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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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28,318 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering

MY CHEVY COBALT LS 2006 2-D LOST ITS STEERING POWER AND I HAD A HARD TIME DRIVING IT BUT LUCKILY I WAS STILL UNDER THE 36,000 MILES WARRANTY WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS FIXED BUT I'M JUST WORRIED THAT IT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN AND MY CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE AND I SEE THAT IT COSTS $2000.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED A…

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MY CHEVY COBALT LS 2006 2-D LOST ITS STEERING POWER AND I HAD A HARD TIME DRIVING IT BUT LUCKILY I WAS STILL UNDER THE 36,000 MILES WARRANTY WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS FIXED BUT I'M JUST WORRIED THAT IT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN AND MY CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE AND I SEE THAT IT COSTS $2000.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED AND IN ADDITION TO THIS, IT MAY CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITHOUT STEERING CAPABILITIES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10304235

60,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering

I OWN A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LS. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS STEERING MY VEHICLE WHEN PARKING, BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACES AND WHEN TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS AND TRYING TO TURN. I HAVE MENTIONED THIS PROBLEM TO MY CHEVY DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER AND THEY HAVE STATED THAT THIS IS JUST SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS WITH THE COBALTS OVER TIME. RECEN…

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I OWN A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LS. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS STEERING MY VEHICLE WHEN PARKING, BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACES AND WHEN TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS AND TRYING TO TURN. I HAVE MENTIONED THIS PROBLEM TO MY CHEVY DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER AND THEY HAVE STATED THAT THIS IS JUST SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS WITH THE COBALTS OVER TIME. RECENTLY MY IGNITION LOCKED UP TWICE, AND RIGHT BEFORE IT LOCKED I FELT THE STEERING COLUMN TIGHTEN UP. NOT SURE IF THAT'S RELATED BUT IT MIGHT BE. THE SERVICE CENTER REPLACED THE SHIFTER IN THE VEHICLE AND IT HASN'T LOCKED UP AGAIN BUT THE STEERING WHEEL IS STILL TIGHTENING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10304232

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2010
Steering

I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY STEERING ON MY 06 COBALT SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT IT. IT SEEMS TO GET STUCK WHEN TURNING THE STEERING VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER BUT WAS ALWAYS TOLD THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. AT THIS TIME THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY MAJOR PROBLEM LIKE A CRASH BUT IT STILL CONCERNS ME AND …

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I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY STEERING ON MY 06 COBALT SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT IT. IT SEEMS TO GET STUCK WHEN TURNING THE STEERING VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER BUT WAS ALWAYS TOLD THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. AT THIS TIME THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY MAJOR PROBLEM LIKE A CRASH BUT IT STILL CONCERNS ME AND I KNOW IT SHOULD NOT OPERATE LIKE THIS. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AND STILL NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10304230

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2010
Steering

I WAS DRIVING AND MY POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. THE WARNING LIGHT WENT ON THE DASHBOARD AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN MY WHEEL VERY MUCH IN ANY DIRECTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10304213

27,154 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering

2006 CHEVY COBALT, POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10304204

51,600 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering

DAUGHTER HAS A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LTZ PURCHASED USED IN 2009. LAST YEAR ON ONE OCCASION, AS SHE WAS BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, SHE INDICATED THAT HER CAR SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I CAME OUT AND DETERMINED THIS WAS IN FACT OCCURRING. I THEN TURNED OFF THE CAR, RE-STARTED IT AND THIS SEEMED TO T…

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DAUGHTER HAS A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LTZ PURCHASED USED IN 2009. LAST YEAR ON ONE OCCASION, AS SHE WAS BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, SHE INDICATED THAT HER CAR SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I CAME OUT AND DETERMINED THIS WAS IN FACT OCCURRING. I THEN TURNED OFF THE CAR, RE-STARTED IT AND THIS SEEMED TO TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUE. I NOW REPORT THIS AS I HAVE NOW READ OF SIMILAR OCCURRENCES FROM OTHER OWNERS TO WHICH YOU ARE NOW INVESTIGATING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10304180

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2010
Steering

THE STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM KEEPS GIVING OUT. WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED THE CAR SHAKES AND IT IS HARD TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE STEERING. IT OFTEN GOES TO ONE SIDE OR ANOTHER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10304175

