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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
Clear category filter
49,100 miles · Dec 29, 2009
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE "POWER STEERING" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER EXERTED GREATER EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND CONTINUED NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE "POWER STEERING" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THEN THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER EXERTED GREATER EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND CONTINUED NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,100.

NHTSA ODI #10297291

48,000 miles · Dec 28, 2009
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING FAILS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CONDITION CAUSES DIFFICULT STEERING. HE HAS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESET ITSELF. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER STATED THAT IT COST $2000 TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.THE VIN NUMBE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING FAILS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CONDITION CAUSES DIFFICULT STEERING. HE HAS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESET ITSELF. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER STATED THAT IT COST $2000 TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.THE VIN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10297199

70,000 miles · Dec 28, 2009
Steering

I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT AND I AM RECENTLY HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMING ON, MY RPMS GO UP AND DOWN BY THEMSELVES CAUSING THE CAR TO MOVE EVEN WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS AND THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT COMPLETELY. IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED A FEW TIMES SO FAR, BUT I ALMOST HIT SOMEONE WHEN THE CAR'S RPMS WHERE FL…

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I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT AND I AM RECENTLY HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMING ON, MY RPMS GO UP AND DOWN BY THEMSELVES CAUSING THE CAR TO MOVE EVEN WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS AND THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT COMPLETELY. IT HAS ONLY HAPPENED A FEW TIMES SO FAR, BUT I ALMOST HIT SOMEONE WHEN THE CAR'S RPMS WHERE FLUTTERING. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED TO ENSURE THAT NO ONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10297181

40,000 miles · Dec 28, 2009
Steering

POWERING STEERING FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10297114

77,653 miles · Dec 26, 2009
Steering

WE GOT INTO OUR 2006 CHEVY COBALT AND BEGAN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND GOT ABOUT 2 MILES WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE WARNING LIGHT "POWER STEERING" COMES ON. THE VEHICLE BECOMES NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER AT THAT POINT. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND THE BELTS ARE ALL …

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WE GOT INTO OUR 2006 CHEVY COBALT AND BEGAN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND GOT ABOUT 2 MILES WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE WARNING LIGHT "POWER STEERING" COMES ON. THE VEHICLE BECOMES NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER AT THAT POINT. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND THE BELTS ARE ALL FINE AND FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. I THEN GOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND STARTED THE VEHICLE UP AND TO MY SURPRISE THE STEERING WAS FUNCTIONING AGAIN. ABOUT 2 MILES DOWN THE ROAD HERE WE GO AGAIN I LOST THE STEERING. I DROVE HOME, CHECKED AND REPLACED THE FUSES BOTH INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND UNDER THE HOOD FOR THE POWER STEERING EVEN THOUGH THEY LOOKED FINE. THEN I TOOK IT OUT AND SURE ENOUGH FINE WHEN STARTED BUT OUT AGAIN ABOUT TWO MILE DOWN THE ROAD. FROM WHAT I AM SEEING HERE AS FAR AS COMPLAINTS GO IT DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE A CHEAP FIX AND IF SO MANY COMPLAINTS ARE BEING FILED THAT THIS NEEDS SOME VERY SERIOUS ATTENTION BEFORE SOME POOR SOUL ENDS UP IN A VERY SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENT. IT WOULD BE UNDERSTANDABLE IF THERE WERE ONLY A FEW COMPLAINTS BUT THERE ARE A LOT OF THEM. NOT EVERYONE EVEN KNOWS ABOUT THIS WEBSITE SO HOW MANY COMPLAINTS COULD BE OUT THERE THAT ARE GOING UN-REPORTED. PLEASE GIVE THIS A VERY SERIOUS LOOK. YOU NEVER KNOW THE LIFE YOU SAVE COULD BE YOUR OWN OR SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU WHO HAS ONE OF THESE VEHICLES OR IS NEAR ONE OF THEM WHEN THE STEERING GOES OUT. ONE INJURY OR DEATH WOULD BE TOO MUCH WHEN THIS MATTER HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO LIGHT BY SO MANY PEOPLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10296995

44,000 miles · Dec 24, 2009
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT . WHEN DRIVING THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. AND THEN STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE ERROR CODE WILL RESET. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND HE WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AND REPAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT . WHEN DRIVING THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. AND THEN STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE ERROR CODE WILL RESET. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND HE WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED IF NECESSARY, BUT AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44995. UPDATED 01/20/10. *LJ THE POWER STEERING MOTOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 01/21/10. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10296896

62,000 miles · Dec 23, 2009
Steering

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL GOT REAL STIFF. I WAS SCARED TO DEATH, MY 2 YEAR OLD SON WAS IN THE BACKSEAT. I IMMEDIATELY GOT OFF THE FREEWAY AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, IT WAS BACK TO NORMAL UNTIL ABOUT A…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL GOT REAL STIFF. I WAS SCARED TO DEATH, MY 2 YEAR OLD SON WAS IN THE BACKSEAT. I IMMEDIATELY GOT OFF THE FREEWAY AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, IT WAS BACK TO NORMAL UNTIL ABOUT A COUPLE OF BLOCKS LATER THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AGAIN. FINALLY I JUST STOPPED AND DECIDED TO TOW IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. NOW THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY PROBABLY WONT GET A DIAGNOSTIC UNTIL AFTER JANUARY 1ST. BESIDE THE FACT THAT I AM SO ANGRY AT GM FOR PUTTING SUCH A FAULTY PIECE OF "YOU KNOW WHAT" ON THE ROAD, I AM THANKFUL NOTHING HAPPENED TO ME AND MY SON. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT NEEDS ATTENTION FROM GM. NOT TO MENTION ALL THE COSTS THAT I HAD TO PAY. SOMEONE WILL GET KILLED!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10296829

62,000 miles · Dec 23, 2009
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAS NOT PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAS NOT PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10296825

62,000 miles · Dec 23, 2009
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING FAILS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND SHE WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA ODI #10296798

48,000 miles · Dec 22, 2009
Steering

MY CHEVY COBALT 2006 MODEL SHOWS "POWER STEERING" ON THE LITTLE DISPLAY AND POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING. THIS IS REALLY SCARY WHEN I DRIVE ON THE FREE WAYS IN LOS ANGELES WHICH CAN GIVE SERIOUS TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS..THIS POWER STEERING MESSAGE POP UPS ONCE IN A WHILE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10296763

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.