IllustrationCHEVY COBALT 2006 POWER STEERING FAIL IN MA CAR VERY DANGER, PLEASE MAY INVESTIGATION. BEFORE SOMEBODY DIES IN THIS CAR. *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 reportsTHE POWER STEERING ON MY 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT LOCKED UP WITH NO WARNING AND MY CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD ONTO SOME GRASS. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN ONE WAY OR THE OTHER UNTIL THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. I WAS ONLY GOING 35 MPH AT THE TIME THE STEERING DID THIS, OR WHAT HAPPENED COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE.*TR
I OWN A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LT. THE POWER STEERING WARNING KEEPS FLASHING WHILE I TURN MY CAR ON AND WHILE I DRIVE. MY STEERING LOCKS UP AND LETS ME NOT TURN AT AN EASY RATE. IT IS VERY TOUGH TO DRIVE LIKE THIS. IT IS A CONCERN TO ME, I DON'T WANT TO RISK MY LIFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. I'VE READ OTHER PEO…
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I OWN A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LT. THE POWER STEERING WARNING KEEPS FLASHING WHILE I TURN MY CAR ON AND WHILE I DRIVE. MY STEERING LOCKS UP AND LETS ME NOT TURN AT AN EASY RATE. IT IS VERY TOUGH TO DRIVE LIKE THIS. IT IS A CONCERN TO ME, I DON'T WANT TO RISK MY LIFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. I'VE READ OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, AND I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED ONE YEAR AGO. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD RESUL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED ONE YEAR AGO. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN SOMEONE LOSING THEIR LIFE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 102,000.
I HAVE LOST POWER STEERING IN MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT. IT IS DANGEROUS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. HOW IS IT THAT GM IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY OVER THIS SAFETY HAZARD, BUT THEY ARE SUING THE COMPANY THAT MADE THESE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING? DETROIT GENERAL MOTORS CO. HAS SUED A SUPPLIER, SAYING IT HAS SPENT MORE THAN $30 …
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I HAVE LOST POWER STEERING IN MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT. IT IS DANGEROUS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. HOW IS IT THAT GM IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY OVER THIS SAFETY HAZARD, BUT THEY ARE SUING THE COMPANY THAT MADE THESE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING? DETROIT GENERAL MOTORS CO. HAS SUED A SUPPLIER, SAYING IT HAS SPENT MORE THAN $30 MILLION FIXING PROBLEMS IN THE STEERING SYSTEMS OF THE CHEVROLET COBALT, ITS BEST-SELLING SMALL CAR, AND OTHER VEHICLES. GM SAID CUSTOMERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT UNUSUAL RATTLES, "CLUNKS" AND OTHER NOISES. IT PINPOINTED THE FLAW TO "EXCESSIVE GEAR BACKLASH," WHICH CAUSES PROBLEMS IN THE STEERING COLUMN UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE LAWSUIT NAMES JTEKT NORTH AMERICA INC., BASED IN PLYMOUTH, MICH., AND AN AFFILIATED COMPANY, JTEKT AUTOMOTIVE VIRGINIA INC. OF DALEVILLE, VA. GM SAID IT WANTS TO BE PAID FOR REPLACING THOUSANDS OF PARTS UNDER CUSTOMER WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THE COBALT, PURSUIT, G5, HHR AND OTHER CARS, STARTING WITH 2005 MODEL YEAR. BY FALL, THE COST HAD EXCEEDED $30 MILLION, AND "GM'S DAMAGES ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO INCREASE AS ADDITIONAL WARRANTY CLAIMS ARE MADE," THE AUTOMAKER'S LAWSUIT SAID. "JTEKT CONTENDS THE COMPONENTS ALL MET THE SPECIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS THAT GM GAVE IT," SAID BOB HADDAD, A LAWYER FOR THE SUPPLIER. "THE ISSUES DO NOT AFFECT THE OPERATOR'S ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A NOISE ISSUE." CHANGES WERE MADE AT GM'S REQUEST, AND JTEKT CONTINUES TO PROVIDE STEERING ASSEMBLIES, HADDAD SAID MONDAY. THE STEERING SYSTEMS ARE IN TENS OF THOUSANDS OF GM CARS. COURT PAPERS DO NOT INDICATE WHETHER THE COMPANY CONSIDERS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE. A GM SPOKESMAN, ALAN ADLER, HAD NO IMMEDIATE COMMENT. THE LAWSUIT WAS FILED IN AUGUST IN MACOMB COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT, AMENDED THERE IN OCTOBER AND MOVED NOV. 17 TO FEDERAL COURT IN DETROIT. *TR
