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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
100,000 miles · May 9, 2011
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND A POWER STEERING LIGHT BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF. UPON RESTART THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES THE FA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND A POWER STEERING LIGHT BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF. UPON RESTART THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10399509

75,000 miles · May 6, 2011
Unknown Or Other

PASSENGER SIDE DOOR STARTED TO NOT CLOSE WHEN THIS FIRST STARTED AND AFTER A WHILE THE DOOR GOT COMPLETELY STUCK AND WILL NOT OPEN AND THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE IS CRACKING ALMOST READY TO BRAKE. DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS STARTING TO STICK SHUT ALSO.

NHTSA ODI #10400175

41,336 miles · Apr 30, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

2006 COBALT LS. BRAKES SOMETIMES STICK. LIKE DRIVING WITH THE BRAKES SLIGHTLY APPLIED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10398366

130,000 miles · Apr 26, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE FUEL PUMP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10397947

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUEL ODOR FILLED THE INTERIOR CABIN. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FUEL LEAK AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FUEL MODULE WAS FRACTURED IN HALF. THE MECHANIC PLACED AN ORDER …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUEL ODOR FILLED THE INTERIOR CABIN. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FUEL LEAK AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FUEL MODULE WAS FRACTURED IN HALF. THE MECHANIC PLACED AN ORDER FOR THE FUEL MODULE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10397122

57,725 miles · Apr 20, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL ODOR FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL ODOR FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V419000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,725.

NHTSA ODI #10396921

85,691 miles · Apr 18, 2011
Steering

MY CHEVROLET COBALT 2006 HAS A STEERING COLUMN PROBLEM. IT MAKES NOISES, LIKE A RATTLE AND I BOUGHT THE CAR ON 03/16/2011, USED AND SINCE THE FIRST WEEK AFTER PRECARIOUS I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO GET FIX EVERY DAY EXCEPT FOR SATURDAYS AND STILL CAN NOT GET IT FIX. IT ALSO SHAKES VIOLENTLY AT TIMES AND ITS VERY, VERY SCARY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10396729

98,000 miles · Apr 16, 2011
Electrical System

SECOND 2006 CHEVY COBALT OWNED. THE FIRST HAD AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND WITHIN A MONTH OF PURCHASING IT. THE AIR HAD GONE OUT ON IT AND WE HAD RETURNED IT TO DEALER WHERE IT WAS SERVICED. WITHIN A WEEK IT CAUGHT FIRE IN TRAFFIC. WE ASSUMED THE DEALER DID SOMETHING INCORRECT WHEN RECONNECTING THE BATTERY CABLES…

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SECOND 2006 CHEVY COBALT OWNED. THE FIRST HAD AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND WITHIN A MONTH OF PURCHASING IT. THE AIR HAD GONE OUT ON IT AND WE HAD RETURNED IT TO DEALER WHERE IT WAS SERVICED. WITHIN A WEEK IT CAUGHT FIRE IN TRAFFIC. WE ASSUMED THE DEALER DID SOMETHING INCORRECT WHEN RECONNECTING THE BATTERY CABLES. PARTLY BECAUSE THE FIRE HAD STARTED IN TRUNK WHERE BATTERY WAS. WE THOUGHT IT WAS HUMAN ERROR SO WE PURCHASED ANOTHER 2006 COBALT. IT STARTED DYING IN TRAFFIC AT INTERSECTIONS WHEN STOPPED OR WHEN YOU ALLOW IT TO IDLE. TOOK IT TO SEVERAL AUTO STORES AND HAD PUT ON MACHINE. ANSWER WAS RAPID MISFIRE. BOUGHT NEW SPARKPLUGS AND WIRES. REPLACED THOSE TO NO AVAIL, TRIED GAS TREATMENTS FOR THE SHUTTERING ENGINE, TO NO AVAIL. TOOK IT TO MECHANICS TWICE. THEY REPLACED THE COOLING SENSOR. STILL CUTTING OUT AND WOULDN'T IDLE PROPERLY. TOOK BACK TO MECHANIC. HE COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. NOTICED ONE HEADLIGHT OFF WHEN WE PICKED IT UP. TOOK IT HOME TO INVESTIGATE AND HEADLIGHT BACK ON. WE BELIEVE ITS A SHORT SOMEWHERE IN SYSTEM. DOESN'T DIE WHEN LIGHTS ARE OFF. APPROXIMATELY 98,000 MILES. HAD A MINOR ISSUE WITH A GAS LEAK. TOOK IT TO LOCAL DEALER AND WAS ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. NO OTHER MAJOR ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10396097

28,000 miles · Apr 14, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

FRONT END BALL JOINTS ARE FAULTY AND CAUSE THE CAR TO SOUND LIKE THE FRONT END IS GOING TO FALL OFF! I HAD TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE AS WELL...THIRD SET!! THE MECHANIC SAID THE BALL JOINT WOULD BREAK AND YOU COULD WRECK AS YOUR DRIVING! HAVE HAD THIS TROUBLE SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT THE C…

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FRONT END BALL JOINTS ARE FAULTY AND CAUSE THE CAR TO SOUND LIKE THE FRONT END IS GOING TO FALL OFF! I HAD TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE AS WELL...THIRD SET!! THE MECHANIC SAID THE BALL JOINT WOULD BREAK AND YOU COULD WRECK AS YOUR DRIVING! HAVE HAD THIS TROUBLE SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR..EVEN HAD IT AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR FRONT END PROBLEMS THE FIRST THREE MONTHS THAT I HAD THE CAR! THE FRONT END IS NOT GOOD ON THIS CAR AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10395919

86,000 miles · Apr 13, 2011
EquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

MY HUSBAND AND I HAD BEEN SMELLING GAS COMING FROM OUR CAR FOR A WHILE. WE TOOK IT IN TO GET THE BRAKES REPLACED AND THEY TOLD US THAT WE HAD A FUEL PUMP LEAK AND WOULD NOT WORK ON THE BRAKES UNTIL IT WAS FIXED. THE COST TO FIX IS WELL BEYOND OUR MEANS AND NOW WE ARE GOING THROUGH A HALF A TANK OF GAS EVERY 3 DAYS FOR LESS THAN …

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MY HUSBAND AND I HAD BEEN SMELLING GAS COMING FROM OUR CAR FOR A WHILE. WE TOOK IT IN TO GET THE BRAKES REPLACED AND THEY TOLD US THAT WE HAD A FUEL PUMP LEAK AND WOULD NOT WORK ON THE BRAKES UNTIL IT WAS FIXED. THE COST TO FIX IS WELL BEYOND OUR MEANS AND NOW WE ARE GOING THROUGH A HALF A TANK OF GAS EVERY 3 DAYS FOR LESS THAN 30MILES OF TRAVEL. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP FOR THIS PROBLEM IN SEVERAL OTHER STATES, NOT INCLUDING THE ONE WE LIVE IN. WE HAVE A VERY YOUNG CHILD AND ONE ON THE WAY AND DO NOT WANT ANYTHING BAD TO HAPPEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10395763

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.