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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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58,000 miles · Aug 18, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVY COBALT SS. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT FLASHED AND THE POWER STEERING IN THE VEHICLE DISABLED WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE W…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVY COBALT SS. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT FLASHED AND THE POWER STEERING IN THE VEHICLE DISABLED WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI #10280909

52,000 miles · Aug 18, 2009
Steering

POWER STEERING LOSS AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WITHOUT WARNING THE POWERSTEERING GOES OUT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND IT CONCERNS ME BECAUSE MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDSON USED THIS CAR THEY DON'T USE NOW FOR FEAR OF AN ACCIDENT I STILL OWE ON THE CAR AND FEEL GM SHOULD FIX THE ISSUE I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND A SITE WHICH DIRECT…

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POWER STEERING LOSS AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WITHOUT WARNING THE POWERSTEERING GOES OUT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND IT CONCERNS ME BECAUSE MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDSON USED THIS CAR THEY DON'T USE NOW FOR FEAR OF AN ACCIDENT I STILL OWE ON THE CAR AND FEEL GM SHOULD FIX THE ISSUE I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND A SITE WHICH DIRECTED ME TO THIS SITE PLEASE HELP.... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10280903

61,000 miles · Aug 18, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVY COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 25-70 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND AT HIGH SPEEDS THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 61,000.

NHTSA ODI #10280902

70,000 miles · Aug 18, 2009
Steering

I OWN A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT SS SUPERCHARGED. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I EXPERIENCED THE COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE DEALER TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THE PART WAS ON AN AT LEAST THREE WEEK BACKORDER AND THAT I COULD EITHER LEAVE THE CAR WIT…

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I OWN A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT SS SUPERCHARGED. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I EXPERIENCED THE COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE DEALER TO BRING IT TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THE PART WAS ON AN AT LEAST THREE WEEK BACKORDER AND THAT I COULD EITHER LEAVE THE CAR WITH THEM AND FIND ANOTHER MODE OF TRANSPORTATION OR DRIVE IT UNTIL THEY GOT THE PART. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10280818

55,000 miles · Aug 18, 2009
Steering

I HAVE A 2006 COBALT THAT I BOUGHT IN APRIL OF 2007. FOR THE FIRST YEAR EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL MY MESSAGE BOARD FLASHED POWER STEERING AND IT WENT OUT. AT FIRST I COULD JUST TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON AND IT WOULD GO AWAY. IT DID IT ABOUT ONCE A MONTH AFTERWARDS UP UNTIL JULY OF 2009. EVER SINCE THEN, EVEN IF I CUT THE CAR O…

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I HAVE A 2006 COBALT THAT I BOUGHT IN APRIL OF 2007. FOR THE FIRST YEAR EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL MY MESSAGE BOARD FLASHED POWER STEERING AND IT WENT OUT. AT FIRST I COULD JUST TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON AND IT WOULD GO AWAY. IT DID IT ABOUT ONCE A MONTH AFTERWARDS UP UNTIL JULY OF 2009. EVER SINCE THEN, EVEN IF I CUT THE CAR OFF, IT WILL FLASH WHEN I GO OVER 20MPH. CHEVY SAID THEY CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10280794

70,000 miles · Aug 18, 2009
Steering

I CURRENTLY OWN A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT LT 2.2L. RECENTLY AS I AM DRIVING THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE APPEARS ON MY DASH AND THE POWER STEERING GOES COMPLETELY OUT. I HAVE TO TRY MY HARDEST TO NAVIGATE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND TURN IT OFF, AND UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE IT IS FINE AGAIN. SOMETIMES THIS OCCURS FREQUENTLY AND …

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I CURRENTLY OWN A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT LT 2.2L. RECENTLY AS I AM DRIVING THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE APPEARS ON MY DASH AND THE POWER STEERING GOES COMPLETELY OUT. I HAVE TO TRY MY HARDEST TO NAVIGATE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND TURN IT OFF, AND UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE IT IS FINE AGAIN. SOMETIMES THIS OCCURS FREQUENTLY AND OTHERS IT CAN GO FOR A FEW MINUTES IN BETWEEN. THE CAR HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT AND IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND THIS SITUATION OCCURRED COMPLETELY SPUR OF THE MOMENT. THE PROBLEM CAUSES CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE TO BECOME VERY VERY HARD AND IN MANY CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS HARM DUE TO ACCIDENTS RESULTING FROM BEING UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AND MAINTAIN CONTROL ON THE ROAD. THIS PROBLEM IS COMPLETELY UNRELATED TO ANY FAULTS OF THE OWNER AS THE SYSTEM IS ELECTRONIC AND DOES NOT REQUIRE MAINTENANCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10280782

68,000 miles · Aug 17, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND PROCEEDING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ONTO A HIGHWAY. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER EXERTED HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN TH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND PROCEEDING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ONTO A HIGHWAY. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER EXERTED HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH CAUTION. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED TO NORMAL OPERATION. IDENTICAL FAILURES OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FAILURES WERE CONTRIBUTED TO EXCESSIVE USAGE OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WAS $1,200. THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #10280721

23,146 miles · Aug 17, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATES WHILE WAS DRIVING 60MPH HE NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THEN THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER STEERING. HE DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCE BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE IS 23146. UPDATED 10/26/09. *LJ UPDATED 1…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATES WHILE WAS DRIVING 60MPH HE NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THEN THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER STEERING. HE DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCE BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE IS 23146. UPDATED 10/26/09. *LJ UPDATED 10/26/09*JB

NHTSA ODI #10280657

55,432 miles · Aug 17, 2009
Steering

POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON 06 CHEVY COBALT AND GM DOES NOT HAVE THE REMEDIES TO FIX IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10280649

50,080 miles · Aug 16, 2009
Steering

WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AS THE COMPUTER LCD PROMPTED A POWER STEERING FAILURE. WE TRIED TURNING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING BUT IN LESS THAN 2 MINUTES THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. WE HAVE NO MONEY TO GET IT REPAIRED SO WE HAVE NO IDEA HOW WE WILL RESOLVE THIS POWER STEERING ISSUE TO …

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WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AS THE COMPUTER LCD PROMPTED A POWER STEERING FAILURE. WE TRIED TURNING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING BUT IN LESS THAN 2 MINUTES THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. WE HAVE NO MONEY TO GET IT REPAIRED SO WE HAVE NO IDEA HOW WE WILL RESOLVE THIS POWER STEERING ISSUE TO GET TO WORK TOMORROW SO THIS PRESENTS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND CURRENTLY THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10280575

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.