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
37,600 miles · Aug 23, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
I HAD JUST RETURNED HOME FROM SHOPPING IN MY 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE AT THE BACK OF THE CAR. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AND COLLECTING ON THE GROUND. AFTER LOWERING THE FUEL TANK IT WAS EASY TO SEE THE PROBLEM. THE FUEL RETURN LINE HAD FRA…
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I HAD JUST RETURNED HOME FROM SHOPPING IN MY 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE AT THE BACK OF THE CAR. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AND COLLECTING ON THE GROUND. AFTER LOWERING THE FUEL TANK IT WAS EASY TO SEE THE PROBLEM. THE FUEL RETURN LINE HAD FRACTURED AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE. THE CAR WAS UNDRIVEABLE. FORTUNATELY THIS HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY. I BOUGHT A NEW FUEL PUMP MODULE AT MY CHEVROLET DEALER FOR $304.36 AND REPLACED THE PART MYSELF. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT NOT IN MY STATE. I LIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA WHICH IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE RETAINED THE OLD PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10351326
43,000 miles · Aug 23, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY DETECTED AN INTERNAL FUEL LEAKAGE AND INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V4…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY DETECTED AN INTERNAL FUEL LEAKAGE AND INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V419000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP); HOWEVER, THE RECALL INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE MUST BE REGISTERED OR SOLD IN ONE OF THE STATES MENTIONED IN THE RECALL DEFECT. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL DUE TO THE STATE EXCLUSION. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000. UPDATED 11/19/10 *CN UPDATED 11/23/10*JB
NHTSA ODI #10351321
47,000 miles · Aug 23, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE POWER DOORS INDEPENDENTLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHETHER THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE POWER DOORS INDEPENDENTLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHETHER THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
NHTSA ODI #10351206
47,412 miles · Aug 22, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
2006 CHEVROLET COBALT FUEL LEAK. PLASTIC PORT ON TOP OF FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY CRACKED. I SEE THERE IS A RECALL IN CERTAIN STATES FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT I LIVE IN VIRGINIA AND THAT STATE IS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10351120
120,000 miles · Aug 21, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
I BOUGHT A 2006 CHEVY COBALT. AFTER A MONTH THE DOOR LOCKS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. I HAD THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP TWICE TO FIX THE ISSUE. THEN 6 MONTHS AGO I COULD NOT OPEN MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR. I HAVE HAD TO CUT THROUGH THE PANEL AND ALL OF THE RODS ARE IN PLACE. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUT. I HAVE T…
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I BOUGHT A 2006 CHEVY COBALT. AFTER A MONTH THE DOOR LOCKS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. I HAD THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP TWICE TO FIX THE ISSUE. THEN 6 MONTHS AGO I COULD NOT OPEN MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR. I HAVE HAD TO CUT THROUGH THE PANEL AND ALL OF THE RODS ARE IN PLACE. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUT. I HAVE TO ENTER THE CAR FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO RIVERTON CHEVY IN SANDY, UT AND I HAVE COMPLAINED TO GM. THEY CLAIM BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE ON THE CAR THEY WILL NOT FIX UNLESS I PAY. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME 150$ JUST FOR A DIAGNOSITCS. THE DOOR IS STUCK. THEY WERE THE LAST PEOPLE TO HAVE THE PANELS REMOVED. THIS IS HORRIBLE. IF YOU SEARCH THE INTERNET YOU CAN SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM. I NEED HELP. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY SOMEONE FOR SOMETHING, I BELIEVE THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR AND WERE THE LAST PEOPLE TO WORK ON MY CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10351073
87,543 miles · Aug 18, 2010
Fuel System, Other
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT THAT IS REGISTERED IN OHIO BUT HAS BEEN IN FLORIDA FOR A YEAR AND A HALF, THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP BUT GM DOES NOT WANT TO HONOR IT ,GM SAYS THAT THE HEAT IN THE SOUTHERN STATES WILL CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO CRACK , SHOULD IT MATTER WHERE IT WAS REGISTERED SINCE IT HAS BEEN HERE THIS LONG. I DI…
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I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT THAT IS REGISTERED IN OHIO BUT HAS BEEN IN FLORIDA FOR A YEAR AND A HALF, THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP BUT GM DOES NOT WANT TO HONOR IT ,GM SAYS THAT THE HEAT IN THE SOUTHERN STATES WILL CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO CRACK , SHOULD IT MATTER WHERE IT WAS REGISTERED SINCE IT HAS BEEN HERE THIS LONG. I DID PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED HOW DO I GET MY MONEY BACK? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10350286
82,150 miles · Aug 16, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN UNUSUALLY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. SHE THEN NOTICED THAT GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN UNUSUALLY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. SHE THEN NOTICED THAT GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 82,150. UPDATED 11/16/10. *LJ
NHTSA ODI #10349715
76,000 miles · Aug 16, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH STOPPING DISTANCE AND STEERING IN 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT LT. HAD BRAKES, SHOCKS, AND STRUTS REPLACED...CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE ISSUE WITH STOPPING DISTANCE AND STEERING...TOOK IN TO DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THE CONTROL ARMS WERE "DRY ROTTED'...IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS WAS THE MOST LIKELY CONTRIBUTING ISSUE …
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EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH STOPPING DISTANCE AND STEERING IN 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT LT. HAD BRAKES, SHOCKS, AND STRUTS REPLACED...CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE ISSUE WITH STOPPING DISTANCE AND STEERING...TOOK IN TO DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THE CONTROL ARMS WERE "DRY ROTTED'...IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS WAS THE MOST LIKELY CONTRIBUTING ISSUE TO THE PROBLEM WITH BRAKES SHOCKS AND STRUTS. IN ADDITION DUE TO ISSUE WITH THE CONTROL RODS THE U-JOINT IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAS BEEN BENT CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH STEERING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10349626
75,000 miles · Aug 13, 2010
Steering
POWER ASSIST STEERING FAILS TO OPERATE DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE. STOPPING AND TURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND ON REMEDIES THE FAILURE. THIS OCCURRENCE IS RANDOM AND WITHOUT A NOTICEABLE PATTERN. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE OFTEN DURING HOT WEATHER CONDITIONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10349138
18,807 miles · Aug 11, 2010
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE THE DEALER WAS REPAIRING NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000, STEERING ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, SHE INFORMED THEM THAT SHE HEARD A NOISE WHENEVER SHE DROVE OVER A BUMP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS NEEDED CAUSED THE NOISE AND NEEDED TO BE RE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE THE DEALER WAS REPAIRING NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000, STEERING ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, SHE INFORMED THEM THAT SHE HEARD A NOISE WHENEVER SHE DROVE OVER A BUMP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS NEEDED CAUSED THE NOISE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED AND THAT IT WAS A COMMON ISSUE AMONG HER YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 18,807.
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.
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