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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

What owners actually said

2,330 reports
113,000 miles · Oct 27, 2019
Steering

STEERING COLOUM EXPLODED UNABLE TO STEER WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED HIT BRAKES WHEN NOTICED IT WASN'T STEERING AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF WHERE I WAS GOING HIT BRAKES AND CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL ALMOST BEING STROKE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING IN A HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65 MPH

NHTSA ODI #11271272

98,000 miles · Oct 14, 2019
Steering

I WAS WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT FOR A FEW SECONDS. I CONTINUED DRIVING TO THE STORE AT AROUND 25MPH AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND BACK SEVERAL TIMES. I SLOWED DOWN TO TURN AROUND AND THE STEERING WENT OUT I WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO TURN PROPERLY RAN OVER THE CURB AND ALMOST HIT THE MINIMART …

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I WAS WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT FOR A FEW SECONDS. I CONTINUED DRIVING TO THE STORE AT AROUND 25MPH AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND BACK SEVERAL TIMES. I SLOWED DOWN TO TURN AROUND AND THE STEERING WENT OUT I WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO TURN PROPERLY RAN OVER THE CURB AND ALMOST HIT THE MINIMART GAS PUMPS SCARED THE CRAP OUTTA ME!! CALLED MY SON-IN-LAW AND HE CAME AND DROVE IT HOME FOR ME AS HE WAS STRONG ENOUGH TO HANDLE IT WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT.

NHTSA ODI #11268231

280,194 miles · Oct 7, 2019
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, CALLED THE MECHANIC, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, CALLED THE MECHANIC, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 280,194. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ODI #11266815

219,110 miles · Sep 23, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System

2006 CHEVY COBALT LT LEAKS GAS PROFUSELY. WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL BECAUSE THIS IS TYPICAL OF THE COBALT. TOOK MY CAR TO CHEVY DEALER BUT DID NOT FIX ISSUE AND NOW IS WORSE THEN WHEN I TOOK IT IN. WHILE SITTING, LEAKS MORE.

NHTSA ODI #11257275

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2019
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

"TAKATA RECALL" THE CAR CUTS OFF AS I'M DRIVING, OR SLOWING DOWN, THE IGNITION SWITCH DOESN'T WORK TOO WELL, IT ALSO STALLS, GOES LONG PERIODS OF TIME WHERE IT WON'T START OR EVEN TURN OVER. MY POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT COMES NEARLY EVERYTIME I DRIVE BUT ALL MY FLUIDS IN THE CAR ARE FULL, SO IT MAKES DRIVING KINDA SCARY. IT J…

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"TAKATA RECALL" THE CAR CUTS OFF AS I'M DRIVING, OR SLOWING DOWN, THE IGNITION SWITCH DOESN'T WORK TOO WELL, IT ALSO STALLS, GOES LONG PERIODS OF TIME WHERE IT WON'T START OR EVEN TURN OVER. MY POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT COMES NEARLY EVERYTIME I DRIVE BUT ALL MY FLUIDS IN THE CAR ARE FULL, SO IT MAKES DRIVING KINDA SCARY. IT JUST FEELS UNSAFE AND I WASN'T AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS AND SITUATIONS WHEN I HAD GOTTEN THE 2006 COBALT. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ODI #11244379

Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering

AIR BAG LIGHTS COME ON CAR IS HARD TO STEER AIR CONDITIONING DOES NOT WORK ANY MORE AND I GET AN ENGINE REDUCE POWER LIGHT COMES ON

NHTSA ODI #11244311

77,000 miles · Aug 13, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemPower TrainCrash

"TAKATA RECALL" ON 3/30/18 I WAS INVOLVED IN A WRECK. I WAS TRAVELING ON A BUSY CITY STREET WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED RED. I STOPPED AND THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME WAS DRIVING A LARGE SUV. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND TRAFFIC BEGAN TO MOVE I STARTED DRIVING. OUT OF NOWHERE WITH NO WARNING, THE DRIVER JUST STOPPED AND MY CAR RAN IN…

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"TAKATA RECALL" ON 3/30/18 I WAS INVOLVED IN A WRECK. I WAS TRAVELING ON A BUSY CITY STREET WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED RED. I STOPPED AND THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME WAS DRIVING A LARGE SUV. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND TRAFFIC BEGAN TO MOVE I STARTED DRIVING. OUT OF NOWHERE WITH NO WARNING, THE DRIVER JUST STOPPED AND MY CAR RAN INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. WE BOTH STAYED IN OUR VEHICLES I CALLED 911. OFFICERS ARRIVED AND EMERGENCY SERVICES. EVEN THOUGH HARDLY ANY DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE SUV, MY CAR SUSTAINED A LOT OF DAMAGE TO THE HOOD AND BUMPER OF MY CAR. THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS TOTALED BY LOOKING AT IT. I WAS ABLE TO HAVE MOST OF MY CAR REPAIRED OUT OF POCKET BECAUSE I HAD LIABILITY ONLY AT THE TIME. THE PASSENGER IN FRONT OF ME AFTER GIVING INFORMATION TO THE RESPONDERS WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY, I WAS NOT. I'VE ALSO HAD ANOTHER ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY IN 2014. I AM CONCERNED THAT I MIGHT BE IN ANOTHER ACCIDENT THAT COULD BE LIFE-THREATENING AND THE AIRBAGS WON'T WORK. I CONTACTED GM ABOUT MY CONCERNS REGARDING THE AIRBAGS AND NOTHING WAS DONE TO HAVE MY AIRBAGS CHECKED. I WAS ABLE TO HAVE THE SWITCH CHANGED WHEN THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT. I HOPE BY SHARING MY EXPERIENCE WITH YOU SOMETHING CAN BE DONE TO HAVE MY AIRBAGS CHECKED AND GIVE ME A SENSE OF SECURITY WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11243562

28,000 miles · Aug 8, 2019
EngineFuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V419000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR EMERGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V419000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR EMERGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED REIMBURSEMENT OF THE REPAIR FEES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. *BF*JB

NHTSA ODI #11242472

168,000 miles · Jun 30, 2019
Steering

LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITIES. CAR WILL NOT STEER WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11228537

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2019
SteeringUnknown Or Other

EVERY TIME IT GETS TOO HOT OUTSIDE MY POWER STEERING COMES ON IN MY CAR SWITCH MAKES IT JERK THE CAR AND MY ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON...THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING AND WHEN IT'S STATIONARY. WHEN IT'S STATIONARY IT LOCKS MY STEERING WHEEL AND IT'S MOVING IT MAKES THE CAR JERK

NHTSA ODI #11217009

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.