IllustrationPASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. IGNITION SHUTS CAR OFF WHEN HITTING BUMPS AS WELL AS NOT TURNING OFF COMPLETELY WHEN PARKED. FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BEARINGS CONTINUE TO FAIL, REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 3 YEARS.
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
Wheels complaints
7 reportsON JUNE SEVENTH, 2010, I WAS DRIVING ON THE I-95 EXPRESSWAY. SUDDENLY, I LOST THE CONTROL OF MY CAR WHICH WAS HIT BY ANOTHER CAR DRIVEN FOR REYMY W. PORTES (CRASH REPORT # [XXX]). ON FEBRUARY 21TH, 2011, MY HUSBAND, [XXX] HAD SIMILAR ACCIDENT WITH HIS 2008 CHEVY COBALT. THE FACT THAT BOTH CRASHES WERE SO SIMILAR MADE DUBIOUS ABO…
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ON JUNE SEVENTH, 2010, I WAS DRIVING ON THE I-95 EXPRESSWAY. SUDDENLY, I LOST THE CONTROL OF MY CAR WHICH WAS HIT BY ANOTHER CAR DRIVEN FOR REYMY W. PORTES (CRASH REPORT # [XXX]). ON FEBRUARY 21TH, 2011, MY HUSBAND, [XXX] HAD SIMILAR ACCIDENT WITH HIS 2008 CHEVY COBALT. THE FACT THAT BOTH CRASHES WERE SO SIMILAR MADE DUBIOUS ABOUT OUR RESPONSIBILITY ON THEM. ON DECEMBER 12, 2011 MY HUSBAND PRESENTED A COMPLAINT TO F. H.S. M. V. D. M. S. (COMPLAINT # [XXX]), ON DECEMBER 16, 2011 ITS ANSWER WAS: ?YOUR COMPLAINTS DO NOT FALL WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION. DEJECTED, HE DIDN?T ANY MORE ACTION. I HAVE JUST RECEIVED FROM GM A WARNING ABOUT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY EXISTS IN 2005-2007 MODEL YEAR (MY) CHEVROLET COBALT, THEN I READ ON TV NEWS, AND INTERNET, THAT GM ISSUED THAT IT'S POSSIBLE THAT THE AIR BAGS MIGHT NOT DEPLOY IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT?. IN THIS MOMENT WE REALIZED THAT BOTH THE 2006 AND 2008 CHEVY COBALT AIR BAGS? DID NOT DEPLOY, REGARDLESS BOTH VEHICLES CRASHES WERE ON FRONT BUMPER AND MAROONE COLLISION CENTER CHARGE TO ALLSTATE THE AMOUNT OF $4183.16 TO REPAIR MY CAR. WE HAVE RECEIVED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF LETTERS FROM LAWYERS, AS WELL AS ALLSTATE INSURANCE DEALING WITH INJURES DAMAGES AND MONETARY COMPENSATION. ALLSTATE PAID TO MR. PORTES THE SUM OF $3 000, CONSEQUENTLY OUR ALLSTATE INSURANCE PREMIUM WAS RAISED SUBSTANTIALLY. THIS ENTIRE SITUATION HAD CAUSED STRESS, ECONOMIC PROBLEMS AND LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN BOTH MY WIFE I. BECAUSE BOTH CRASHES HAPPENED IN THE AFTERNOON RUSH HOUR, I-95 TRAFFIC WAS CROWDED AND SLOW, BUT IN OTHER CONDITIONS AND AS CONSEQUENCE OF AIR BAG MALFUNCTION MY WIFE AND MIGHT HAVE DIED. FOR THE REASONS EXPLAINING ABOVE, I, THE WRITER, DEMAND FROM GM A MONETARY COMPENSATION FOR THE PSYCHOLOGICAL, LEGAL, AND MONETARY PROBLEMS CAUSED BY MY CAR MALFUNCTION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
HIT A POT HOLE, NOT A VERY BIG ONE GOING LESS THAN THE SPEED LIMIT AND THE RIM BENT. LATER, SINCE I COULD NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THE RIM, THE TIRE EXPLODED AND I WAS STRANDED 3 HOURS FROM HOME. SINCE THEN 2 MORE WHEELS HAVE BENT AND CANNOT BE FIXED ONLY REPLACED WITH MORE CRAPPY RIMS. *TR
CRASH CAR ,STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO HANDLE. RAN OFF ROAD TO RIGHT HIT BANK AND FLIPPED CAR SEVERAL TIME. CAR WAS GOING A LITTLE FAST, BUT THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HANDLE THE SPEED. ONE GUY HAD A INJURY TO HIS ARM AND THE OTHER WAS THROWN FROM THE CAR LEADING TO HIS DEATH. *TR
MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT HAD WHEEL BEARING ISSUES STARTING AT 40,000 MILES. AT 50,000 MILES MY FRONT END SUSPENSION (LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BUSHINGS), STRUTS, AND DOORS LOCKS STARTED ACTING UP. MY DOOR LOCKS WILL JAM AND I WILL BE TRAPPED IN MY CAR UNTIL THEY (DOOR LOCKS) DECIDE TO WORK AGAIN. FORTUNATELY FOR ME USUALLY ONLY ONE STOP…