I HAVE A 2006 COBALT SS. IT HAS 85000 MILES ON IT AND WHEN DRIVING IT FROM FLORIDA TO VIRGINIA MY POWER STEERING SHUT OFF 5 TIMES AND EVERYTIME I STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED IT BACK ON THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY BUT RANDOMLY RETURNED THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AS I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS GOING TO SWERVE OFF THE HIGHWAY. THANKS *TR
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT THAT I BROUGHT 2 YEARS AGO. I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING IN MY CAR. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY INCIDENTS WHEN I AM DRIVING THAT MY POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT. WHILE I AM DRIVING THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF AND IT WILL JUMP. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THEY …
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I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT THAT I BROUGHT 2 YEARS AGO. I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING IN MY CAR. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY INCIDENTS WHEN I AM DRIVING THAT MY POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT. WHILE I AM DRIVING THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF AND IT WILL JUMP. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THEY TELL ME THEY CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I HAVE FOUND THAT IF THE CAR SITS FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS OR MORE THEN THE COMPUTER WILL RESET ITSELF. JUST RECENTLY THE POWER STEERING WENT UP IN THE CAR WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE SPEEDOMETER STARTING JUMPING AROUND AND I COULD NOT TELL HOW FAST I WAS DRIVING AND IF I WENT UNDER A 40 MPH THE CAR WOULD JUMP AND SHUT OFF IF I HAD TO STOP. NOW THE CAR'S POWER STEERING HAS GONE UP AGAIN AND I CAN'T TURN THE WHEEL AT ALL. I HAVE FOUND THAT IF I DRIVE THE CAR FOR A HOUR OR MORE STRAIGHT ON THE BELTWAY THEN I HAVE THE MOST PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING UNIT. MOST RECENTLY THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING EVER TWO WEEKS AND I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT RESETS (IF IT RESETS). *TR
I HAVE A2006 COBALT LTZAND THE POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT WHEN I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, ALSO I HAVE A VERY BAD SHAKING PROBLEM WITH IT, ALSO I HAVE NOISE COMING FROM BACK OF THE CAR.............PLEASE HELP, I HAVE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME A OUTRAGEOUS PRICE TO FIX IT.....THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROB…
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I HAVE A2006 COBALT LTZAND THE POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT WHEN I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, ALSO I HAVE A VERY BAD SHAKING PROBLEM WITH IT, ALSO I HAVE NOISE COMING FROM BACK OF THE CAR.............PLEASE HELP, I HAVE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME A OUTRAGEOUS PRICE TO FIX IT.....THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM..................EUGENE OFFENBERGER......... *TR
I HAVE 06' CHEVY COBALT LS AND THE POWER STEERING IS GONE. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COME ON EVERYTIME I TURN THE CAR ON AND DRIVE AWAY. I'M TAKING A BIG RISK EVERY TIME I GET BEHIND THE WHEEL BUT HAVE NO CHOICE RIGHT NOW. *TR
I HAVE A 2006 COBALT LTZ, AND THE POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT WHEN, I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, ALSO I HAVE SHAKING AND NOISE, AND I HAD MY GRANDCHILD IN THE CAR, AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHICH COULD HAVE HAD A WRECK...THIS IS A VERY BAD PROBLEM, ALSO I HAVE SHAKING AND NOISE, WHEN I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD...........PLEASE HEL…
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I HAVE A 2006 COBALT LTZ, AND THE POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT WHEN, I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, ALSO I HAVE SHAKING AND NOISE, AND I HAD MY GRANDCHILD IN THE CAR, AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHICH COULD HAVE HAD A WRECK...THIS IS A VERY BAD PROBLEM, ALSO I HAVE SHAKING AND NOISE, WHEN I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD...........PLEASE HELP!! *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.