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2010
Steering

ON SATURDAY JAN 30, 2010 I WAS LEAVING A BUSINESS AND I WENT TO BACK OUT AND WHEN I STARTED GOING FORWARD AS I WAS TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL IT WAS HARD TO TURN THE POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT. ALSO A FEW TIMES DURING THE SUMMER IT HAD HAPPENED. I WOULD BE TURNING A CORNER AND I FOUND MYSELF TURNING WITH 2 HANDS OR JUST GOING DO…

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ON SATURDAY JAN 30, 2010 I WAS LEAVING A BUSINESS AND I WENT TO BACK OUT AND WHEN I STARTED GOING FORWARD AS I WAS TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL IT WAS HARD TO TURN THE POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT. ALSO A FEW TIMES DURING THE SUMMER IT HAD HAPPENED. I WOULD BE TURNING A CORNER AND I FOUND MYSELF TURNING WITH 2 HANDS OR JUST GOING DOWN THE STREET MY POWER STEERING LIGHT WOULD COME ON. I HAD NOT HAD ANYTHING DONE AS OF YET BECAUSE IT HADN'T DONE IT FOR A FEW MONTHS UNTIL SATURDAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10304160

40,100 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering

LOSS OF POWER STEERING 2006 COBALT "POWER STEERING" FLASHED ON THE DASH AND I LOST POWER ASSIST. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES ALREADY SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10304158

72,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering

WE OWN A 2006 CHEVY COBALT, OUR FIRST CHEVY PURCHASE EVER. PURCHASED IT USED IN SPRING OF 08. DON'T KNOW WHAT PREVIOUS PROBLEMS IT MAY HAVE HAD, BUT ONE CAN ONLY WONDER. WHILE DRIVING THIS PAST FALL, MY HUSBAND HEARD DINGING SOUNDS, LOOKED DOWN, AND THE SCREEN SAID THE POWER STEERING FAILED. SURE ENOUGH, THERE WAS NO POWER S…

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WE OWN A 2006 CHEVY COBALT, OUR FIRST CHEVY PURCHASE EVER. PURCHASED IT USED IN SPRING OF 08. DON'T KNOW WHAT PREVIOUS PROBLEMS IT MAY HAVE HAD, BUT ONE CAN ONLY WONDER. WHILE DRIVING THIS PAST FALL, MY HUSBAND HEARD DINGING SOUNDS, LOOKED DOWN, AND THE SCREEN SAID THE POWER STEERING FAILED. SURE ENOUGH, THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. THE MANUAL SAYS TO SHUT OFF ENGINE, RESTART, AND ROCK THE STEERING WHEEL. EVERY TIME WE RESTART, THE POWER STEERING COMES BACK ON, BUT ONLY FOR A VERY SHORT TIME. AS SOON AS WE DRIVE 20 FEET, IT GOES OUT AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS FOR US WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED - COULD BE GOING 55 MILES AN HOUR DOWN THE ROAD, COULD BE WHILE GOING AROUND A TURN. WE LIVE IN WEST VIRGINIA WITH MOUNTAINS AND SHARP TURNS, AND THIS POSES A SERIOUS DANGER. IF WE LOSE POWER STEERING GOING AROUND A BIG TURN, WE'RE IN TROUBLE. I'VE READ REPORTS OF POWER STEERING FAILING AT SLOW SPEEDS. HOWEVER, THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT THE CASE FOR US. IT WILL GO OUT AT ANY SPEED, AND THE MORE YOU RESTART THE ENGINE, THE MORE IT CONTINUES TO GO OUT. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE TO SEE HOW MUCH IT WOULD BE TO REPAIR, AND THEY TOLD US THAT THEY COULDN'T FIX IT THERE OR GUARANTEE IT IF THEY DID TRY TO FIX IT. BUT THE COST COULD BE AS MUCH AS $1100 OR MORE. WELL, I DON'T HAVE $1100 TO FIX THE NEWEST VEHICLE I OWN, IT'S VERY DANGEROUS THE WAY IT IS, AND SO THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS. I COULDN'T BE MORE TICKLED IF CHEVY HAD TO CORRECT THEIR MISTAKES AND FIX MY CAR FOR NO CHARGE. IF WE HAD KNOWN THAT EVERYTHING IN THIS CAR IS ELECTRICAL AND HAD NO STEERING FLUID, WE WOULD NEVER HAVE PURCHASED OUR "FIRST-EVER" CHEVY TO BEGIN WITH. NEXT TIME WE'LL STICK WITH FORD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INVESTIGATION AND HOPE THAT WE GET THIS RESOLVED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10304152

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.