NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,649 reports22,000 miles · Jan 8, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65-70 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE POWER STEERING SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65-70 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE POWER STEERING SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
NHTSA ODI #10214196
35,200 miles · Jan 6, 2008
Suspension
(2( BOLTS THAT HOLD THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE OR CAME LOOSE AND FELL OUT CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10213964
51,000 miles · Jan 1, 2008
Steering
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.I CALLED THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR AT AND WAS ADVISED THIS WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $1200.00 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.I THEN CALLED GENERAL MOTORS TO REPORT THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ASKED FOR A FIELD REP AND WAS REFUSED I…
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ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.I CALLED THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR AT AND WAS ADVISED THIS WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $1200.00 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.I THEN CALLED GENERAL MOTORS TO REPORT THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ASKED FOR A FIELD REP AND WAS REFUSED INFORMATION TO CONTACT A FIELD REP. *CN
NHTSA ODI #10213361
24,420 miles · Dec 24, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID IT WAS A HISTORY CODE AND NOT A BIG DEAL, SO THEY RESET IT. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP IT CAME BACK ON SO I WENT TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THE SAME THING AND SAID THEY DON'T KNOW WHY IT IS COMING BACK ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212661
15,429 miles · Nov 19, 2007
Electrical System
2005 CHEVY COBALT ISSUES WITH THE IGNITION MODULE AND STALLING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE IGNITION MODULE IS DEFECTIVE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WOULD BIND, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10209486
19,253 miles · Nov 15, 2007
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering
CAR PURCHASED ON 3/14/05 FROM RK CHEVROLET. STARTING SEPT. 12, 2006 THE CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED MALFUNCTIONING. VARIOUS DASH BOARD LIGHTS CAME ON, TICK NOISE FROM THE SHIFTER, POWER STEERING LIGHT AND FAILS, AND THE GAUGES BEGAN TO GO CRAZY! THE CAR ALSO WANTED TO SHUT OFF, AND HAS BOOSTS OF ENERGY. THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRE…
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CAR PURCHASED ON 3/14/05 FROM RK CHEVROLET. STARTING SEPT. 12, 2006 THE CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED MALFUNCTIONING. VARIOUS DASH BOARD LIGHTS CAME ON, TICK NOISE FROM THE SHIFTER, POWER STEERING LIGHT AND FAILS, AND THE GAUGES BEGAN TO GO CRAZY! THE CAR ALSO WANTED TO SHUT OFF, AND HAS BOOSTS OF ENERGY. THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED NOVEMBER 2, 2006, JUNE 8, 2007, SEPTEMBER 19, 2007(COLONIAL CHEVROLET), AND OCTOBER 16, 2007 (COLONIAL CHEVROLET). AFTER WE GOT IT BACK FROM COLONIAL, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 2 DAYS LATER. COLONIAL CHEVROLET INDICATED THAT THAT COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND THEY WERE WAITING TO TALK TO GM ABOUT IT! THEY EVEN SUGGESTED INITIATING A BUY BACK. WE HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH GMAC IN DETROIT ABOUT THE ISSUE AND NO ANSWERS HAVE GIVEN NOR A RESOLUTION. CURRENTLY WE HAVE TO DRIVE A VERY UNSAFE CAR THAT JOLTS, CAN'T TURN, AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE AT TIMES. WE HAVE BEEN REQUESTING AT LEAST A RENTAL (SAFE CAR) UNTIL THIS PROBLEM CAN BE ADDRESSED AND NO ONE HAS OFFERED THIS IN LUE OF A RESOLUTION. WHAT HAS BEEN DONE: PCM REPLACED: (9/15/07)BODY, THROTTLE (8/7/07, 11/2/06), REPLACED: BODY CONTROL (11/2/06); SHIFTER BIND & NDASH; REPLACE SLIDE, AUTOMATIC CONTROL LEVER REPLACE, FLOOR SHIFT REPLACE, WIRING /CONNECTOR STEERING SUSPENSION RIDE CONTROL??< CONTROL ASSEMBLY. FLOOR SHIFT REPLACE (9/12/06). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10209029
28,510 miles · Nov 9, 2007
Power TrainSteering
I HAVE HAD MY CHEVROLET COBALT SINCE APRIL 2005 AND IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP .. UP TIL THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR IT HAS WORKED FINE .. BUT IN 2007 I HAVE TO GET A NEW GEAR SHIFT , KEYS MADE, THEN TO TOP IT OFF I HAVE HAD THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COME ON THE INFORMATION BOARD AND IT GO OUT 8 TIMES IN 2 WEEKS .…
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I HAVE HAD MY CHEVROLET COBALT SINCE APRIL 2005 AND IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP .. UP TIL THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR IT HAS WORKED FINE .. BUT IN 2007 I HAVE TO GET A NEW GEAR SHIFT , KEYS MADE, THEN TO TOP IT OFF I HAVE HAD THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COME ON THE INFORMATION BOARD AND IT GO OUT 8 TIMES IN 2 WEEKS .. SO FAR KNOCK ON WOOD IT HAS WORKED FINE .. THE DAY I MADE THE APPOINTMENT IT WENT OUT 3X WITHIN A 30 MINUTE SPAN .. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10208555
37,000 miles · Nov 6, 2007
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE. THE RATTLING SOUND GREW LOUDER AND MORE SEVERE WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 55-60 MPH. HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A TIRE SHOP FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RATTLING WAS COMING FROM THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. THEY …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE. THE RATTLING SOUND GREW LOUDER AND MORE SEVERE WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 55-60 MPH. HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A TIRE SHOP FOR INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RATTLING WAS COMING FROM THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THE STRUTS WERE LEAKING. THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE $70 TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DID NOT WANT TO PAY THE FEE BECAUSE IT HAD ALREADY BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE REPAIR HAS NOT YET BEEN MADE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
NHTSA ODI #10208031
14,160 miles · Oct 19, 2007
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE AT ALL. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN THAT MANNER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 14,160. UPDATED 1/15/09 *CN ON RAINY OR FOGGY OR OVERCAST DAYS…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE AT ALL. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN THAT MANNER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 14,160. UPDATED 1/15/09 *CN ON RAINY OR FOGGY OR OVERCAST DAYS, THE INSTUMENT PANEL LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON. THE VEHICLE HAS BLACK FACED GAUGES WHICH CAN NOT BE READ UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS. UPDATED 01/21/09. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10206352
Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2007
StructureCrash
2005 CHEVY COBALT WITH INADEQUATE PROTECTION IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER WRITING WOULD LIKE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RECALL DUE TO HIS CLIENT BEING KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH THIS SAME MODEL AND YEAR OF VEHICLE. *KB (LAWYER REPRESENTING THE ESTATE OF HIS DECEASED CLIENT) )*TR
NHTSA ODI #10207136
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 ↗
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