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MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT HAD WHEEL BEARING ISSUES STARTING AT 40,000 MILES. AT 50,000 MILES MY FRONT END SUSPENSION (LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BUSHINGS), STRUTS, AND DOORS LOCKS STARTED ACTING UP. MY DOOR LOCKS WILL JAM AND I WILL BE TRAPPED IN MY CAR UNTIL THEY (DOOR LOCKS) DECIDE TO WORK AGAIN. FORTUNATELY FOR ME USUALLY ONLY ONE STOPS WORKING AT A TIME. THE DEALER SAYS THAT IT JUST NEEDS GREASING; I HAVE TRIED EVERY GREASE UNDER THE SUN AND NONE HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE A RECALL TO AT LEAST FIX THE DOORS!!!.THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE OVER $1,000 PER DOOR FOR REPAIRS. I HAVE HEARD OF SOME PEOPLES DOORS NEVER OPENING AGAIN AND THE DOOR HAVING TO BE CUT OFF TO BE REPAIRED. IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO QUICKLY AND SAFELY GET OUT OF THE CAR. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE RECALL THIS DOOR ISSUE ON THE COBALT! *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHAKES VERY BADLY. THE FAILURE OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING. THE SHAKING IS SO SEVERE THAT THE CONTACT OCCASIONALLY LOSES CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHAKES VERY BADLY. THE FAILURE OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING. THE SHAKING IS SO SEVERE THAT THE CONTACT OCCASIONALLY LOSES CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND EACH TIME HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE FAILURES WITH THE RIMS. THE RIMS WERE REPAIRED, CHANGED, AND BALANCED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES AT THE COST OF $120-$330. THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,300.
(1) CAR SHUTS ITSELF OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. DURING@ RUSH HOUR I VEERED AWAY ( W-NO POWER TO CAR ),FROM TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. PARKED ,SHUT CAR OFF, TOOK KEY OUT OF IGNITION, THEN REPLACED AND STARTED IT BACK UP, AND PROCEEDED ENROUTE. (2) AFTER MARKET CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE TO SHUT OFF AND TURN ON. (3) …
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(1) CAR SHUTS ITSELF OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. DURING@ RUSH HOUR I VEERED AWAY ( W-NO POWER TO CAR ),FROM TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. PARKED ,SHUT CAR OFF, TOOK KEY OUT OF IGNITION, THEN REPLACED AND STARTED IT BACK UP, AND PROCEEDED ENROUTE. (2) AFTER MARKET CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE TO SHUT OFF AND TURN ON. (3) RESULT OF ABOVE (2)AFTER MARKET CRUISE CONTROL TAKES ITS OWN MIND AND DECIDES TO FULLY ACCELERATE UNTIL GEARING DOWN IN HOPES IT 'AWAKES' THE COMPUTER (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION),THEN CRUISE CONTROL WILL FINALLY SHUT OFF. (CONSEQUENCE ) PASSENGER HAD A HEART ATTACK. I CALLED A TAXI. "HE'S OK" (4) SERVICE AIR BAGS LIGHT HAVE BEEN ON SINCE 20,K MILES I NOW HAVE 47,XXX MILES. (5)STOCK TIRES AND RIMS WOBBLE WITH IRRITATING CONTINOUS NOISES -CAN'T GE RID OF IT. (6) STOCK SEATS DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES BOTH WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLYTHEY ARE REALLY SLANTEDLIKE THIS ( / \ ). (7) A CLUNKING BUCKET SOUNDING NOISE FILLS VERY SLOWLY, (HEALTH PROBLEMS) AN ODOR IS ALWAYS PRESENT LEAVING ME LIGHT HEADED ,NAUTIOUS WHILE DRIVING, DIZZY EXITING CAR,AND WITH BREATHING PROBLEMS -LIKE SHORTNESS OF BREATH. I HAVE SEVERE BACK PROBLEMS NOW, AND CAN NOT SIT IN THE CAR FOR MORE THAN 20 MIN, UPON A BREAK OF FRESH AIR AND A WALK FOR THE SPINE. (8) BRAKES SOUND AND FEEL (WHEN APPLIED),SCRATCHY.@5,000 MILES THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP HAD TO TURN AND SHAVE ALLREADY MY DISC BRAKES SAYING THEY WERE WORN IN. (9) MY HEATER MAKES A LOT OF NOISES WHEN USING IT. (10) ACCELERATION HESITATION. *JB
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.