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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

Steering complaints

1,299 reports
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652,222 miles · Oct 22, 2009
Steering

IM HAVING SO MUCH TROUBLE IN MY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IN MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT IT JUS QUIT ON ME ALL OF A SUDDEN AN I RAN INTO A DITCH NO WARNING LIGHTS HAD CAME ON TILL AFTER I WAS PULLED OUT OF THE DITCH I FOUND IT HARD TO TURN AND EVERYONE I TAKE IT TO CANT FIND THE CODES TO TELL WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAR BUT THE ONLY PLACE …

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IM HAVING SO MUCH TROUBLE IN MY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IN MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT IT JUS QUIT ON ME ALL OF A SUDDEN AN I RAN INTO A DITCH NO WARNING LIGHTS HAD CAME ON TILL AFTER I WAS PULLED OUT OF THE DITCH I FOUND IT HARD TO TURN AND EVERYONE I TAKE IT TO CANT FIND THE CODES TO TELL WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAR BUT THE ONLY PLACE THAT DID WAS THE DEALER SHIP N THEY SAID THAT AS SOON AS I TOLD THEM ABOUT IT THEY DID ONE CHECK AFTER THAT AND CONFIRMED IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10289372

26,000 miles · Oct 22, 2009
Steering

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT LAST NIGHT AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING WENT TOTALLY DEAD. SHE WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT AND ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE IT. AFTER SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF AND THEN RESTARTING, THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO WORK AGAIN BUT A FEW MINUTES LATE…

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MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT LAST NIGHT AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING WENT TOTALLY DEAD. SHE WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT AND ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE IT. AFTER SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF AND THEN RESTARTING, THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO WORK AGAIN BUT A FEW MINUTES LATER SHE WAS BACK TO NO POWER STEERING. I CHECKED IN THE INTERNET AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF SUCH INCIDENTS REPORTED ON 2005 AND 2006 COBALT VEHICLES. I CALLED THE DEALER TODAY AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INDICATED THEY HAVE SERVICED A FEW OF THESE PROBLEMS. EXPECTED REMEDY IS TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN FOR ABOUT $1200. THIS CAR HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR 39 MONTHS AND HAS 26,000 MILES ON IT. THIS SITUATION POSES A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT NEEDS TO BE INITIATED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10289364

67,000 miles · Oct 21, 2009
Electrical SystemSteeringTraction Control System

I OWN A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LT AND RECENTLY WHILE I AM DRIVING THE T/C, SECURITY, AND POWER STEERING LIGHTS COME ON AND MY POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND MY CAR STARTS BUCKING AND JUMPING LIKE CRAZY. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING 70 DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND I ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE DIVIDER WALL TRYING TO PULL OVER. I…

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I OWN A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LT AND RECENTLY WHILE I AM DRIVING THE T/C, SECURITY, AND POWER STEERING LIGHTS COME ON AND MY POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND MY CAR STARTS BUCKING AND JUMPING LIKE CRAZY. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING 70 DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND I ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE DIVIDER WALL TRYING TO PULL OVER. IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT INTO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS CAUSING IT. I HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION MODULE WHICH WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO RESET AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF FOR A WHILE BUT IF IT HAPPENS IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS CRASHES. THERE ARE ALREADY THOUSANDS OF REPORTS ON THE SAME INCIDENT WITH THIS PARTICULAR CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10289297

20,890 miles · Oct 21, 2009
Steering

THERE WAS NO WARNING IM DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH DOWN HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST MY POWER STEERING VERY HARD TO DRIVE I PULLED OVER TURNED CAR OFF AND LOOKED UNDER HOOD DIDN'T SEE NO PROBLEM GOT BACK IN STARTED CAR UP AND POWER STEERING WAS BACK GOT IT HOME AND PARKED IT I HAD MY MECHANIC COME AND LOOK AT IT PUT MACHINE ON…

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THERE WAS NO WARNING IM DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH DOWN HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST MY POWER STEERING VERY HARD TO DRIVE I PULLED OVER TURNED CAR OFF AND LOOKED UNDER HOOD DIDN'T SEE NO PROBLEM GOT BACK IN STARTED CAR UP AND POWER STEERING WAS BACK GOT IT HOME AND PARKED IT I HAD MY MECHANIC COME AND LOOK AT IT PUT MACHINE ON IT NO PROBLEM SHOWED SO I TOOK IT ABOUT 10 MILES FROM HOME AND IT DID IT AGAIN SHUT OFF CAR AND RESTARTED IT AND PROBLEM WAS GONE FOR AWHILE BUT KEEPS RECURRING OVER AND OVER SO AFRAID IM NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO HANDLE THIS CAR EVERYTIME IT DECIDES TO DO THIS ITS GOT ME STUNNED I DID SOME RESEARCH AND IM NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM I'VE SEEN A LEAST 25 TO 40 OTHERS WHOM HAVE SAME PROBLEM ITS GOING TO CAUSE A ACCIDENT AND I HOPE ITS NOT ME BUT I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ALREADY AND I GOT IT RECORDED WHERE I HAVE COMPLAINED SO IT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT AND THEN THERE WILL BE LAWSUITS FOR CHEVY COBALT MAKERS TO DEAL WITH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10289271

44 miles · Oct 21, 2009
Steering

THE POWER STEERING FOR MY 2006 COBALT WILL STOP WORKING AT RANDOM TIMES. THIS HAS HAPPENED UP TO 5 TIMES DURING A GIVEN DAY INCLUDING IN STOPPED TRAFFIC WAITING AT A RED LIGHT AND DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THE SOLUTION IS TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN THE CAR ON AND IT WILL RESET THE POWER STEERING. THIS HAS RESULTE…

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THE POWER STEERING FOR MY 2006 COBALT WILL STOP WORKING AT RANDOM TIMES. THIS HAS HAPPENED UP TO 5 TIMES DURING A GIVEN DAY INCLUDING IN STOPPED TRAFFIC WAITING AT A RED LIGHT AND DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THE SOLUTION IS TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN THE CAR ON AND IT WILL RESET THE POWER STEERING. THIS HAS RESULTED IN ME DRIVING AT ANYWHERE FROM 25 TO 70 MPH AND THEN HAVING THE DRIVING CONDITIONS OF THE CAR CHANGE INSTANTLY WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE CALLED A CHEVROLET DEALER ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THEY ARE AWARE OF IT AND THEIR SOLUTION IS FOR THE CUSTOMER TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WHICH WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $900. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN READING ON THE INTERNET AND DEMANDS A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10289270

10,313 miles · Oct 21, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND HE RESUMED NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR SHOULD BE REPLACED AT THE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND HE RESUMED NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR SHOULD BE REPLACED AT THE MANUFACTURERS EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 10,313.

NHTSA ODI #10289223

70,000 miles · Oct 20, 2009
Steering

I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT WITH POWER STEERING THAT STOP WORKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10289198

20,694 miles · Oct 20, 2009
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 20,694. UPDAETD 11/13/09.*LJ UPDATED 11/16/09

NHTSA ODI #10289130

110,000 miles · Oct 20, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 110000.

NHTSA ODI #10289085

60,000 miles · Oct 19, 2009
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING HE LOST POWER STEERING. HE HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY AND A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING HE LOST POWER STEERING. HE HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY AND A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10288995

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.