IllustrationWHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 5 MPH AND A ENGINE POWER LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SHOP AND THE THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL ERROR CAME UP. I BEEN TOLD THIS IS OCCURRING A LOT IN AMERICAN MADE VEHICLES. *TR
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cobalt years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1540–25K
42125–50K
55750–75K
34575–100K
331100–150K
142150K+
1,950 reports with mileage · 380 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 1,299 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 412 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 255 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
164 crash reports14 fire reports81 injury reports
What owners actually said
2,330 reportsMY CHEVY COBALT 2006, HAS HAD THE ISSUE WITH THE EMERGENCY AIR BAG LIGHTING UP AND SAYING IT IS OFF AND I GET THE MESSAGE THAT THE "AIR BAG NEEDS TO BE SERVICED". I HAVE LESS THAN 45 THOUSAND MILES. AROUND JUNE 2010, MY MOTHER AND I WERE IN THE CAR AND WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN WE HEARD THE BEEPING SOUND AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT T…
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MY CHEVY COBALT 2006, HAS HAD THE ISSUE WITH THE EMERGENCY AIR BAG LIGHTING UP AND SAYING IT IS OFF AND I GET THE MESSAGE THAT THE "AIR BAG NEEDS TO BE SERVICED". I HAVE LESS THAN 45 THOUSAND MILES. AROUND JUNE 2010, MY MOTHER AND I WERE IN THE CAR AND WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN WE HEARD THE BEEPING SOUND AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON, MEANING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS OFF. IT IS SUPPOSE TO TURN ON AUTOMATICALLY, BUT HAS NOT. EVERY TIME WE START THE CAR THE BEEPING SOUND STARTS AND THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS NO AIRBAG PROTECTION. I HAVE NOTICED THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE WHO HAVE THE CHEVY COBALT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
FAILURE ON THE FUEL PUMP,LEAKING UNDER THE CAR ALOT DANGEROUS FUMES DOES NOT START AT TIMES AND WHEN IT DOES LEAKS ALOT OF GAS AND SMELLS REALLY STRONG AND THEN STOPS SUDDENING. SO WILL NOT MOVE IT DUE TO ITS DANGER OF THE GAS LEAK. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL 09V419000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,700.
I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY 06 COBALT BACK IN EARLY 07 IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AT THE 7 TIMES I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR STEERING CONCERNS. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE HARD STEERING PROBLEM OR PRODUCE COMPUTER PROBLEM. I WAS VERY ADAMANT ABOUT THIS AND ALSO GOT NEW TIRES THINKING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. IT WAS NOT ! I …
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I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY 06 COBALT BACK IN EARLY 07 IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AT THE 7 TIMES I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR STEERING CONCERNS. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE HARD STEERING PROBLEM OR PRODUCE COMPUTER PROBLEM. I WAS VERY ADAMANT ABOUT THIS AND ALSO GOT NEW TIRES THINKING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. IT WAS NOT ! I WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING, AND WAS LEARY TO DRIVE MY CAR (A GIFT FROM MY MOM) BUT HAD NOTHING ELSE TO DRIVE. IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR ON THE 30TH I WAS COMING FROM A FRIENDS HOME AND WAS ON A SIDE ROAD I SLOWED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO GO RIGHT, IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN, AND I WENT THROUGH THE LIGHT AND HIT A TREE HEAD ON AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TOLD LATER I MISSED THE SENSOR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND G.M. WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. I WAS TOLD THAT EVEN THOUGH THE CAR SAT FOR 2 MONTHS WITH A DEAD BATTERY THE COMPUTER DOES NOT LOOSE DATA. (G.M.) I KNOW OF SEVERAL COBALT OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE POWER ASSIST REPLACED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AND IT STILL WENT OUT. THE MECHANICS (A.S.E.)CERTIFIED INFORMED ME IT IS NOT THE POWER ASSIST IT IS IN THE STEERING COLUMN, AND SHOULD BE REPLACED, BUT G.M. WON'T DO THAT IT WOULD COST TOO MUCH MONEY. IT IS NICE TO KNOW THAT G.M. WOULD RATHER SACRIFICE THE CONSUMER RATHER THAN TAKE CARE OF THEM. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THE COMPUTER HAS A HISTORY OF NOT RECORDING PROPERLY WHEN THERE IS A PROBLEM. THE REST OF US WHO HAVE HAD A CRASH WITH AND WITHOUT AIR BAGS NEED SOME KIND OF SOLUTION. G.M. IS SWEEPING THIS UNDER THE RUG!!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. UPDATED PORTABLE 06/22/11
GM RECALL NOTICE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V073000 FOR THE 2009 CHEVY COBALT SHOULD COVER ALL YEARS. I OWN A 2006 MODEL YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE READ ABOUT MORE COMPLAINTS ONLINE WHEN TRYING TO DIAGNOSE ON WHY MINE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK AND I COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION GOING BACK TO THE 2005 MODE…
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GM RECALL NOTICE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V073000 FOR THE 2009 CHEVY COBALT SHOULD COVER ALL YEARS. I OWN A 2006 MODEL YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE READ ABOUT MORE COMPLAINTS ONLINE WHEN TRYING TO DIAGNOSE ON WHY MINE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK AND I COULD NOT REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION GOING BACK TO THE 2005 MODEL YEAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE CORRECTED ASAP. *LN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE ENGINE WAS TURNED ON, A FUEL ODOR WAS COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE ENGINE WAS TURNED ON, A FUEL ODOR WAS COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL BUT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V419000,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,244.
