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
What owners actually said
2,330 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages
MY 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT LT HAS STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER DOOR SINCE 2 DAYS AGO. I HAD ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION AND WENT TO OPEN MY DRIVER DOOR TO EXIT AND I COULDN'T. THE DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. I TRIED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE DOOR TO SEE IF IT WOULD OPEN AND NOTHING CHANGED. I WAS LOCKED IN MY CAR F…
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MY 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT LT HAS STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER DOOR SINCE 2 DAYS AGO. I HAD ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION AND WENT TO OPEN MY DRIVER DOOR TO EXIT AND I COULDN'T. THE DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL. I TRIED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE DOOR TO SEE IF IT WOULD OPEN AND NOTHING CHANGED. I WAS LOCKED IN MY CAR FOR TEN MINUETS TRYING TO GET OUT UNTIL I FINALLY HAD TO CRAWL OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. WHEN TRYING TO GET BACK INTO THE CAR, THE SAME THING WAS HAPPENING TO WHERE I COULDN'T GET IN AND HAD TO ENTER FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. RIGHT NOW MY DOOR IS WORKING NORMAL BUT AN HOUR AGO I COULDN'T GET IN AGAIN. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY RISK BECAUSE IF SOMEONE NEEDS TO EXIT THEIR CAR QUICKLY AND THIS IS HAPPENING, THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO TO GET OUT. I AM NOT THE ONLY COBALT OWNER WITH THIS ISSUE AND HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS RESOLVED BEFORE ANYONE GETS HURT FROM BEING TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR WITHOUT A WAY TO ESCAPE. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10444539
62,551 miles · Jan 13, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY CARS ENGINE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES TODAY, IT IDLES LOW WHEN MOVING FROM A STOPPED POSITION LIKE AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHEN I GIVE IT GAS IT IDLES HIGH AND THEN WHEN I STOP OR SLOW DOWN IT STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I WAS SO SCARED TODAY. I WILL NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN UNTIL I FIGURE OUT THE…
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MY CARS ENGINE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES TODAY, IT IDLES LOW WHEN MOVING FROM A STOPPED POSITION LIKE AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHEN I GIVE IT GAS IT IDLES HIGH AND THEN WHEN I STOP OR SLOW DOWN IT STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I WAS SO SCARED TODAY. I WILL NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN UNTIL I FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I AM GLAD ME OR MY SON DIDN'T GET INTO A VERY BAD ACCIDENT. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR BRAND NEW IT DID THIS AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, BUT IT HAS NEVER SEEMED TO IDLE CORRECTLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10443749
96,000 miles · Jan 11, 2012
Exterior Lighting
AT FIRST MY HEADLIGHT BULBS JUST KEPT BLOWING AND I HAD TO KEEP REPLACING THEM. EVENTUALLY, ONE SIDE WENT OUT AND WOULD ONLY COME BACK ON AFTER THE BULB SHIELD WAS ADJUSTED. THE BULB SHIELDS EVENTUALLY STOPPED HOLDING THE DEVICE TOGETHER AND MY HEADLIGHTS COMPLETELY QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER.I ALSO NOTICED A MELTED LIQUID RUNNIN…
