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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

What owners actually said

1,649 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2011
Steering

WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL OR COMING TO A STOP THE WHOLE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND HE SAID THAT THE U JOINT IN THE STEERING COLUMN IS BAD AND IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR, BUT NOT ANYMORE. GARAGE SAYS HE HAS HAD ALOT OF COBALT'S WITH THIS ISSUE. THERE SHO…

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WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL OR COMING TO A STOP THE WHOLE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND HE SAID THAT THE U JOINT IN THE STEERING COLUMN IS BAD AND IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS CAR, BUT NOT ANYMORE. GARAGE SAYS HE HAS HAD ALOT OF COBALT'S WITH THIS ISSUE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS, OR DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE FIRST? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10394027

65,000 miles · Mar 30, 2011
Steering

THE POWER STEERING FAILED IN MY 2005 COBALT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED A RECALLED POWER STEERING MOTOR. THEY JUST CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT DIDN'T FIX MY POWER STEERING FAILURE AND I WILL BE CHARGED FOR ANY FARTHER WORK BEING DONE. THEY OBVIOUSLY ADMIT HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THEIR POWER STEERING SYSTEM BUT W…

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THE POWER STEERING FAILED IN MY 2005 COBALT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED A RECALLED POWER STEERING MOTOR. THEY JUST CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT DIDN'T FIX MY POWER STEERING FAILURE AND I WILL BE CHARGED FOR ANY FARTHER WORK BEING DONE. THEY OBVIOUSLY ADMIT HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THEIR POWER STEERING SYSTEM BUT WHAT THEY REPLACED DIDN'T FIX MY PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10393694

95,000 miles · Mar 27, 2011
Steering

CAR LOSES POWER STEERING RANDOMLY, DEALER WONT RECOGNIZE RECALL. WILL BE TURNING AND CAR WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN LOSE THE POWER STEERING CAUSING MY CAR TO JERK AND I NEED TO CORRECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10393035

155,500 miles · Mar 24, 2011
Steering

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST STOPPED FUNCTIONING. DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, DRIVER INFO CENTER MESSAGE "POWER STEERING" DISPLAYED. NO STEERING ASSIST. PARKED VEHICLE FOR SHORT TIME AND ASSIST RETURNED. DROVE FOR SHORT PERIOD AND ASSIST AGAIN CEASED TO FUNCTION. HAVE NOT BEEN TO DEALER YET TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10392725

67,000 miles · Mar 22, 2011
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE HAD THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WHERE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE HAD THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

NHTSA ODI #10392502

80,000 miles · Mar 21, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ENGINE DISABLED WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. AFTER WAITING A COUPLE OF MINUTES THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUE DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES IN THE SAME DAY AND CONTINU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ENGINE DISABLED WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. AFTER WAITING A COUPLE OF MINUTES THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUE DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES IN THE SAME DAY AND CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 04/07/11 *BF UPDATED 04/08/11

NHTSA ODI #10392300

116,000 miles · Mar 18, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages

OUR 2005 CHEVY COBALT LS HAS KEY STUCK IN IGNITION. I FOUND COUNTLESS SIMILAR COMPLAINS ONLINE FROM OWNERS. IS THIS RELATED TO STEERING ISSUE. IF NOT PLEASE HAVE THEM FIX THIS LEMON. IT'S NOT SAVE AS WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO TAKE THE KEYS OUT IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION, IN WHICH CASE SHIFTER STICK IS NOT LOCKED AND KIDS ARE ABLE …

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OUR 2005 CHEVY COBALT LS HAS KEY STUCK IN IGNITION. I FOUND COUNTLESS SIMILAR COMPLAINS ONLINE FROM OWNERS. IS THIS RELATED TO STEERING ISSUE. IF NOT PLEASE HAVE THEM FIX THIS LEMON. IT'S NOT SAVE AS WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO TAKE THE KEYS OUT IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION, IN WHICH CASE SHIFTER STICK IS NOT LOCKED AND KIDS ARE ABLE TO SHIFT IT FROM PARK. IT ALSO DRAINS THE BATTERY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10390570

82,200 miles · Mar 16, 2011
Electrical System

THE POWER STEERING LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND A BELL CHIMES. WHILE I AM IN TRAFFIC THE CAR SLOWS DOWN AND BEGINS TO JERK. IT HAS HAPPEN TWICE THIS WEEK MARCH 14 AND THE 16 IN 5:00 PM TRAFFIC. I WAS GOING 40 WHEN IT HAPPENED. I CALLED MY USED CAR DEALER AND HE STATED NO WARRANTY AND TO TAKE IT TO GET CHECKED OUT. I HAVE…

