IllustrationTHE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON, ON MY 06' CHEVY COBALT AND THE STEELING WAS HARD TO TURN IN ANY DIRECTION. I HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE I HAD MY SON WITH ME. I DON'T THINK IT SAFE TO DRIVE MY CAR ANYMORE. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cobalt years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1540–25K
42125–50K
55750–75K
34575–100K
331100–150K
142150K+
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 reportsCHEVY COBALT POWER STEERING FAILURE. *TR
INTERMEDIATE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED TO SERVICE POWER STEERING, THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE. LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IS COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING IN ANY DIRECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE JOLTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR FOR RECALL (10V073000 REGARDING STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING IN ANY DIRECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE JOLTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR FOR RECALL (10V073000 REGARDING STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM) BECAUSE HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ASSIGNED HER A CASE WORKER WHO ADVISED HER TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER AT HER EXPENSE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL UNDE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000 (STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,900. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD IN A 35 - 25 MPH ZONE. PROCEEDED TO BRAKE INTO A TURN TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 15-20MPH AND CAME UPON A STOPPED TRUCK IN MY LANE. THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK WAS LOADING A LADDER INTO HIS VEHICLE. I APPLIED MY BRAKE AND PROCEED TO ENTER THE OTHER LANE TO AVOID THE TRUCK. AS A ENTERED THE OTHER LAN…
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DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD IN A 35 - 25 MPH ZONE. PROCEEDED TO BRAKE INTO A TURN TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 15-20MPH AND CAME UPON A STOPPED TRUCK IN MY LANE. THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK WAS LOADING A LADDER INTO HIS VEHICLE. I APPLIED MY BRAKE AND PROCEED TO ENTER THE OTHER LANE TO AVOID THE TRUCK. AS A ENTERED THE OTHER LANE MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE CAR AND KEEPING IT IN THE OPPOSITE LANE OF TRAFFIC GOING STRAIGHT. AT THIS POINT I AM GOING ABOUT 3-5 MPH AND I AM TRYING TO FORCE THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. I WAS UNABLE TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE OPPOSITE LANE OF TRAFFIC AND I PROCEEDED TO HIT THE EMBANKMENT ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD TRAVELING AT A VERY LOW SPEED. FELT LIKE A SLOW MOTION CRASH. MY VEHICLE STRUCK THE EMBANKMENT ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE IMPACT WAS SUCH THAT MY RADIATOR TO THE CAR WAS BENT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER MY VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. I WAS ABLE TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE IT TO A SAFE LOCATION ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL POLICE. I HAVE NOT SEEN EITHER OF THESE LIGHTS SINCE THE ACCIDENT AND MY CAR WAS FIXED. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. THE POWER STEERING STILL FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APP…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. THE POWER STEERING STILL FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,800.
2006 CHEVROLET COBALT VIN# [XXX] INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DETERMINED THAT RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN INITIATED 3/10/10 AND CONTACTED CHEVROLET FOR ASSISTANCE. CHEVROLET CLAIMED MY CAR WAS NOT AFFECTED. I INVITE THEM TO TRY TO DRIVE MY CAR NEVER KNOWING WHEN THE STEERING MIGHT GO OUT. INFORMATION REDAC…
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2006 CHEVROLET COBALT VIN# [XXX] INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DETERMINED THAT RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN INITIATED 3/10/10 AND CONTACTED CHEVROLET FOR ASSISTANCE. CHEVROLET CLAIMED MY CAR WAS NOT AFFECTED. I INVITE THEM TO TRY TO DRIVE MY CAR NEVER KNOWING WHEN THE STEERING MIGHT GO OUT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. A CHIME SOUNDED WITH A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, RESTARTED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. BOTH FAILURES OCCURRED IN…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. A CHIME SOUNDED WITH A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, RESTARTED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. BOTH FAILURES OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR ONE TO THREE WEEKS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000 (STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000. UPDATED 05/12/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER HAS SINCE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, EVEN THOUGH HER VIN WAS NOT ON THE LIST. UPDATED 05/14/10.*JB
I WAS DRIVING SLOW AROUND A BEND AND MY CAR LOST COMPLETE CONTROL SPUN AROUND THREE TIMES ALMOST HIT A BUS, THEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COMPLETELY ON ME. I HAD TO TRY TO COAST IT DOWN THE HILL TO PULL OVER FOR TRAFFIC. IT HAS DONE THIS THREE TIMES SO FAR WITH THE SPINNING, EVEN ON DAYS THAT THERE IS DRY ROADS. I ALSO PARKED T…
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I WAS DRIVING SLOW AROUND A BEND AND MY CAR LOST COMPLETE CONTROL SPUN AROUND THREE TIMES ALMOST HIT A BUS, THEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COMPLETELY ON ME. I HAD TO TRY TO COAST IT DOWN THE HILL TO PULL OVER FOR TRAFFIC. IT HAS DONE THIS THREE TIMES SO FAR WITH THE SPINNING, EVEN ON DAYS THAT THERE IS DRY ROADS. I ALSO PARKED THE CAR WENT INTO A DRUGSTORE AND CAME OUT AND THE CAR STEERING WAS TOTALLY LOCKED AS WELL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS DOING IT AND I FEEL THAT THIS IS A UNSAFE CAR AS I TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN AROUND. I NO LONGER AM CONFIDENT IN THAT CAR. IT ALSO SLIDES ALL OVER THE ROAD IN WINTER AND I ALSO HAVE STUDDED TIRES. *TR
Official recalls
514V171000 · 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. GMs 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. GMs 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. GMs 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
1PE10005 · 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.