← New search

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

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
Clear category filter
40,000 miles · May 13, 2009
Steering

MY SON OWNS A 2006 CHEVY COBALT. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN THE POWER STEER LOCKS UP TO WHERE YOU ARE UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE QUICK FIX IS TO CUT OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTART. THIS IS ONLY A SHORT TERM FIX AS IT HAPPENS AGAIN WITHIN THE NEXT 10 MILES OR SO AND IS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT AS TIME GOES…

Read full complaint

MY SON OWNS A 2006 CHEVY COBALT. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN THE POWER STEER LOCKS UP TO WHERE YOU ARE UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE QUICK FIX IS TO CUT OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTART. THIS IS ONLY A SHORT TERM FIX AS IT HAPPENS AGAIN WITHIN THE NEXT 10 MILES OR SO AND IS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT AS TIME GOES ON. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE A RECALL IS ISSUED? AFTER READING THE REPORTED PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET THIS IS A VERY COMMON THING FOR THE 2005 AND 2006 MODELS. I HAVE SEEN RECALLS ON HERE FOR LESSER THINGS LIKE NOT ENOUGH AMBER IN A TURN SIGNAL? HOW IS THIS ANY MORE DANGEROUS THAN LOSING THE ABILITY TO STEER WHILE DOING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE? IT IS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A DEATH OR PERMANENT DISABILITY HAPPENS TO SOMEONE. GM HAS TO BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BY NOW. I GUESS THEY WILL JUST TAKE THERE CHANCES BEING THAT THEY ARE FILING BANKRUPTCY. I BEG YOU TO RECALL THIS COMPONENT. HOW MANY MORE COMPLAINTS ARE NEEDED? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10268613

51,000 miles · May 13, 2009
Steering

I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LTZ AND THE POWER STEERING HAS WENT OUT ON IT NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE IM DRIVING, TRYING TO MAKE A TURN, WHILE MY 2 CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR. IT MAKES THE CAR EXTREMELY HARD TO STEER AROUND A CURVE. THANKFULLY I HAVE ONLY ABOUT HIT OTHER CARS. BUT I STILL HAVE TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER WA…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LTZ AND THE POWER STEERING HAS WENT OUT ON IT NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE IM DRIVING, TRYING TO MAKE A TURN, WHILE MY 2 CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR. IT MAKES THE CAR EXTREMELY HARD TO STEER AROUND A CURVE. THANKFULLY I HAVE ONLY ABOUT HIT OTHER CARS. BUT I STILL HAVE TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER WAY TO WORK, UNTIL I CAN SAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO GET IT FIXED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT CAUSED IT BUT, I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM WITH THE COBALT 06. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING PART BOUT 1000.00 THAT I DON'T HAVE.. I M A SINGLE MOM OF TWO BOYS . I THINK THERE REALLY NEEDS TO BE A RECALL DONE ON THIS PARTICULAR PART ON THE 06 COBALT. BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT.. THERE ARE TO MANY PEOPLE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS.. OH AND DID I MENTION MY WARRANTY JUST RAN OUT.. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10268597

44,500 miles · May 7, 2009
Power TrainSteering

OUR 2006 CHEVY COBALT HAS STARTED HAVING POWER STEERING FAILURES. THE CAR HAS 44,000 MILES. TWO WEEKS AGO WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE PS LIGHT INDICATOR FLASHED ON AND WE DID OUR BEST TO TRY AND GET OFF THE ROAD. IF WE TURN THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON, THE POWER STEERING WILL WORK, BUT THE PROBLEM IS BECOMING MORE FREQU…

Read full complaint

OUR 2006 CHEVY COBALT HAS STARTED HAVING POWER STEERING FAILURES. THE CAR HAS 44,000 MILES. TWO WEEKS AGO WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE PS LIGHT INDICATOR FLASHED ON AND WE DID OUR BEST TO TRY AND GET OFF THE ROAD. IF WE TURN THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON, THE POWER STEERING WILL WORK, BUT THE PROBLEM IS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT; AT LEAST A COUPLE OF TIMES A WEEK. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW AND IS DRIVEN BY MY 20 YR. OLD HONOR COLLEGE STUDENT. I HAD A MECHANIC CHECK THIS AND HE TOLD ME THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROX. $1500. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10267945

65,000 miles · May 1, 2009
Steering

MY POWER STEERING HAS BEEN GOING ON AND OFF SINCE 2008. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE COLUMN. THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT EVERY DAY. AS SOON I TURN ON THE CAR AND GO A FEW YARDS IT GOES OUT. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE. IT'S A LOT HARDER TO TURN AND A LOT MORE FREQUENT THAN IT WAS IN NO…

Read full complaint

MY POWER STEERING HAS BEEN GOING ON AND OFF SINCE 2008. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE COLUMN. THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT EVERY DAY. AS SOON I TURN ON THE CAR AND GO A FEW YARDS IT GOES OUT. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE. IT'S A LOT HARDER TO TURN AND A LOT MORE FREQUENT THAN IT WAS IN NOVEMBER.

NHTSA ODI #10267513

37,289 miles · Apr 30, 2009
Steering

THE POWER STEERING LOCK UP EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. CANT DRIVE THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10267379

75,000 miles · Apr 29, 2009
Steering

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, POWER STEERING GOES IN AND OUT ON 2006 CHEVY COBALT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10267217

49,000 miles · Apr 27, 2009
Steering

THE POWER STEERING IN THE VEHICLE WENT OUT WHILE MAKING A TURN ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION WITH THE ONCOMING VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10266793

85,200 miles · Apr 24, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, HEARD BEEPING AND MESSAGE ON DIC READ"POWER STEERING". PULLED TO THE SHOULDER AND RESTARTED THE CAR. NO MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, BUT PROBLEM REMAINS. CAR WILL LOSE POWER STEERING NOW MORE FREQUENTLY, AT LEAST 5 TIMES DURING A 45 MINUTE RIDE. HAVE TO KEEP PULLING OVER TO RESTART THE…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, HEARD BEEPING AND MESSAGE ON DIC READ"POWER STEERING". PULLED TO THE SHOULDER AND RESTARTED THE CAR. NO MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, BUT PROBLEM REMAINS. CAR WILL LOSE POWER STEERING NOW MORE FREQUENTLY, AT LEAST 5 TIMES DURING A 45 MINUTE RIDE. HAVE TO KEEP PULLING OVER TO RESTART THE CAR TO FIX THE PROBLEM. CAR IS 3 YEARS OLD WITH ABOUT 85,200. HAVE NOT REPAIRED IT YET, CAR NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10266661

Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2009
SteeringSuspensionCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE SKIDDING OFF THE ROAD SURFACE INTO A WOODED AREA. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE POLICE DE…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE SKIDDING OFF THE ROAD SURFACE INTO A WOODED AREA. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR FACIAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER ENGINEERS ARE INVESTIGATING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 05/11/09.*LJ THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 05/11/09.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10265714

63,000 miles · Apr 9, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING LOCKS UP. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE WITH THE CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS GUARANTEED TO OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT 50,000 MILES AND OUT OF WARRANTY. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANU…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING LOCKS UP. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS A COMMON FAILURE WITH THE CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS GUARANTEED TO OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT 50,000 MILES AND OUT OF WARRANTY. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 63,000.

NHTSA ODI #10264809

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.