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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

Structure complaints

46 reports
Clear category filter
139,000 miles · May 5, 2015
Structure

DOORS ARE STICKING AND NOT OPENING FROM THE OUTSIDE, ONE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL, HANDLES BREAKING AND GOT LOCKED INSIDE THE CAR FOR 2 HOURS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10714557

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2015
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury

[XXX]. WAS FRONT PASSENGER IN A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT DRIVEN BY HIS COUSIN [XXX]. ON APRIL 19TH, 2009. [XXX] LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SEVERELY WRECKED THE VEHICLE. [XXX] WAS STUCK UNDER THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS AND HAD TO BE AIR LIFTED TO RICHLAND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WHEN EMERGENCY PERSONNEL ARRIVED. [X…

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[XXX]. WAS FRONT PASSENGER IN A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT DRIVEN BY HIS COUSIN [XXX]. ON APRIL 19TH, 2009. [XXX] LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SEVERELY WRECKED THE VEHICLE. [XXX] WAS STUCK UNDER THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS AND HAD TO BE AIR LIFTED TO RICHLAND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WHEN EMERGENCY PERSONNEL ARRIVED. [XXX] WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND SUFFERED LIFE TIME INJURIES. [XXX] AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH CAUSED HIM TO SUFFER MORE EXTENSIVE INJURIES THAN HE WOULD HAVE IF THE AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY. [XXX]. LATER FOUND OUT THAT GM HAD KNOWN OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IN THE 2005-2006 CHEVROLET COBALT VEHICLES BUT NOT REPORT THIS UNTIL AFTER [XXX] WAS SEVERELY INJURED ON APRIL 19TH, 2009. [XXX] SUFFERED A BROKEN NECK, BROKEN BONE IN HIS RIGHT FOOT, HIS RIGHT HIP WAS KNOCKED OUT OF JOINT, ALSO SEVERE BACK AND SPINE PAIN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10689985

25,000 miles · Feb 1, 2015
Structure

PAINT HAS BEEN FADING FOR THE LAST 5 YEAR FROM DEFECTS IN PANT JOB. PART OF THE FRAME ABOVE THE REAR PASSENGER SAID DOOR IS BARE METAL AND CHIPPING AWAY. ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR IS $5,500.00. I HAVE SEEN OTHER 2005 CHEST COBALT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10680371

81,000 miles · Jan 26, 2015
Structure

THE DOOR DOESN'T OPEN FROM EITHER THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS UNLOCKED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10678814

212,668 miles · Dec 30, 2014
EngineStructureCrashInjury

ON 01//24/2012 I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 COBALT ON THE LODGE FREEWAY IN MICHIGAN MY CAR JUST TURN OFF FOR NO REASON WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH ,YES I WAS INJURED AND LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR . *JS

NHTSA ODI #10669107

202,668 miles · Dec 30, 2014
EngineStructureCrashInjury

ON 01//24/2012 I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 COBALT ON THE LODGE FREEWAY IN MICHIGAN MY CAR JUST TURN OFF FOR NO REASON WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH ,YES I WAS INJURED AND LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10669105

15,000 miles · Jul 1, 2014
Air BagsSteeringStructureCrashInjury

I WAS GOING TO WORK EARLY IN THE MORNING. A TRAIN WAS IN THE DISTANCE WHICH SCARED A HUGE BUCK DEER. THE BUCK DEER WITH HUGE ANTLERS RAN STRAIGHT INTO MY CAR HEAD ON. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER AWAY FROM THE DEER AND MY CAR SEEMED TO SHUT DOWN. THE HUGE BUCK DEER HIT ME HEAD ON. THE LIGHTS WERE TOTALLY SMASHED. THE HOOD OF THE CAR …

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I WAS GOING TO WORK EARLY IN THE MORNING. A TRAIN WAS IN THE DISTANCE WHICH SCARED A HUGE BUCK DEER. THE BUCK DEER WITH HUGE ANTLERS RAN STRAIGHT INTO MY CAR HEAD ON. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER AWAY FROM THE DEER AND MY CAR SEEMED TO SHUT DOWN. THE HUGE BUCK DEER HIT ME HEAD ON. THE LIGHTS WERE TOTALLY SMASHED. THE HOOD OF THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DAMAGED. THE WINDSHIELD WAS TOTALLY SMASHED. THE ROOF WAS DAMAGED AND THE CAR WAS LOPSIDED. THE BUCK DEER ANTLERS WENT THRU THE WINDSHIELD JUST INCHES AWAY FROM ME.THE AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH GREAT FORCE. MY CAR SEEMED TO SHUT OFF AND I COULD NOT STEER AWAY FROM THE DEER. I WAS CUT WITH GLASS ON MY FACE, ARMS AND HANDS. MY NECK AND BACK WAS HURT. I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON BUT MY STOMACH HURT FROM THE DRAMATIC IMPACT. I COMPLAINED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK AND THAT MY CAR ACTED STRANGELY IN WHICH IT SEEMED THE IGNITION SWITCH SHUT EVERYTHING DOWN AND I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR BUT I WAS TOTALLY IGNORED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10607256

4,700 miles · May 17, 2014
Air BagsSteeringStructureCrashInjury

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

NHTSA ODI #10592084

53,379 miles · Apr 2, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior LightingCrashInjury

I WAS STOPPED AT A RED SIGNAL FOR A FEW MINUTES. SUDDENLY, A UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO STUDENT HIT MY CAR FROM THE REAR AT FULL FORCE. HE WAS TEXTING AND WHEN HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR HE WAS STILL TEXTING. HE ADMITTED IT WAS HIS FAULT BECAUSE HE WAS NOT LOOKING AT THE ROAD AND WAS TEXTING ON HIS PHONE. I CALLED THE POLICE AND OBTAINED …

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I WAS STOPPED AT A RED SIGNAL FOR A FEW MINUTES. SUDDENLY, A UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO STUDENT HIT MY CAR FROM THE REAR AT FULL FORCE. HE WAS TEXTING AND WHEN HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR HE WAS STILL TEXTING. HE ADMITTED IT WAS HIS FAULT BECAUSE HE WAS NOT LOOKING AT THE ROAD AND WAS TEXTING ON HIS PHONE. I CALLED THE POLICE AND OBTAINED A POLICE REPORT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK. MY MOM AND I WERE JOLTED FORWARD AT FULL FORCE WITH BACK AND NECK TRAUMA. MY CAR STALLED ON IMPACT OF THE OTHER CAR. LUCKILY MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I DID NOT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO RESTART MY CAR AND I PULLED THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO NOT BLOCK THE BUSY STREET. I COMPLAINED THAT MY AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK BUT I WAS IGNORED. ALSO, THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD TURNED OFF THE CAR WHICH I THOUGHT WAS STRANGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576910

97,000 miles · Feb 14, 2014
Air BagsExterior LightingStructureCrashInjury

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CAR FELT AS IF IT WAS SLIDING AND HIT A GUARDRAIL. THEN, SLIDE ALONGSIDE IT. THAT IMPACT PROPELLED MY CAR ACROSS THE STREET AND IT COLLIDED WITH A GUARD-WALL, ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET, TOTALING THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564315

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.