NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
412 reportsClear category filter7,000 miles · Dec 29, 2008
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT AND ANOTHER PASSENGER WERE LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE FOR OVER TWO HOURS. THE DRIVER THOUGHT THAT THE LEVER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN (UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL) WAS SUPPOSED TO ACTIVATE THE WINDSHIELD WASHER OR HEADLIGHTS. ONCE SHE TOUCHED THE LEVER, ALL O…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT AND ANOTHER PASSENGER WERE LOCKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE FOR OVER TWO HOURS. THE DRIVER THOUGHT THAT THE LEVER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN (UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL) WAS SUPPOSED TO ACTIVATE THE WINDSHIELD WASHER OR HEADLIGHTS. ONCE SHE TOUCHED THE LEVER, ALL OF THE DOORS AND WINDOWS LOCKED, AND THE KEY WAS LOCKED IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE STARTED AND THE KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. HOURS AFTER BEING LOCKED IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT TRADED IN THE VEHICLE FOR ANOTHER MODEL. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10253031
66,000 miles · Dec 6, 2008
Electrical SystemFuel System, OtherStructure
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY FUEL INJECTOR, MY IGNITION SWITCH, AND NOW MY STEERING HAS GONE OUT. ALL WHERE WHILE DRIVING AND WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. I KEEP MY CAR WELL MAINTAINED, RECENTLY GOT A MILEAGE SERVICE DONE. I HAVE SEEN MANY POST ON THESE ISSUES. WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT RECALLS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10250925
33,000 miles · Sep 2, 2008
Electrical System
I DROVE MY CAR THE NIGHT BEFORE WITH NO PROBLEMS. GOT INTO IT THE NEXT MORNING AND HAD NO VENTS, AIR CONDITIONING, OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE FUSES, SAID IT WAS FINE. TWO DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM TO FIND OUT WH…
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I DROVE MY CAR THE NIGHT BEFORE WITH NO PROBLEMS. GOT INTO IT THE NEXT MORNING AND HAD NO VENTS, AIR CONDITIONING, OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE FUSES, SAID IT WAS FINE. TWO DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM TO FIND OUT WHY IT KEEPS BLOWING FUSES. IT IS THERE NOW. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME WAS ABOUT 4 WKS. AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE WIRING SYSTEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10240573
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2008
Electrical System
2006 CHEVY COBALT:KEY IS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION HAVE TO REMOVE THE ACCESS PANEL UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN TO ACCESS BUTTON TO RELEASE KEY I WORK FOR A TOWING CO. IN WESTEREN PA AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL CALLS OF THIS NATURE THE VEHICLE IN REGAURDS TO BELONGS TO MY SISTER IN LAW THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10240135
42,000 miles · Aug 11, 2008
Electrical SystemSteering
FRIDAY NIGHT AT A GAS STATION. STARTED THE CAR. ENGINE SHUT OFF WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE. WOULD STAY RUNNING IN PARK, NEUTRAL, AND DRIVE. DROVE THE CAR HOME. CALLED LANGS CHEVROLET IN BEAVERCREEK, OHIO SATURDAY MORNING. WAS GOING TO DRIVE CAR IN TO DEALERSHIP. CAR WOULD NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE CAR DID START, IT WOULD RU…
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FRIDAY NIGHT AT A GAS STATION. STARTED THE CAR. ENGINE SHUT OFF WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE. WOULD STAY RUNNING IN PARK, NEUTRAL, AND DRIVE. DROVE THE CAR HOME. CALLED LANGS CHEVROLET IN BEAVERCREEK, OHIO SATURDAY MORNING. WAS GOING TO DRIVE CAR IN TO DEALERSHIP. CAR WOULD NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THE CAR DID START, IT WOULD RUN FOR 2-10 SECONDS THEN "POWER STEERING" WOULD COME ON. AIR BAG LIGHTS WOULD COME ON. VARIOUS INTERMITTENT CODES WOULD COME ON. MOST OF THE TIME THE ALL GAUGES WOULD GO OFF AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. LANG HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP SATURDAY.. FEELS LIKE THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE. ALSO, FRONT SUSPENSION/STEERING MAKES RATTLING NOISE OVER ROUGH SURFACES. WILL MAKE A RATTLING NOISE WHILE SITTING STILL AND MOVING STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH WILL REPOST WITH THE RESULTS. OTHERS...PLEASE DO NOT REPOST THE SAME COMPLAINT! THIS BOGS DOWN OUR SEARCH CAPABILITIES. THANK YOU, PAULJ *TR
NHTSA ODI #10237669
35,000 miles · Jul 18, 2008
Electrical SystemFire
CAR WAS SITTING IN DRIVE WAY FOR 30 MINS AND BURST INTO FLAMES, AND THE WHOLE CAR IS A TOTAL WASTE. THE FIRE WAS SO HOT THAT THE SIDING MELTED ON THE HOUSE. NOTHING LEFT OF THE INSIDE OF THE CAR.. A EYE WITNESS SAID THE FIRE STARTED IN THE DASH AND WHEN IT STARTED IT WAS GONE IN LESS THAN 15 MINS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10234869
60,000 miles · Jul 18, 2008
Electrical System
THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION AT ANY TIME NO MATTER WHAT GEAR THE SHIFT LEVER IS IN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10234842
48,990 miles · Jun 10, 2008
Electrical SystemSteering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE CONTACT COULD NOT TURN THE VEHICLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD; HOWEVER, NO CRASH OCCURRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE CONTACT COULD NOT TURN THE VEHICLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD; HOWEVER, NO CRASH OCCURRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,990. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN. UPDATED 08/01/08.
NHTSA ODI #10230471
49,000 miles · Jun 9, 2008
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesSteeringCrash
1) WHEN PURCHASING THIS USED VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, WE WERE INFORMED THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD BROKEN HIS KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, HENCE THE BROKEN IGNITION LOCK MECHANISM. LIE 2) CAR BEGAN MAKING A FRONT END NOISE OR SO I THOUGHT, THE NEXT DAY AS MY DAUGHTER IN LAW AND MY GRANDKIDS WERE DRIVING HOME THE POWER STEERING INDIC…
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1) WHEN PURCHASING THIS USED VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, WE WERE INFORMED THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD BROKEN HIS KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, HENCE THE BROKEN IGNITION LOCK MECHANISM. LIE 2) CAR BEGAN MAKING A FRONT END NOISE OR SO I THOUGHT, THE NEXT DAY AS MY DAUGHTER IN LAW AND MY GRANDKIDS WERE DRIVING HOME THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR LIGHT TURNED ON, SHE APPLIED HER BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE PANEL TURNED ON AND HER STEERING LOCKED. THE TRUCK BEHIND US WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID SLAMMING IN TO US. AFTER GETTING ONLINE TO SEE IF THERE WAS GOING TO BE AN EASY AND INEXPENSIVE WAY TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM I WAS APPALLED TO READ ALL THE COMPLAINT REGARDING THESE SAME ISSUES. I LOST MY OLDEST CHILD TO FAULTY SEAT BELTS ON THE 01 FORD RANGER EDGE. THIS IS INDEED A SAFETY ISSUED THAT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10230381
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2008
Electrical System
THE GEAR SHIFT PANEL SHICKS AND WILL NOT RELEASE THE KEY OUT OF IGNITION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10230120
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.
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.
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 ↗
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