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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 System, Gasoline complaints

215 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2015
Fuel System, GasolineFire

CPSC: I1540015A. 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER STATED THE RUSTED FUEL LINE LEAKED AND CAUSED AN EXPLOSION HAZARD. *LN

NHTSA ODI #10711768

Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2015
Fuel System, Gasoline

2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GAS MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED, SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS MODULE FAILED AGAIN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10704702

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2015
Fuel System, GasolineSuspension

2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. CUSTOMER GOT CAR FIXED BECAUSE OF GAS LEAK BUT CONSUMER PAID FOR PARTS AND LABOR AND WANTS MONEY BACK. *TA AFTER HAVING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACED, IT WAS NOTED ON THE INVOICE, THE VEHICLE HAD A GAS LEAK. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE GAS LINE HAD TO BE ORDERED, BECAUSE IT HAD…

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2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. CUSTOMER GOT CAR FIXED BECAUSE OF GAS LEAK BUT CONSUMER PAID FOR PARTS AND LABOR AND WANTS MONEY BACK. *TA AFTER HAVING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACED, IT WAS NOTED ON THE INVOICE, THE VEHICLE HAD A GAS LEAK. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE GAS LINE HAD TO BE ORDERED, BECAUSE IT HAD RUSTED. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER WAITING WEEKS, THE PARTS STILL HAD NOT ARRIVED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10663869

172,000 miles · Feb 7, 2015
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE FUEL LINE IS LEAKING AS SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL OF CERTAIN VIN SPECIFIC COBALTS. YET, I HAVE NOTICED A NUMBER OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT, LIKE MY COBALT, WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE VIN SPECIFIC RECALL. ..UPDATED 02/24/15*BF UPDATED 4/5/16/2016 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10681924

76,189 miles · Dec 23, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL LEAK. THERE IS A RECALL IN OTHER STATES BUT NOT PENNYSLVANIA. I FEEL I SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THIS FIXED AT NO CHARGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10668017

140,234 miles · Sep 28, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

CAR LEAKS GAS, NO HOLE IN TANK. SAW REPORT ABOUT RECALL FOR THIS BUT MY DEALERSHIP IN ARIZONA HAS STATED MY VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY. I AM CONFUSED IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM HOW DOES MY VEHICLE NOT QUALIFY. THIS IS A HAZARD THAT COULD EFFECT THE LIFE OF ME AND MY FAMILY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10639637

144,200 miles · Aug 10, 2014
Air BagsEngineFuel System, Gasoline

AT APPROXIMATELY 7:47AM CST ON AUGUST 7TH 2014, I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN WHEN THE ENGINE AND ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS DIED. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND SAFELY DRIVE, WITH NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS/OTHER DASH WARNINGS, APPROXIMATELY HALF A MILE BACK HOME. THERE WAS NO WARNING ON THE DASH (IE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT) BEFORE T…

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AT APPROXIMATELY 7:47AM CST ON AUGUST 7TH 2014, I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN WHEN THE ENGINE AND ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS DIED. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND SAFELY DRIVE, WITH NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS/OTHER DASH WARNINGS, APPROXIMATELY HALF A MILE BACK HOME. THERE WAS NO WARNING ON THE DASH (IE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT) BEFORE THE MASSIVE FAILURE OCCURRED; IT WAS INSTANTLY DEAD. THIS FITS THE CHARACTERIZATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE IN THE AFFECTED GM MODELS. I WAS ONE TURN FROM MERGING ON THE FREEWAY. HAD THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED A MINUTE LATER, THE POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE INJURY/LOSS OF LIFE WAS GREAT. I HAVE BEEN WAITING ON A LIST SINCE APRIL TO GET THE DEFECTED IGNITION SWITCH REPAIRED. I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL TIMES FOR UPDATES, AND HAVE BEEN TOLD UP TO 800 PEOPLE WERE AHEAD OF ME FOR REPAIRS. WHEN I REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO GM VIA THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL HOTLINE, THEY SUDDENLY FOUND THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR MY CAR. THIS IS SUSPECT TO ME. THEY ARE ALSO CLAIMING THAT THIS INCIDENT WAS NOT IGNITION SWITCH RELATED, BUT THE FACT REMAINS THAT THIS WAS A NEAR-MISS INCIDENT WITH POTENTIAL CATASTROPHIC IMPLICATIONS THAT FITS ALL DESCRIPTIONS OF IGNITION SWITCH FAILURES. I HAVE FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS BY GM TO DRIVE WITH ONLY THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND TO AVOID BUMPY ROADS, BUT THIS INCIDENTS HAS MADE ME FEEL EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR. GM IS NOT TREATING THIS DEFECT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AS SERIOUSLY AS IT NEEDS TO, AS THE POSSIBILITY FOR SEVERE INJURY/LOSS OF LIGHT IS GREAT. THERE IS NO WARNING THAT POWER WILL BE LOST. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR KNOWING THAT GM KNEW ABOUT THIS DEFECT FOR OVER A DECADE AND IS INSISTING THAT CARS WITH THE DEFECT ARE SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621208

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

WAS DRIVING AND BEGAN TO SMELL GAS AND AFTER LOOKING NOTICED THAT THERE WAS GAS LEAKING FROM THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10617985

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2014
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND THE SHIFT CYLINDER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND THE SHIFT CYLINDER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN FIRST GEAR AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10617942

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineEquipment

2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH AND OTHER VEHICLE PROBLEMS AND UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES AFTER SHE SWITCHED THE IGNITION TO THE OFF POSITION AND REMOVED THE KEY. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIV…

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2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH AND OTHER VEHICLE PROBLEMS AND UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES AFTER SHE SWITCHED THE IGNITION TO THE OFF POSITION AND REMOVED THE KEY. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY RAN OUT OF GAS. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE VERY SAME DAY, SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL PUMP. ALSO, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE BATTER EXPLODED, WHEN AN ODOR BEGAN TO COME INSIDE THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE AC AND HEAT DID NOT WORK, THE DASH LIGHTS WORKED OCCASIONALLY, THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND THE INTERIOR WAS FALLING APART. *JB THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, THE AC COMPRESSOR FAILED. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THEN SOMETHING WENT WRONG WITH THE BATTERY AND TOXIC FUMES FROM THE BATTERY IN THE TRUNK WERE BEING SUCKED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE, OPENED THE TRUNK AND HOT BATTERY ACID WAS ALL OVER THE PLACE. UPDATED 09/08/14

NHTSA ODI #10615463

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.