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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

Suspension complaints

47 reports
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68,902 miles · Aug 24, 2011
StructureSuspension

I HAVE A 2005 COBALT THAT HAS LESS THEN 70,000KM ON IT AND HAVE RECENTLY BEEN HEARING A LOUD CLUNKING COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. I HAVE JUST HAD A LICENSED MECHANIC LOOK AT THE CAR AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY FRONT REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ARE COMPLETELY GONE AND THE CAR IS NOW A HAZARD TO DRIVE TILL IT CAN BE FIXED. W…

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I HAVE A 2005 COBALT THAT HAS LESS THEN 70,000KM ON IT AND HAVE RECENTLY BEEN HEARING A LOUD CLUNKING COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. I HAVE JUST HAD A LICENSED MECHANIC LOOK AT THE CAR AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY FRONT REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ARE COMPLETELY GONE AND THE CAR IS NOW A HAZARD TO DRIVE TILL IT CAN BE FIXED. WITH SUCH LOW KMS THE MECHANIC HAD NO REASON OR IDEA AS TO WHY THEY WOULD BE SO FAR GONE. I WAS ADVISED THAT IF THE CAR WAS DRIVEN ANY FURTHER, THE TIRES COULD FALL OF AND THE CAR WOULD CRASH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10421368

97,000 miles · Jul 8, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WA SINFORMED THAT THE FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WA SINFORMED THAT THE FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 97,000.

NHTSA ODI #10411556

26,000 miles · Apr 8, 2011
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED ON THREE OCCASIONS THAT THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS FRACTURED. AFTER THE FIRST FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE SECOND AND THIRD FAILURES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED ON THREE OCCASIONS THAT THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS FRACTURED. AFTER THE FIRST FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE SECOND AND THIRD FAILURES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #10395242

19,000 miles · Sep 23, 2010
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH SHE BEGAN TO HEAR A CLANKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER SHE OPERATED THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE POPPED OUT A…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH SHE BEGAN TO HEAR A CLANKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER SHE OPERATED THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE POPPED OUT AND THE FRONT TIRES WERE WORN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE HAS NOT RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

NHTSA ODI #10357182

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2010
Equipment Adaptive/mobilitySuspension

HAD MY WIFE'S 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT IN FOR THE POWER STEERING RECALL. THE ONLY PROBLEM WE HAD PRIOR TO THE RECALL WAS THE FAILED REAR CONTROL-ARM BUSHINGS ON BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS (BOTH FAILED WITHIN THE SAME MONTH). NOW, AFTER HAVING THE RECALL PERFORMED, WE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH (OF ALL THINGS) LOSS OF POWER STEERING. …

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HAD MY WIFE'S 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT IN FOR THE POWER STEERING RECALL. THE ONLY PROBLEM WE HAD PRIOR TO THE RECALL WAS THE FAILED REAR CONTROL-ARM BUSHINGS ON BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS (BOTH FAILED WITHIN THE SAME MONTH). NOW, AFTER HAVING THE RECALL PERFORMED, WE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH (OF ALL THINGS) LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON, THE BRAKE SAFETY INTERLOCK CLICKS (UNDER THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SELECTOR IN THE CENTER CONSOLE), AND WE HAVE NO POWER STEERING! I CANNOT LET MY WIFE DRIVE THIS IN THIS CONDITION, AS SHE IS SMALL AND NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO CRANK ON THE STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT THE POWER-ASSIST. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT I COULD BRING IT IN TO SEE IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PART REPLACED IN THE RECALL - BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS. CALLED CHEVY AND GOT NOWHERE WITH THEM AS WELL. LEFT THE CAR AT OUR MECHANIC'S SHOP THIS MORNING TO GET A MORE RELIABLE DIAGNOSIS!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10345297

25,500 miles · Jul 1, 2010
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HE MADE A LEFT AND RIGHT TURN OR DRIVE OVER A POT HOLE THERE WAS A CONSTANT KNOCKING NOISE ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED IT WAS AS IF THE WHEELS WERE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HE MADE A LEFT AND RIGHT TURN OR DRIVE OVER A POT HOLE THERE WAS A CONSTANT KNOCKING NOISE ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED IT WAS AS IF THE WHEELS WERE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THIS WAS A CONSTANT PROBLEM WHICH REQUIRED THE BUSHINGS TO BE REPLACED OCCASIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,328.

NHTSA ODI #10340950

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2010
Exterior LightingSuspension

HEADLIGHT FULL OF MOISTURE HAS GOT WORSE AND WORSE FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS ALMOST AND GM WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT MY HEADLIGHT. TODAY 6/15/2010 I TOOK MY CAR FOR THE RECALL NOTICE GOT ABOUT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST. AND FOUND OUT THAT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS NEED REPLACED, AND MY RIGHT FRONT RIM IS BENT AND POSS…

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HEADLIGHT FULL OF MOISTURE HAS GOT WORSE AND WORSE FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS ALMOST AND GM WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT MY HEADLIGHT. TODAY 6/15/2010 I TOOK MY CAR FOR THE RECALL NOTICE GOT ABOUT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST. AND FOUND OUT THAT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS NEED REPLACED, AND MY RIGHT FRONT RIM IS BENT AND POSSIBLE WHEEL BRG MIGHT NEED REPLACED AND I CALLED GM ABOUT THIS AND THEY WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF ANY OF THESE PROBLEM THEY SAID (SORRY ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE) WHY IS GM NOT HELPING! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10336541

58,000 miles · May 26, 2010
Suspension

LOWER A-ARM BUSHINGS REPLACED WITH ONLY 58,000 MILES ALSO UPPER STRUT MOUNTS ARE ALSO BAD AND NEED REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10332408

10,225 miles · May 20, 2010
StructureSuspension

I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. IT HAS 10225 MILES ON IT. IT WOULD NOT PASS THE NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE INSPECTION BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FRONT END CONTROLLER ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I FEEL THAT THERE MUST BE OTHERS OUT THERE WITH LIKE PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10331396

45,000 miles · Mar 17, 2010
Latches/locks/linkagesParking BrakeSuspension

THREE ISSUES WITH MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT. ONE THE DOOR LATCH BROKE AND I CAN NO LONGER GET OUT THE DRIVERS SIDE. IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO OCCUR I WOULD HAVE TO CRAWL OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. SECONDLY, MY STRUTS KEEP GOING BAD ON MY CAR. I HAVE HAD THEM REPLACED THREE TIMES NOW. MY THIRD ISSUE IS THE BRAK…

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THREE ISSUES WITH MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT. ONE THE DOOR LATCH BROKE AND I CAN NO LONGER GET OUT THE DRIVERS SIDE. IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO OCCUR I WOULD HAVE TO CRAWL OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. SECONDLY, MY STRUTS KEEP GOING BAD ON MY CAR. I HAVE HAD THEM REPLACED THREE TIMES NOW. MY THIRD ISSUE IS THE BRAKES. I WAS TOLD THAT THE COBALT HAD ANITLOCK BRAKES WHEN I BOUGHT IT. HOWEVER, WHEN I HAVE HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES THEY LOCK AND A LITTLE LIGHT COMES ON WITH A ANTI BRAKE SYMBOL ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10320467

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.