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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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82,470 miles · Feb 17, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE SEAL WHERE THE FUEL FILLER TUBE MEETS THE GASOLINE TANK IS LEAKING. IT IS CONTINUOUSLY WET IN A CIRCLE ABOUT TWO INCHES AROUND THE TUBE. IT IS NOT DRIPPING ON THE GROUND AT THIS TIME, BUT LOOKS AS IF IT WILL WITHIN A SHORT TIME. THE FUMES ARE VERY STRONG. I MOVED THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE TO AVOID AN EXPLOSION HAZARD. …

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THE SEAL WHERE THE FUEL FILLER TUBE MEETS THE GASOLINE TANK IS LEAKING. IT IS CONTINUOUSLY WET IN A CIRCLE ABOUT TWO INCHES AROUND THE TUBE. IT IS NOT DRIPPING ON THE GROUND AT THIS TIME, BUT LOOKS AS IF IT WILL WITHIN A SHORT TIME. THE FUMES ARE VERY STRONG. I MOVED THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE TO AVOID AN EXPLOSION HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564724

94,000 miles · Dec 19, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

CHEVY COBALT REEKS OF FUEL. HAPPENING FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND NOW NOTICES A LEAK ON DRIVERS SIDE NEAR BACK TIRE. CAR WAS ORIGINALLY BOUGHT IN VIRGINIA AND RESIDES IN MARYLAND. WHY ISN'T MY STATE UNDER RECALL???? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10556650

139,000 miles · Dec 4, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

BAD SMELL OF FUEL, COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO KNOWN ISSUE WITH FUEL PUMP PLASTIC HOUSING WITH MAKE AND MODEL OF MY CAR. SAFETY RECALL HAS BEEN LEFT OUT OF VIRGINIA FOR THIS ISSUE. SEEMS TO BE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10554793

86,000 miles · Sep 28, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

GAS TANK LEAK ON TOP OF TANK - TANK IS CORRODED AND LEAKING. NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10546039

94,623 miles · Sep 13, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

AFTER DRIVING THE CAR THERE IS AN ODOR OF GASOLINE IN AND AROUND THE CAR. A SEARCH FOR RELATED ISSUES ON THE INTERNET IDENTIFIED MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR WHICH THE FUEL PUMP FUEL LINES CRACK AND PUMP FUEL ONTO THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK AND THEN POTENTIALLY DRIP ONTO THE EXHAUST. ADDITIONALLY, THERE APPEARS TO ALREADY BE A RECA…

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AFTER DRIVING THE CAR THERE IS AN ODOR OF GASOLINE IN AND AROUND THE CAR. A SEARCH FOR RELATED ISSUES ON THE INTERNET IDENTIFIED MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOR WHICH THE FUEL PUMP FUEL LINES CRACK AND PUMP FUEL ONTO THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK AND THEN POTENTIALLY DRIP ONTO THE EXHAUST. ADDITIONALLY, THERE APPEARS TO ALREADY BE A RECALL IN CERTAIN STATES, HOWEVER THE RECALL DOES NOT COVER INDIANA. THIS SEEMS LIKE A VERY DANGEROUS WIDE-SPREAD DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543533

71,511 miles · Sep 11, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

WE RECEIVED A LETTER (#12191), DATED MARCH 2013, REGARDING OUR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT ADVISING US OF A SAFETY ISSUE WE SHOULD ADDRESS IF IT OCCURS. THE NOTICE STATED ONE OF THE SYMPTOMS OF THE CONDITION WAS "A NOTICEABLE FUEL ODOR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN OR AFTER IT IS PARKED." IT STATED "FUEL VAPORS, IN THE PRESENCE OF…

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WE RECEIVED A LETTER (#12191), DATED MARCH 2013, REGARDING OUR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT ADVISING US OF A SAFETY ISSUE WE SHOULD ADDRESS IF IT OCCURS. THE NOTICE STATED ONE OF THE SYMPTOMS OF THE CONDITION WAS "A NOTICEABLE FUEL ODOR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN OR AFTER IT IS PARKED." IT STATED "FUEL VAPORS, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE." MY DAUGHTER, WIFE AND I HAD STARTED SMELLING GASOLINE EVERY TIME MY DAUGHTER PARKED IN THE GARAGE. MY DAUGHTER IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER AND SHE OFTEN HAS OUR 2 YR OLD GRANDSON IN THE CAR WITH HER. I DID AS THE LETTER INSTRUCTED AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. I TOOK THE CAR TO JOHNNY LONDOFF CHEVROLET IN FLORISSANT, MO ON 9/11/13. AFTER SPENDING CLOSE TO 3 HOURS WAITING FOR THE CAR, I WENT HOME AND STILL SMELLED GASOLINE WHEN I PARKED IN THE GARAGE. I LOOKED AT THE INVOICE TO DETERMINE WHAT THEY'D DONE, AND IT SAID NO PROBLEM FOUND. WHEN I CALLED THE SERVICE CENTER, THE ADVISOR/TECHNICIAN STATED I "THINK" I SMELL GAS. IF THAT'S THE CASE, THERE ARE THREE OF US WHO "THINK" WE SMELL GAS. ALTHOUGH CHEVROLET SENT THE LETTER, APPARENTLY THEY DON'T WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IF THIS HAPPENED TO ME, I CAN ONLY WONDER HOW MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVE IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AND WERE TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM? I'M EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDSON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543189

100,335 miles · Jul 5, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

I STARTED SMELLING GAS FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND WHEN I LOOKED UNDER IT I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SOME FUEL UNDER THE CAR. I'M THINKING ITS THE GAS TANK AND I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR LIKE THAT BECAUSE ANY SPARK CAN CAUSE A FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10523337

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FROM DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE/HE WAS ONLY REIMBURSED PARTIALLY. THE DEALER EXPLAINED, THEY WOULD NOT REIMBURSE THE HIM/HER FOR THE MARKUP ON THE FUEL PUMP. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THEIR FUEL PUMP WAS $217.88, WHERE AS THE REPAIR CENTER, TH…

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2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FROM DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE/HE WAS ONLY REIMBURSED PARTIALLY. THE DEALER EXPLAINED, THEY WOULD NOT REIMBURSE THE HIM/HER FOR THE MARKUP ON THE FUEL PUMP. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THEIR FUEL PUMP WAS $217.88, WHERE AS THE REPAIR CENTER, THE CONSUMER CHOSE, CHARGED $317.88.

NHTSA ODI #10521332

Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2013
Fuel System, GasolineFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICED FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHICH STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V459000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) DUE TO WHERE THEY LIVED. THE LETTER ALSO STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE SHOULD THE FAILU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICED FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHICH STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V459000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) DUE TO WHERE THEY LIVED. THE LETTER ALSO STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE SHOULD THE FAILURE OCCUR. THE CONTACT FELT THAT ALL VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED, REGARDLESS OF RESIDENCY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508508

86,000 miles · Feb 26, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG FUEL ODOR WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FUEL PUMP PLASTIC RETURN LINE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V4190…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG FUEL ODOR WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FUEL PUMP PLASTIC RETURN LINE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V419000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,239. UPDATED 4/24/13 UPDATED 06/04/2013*JS

NHTSA ODI #10500496

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.