IN APRIL I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE CHEVY COBALT 2006, IT WAS FOR THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MOTOR, I WAITED NEARLY 7 MONTHS EVEN THOUGH I PLACED ORDER IN APRIL. I FINALLY GOT IT DONE AFTER THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WENT OFF IN DEC. AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WITH MY FRUSTRATION BECAUSE I NEVER RECEIVED A CALL THAT THE PART WAS IN…
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IN APRIL I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE CHEVY COBALT 2006, IT WAS FOR THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MOTOR, I WAITED NEARLY 7 MONTHS EVEN THOUGH I PLACED ORDER IN APRIL. I FINALLY GOT IT DONE AFTER THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WENT OFF IN DEC. AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WITH MY FRUSTRATION BECAUSE I NEVER RECEIVED A CALL THAT THE PART WAS IN. A WEEK LATER THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WENT OFF AGAIN, COME TO FIND OUT I NEED A NEW POWER STEERING COLUMN (THIS IS A 4 YEAR OLD CAR!!!), SO THE RECALL SHOULD NOT JUST BE THE MOTOR BUT THE STEERING COLUMN AS WELL, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, THE STEERING COMPLETELY GOES AND YOU CAN BARELY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT TO RESET THE POWER STEERING. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AP…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT TO RESET THE POWER STEERING. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000.
FAILURE OF DOOR TO OPEN. FOR 2 DAYS THE DRIVER'S DOOR DID NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDER OR OUTSIDE. *TR
Official recalls
514V171000 · Electrical System:ignition
Apr 10, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch
Feb 10, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
10V073000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
Mar 3, 2010
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
09V419000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Oct 29, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, NEVADA AND TEXAS. THE PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN PORT ON THE MODULAR RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. IF EITHER OF THESE PORTS DEVELOPS A CRACK, FUEL WILL LEAK FROM THE AREA. IF THE CRACK BECOMES LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY BE OBSERVED DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL COVERAGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME FOR MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE AND TEXAS AND MODEL YEAR 2007 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN: ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
07V014000 · Structure
Jan 18, 2007
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.'
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE10005 · Electric Power Steering Failure
Opened Jan 27, 2010 · Closed Jul 19, 2010
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
In a March 1, 2010 letter, General Motors Corporation (GM) provided a defect information report to NHTSA regarding a problem that could result in sudden loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and MY 2007 through 2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS).The letter indicates that the loss of steering assist could occur at any time while driving and that, once assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and a chime sounds to inform the driver.The letter further states that steering control is maintained in manual mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds.In the next ignition cycle, power assist is typically regained and the DIC message is no longer displayed.GM's letter identifies the root cause of the EPS failure as the EPS motor and indicates that production of a new motor started in December 2009.GM's recall repair procedure instructs dealers to replace the EPS motor in all recalled vehicles. ODI's analysis of all information available related to sudden loss of EPS assist while driving in the MY 2005 through 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles shows current complaint and warranty rates of 323/100,000 vehicles and 0.4% respectively.In response to ODI's request for information, GM identified 81 complaints where a crash was claimed that may be related to loss of EPS assist.ODI's analysis of all crash claims was based on verifiable factors such as; whether a loss of EPS was indicated at the time of the crash by a chime or malfunction indicator lamp or if a EPS related component malfunction was identified after the crash occurred.With this method ODI identified 36 possible crashes related to EPS failure.GM assessed crash claims based on the available facts and excluded crash claims that indicated that the vehicle was travelling at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater.GM said that it believes if power assist is lost while a vehicle is moving at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater there is a small difference in steering efforts perceived in subjective evaluations at those speeds and it is unlikely to lead to loss of vehicle control. Based on GM's safety recall, this investigation is closed.