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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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

255 reports
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10,000 miles · Aug 30, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT SMELLED AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO FUEL VISIBLE ON THE GROUND AT ANY GIVEN TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO NOTICED INTERNAL FUEL LEAKAGE. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN DUE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT SMELLED AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO FUEL VISIBLE ON THE GROUND AT ANY GIVEN TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO NOTICED INTERNAL FUEL LEAKAGE. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V419000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP); HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT CURRENTLY REGISTERED OR PURCHASED IN THE STATES MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ODI #10473051

67,676 miles · Aug 27, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, FUEL FUMES STARTED TO EMIT INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED A STEADY DRIP OF FUEL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED ABOUT A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V419000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLIN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, FUEL FUMES STARTED TO EMIT INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED A STEADY DRIP OF FUEL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED ABOUT A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V419000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,676.

NHTSA ODI #10472571

80,000 miles · Aug 27, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE AND IN THE GARAGE WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #10472546

40,881 miles · Aug 24, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

WE NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE CAR. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION WE DISCOVERED A PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE CAR. WE RESEARCHED RECALLS AND OF COURSE WE WERE TOLD THEY WERE FOR CERTAIN STATES. WE CONTACTED GM AND WAS ABLE TO GET THEM TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO IT BEING A SAF…

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WE NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE CAR. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION WE DISCOVERED A PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE CAR. WE RESEARCHED RECALLS AND OF COURSE WE WERE TOLD THEY WERE FOR CERTAIN STATES. WE CONTACTED GM AND WAS ABLE TO GET THEM TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO IT BEING A SAFETY ISSUE! DEALER FOUND THE METAL LINES PART OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE LEAKING FUEL. IT WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE. OUR DEALER OFFERED TO PAY 50% OF THE COST. WE STILL HAVE AN OPEN INVESTIGATION WITH GM TO SEE IF THEY WILL BE COVERING THE COST OF THE REPAIR AND REFUND US OUR MONEY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IT IS A DEFECTIVE PART! NO WAY SHOULD A CAR WITH LESS THAN 41,000 MILES SHOULD HAVE A FUEL LEAK. JUST HOPE YOU DECIDE TO RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR DIES!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10472141

74,000 miles · Aug 22, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

I NOTICED THAT MY CAR, INSIDE AND OUT, HAD A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL. SINCE MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THE CAR I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL ON 2006 COBALTS FOR THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER SINCE I'M NOT IN A SOUTHERN STATE, WITH HIGH TEMPERATURES, MY CAR IS NOT COVERED. THIS MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE TO ME SINCE…

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I NOTICED THAT MY CAR, INSIDE AND OUT, HAD A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL. SINCE MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THE CAR I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL ON 2006 COBALTS FOR THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER SINCE I'M NOT IN A SOUTHERN STATE, WITH HIGH TEMPERATURES, MY CAR IS NOT COVERED. THIS MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE TO ME SINCE MARYLAND HAS BEEN EXTREMELY HOT ALL SUMMER. THE VIN NUMBER FOR MY CAR MATCHES THE RECALL NOTICE JUST NOT THE STATE. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO FIND THE MONEY FOR REPAIR SINCE MY CHILD'S SAFETY IS AT RISK. I JUST THINK THAT GM SHOULD PAY FOR ALL 2006 COBALTS SINCE THEY ARE CLEARLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471882

37,684 miles · Aug 21, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471677

130,000 miles · Aug 17, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

STRONG GAS SMELL AFTER TURNING OFF CAR THAT LASTS SEVERAL HOURS. ALSO, THE CAR HAS DIFFICULTIES STARTING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471274

111,076 miles · Aug 16, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. NOTICED GASOLINE ON BOTTOM OF FUEL TANK AND TANK SHIELD. LOOKED FOR RECALLS AND FOUND RECALLS FOR THE FUEL MODULE ON VEHICLES REGISTERED IN STATES THAT HAVE A HOT SUMMER CLIMATE BUT NO RECALL ISSUED FOR THE STATE OF MISSOURI. WITH THE RECORD SETTINGS TEMPERATURES THIS SUMMER IN ST. LOUIS RECALL SHOULD BE…

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STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. NOTICED GASOLINE ON BOTTOM OF FUEL TANK AND TANK SHIELD. LOOKED FOR RECALLS AND FOUND RECALLS FOR THE FUEL MODULE ON VEHICLES REGISTERED IN STATES THAT HAVE A HOT SUMMER CLIMATE BUT NO RECALL ISSUED FOR THE STATE OF MISSOURI. WITH THE RECORD SETTINGS TEMPERATURES THIS SUMMER IN ST. LOUIS RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO THE STATE OF MISSOURI. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471142

140,000 miles · Aug 16, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH MY FUEL GAUGE CRASHED. DROPPING TO EMPTY FROM HALF FULL AND STOPPING MY VEHICLE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CHECK THE ENGINE FOR FUEL. NOTHING FOUND. GOT ON MY HANDS AND KNEES AND CHECKED UNDER THE CAR TO FIND FUEL SHOWERING OUT OF THE BOT…

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DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH MY FUEL GAUGE CRASHED. DROPPING TO EMPTY FROM HALF FULL AND STOPPING MY VEHICLE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CHECK THE ENGINE FOR FUEL. NOTHING FOUND. GOT ON MY HANDS AND KNEES AND CHECKED UNDER THE CAR TO FIND FUEL SHOWERING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF MY FUEL TANK. I CALLED MY LOCAL CHEVROLET AND GAVE THEM MY VIN NUMBER ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT YES THERE IS A RECALL IN EFFECT FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT ITS ONLY AVAILABLE TO BE FIXED FOR FREE IN 2 STATES. ARIZONA AND NEVADA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10470859

72,000 miles · Aug 14, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 10/10/12 *CN UPDATED 1…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 10/10/12 *CN UPDATED 10/15/2012 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10470540

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.