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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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46,000 miles · Mar 31, 2010
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SUDDENLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH DIFFICULTY IN STEERING. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE RESTA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SUDDENLY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH DIFFICULTY IN STEERING. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WITHOUT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT BEING ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL NUMBER 10V073000 (STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 46,000.

NHTSA ODI #10323013

74,951 miles · Mar 30, 2010
Steering

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WENT OUT TODAY ON MY 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. IT WAS WORKING FINE THIS MORNING, AND I GOT OFF OF WORK, WENT TO START MY CAR, ONCE I STARTED MOVING, I NOTICED THAT MY POWER STEERING DIDN'T WORK ANYMORE. DOES GM HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS YET? I AM NOT PAYING MONEY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT…

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ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WENT OUT TODAY ON MY 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. IT WAS WORKING FINE THIS MORNING, AND I GOT OFF OF WORK, WENT TO START MY CAR, ONCE I STARTED MOVING, I NOTICED THAT MY POWER STEERING DIDN'T WORK ANYMORE. DOES GM HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS YET? I AM NOT PAYING MONEY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THEY NEED TO RECALL IT SO I CAN GET IT FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #10322900

48,000 miles · Mar 30, 2010
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS FOR HER VIN AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE F…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS FOR HER VIN AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000. UPDATED 6/1/10 *CN UPDATED 06/04/10.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10322850

67,000 miles · Mar 29, 2010
Steering

MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT AT TIME IS HARD TO TURN A LOW SPEED. I TALKED TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM. HE SAID HE COULD NOT TELL ME IF MY CAR WAS PART OF THE RECALL OR NOT. HE ALSO TOLD ME I SHOULD BE BE GETTING A WARING LIGHTON MY DASH *CN

NHTSA ODI #10322725

67,000 miles · Mar 29, 2010
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHICH MADE IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED ABOUT 300 TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAG…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHICH MADE IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED ABOUT 300 TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 67,000.

NHTSA ODI #10322688

36,000 miles · Mar 29, 2010
Steering

TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ,THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AND TURN SIGNALING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECA…

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TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ,THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AND TURN SIGNALING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND HE WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 10V073000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,500.

NHTSA ODI #10322684

26,000 miles · Mar 29, 2010
Steering

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 25MPH TO 35MPH THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT. AS THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT THE VEHICLE IS BEING PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TURNED OFF AND ON AND THEN THE STEERING WOULD RESET ITSELF. THE GM MANUFACTURE WAS CALL AND INFORM CONTACT HIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND …

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THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 25MPH TO 35MPH THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT. AS THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT THE VEHICLE IS BEING PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TURNED OFF AND ON AND THEN THE STEERING WOULD RESET ITSELF. THE GM MANUFACTURE WAS CALL AND INFORM CONTACT HIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000....MW

NHTSA ODI #10322616

61,000 miles · Mar 27, 2010
Steering

MY 2006 CHEVROLET COLBALT'S POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL

NHTSA ODI #10322477

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2010
Steering

MY SON OWNS A 2006 CHEVY COBALT. GM HAS ELECTED NOT TO RECALL HIS CAR AT THIS TIME EVEN THOUGH HE HAS EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. HIS CAR HAS AROUND 60000+ MILES. IF HE SHUTS THE CAR OFF AND WAITS A FEW MINUTES HE REGAINS POWER STEERING. I AM NOT SURE HOW OFTEN THIS OCCURS BE CAUSE HE IS AT SCHOOL. GM G…

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MY SON OWNS A 2006 CHEVY COBALT. GM HAS ELECTED NOT TO RECALL HIS CAR AT THIS TIME EVEN THOUGH HE HAS EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. HIS CAR HAS AROUND 60000+ MILES. IF HE SHUTS THE CAR OFF AND WAITS A FEW MINUTES HE REGAINS POWER STEERING. I AM NOT SURE HOW OFTEN THIS OCCURS BE CAUSE HE IS AT SCHOOL. GM GAVE HIM A CASE NUMBER AND SAID HE COULD HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PREFORMED. WHY SHOULD HE HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS AND WHY ARE THEY BEING SELECTIVE ON CARS. DO NOT HAVE SPECIFIC DATE ON FAILURES.

NHTSA ODI #10322474

86,500 miles · Mar 27, 2010
Air BagsElectrical SystemPower Train

I OWN A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WELL TO BEGIN, I INITIALLY HAD AN ISSUE WITH MY SHIFT COLUMN, WHICH I RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT IT WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT WOULD CAUSE MY KEY TO GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION. I TOOK IT TO THE DELEARSHIP AND THEY REPLACE THE WHOLE COLUMN. THEN A A COUPLE OF WEEK LATER, MY VEHICLE WAS A…

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I OWN A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WELL TO BEGIN, I INITIALLY HAD AN ISSUE WITH MY SHIFT COLUMN, WHICH I RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT IT WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT WOULD CAUSE MY KEY TO GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION. I TOOK IT TO THE DELEARSHIP AND THEY REPLACE THE WHOLE COLUMN. THEN A A COUPLE OF WEEK LATER, MY VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING REALLY FUN, I JUST BLEW IT OFF FOR A MOMENT, UNTIL I THEN TRIED TO PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE ONE DAY, AND IT WOULD NOT GO ANYWHERE. I TOOK IT TO THE DELEARSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME MY TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, AT 86,000 MILES. THE DEALEARSHIP HAS MY CAR, AND IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF IT'S EVEN WORTH FIXING. IM ALSO WONDERING IF THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT THE INTIAL TIME THEY FIXED THE VEHICLE, AND FIGURED IT WAS MY SHIFTING COLUMN, BECAUSE EVEN WITH MY TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, IT ALSO AFFECTED THE SHIFTING COLUMN. ONE OTHER PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH THE VEHICLE IS THE AIR BAG SENSOR, I HAVE NOT GOT THIS FIXED YET, BECAUSE THE DEALEARSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE $99 JUST TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT'S CAUSING MY AIRBAG SENSOR TO NOT COME ON, WHEN I HAVE PASSENGERS WITH ME.

NHTSA ODI #10322463

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.