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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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81,300 miles · Sep 7, 2011
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A TURN AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AFTER EXPERIENCING THE FAILURES, THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000 (STEE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A TURN AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AFTER EXPERIENCING THE FAILURES, THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ASIDE FROM THE RECALL REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW STS COIL. THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, BUT THE NEW STS COIL WAS NOT INSTALLED. THE STEERING FAILURES CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK FOR FURTHER REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,300.

NHTSA ODI #10424095

Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2011
Electrical SystemSteeringVehicle Speed Control

THE POWER STEERING FAILED ON YESTERDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2011. THE MPH NEEDLE DOES NOT MOVE AT ALL ON THE RPM NEEDLE. IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE WHAT IT SEEMS TO BE 30 MILES PER HOUR I MUST PRESS HARD ON THE ACCELERATOR. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE AND I RECEIVED A LETTER TO HAVE THE CAR LOOKED AT BY DARCARS DEALERSH…

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THE POWER STEERING FAILED ON YESTERDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2011. THE MPH NEEDLE DOES NOT MOVE AT ALL ON THE RPM NEEDLE. IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE WHAT IT SEEMS TO BE 30 MILES PER HOUR I MUST PRESS HARD ON THE ACCELERATOR. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE AND I RECEIVED A LETTER TO HAVE THE CAR LOOKED AT BY DARCARS DEALERSHIP. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP MAY 2011 AND THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED AND EVERYTHING IS FINE. NOW 4 MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLE IS IN WORSE CONDITION THEN IT WAS PRIOR TO ME TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO AT THIS POINT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10424063

162,000 miles · Aug 31, 2011
Steering

2006 CHEVY COBALT- HAD ORIGINAL RECALL ON ELECTRIC STEERING DONE. NOW 2 DEALERS CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRING WITH THE CAR, BUT SUSPECT THE STEERING MODULE IS OUT. DRIVING YOU LOSE POWER STEERING, JUST AS BEFORE. SCAN SHOWS 19 CODES ALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING. MY CAR AND A FRIEND WITH THE SAME VEHICLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THI…

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2006 CHEVY COBALT- HAD ORIGINAL RECALL ON ELECTRIC STEERING DONE. NOW 2 DEALERS CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRING WITH THE CAR, BUT SUSPECT THE STEERING MODULE IS OUT. DRIVING YOU LOSE POWER STEERING, JUST AS BEFORE. SCAN SHOWS 19 CODES ALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING. MY CAR AND A FRIEND WITH THE SAME VEHICLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10422784

43,000 miles · Aug 10, 2011
Steering

THE POWER STEERING IN MY '06 CHEVY COBALT SUDDENLY DIED, AND CONTINUES TO DIE EVERY TIME I TURN ON THE CAR. THE CAR WAS WORKING PERFECTLY FINE BEFOREHAND. THIS IS A RECENT PROBLEM FOR ME BUT AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF RESEARCH I SEE THAT MANY, MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING A SIMILAR ISSUE WITH THEIR '05-'07 COBALTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10418394

58,240 miles · Aug 9, 2011
SteeringCrash

I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT WHEN I WAS DRIVING TO MY PARENTS HOUSE I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING I SLIGHTLY HIT THE FENCE. I DID TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF THE RECALL AND HAD THE POWER STEERING MOTOR REPLACED HOWEVER THE PROBLEM PERSIST AND IT TURNS OUT ITS THE POWER STEERING COLUMN. ISN'T IT SUPPOSE TO BE A RE…

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I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT WHEN I WAS DRIVING TO MY PARENTS HOUSE I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING I SLIGHTLY HIT THE FENCE. I DID TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF THE RECALL AND HAD THE POWER STEERING MOTOR REPLACED HOWEVER THE PROBLEM PERSIST AND IT TURNS OUT ITS THE POWER STEERING COLUMN. ISN'T IT SUPPOSE TO BE A RECALL FOR THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10418297

32,000 miles · Aug 8, 2011
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FEATURE WOULD MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WOULD DOWN SHIFT AND THE STEERING WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE RECEIVED THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FEATURE WOULD MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WOULD DOWN SHIFT AND THE STEERING WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE RECEIVED THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MOTOR WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE FAILURE BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

NHTSA ODI #10417936

90,000 miles · Aug 1, 2011
Electrical SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO OPEN AND CLOSE ERRATICALLY. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO OPEN AND CLOSE ERRATICALLY. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THERE WERE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF WHICH ONES ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO VERIFY IF THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #10416441

Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2011
Steering

THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT IN MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT LTZ WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10412331

115,000 miles · Jul 9, 2011
Steering

I JUST BOUGHT A 2006 CHEVY COBALT 2.2L. TWO WEEKS AGO I HAD TO TAKE IT INTO A DEALER FOR POWER STEERING ISSUES. THERE IS A RECALL OPEN ON IT SO THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. NOW, JUST TWO WEEKS AFTER FIXING IT, I TURN MY CAR ON AND THERE'S NO POWER STEERING AGAIN. I HAVE ALREADY HAD IT IN ONCE TO FIX THIS AND IT'S STIL…

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I JUST BOUGHT A 2006 CHEVY COBALT 2.2L. TWO WEEKS AGO I HAD TO TAKE IT INTO A DEALER FOR POWER STEERING ISSUES. THERE IS A RECALL OPEN ON IT SO THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. NOW, JUST TWO WEEKS AFTER FIXING IT, I TURN MY CAR ON AND THERE'S NO POWER STEERING AGAIN. I HAVE ALREADY HAD IT IN ONCE TO FIX THIS AND IT'S STILL CAUSING ME PROBLEMS. I WORK TWO JOBS AND DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO BE FIXING THIS CAR REPEATEDLY. I TRADED IN A 1997 SKYLARK FOR THIS 2006 COBALT WANTING A NEWER, LESS TO REPAIR CAR. I ENDED UP WITH A PIECE OF JUNK THAT I'M STILL 2 YRS AWAY FROM PAYING OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10411596

117,175 miles · Jul 5, 2011
Steering

POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. IT JUST SEEMS TO GET WORSE. MESSAGE CENTER WILL JUST STATE POWER STEERING. YOU CAN CUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART. THIS ONLY GIVES YOU A LITTLE MORE TIME. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. PLEASE HELP!!! *KB

NHTSA ODI #10410439

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.