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AT FIRST MY HEADLIGHT BULBS JUST KEPT BLOWING AND I HAD TO KEEP REPLACING THEM. EVENTUALLY, ONE SIDE WENT OUT AND WOULD ONLY COME BACK ON AFTER THE BULB SHIELD WAS ADJUSTED. THE BULB SHIELDS EVENTUALLY STOPPED HOLDING THE DEVICE TOGETHER AND MY HEADLIGHTS COMPLETELY QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER.I ALSO NOTICED A MELTED LIQUID RUNNING DOWN FROM THE BULBS THEMSELVES INSIDE THE SHIELDS. IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE WIRING HAD MELTED. I TOOK IT TO CHEVROLET DEALER IN MY CITY AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENTIRE WIRING SYSTEM MELTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED INCLUDING THE WIRE THAT HOOKS THE SYSTEM TO THE BATTERY INSIDE THE ENGINE. TURN SIGNALS ARE NOT EVEN WORKING AT THIS POINT. I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH HEAD LAMPS INSTEAD OF JUST THE ONE AFFECTED ONE BECAUSE IF I DIDNT IT WOULD JUST BURN OUT AGAIN. I WAS ESTIMATED $700 FOR THE REPAIR WHICH WAS WAY TOO MUCH FOR MY POCKETS. I HAVE ALREADY SUBMITTED THIS SAME VEHICLE FOR THE POWER STEERING ISSUES WHICH I PAID FOR AND THEN WAS REIMBURSED 9 MONTHS LATER AFTER THE RECALL FINALLY WENT THROUGH AND THE FUEL PUMP ISSUES THAT HAD A RECALL AS WELL. I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE A FUEL INJECTOR AS WELL. I KNOW THAT THE 2005 MODEL HAD A RECALL ON HEAD LIGHTS AND I AM SURE THAT MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY THE SAME DEFECTIVE PARTS. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS FOR 4 MONTHS NOW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10443409
72,000 miles · Jan 9, 2012
Fuel System, Gasoline
SMELLED FUEL IN GARAGE WHERE CAR IS KEPT AND ALSO INSIDE OF VEHICLE. TOOK TO LOCAL SHOP AND UPON PUTTING CAR ONTO THE LIFT, THEY SPOTTED FUEL DRIPPING FROM TOP OF GAS TANK. UPON TAKING TANK OFF AND INSPECTING FUEL PUMP, THERE WAS A VERY VISIBLE CRACK ON THE MRA. THE PORT WAS CRACKED AND FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THAT AREA. I HAVE KE…
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SMELLED FUEL IN GARAGE WHERE CAR IS KEPT AND ALSO INSIDE OF VEHICLE. TOOK TO LOCAL SHOP AND UPON PUTTING CAR ONTO THE LIFT, THEY SPOTTED FUEL DRIPPING FROM TOP OF GAS TANK. UPON TAKING TANK OFF AND INSPECTING FUEL PUMP, THERE WAS A VERY VISIBLE CRACK ON THE MRA. THE PORT WAS CRACKED AND FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THAT AREA. I HAVE KEPT THE FUEL PUMP. MY LOCAL SHOP REPLACED FUEL PUMP IN DECEMBER, BUT IT WAS NOT UNTIL LAST WEEK THAT MY MECHANIC CONTACTED ME AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBLE RECALL. GM DENIED MY RECALL REQUEST. STATED MY VIN # DIDN'T HAVE THIS SPECIFIC RECALL ATTACHED & SINCE MY CAR WASN'T REGISTERED IN AZ OR NV I WAS ELIGIBLE FOR ANY REIMBURSEMENT. I HAVE OLD FUEL PUMP AND PICTURES AND A SERVICE TICKET ALL UPON REQUEST. PLEASE REVIEW. THIS IS TOO MUCH OF A COINCIDENCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10443223
Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL PUMP NOT COVERED IN NEW YORK WHY? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10440850
97,300 miles · Dec 19, 2011
SteeringCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,300.
NHTSA ODI #10440453
40,000 miles · Dec 19, 2011
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesSuspension
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
NHTSA ODI #10440418
80,000 miles · Dec 14, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT SMELLED A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO FUEL VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. THE ODOR WOULD ALSO EMIT THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE COULD…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT SMELLED A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO FUEL VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. THE ODOR WOULD ALSO EMIT THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE COULD POSSIBLY BE RELATED TO THE FUEL TANK MODULE. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR FURTHER OBSERVATION AND THE FUEL TANK REMOVAL TO DETERMINE THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10439888
80,100 miles · Dec 12, 2011
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO JERK BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO JERK BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,100.
NHTSA ODI #10439425
Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2011
Electrical SystemStructure
DOOR WILL NOT SHUT, THAN DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, THAN DOOR OPENED WHILE DRIVING DOWN STREET. *TR
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.