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2006 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

1,950 reports with mileage · 380 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 1,299 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 412 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 255 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

164 crash reports14 fire reports81 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

146 reports
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29,000 miles · Jul 24, 2013
Air BagsService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE BRAKES SEIZED WHEN DEPRESSED AND DID NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN STRIP AND UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISIN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE BRAKES SEIZED WHEN DEPRESSED AND DID NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN STRIP AND UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING, WHIPLASH, AND SHOULDER AND NECK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER REPAIRED NOR DIAGNOSED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000..

NHTSA ODI #10531647

134,000 miles · May 20, 2013
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH AND OVER STEERED TO AVOID STRIKING A DOG. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BOULDER. THE VEHICLE THEN FLIPPED SIX TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED NOSE, LACERATIO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH AND OVER STEERED TO AVOID STRIKING A DOG. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BOULDER. THE VEHICLE THEN FLIPPED SIX TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED NOSE, LACERATIONS TO THE NOSE, A BLACK EYE, WHIP LASH AND SHOULDER INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

NHTSA ODI #10512888

174,800 miles · May 16, 2013
Air BagsSeat Belts

THE LIGHT ON THE DASH SWITCHES OVER AND SAYS THAT IT IS ON WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND SOMEONE IS SITTING IN IT BUT IT WILL DING AT THEM UNTIL THEY PUT THEIR SEAT BELT ON. WHENEVER THEY PUT THE SEAT BELT ON, THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) ON MY DASH TELLS ME TO SERVICE AIRBAG AND THE LIGHT THAT TELLS WHEN THE AIRBAG…

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THE LIGHT ON THE DASH SWITCHES OVER AND SAYS THAT IT IS ON WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND SOMEONE IS SITTING IN IT BUT IT WILL DING AT THEM UNTIL THEY PUT THEIR SEAT BELT ON. WHENEVER THEY PUT THE SEAT BELT ON, THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) ON MY DASH TELLS ME TO SERVICE AIRBAG AND THE LIGHT THAT TELLS WHEN THE AIRBAG IS ON OR OFF SAYS THAT IT IS OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512435

87,000 miles · Feb 2, 2013
Air BagsCrashInjury

HEADED NORTH BOND ON FEDERAL HIGHWAY GOING APPR. 45 WHEN SUDDENLY A CAR RUNS RED LIGHT, SEEMLY TO MAKE A U-TURN. UNFORTUNATELY I WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETELY STOP IN TIME AND THE CARS CRASHED. IT WAS HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE. I SLAMMED MY FACE INTO THE STEERING WHEEL NO AIR BAGS EVER DEPLOYED SHOCKED CONSIDERING MY CAR IS STILL UNDER W…

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HEADED NORTH BOND ON FEDERAL HIGHWAY GOING APPR. 45 WHEN SUDDENLY A CAR RUNS RED LIGHT, SEEMLY TO MAKE A U-TURN. UNFORTUNATELY I WAS UNABLE TO COMPLETELY STOP IN TIME AND THE CARS CRASHED. IT WAS HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE. I SLAMMED MY FACE INTO THE STEERING WHEEL NO AIR BAGS EVER DEPLOYED SHOCKED CONSIDERING MY CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE COMPLETE FRONT OF MY CAR HIT HER FRONT/SIDE PASSENGER SIDE. THE IMPACT WAS MORE THEN HARD ENOUGH FOR THOSE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10496198

90,276 miles · Nov 4, 2011
Air BagsCrashInjury

THE COLLISION WITH THIS VEHICLE INTO 2 TREES AT 45-50MPH FAILED TO DEPLOY THE 4 AIRBAGS. I FIRST HIT ONE TREE HEAD ON AFTER SKIDDING ON A ROAD AND LOSING CONTROL. THE SECONDARY COLLISION HAPPENED WITH THE 2ND TREE. *TR MY HEAD HIT THE DRIVER'S SIDE PILLAR AND I SUFFERED WHIPLASH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10434276

