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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
Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. SHE WAS NOT CLEAR ON HOW THE FAILURE BEGAN BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A FUEL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. SHE WAS NOT CLEAR ON HOW THE FAILURE BEGAN BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK AND IT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10355995

69,000 miles · Sep 13, 2010
SteeringCrash

LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR GOING AROUND 50, ROLLED ACROSS THE ROAD AND THEN INTO A DITCH WHERE I HIT A TREE. CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10355421

45,000 miles · Sep 13, 2010
Power Train

2006 CHEVROLET COBALT STEEL PIN FALLS OUT OF CONSOLE NOT ALLOWING IGNITION KEY TO COME OUT. THEN THE GEARSHIFT WILL NOT LOCK IN PARK. CHILDREN CAN NOT BE LEFT IN CAR BECAUSE CAR WILL COME OUT OF PARK WHEN SHIFTER IS MOVED. SHOULD BE A CALLBACK ON THIS ISSUE. JUST DAYS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED THIS TOOK PLACE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10355299

75,000 miles · Sep 13, 2010
SteeringCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 15 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE WITH A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND CRASHED INTO A NEARBY POLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWO WEEKS PRIOR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 15 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE WITH A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND CRASHED INTO A NEARBY POLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #10355220

72,500 miles · Sep 12, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

UPON EXITING VEHICLE, NOTICED EXTREMELY STRONG SMELL OF GAS ON 9/1/10. GAS SMELL DID NOT DISSIPATE, AND IN FACT GOT STRONGER OVER THE PERIOD OF ONE WEEK. NOTICEABLE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CABIN. MILEAGE AT TIME OF FAILURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72500. SPOKE WITH DEALER ABOUT PROBLEM, TOLD THAT IT DID NOT FALL UNDER CURRENT RECALL…

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UPON EXITING VEHICLE, NOTICED EXTREMELY STRONG SMELL OF GAS ON 9/1/10. GAS SMELL DID NOT DISSIPATE, AND IN FACT GOT STRONGER OVER THE PERIOD OF ONE WEEK. NOTICEABLE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CABIN. MILEAGE AT TIME OF FAILURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72500. SPOKE WITH DEALER ABOUT PROBLEM, TOLD THAT IT DID NOT FALL UNDER CURRENT RECALL CONDITIONS AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. HAD MECHANIC LOOK AT IT, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP MODULE NEEDED REPLACED THE LINES ATTACHED TO IT HAD CRACKED AND WAS LEAKING FUEL ON THE TOP OF THE TANK. EXTREME FIRE HAZARD. REPAIRS WERE $760. FUEL PUMP MODULE WAS REPLACED AFTER DIAGNOSTICS AND HAVING THE TANK DROPPED. PART AVAILABLE. EXACT DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM FALLS UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN 09V419000 RECALL. CAR IS NOT IN RECALL STATE, BUT ISSUE HAS BEEN INDICATED TO BE RELATED TO HIGH HEAT. HEAT IN CURRENT STATE (WV) HAS BEEN 90+ DEGREES FOR MORE THAN 2 MONTHS. DEALER DID NOT LOOK AT RECALL, ONLY AT THE VIS WHICH DID NOT INCLUDE MY CAR'S VIN, APPARENTLY. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE, AND SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL 2006 CHEVY COBALTS WHO HAVE SIMILAR PARTS IN THEIR CAR. THE STATE SPECIFIC RECALL HAS BEEN INDICATED IN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABUNDANT ON THE INTERNET TO BE A FALSE, AS PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED NATIONWIDE. GM CLAIMS THAT SAFETY IS THEIR NUMBER ONE CONCERN, BUT THEY DO NOT (ACCORDING TO THE REP I SPOKE WITH ) HAVE AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION INTO WHETHER THEY SHOULD EXPAND THIS RECALL INTO OTHER STATES. THIS IS APPALLING AND NEEDS LOOKED INTO BY SOMEONE WHO HAS THE CONSUMER'S SAFETY IN THEIR BEST INTEREST. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10355114

Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2010
SteeringCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS REAR ENDED WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED HER CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN WALL AND DESTROY THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND SHE COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE OF STOP IT FROM CRASHING INTO THE MEDIAN WALL. ALTH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS REAR ENDED WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED HER CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN WALL AND DESTROY THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND SHE COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE OF STOP IT FROM CRASHING INTO THE MEDIAN WALL. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS A PART OF A RECALL, THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE THE RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V073000 NOTICE, WHICH RELATED TO THE ELECTRONIC POWER ASSIST, UNTIL AUGUST 1, 2010. THE RECALL WAS ISSUED MARCH 1, 2010. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THEY KNEW OF THE RECALL PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE LOST OF THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10354846

Mileage unknown · Sep 4, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

CAR SMELLED LIKE GAS ALL THE TIME, WOULDN'T START EASILY WHEN COLD. GAS WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP. FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10353850

68,000 miles · Sep 3, 2010
SteeringCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 TO 45 MPH THE DASHBOARD LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHIN SECONDS THE STEERING FAILED. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. SHE RECEIVED BRUISES TO THE BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 68,…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 TO 45 MPH THE DASHBOARD LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHIN SECONDS THE STEERING FAILED. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. SHE RECEIVED BRUISES TO THE BODY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #10353651

Mileage unknown · Aug 30, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER STATES DEFECTIVE ENGINE *TGW THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE ROCKER ARM AND IT BROKE THROUGH THE ENGINE, DOWN THROUGH THE THIRD CYLINDER INTO THE PISTON. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10352129

53,000 miles · Aug 25, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE IN FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING GASOLINE. THE CONTACT LOCATED A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V419000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE IN FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING GASOLINE. THE CONTACT LOCATED A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V419000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

NHTSA ODI #10351688

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.