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THE POWER STEERING LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND A BELL CHIMES. WHILE I AM IN TRAFFIC THE CAR SLOWS DOWN AND BEGINS TO JERK. IT HAS HAPPEN TWICE THIS WEEK MARCH 14 AND THE 16 IN 5:00 PM TRAFFIC. I WAS GOING 40 WHEN IT HAPPENED. I CALLED MY USED CAR DEALER AND HE STATED NO WARRANTY AND TO TAKE IT TO GET CHECKED OUT. I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR 5 MONTHS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10390436

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2011
Steering

MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT HAS BEEN HAVING SOME ISSUES WITH A KNOCKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST SOUNDS AS IF SOMETHING WAS LOOSE AND HITTING SOMETHING ELSE IS THE ONLY WAY I KNOW TO DESCRIBE IT. PEOPLE WHO HAVE DROVE IN MY CAR THOUGHT IT WAS BAD SHOCKS OR STRUTS, BUT THOSE HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND WORKING FINE. IT MAKES THE NOISE WHIL…

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MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT HAS BEEN HAVING SOME ISSUES WITH A KNOCKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST SOUNDS AS IF SOMETHING WAS LOOSE AND HITTING SOMETHING ELSE IS THE ONLY WAY I KNOW TO DESCRIBE IT. PEOPLE WHO HAVE DROVE IN MY CAR THOUGHT IT WAS BAD SHOCKS OR STRUTS, BUT THOSE HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND WORKING FINE. IT MAKES THE NOISE WHILE DRIVING, HITTING NORMAL BUMPS IN THE ROAD, ETC. I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND HE REPLACED SOME LOWER ARM BUSHINGS IN THE FRONT END. BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. HE LOOKED AT A SERVICE BULLETIN AND NARROWED MY PROBLEM DOWN TO TWO THINGS. ONE BEING THE ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS PART WAS SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED BY MY LOCAL DEALER WHEN CHEVY PUT OUT A RECALL ON IT. THE OTHER PART WAS THE STEERING GEAR THAT TURNS THE WHEEL. HE SAID THIS COULD COST UP TO $500 TO REPLACE AND DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE AND THAT NOT BE IT. I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO REPLACE IT ANY WAY. HE SAID HE DID NOT SEE A SAFETY ISSUE DRIVING THE CAR AS IS FOR NOW. BUT I WANTED TO REPORT THE PROBLEM IN CASE OTHERS WITH THIS VEHICLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES SO A RECALL CAN BE DONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10390393

121,000 miles · Mar 14, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages

MY 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT'S DOORS WONT OPEN. I GET STUCK IN THE CAR OR OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. I HAVE HAD TO CLIMB TO THE DRIVERS SIDE THREW THE PASSENGER SIDE AND I HAVE HAD TO CLIMB OUT THE WINDOW BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN LOCKED IN THE CAR. I HAVE ALREADY HAD MY CAR RECALLED BECAUSE I HAD NO POWERSTEERING AND NOW THIS. I CANT STAND GM -…

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MY 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT'S DOORS WONT OPEN. I GET STUCK IN THE CAR OR OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. I HAVE HAD TO CLIMB TO THE DRIVERS SIDE THREW THE PASSENGER SIDE AND I HAVE HAD TO CLIMB OUT THE WINDOW BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN LOCKED IN THE CAR. I HAVE ALREADY HAD MY CAR RECALLED BECAUSE I HAD NO POWERSTEERING AND NOW THIS. I CANT STAND GM - THEY CAN'T MAKE A SAFE OR RELIABLE CAR TO SAVE THEIR LIFE. I CALLED GM AND THEY SAID THEY CAN DO NOTHING FOR ME - EXCEPT CHARGE ME THE 100 DIAGNOSTIC TEST FEE. WHEN THERE ARE 100'S OF PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING THREW THE SAME THING I AM. THIS IS NOT SAFE WHATSOEVER. WHAT IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT AND CANT GET OUT OF MY CAR. I SUGGEST GM DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. THE CAR LOCKS UNLOCK AND LOCK BUT THE DOOR WONT OPEN. CLEARLY IT IS SOMETHING FAULTY. CAUSE IT IS HAPPENING TO BOTH DOORS. I AM SO ANGERED RIGHT NOW AND FEEL LIKE MY LIFE IS IN DANGER. I DON'T FEEL LIKE CLIMBING OUT MY WINDOW ONE MORE TIME. IT OCCURS EVERYDAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10390060

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.