NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,649 reports47,950 miles · Oct 29, 2009
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; PROCEEDING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE "POWER STEERING" WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, BEGIN PULLING IN ONE DIRECTION, AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; PROCEEDING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE "POWER STEERING" WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, BEGIN PULLING IN ONE DIRECTION, AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. IMMEDIATELY, THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING NORMALLY. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 47,950.
NHTSA ODI #10290203
4,000 miles · Oct 27, 2009
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT LS. WHILE DRIVING THE "POWER STEERING" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED TO RESET THE ERROR CODE, AND TO RESUME NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR D…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT LS. WHILE DRIVING THE "POWER STEERING" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED TO RESET THE ERROR CODE, AND TO RESUME NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT BECAUSE HE COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE HE COULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,277.
NHTSA ODI #10290012
49,664 miles · Oct 27, 2009
Steering
1. TAKING A LEFT TURN, MY CAR DASHBOARD FLASHED A "POWER STEERING" WARNING AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. 2. THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES DAY MAKING IT VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. 3. I WILL BE TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. I'VE BEEN TOLD IT COULD BE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR OR THE STEERING CO…
Read full complaint
1. TAKING A LEFT TURN, MY CAR DASHBOARD FLASHED A "POWER STEERING" WARNING AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. 2. THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES DAY MAKING IT VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. 3. I WILL BE TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. I'VE BEEN TOLD IT COULD BE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR OR THE STEERING COLUMN. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THE COLUMN AND IF THAT IS WHAT IS WRONG I WILL BE FORCED TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289996
36,080 miles · Oct 26, 2009
Steering
ON WAY TO WORK ON 10/26/2009 AND POWER STEERING GOES OUT. SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR. FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED ON 11/24/208 AND DEALERSHIP CORRECTED PROBLEM BY REPLACING BCM AND STEERING COLUMN. ALSO, SAID NO COMMUNICATION WITH PCM CAUSING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. CAR IS CURRENTLY AT DEALERSHIP WAITING TO HEAR FROM TH…
Read full complaint
ON WAY TO WORK ON 10/26/2009 AND POWER STEERING GOES OUT. SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR. FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED ON 11/24/208 AND DEALERSHIP CORRECTED PROBLEM BY REPLACING BCM AND STEERING COLUMN. ALSO, SAID NO COMMUNICATION WITH PCM CAUSING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. CAR IS CURRENTLY AT DEALERSHIP WAITING TO HEAR FROM THEM ON SECOND. OCCURRENCE. THE PROBLEMS THE SECOND TIME WERE IDENTICAL TO FIRST OCCURRENCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289910
53,000 miles · Oct 26, 2009
Steering
POWER STEERING MESSAGE APPEARS ON MY DAUGHTER'S 2005 CHEVY COBALT AND THE POWER STEERING FAILS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289844
34,145 miles · Oct 23, 2009
Electrical System
WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, AFTER THE LIGHT CHANGED I PROCEEDED TO GO AND CAR STALLED GOING ABOUT 15 MPH. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON DASH, THE CAR HAD NO POWER, NO LIGHTS, NOTHING. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD, PUT CAR IN PARK, WAITED A MINUTE AND STARTED UP. DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM WITH CAR, MILES ON C…
Read full complaint
WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, AFTER THE LIGHT CHANGED I PROCEEDED TO GO AND CAR STALLED GOING ABOUT 15 MPH. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON DASH, THE CAR HAD NO POWER, NO LIGHTS, NOTHING. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD, PUT CAR IN PARK, WAITED A MINUTE AND STARTED UP. DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM WITH CAR, MILES ON CAR WHEN PROBLEM STARTED, 34K. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289648
Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2009
Steering
I DRIVE AN 05 CHEVY COBALT AND THE STEERING COMPONENT/TRANSMISSION WENT BAD. JUST BOUGHT THE CAR A FEW WEEKS AGO. LAST NIGHT I WAS SIMPLY DRIVING TO THE LIBRARY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE POWER STEERING FLASH ON THE DASH BOARD, THE STEERING GOT REALLY TIGHT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, OTHER LIGHTS SPORADICALLY FLASHES, THE…
Read full complaint
I DRIVE AN 05 CHEVY COBALT AND THE STEERING COMPONENT/TRANSMISSION WENT BAD. JUST BOUGHT THE CAR A FEW WEEKS AGO. LAST NIGHT I WAS SIMPLY DRIVING TO THE LIBRARY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE POWER STEERING FLASH ON THE DASH BOARD, THE STEERING GOT REALLY TIGHT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, OTHER LIGHTS SPORADICALLY FLASHES, THE SPEEDOMETER GOES BERSERK, THE RM'S SAME ISSUE, EVEN ONE POINT THE GAS METER WAS GOING OUT OF CONTROL. AND THE CAR WILL SHAKE BADLY. THE CAR WAS WORKING JUST FINE THE FEW HOURS I DROVE BEFORE. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET IT HOME WITHOUT HURTING ANYONE. I'VE READ THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE SUFFERED THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT CHEVY SHOULD HAVE A RECALL. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A DEALER YET BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY FOR REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289497
45,000 miles · Oct 23, 2009
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 45681.
NHTSA ODI #10289472
61,000 miles · Oct 21, 2009
Steering
VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. POWER STEERING ALERT CAME UP ON THE DASH AND POWER STEERING INSTANTLY WENT OUT. FORTUNATELY I WAS ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF HIGHWAY AND MANAGED TO MAKE IT HOME SAFELY. POWER STEERING HAS NOT WORKED SINCE. I AM STILL LOOKING FOR A REASONABLY PRICED REMEDY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289294
70,000 miles · Oct 21, 2009
Steering
THE POWER STEERING HAS BEEN GOING OUT ON MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT. AT FIRST IT ONLY HAPPENED EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS AND NOW IT IS DOING IT EVERY DAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289290
Official recalls
5Apr 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
Illustration