBURG, WV 26301) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V014000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
MY PASSENGER DOOR RANDOMLY DOES NOT OPEN ANYMORE FROM INSIDE OR OUT. IT WORKED COMPLETELY FINE BEFORE A PASSENGER GOT IN, AND WHEN THEY TRIED TO GET OUT THE HANDLE WAS "LOOSE" AND NEITHER HANDLES WILL OPEN THE DOOR. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND IT'S SCARY THAT THIS COULD POTENTIALLY HAPPEN TO BOTH DOORS. MY PASSENGER DOOR CURRENT…
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MY PASSENGER DOOR RANDOMLY DOES NOT OPEN ANYMORE FROM INSIDE OR OUT. IT WORKED COMPLETELY FINE BEFORE A PASSENGER GOT IN, AND WHEN THEY TRIED TO GET OUT THE HANDLE WAS "LOOSE" AND NEITHER HANDLES WILL OPEN THE DOOR. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND IT'S SCARY THAT THIS COULD POTENTIALLY HAPPEN TO BOTH DOORS. MY PASSENGER DOOR CURRENTLY DOESN'T OPEN SO IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT THEY WOULDN'T EVEN BE ABLE TO GET OUT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE THE HEADLAMP BULB BECAUSE THE BULB SHIELD FELL OFF. THE CONTACT HAD NOT NOTICED THE SHIELD WAS MISSING UNTIL HE NOTICED A GLARE IN THE BULB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO LIGHT BULBS AFFECTED DUE TO THE REFLECTOR FAILING WITHOUT WARNING. THE C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE THE HEADLAMP BULB BECAUSE THE BULB SHIELD FELL OFF. THE CONTACT HAD NOT NOTICED THE SHIELD WAS MISSING UNTIL HE NOTICED A GLARE IN THE BULB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO LIGHT BULBS AFFECTED DUE TO THE REFLECTOR FAILING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A REPAIR MANUAL AND NOTICED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V560000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE GLARE COULD AFFECT AN ONCOMING MOTORIST, RESULTING IN A CRASH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,400.
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH DOES NOT WANT TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS NOTHING CONNECTING TO OPEN IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAVE HAD TO CRAWL OVER PASSENGER SIDE TO OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE. I UNDERSTAND THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, SOMETHING NEEDS…
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THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH DOES NOT WANT TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS NOTHING CONNECTING TO OPEN IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAVE HAD TO CRAWL OVER PASSENGER SIDE TO OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE. I UNDERSTAND THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.
WHEN I UNLOCK THE DRIVER DOOR WITH THE FOB, THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY AND THE RELAY ELECTRICAL WIRING STARTED BURNING. WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO THE CAR DEALER THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. MYSELF AND FOUR OTHER PEOPLE SMELLED THE BURNING. I GAVE THE CAR BACK AND NOTHING WAS DONE TO SATISFY THE SITUATIO…
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WHEN I UNLOCK THE DRIVER DOOR WITH THE FOB, THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY AND THE RELAY ELECTRICAL WIRING STARTED BURNING. WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO THE CAR DEALER THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. MYSELF AND FOUR OTHER PEOPLE SMELLED THE BURNING. I GAVE THE CAR BACK AND NOTHING WAS DONE TO SATISFY THE SITUATION. I WAS TOLD BY AN AUTO ZONE MECHANIC TO PARK THE CAR BEFORE IT CATCHES ON FIRE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY UNLOCK AND LOCK IN A LOOP WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE ALARM TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY UNLOCK AND LOCK IN A LOOP WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE ALARM TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.
ALL MY DOOR HANDLES ARE FALLING OFF AND I'VE HEARD MANY COLBLATS DOING THE SAME AND ALL MY PAINT IS CHIPPING OFF MY CAR I DROVE FROM A TO B AND THAT'S ALL
WAS DRIVING WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED UP AS I WAS STARTING AROUND A SMALL CURVE IN THE ROAD. COULD NOT STEER AND WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO A YARD AND STRUCK A TREE. INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED VEHICLE.
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.