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2011
Air BagsCrashInjury

DRIVER WAS GOING DOWN INTERSTATE WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT IN RUN FROM BEHIND, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND CAR SPUN INTO THE WOODS HITTING SEVERAL TREES, AS WELL AS UPROOTED SEVERAL TREES . THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR AND THE BACK OF THE CAR EXPERIENCED DAMAGE FROM IMPACT, WITH ADDITIONAL FRONT FENDER IMPACT . DRIVER'S LEFT…

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DRIVER WAS GOING DOWN INTERSTATE WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT IN RUN FROM BEHIND, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND CAR SPUN INTO THE WOODS HITTING SEVERAL TREES, AS WELL AS UPROOTED SEVERAL TREES . THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR AND THE BACK OF THE CAR EXPERIENCED DAMAGE FROM IMPACT, WITH ADDITIONAL FRONT FENDER IMPACT . DRIVER'S LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY WAS INJURED WITH BRUISING FROM THE IMPACT, AND WAS EVALUATED AT HOSPITAL AND PLACED ON MEDICAL PROFILE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10430713

104,000 miles · Aug 20, 2011
Air Bags

WHEN IT IS HOT/HUMID MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT'S SERVICE AIRBAG WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. AFTER A REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT BRAKES IT NOW IS ON CONSISTENTLY. I WILL HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR INTO A SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT NOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10420807

58,000 miles · Feb 14, 2011
Air Bags

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS FOR A MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WIRING HARNESS HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN RE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS FOR A MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WIRING HARNESS HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.

NHTSA ODI #10382578

92,000 miles · Jan 6, 2011
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A CEMENT BLOCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO AIRBORNE, CRASH DOWN IN A NOSE DIVE INTO A FIELD AND ROLL OVER 7 TIMES. THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A CEMENT BLOCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO AIRBORNE, CRASH DOWN IN A NOSE DIVE INTO A FIELD AND ROLL OVER 7 TIMES. THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE PASSENGER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUSTAINED A BROKEN SHOULDER BLADE AND A BROKEN RIB. THE DRIVER WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BUT SUSTAINED A BRUISED LEFT LUNG AND BRUISES TO THE LEFT SIDE OF HER HEAD. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

NHTSA ODI #10374951

43,000 miles · Jan 2, 2011
Air Bags

MY CHEVY COBALT 2006, HAS HAD THE ISSUE WITH THE EMERGENCY AIR BAG LIGHTING UP AND SAYING IT IS OFF AND I GET THE MESSAGE THAT THE "AIR BAG NEEDS TO BE SERVICED". I HAVE LESS THAN 45 THOUSAND MILES. AROUND JUNE 2010, MY MOTHER AND I WERE IN THE CAR AND WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN WE HEARD THE BEEPING SOUND AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT T…

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MY CHEVY COBALT 2006, HAS HAD THE ISSUE WITH THE EMERGENCY AIR BAG LIGHTING UP AND SAYING IT IS OFF AND I GET THE MESSAGE THAT THE "AIR BAG NEEDS TO BE SERVICED". I HAVE LESS THAN 45 THOUSAND MILES. AROUND JUNE 2010, MY MOTHER AND I WERE IN THE CAR AND WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN WE HEARD THE BEEPING SOUND AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON, MEANING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS OFF. IT IS SUPPOSE TO TURN ON AUTOMATICALLY, BUT HAS NOT. EVERY TIME WE START THE CAR THE BEEPING SOUND STARTS AND THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS NO AIRBAG PROTECTION. I HAVE NOTICED THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE WHO HAVE THE CHEVY COBALT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10373788

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.

09V419000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Oct 29, 2009

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, NEVADA AND TEXAS. THE PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN PORT ON THE MODULAR RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. IF EITHER OF THESE PORTS DEVELOPS A CRACK, FUEL WILL LEAK FROM THE AREA. IF THE CRACK BECOMES LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY BE OBSERVED DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL COVERAGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME FOR MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE AND TEXAS AND MODEL YEAR 2007 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN: ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 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.

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.