NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,649 reports113,000 miles · Jul 9, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
NHTSA ODI #11110198
110,379 miles · Jun 8, 2018
Air BagsSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. BILLY NAVARRE CHEVROLET IN LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000 (…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. BILLY NAVARRE CHEVROLET IN LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING) HAD CLOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,379.
NHTSA ODI #11100527
100,000 miles · Jun 5, 2018
Structure
WHEN DRIVING REAR AND FRONT DOORS OPEN WHEN HITTING A BUMPL THEY JUST FLY OPEN WON'T STAY LOCKED OR CLOSED. WHEN CLOSING THEM SOMETIMES NOT ABLE TO REOPEN THEM. THE DOOR MECHANISMS ARE FAULTLY AND DON'T WORK. REAL SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD BE ON RECALL LIST AS MANY PEOPLE ON-LINE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11100086
106,000 miles · Jun 5, 2018
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. THE CONTACT HAD TO CLIMB OVER TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS INDEPENDENTLY OPENED. THE CONTACT HAD TO BUNG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. THE CONTACT HAD TO CLIMB OVER TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS INDEPENDENTLY OPENED. THE CONTACT HAD TO BUNGEE CORD THE TWO REAR DOORS TO KEEP THEM FROM OPENING WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MANGINO BUICK GMC (1484 SARATOGA RD, BALLSTON SPA, NY 12020, (518) 885-5301), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. *TT
NHTSA ODI #11099949
88,674 miles · May 5, 2018
Exterior Lighting
THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, THAT HAS A PLASTIC FINISH, BROKE AND CRACKED AT THE POINT THAT MEETS THE STEERING COLUMN. MY RIGHT SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT, WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE DARK GOING TO WORK WHICH IS 10 MILES ON CITY STREETS . THE NEXT DAY I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER WHO I FREQUENTLY BRING FOR REPAIRS. THE SERVI…
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THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, THAT HAS A PLASTIC FINISH, BROKE AND CRACKED AT THE POINT THAT MEETS THE STEERING COLUMN. MY RIGHT SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT, WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE DARK GOING TO WORK WHICH IS 10 MILES ON CITY STREETS . THE NEXT DAY I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER WHO I FREQUENTLY BRING FOR REPAIRS. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THE THAT THIS IS FLORIDA AND HEAT DOES TERRIBLE THINGS. MY CAR LIGHTS MAY HAVE ALL GONE OFF AND CREATE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. MY CAR IS NOW AT THE CHEVROLET DEALER FOR REPAIR IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 4 DAYS THEY ARE ORDERING A NEW PART. PLUS LABOR , ESTIMATED COST $400.00 MILEAGE ON MY CAR IS 88,694.
NHTSA ODI #11092040
105,280 miles · Apr 12, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System
CAR HAS A GAS LEAK AND A RECALL IS IN PLACE IN CERTAIN STATES FOR 2006 AND 2007 BUT NOT 2005 AND NOT IN ALL STATES. MY 2005 HAS A GAS LEAK AND USES THE SAME PARTS AS THE 2006 SO THE 2005 NEEDS RECALLED TOO IN ALL STATES.
NHTSA ODI #11084731
118,500 miles · Apr 11, 2018
Steering
POWER STEERING LOST WHEN STATIONARY AND IN MOTION
NHTSA ODI #11084500
80,000 miles · Mar 15, 2018
EngineLatches/locks/linkagesPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DOORS CONSTANTLY LOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO CRAWL IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE WINDOW. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE POWER STEERING AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED L…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DOORS CONSTANTLY LOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO CRAWL IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE WINDOW. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE POWER STEERING AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED HARRY GREEN CHEVROLET AT 304-624-6304 (1858 E PIKE ST, CLARKSBURG, WV 26301) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V014000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #11079659
186,600 miles · Mar 7, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT 20 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER AND LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO A PARKING LOT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED FELDMAN CHEVROLET OF NEW HUDSON AT (248) 939-5399 (30400 LYON CENTER DRIVE E, NEW HUDSON, MI 48165) AND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE MAKING A TURN AT 20 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER AND LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO A PARKING LOT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED FELDMAN CHEVROLET OF NEW HUDSON AT (248) 939-5399 (30400 LYON CENTER DRIVE E, NEW HUDSON, MI 48165) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE DEALER SUGGESTED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 186,600. *TT THE CONSUMER STATING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STEERING WILL LOCK UP WHEN MAKING A TURN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11076686
160,000 miles · Mar 3, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System
THE FUEL LINE RUST OUT AND LEAKS GAS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION BUT APPARENTLY NOT COVERED BY RECALL 12V459000. THIS GAS LEAK SHOULD DEFIANTLY INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. MY CAR IS DRIVEN BY A TEENAGER AND HE DID NOT NOTICE THE LEAK UNTIL I SAW IT. THE REPAIRS WERE OVER $800.00. THIS HAPPENED TO BOTH OF OUR CHEVY COBALTS …
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THE FUEL LINE RUST OUT AND LEAKS GAS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION BUT APPARENTLY NOT COVERED BY RECALL 12V459000. THIS GAS LEAK SHOULD DEFIANTLY INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. MY CAR IS DRIVEN BY A TEENAGER AND HE DID NOT NOTICE THE LEAK UNTIL I SAW IT. THE REPAIRS WERE OVER $800.00. THIS HAPPENED TO BOTH OF OUR CHEVY COBALTS IN THE SAME WEEK.
NHTSA ODI #11076037
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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