IllustrationWHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY POWER STEERING LIGHT BEEP ON A FEW SECOND LATER POWER STEERING OUT. PULL OVER TURN CAR OFF STEERING WORK FOR AWHILE THEN OUT AGAIN. HAPPENS EVERYTIME THE CAR WAS STARTED UP. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND PARTS WHERE REPLACED. OLD PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. *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 reportsI HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT WHICH FOR THE PAST MONTH AND A HALF I HAVE HAD TWO INCIDENTS OF A POWER STEERING ISSUE. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR GOES ON IN THE DASHBOARD AND I THEN ONLY HAVE MANUAL STEERING. TODAY WAS ONE OF THE DAYS AND ABOUT A MONTH AN A HALF AGO WAS THE OTHER TIME. I AM TAKING THE CAR TO A CHEVY DEALER FOR IT …
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I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT WHICH FOR THE PAST MONTH AND A HALF I HAVE HAD TWO INCIDENTS OF A POWER STEERING ISSUE. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR GOES ON IN THE DASHBOARD AND I THEN ONLY HAVE MANUAL STEERING. TODAY WAS ONE OF THE DAYS AND ABOUT A MONTH AN A HALF AGO WAS THE OTHER TIME. I AM TAKING THE CAR TO A CHEVY DEALER FOR IT TO BE CHECKED ON MONDAY BUT PREVIOUSLY I HAD IT CHECKED BY A MECHANIC BY MY HOME. THE FIRST TIME WHEN THE MECHANIC CHECKED HE COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. THE STEERING RESET ITSELF. THIS IS DANGEROUS THOUGH BECAUSE IF YOU ARE IN A TURN WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND DO NOT REALIZE THE STEERING IS OUT YOU COULD RUN INTO SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS? I ONLY HAVE 40090 MILES ON THE CAR AND ITS A 2006. I NO LONGER HAVE A WARRANTY BECAUSE MY WARRANTY WAS FOR 36000 MILES SO I HAVE TO PAY FOR WHATEVER IS WRONG WITH IT. IS THERE SOMETHING I CAN DO TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A RECALL OR GOING TO BE ONE? I WOULD CERTAINLY THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY GM BECAUSE ITS A FACTORY DEFAULT AND NOT WEAR AND TEAR. *TR
PROBLEM WITH POWER STEERING. I DRIVE THE CAR AND I LOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OVER THE CAR, I HAVE TO PULL OVER IN THE 5 SECOND SPAN I GET AND TURN MY CAR OFF AND ON. THIS IS HAPPENING TO ME EVERY SINGLE TIME I START MY CAR, I LOSE CONTROL OVER THE STEERING. THIS PUTS ME AT A GREAT RISK. *TR
THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT HAS FAILED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 WEEKS. THE FIRST 2 TIMES, I WAS JUST PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 60 MILES WHEN THE STEERING FAILED. THE CAR CHIMED, THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY READ "POWER STEERING," AND THE CAR INSTANTLY BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. BOTH TIMES, THE FAILURE…
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THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT HAS FAILED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 WEEKS. THE FIRST 2 TIMES, I WAS JUST PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 60 MILES WHEN THE STEERING FAILED. THE CAR CHIMED, THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY READ "POWER STEERING," AND THE CAR INSTANTLY BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. BOTH TIMES, THE FAILURE OCCURRED JUST AFTER OR DURING A SHARP TURN AFTER A LONG DRIVE. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE, TODAY, HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE, AT LOW SPEED, AFTER ONLY 20 MILES OF DRIVING. WHEN THE CAR IS RESTARTED, THE STEERING BECOMES FULLY FUNCTIONAL AGAIN. HOWEVER, I AM WORRIED THAT IT WILL FAIL AGAIN AT A CRITICAL MOMENT. I CANNOT PREDICT WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. *TR
WE LOST THE POWER STEERING ON OUR CAR TWICE. THE FIRST TIME, WAS WHEN WE WERE TURNING AROUND. THE SECOND, WAS ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 70 MILES AN HOUR. AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT, WE HAD THE POWER STEERING MOTOR REPLACED. THEY INSTALLED A MOTOR KIT, PART NUMBER 1 20763801. WE DO NOT HAVE THE OLD PARTS. *TR
WHILE DRIVING, MY VEHICLE BEEPED, READ "POWER STEERING" ON THE DASHBOARD, AND ALL POWER STEERING WAS LOST. ONCE THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, POWER STEERING APPEARED FINE BUT CONTINUED TO FAIL WITH NO NOTICE. *TR
POWER STEERING QUIT DURING TURN COMING FROM SCHOOL. I LEFT COLLEGE LAST NIGHT TO GO HOME (A TWO MILE TRIP) WHEN I TURNED FROM THE MAIN HWY ONTO MY STREET THE POWER STEERING LIGHT FLASHED AND THE CHIME DING TWICE I HAD NO STEERING! I WENT INTO A PARKING LOT AND STOPPED I WAS FRIGHTEN AND DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO I CALLED MY DAD WH…
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POWER STEERING QUIT DURING TURN COMING FROM SCHOOL. I LEFT COLLEGE LAST NIGHT TO GO HOME (A TWO MILE TRIP) WHEN I TURNED FROM THE MAIN HWY ONTO MY STREET THE POWER STEERING LIGHT FLASHED AND THE CHIME DING TWICE I HAD NO STEERING! I WENT INTO A PARKING LOT AND STOPPED I WAS FRIGHTEN AND DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO I CALLED MY DAD WHO IS 3 HOURS AWAY CRYING HE SAID TURN IT OFF AND START IT AGAIN. THE LIGHT WENT OUT AND I HAD STEERING BUT ONE MILE AFTER THAT IT WENT OUT AGAIN. I REFUSE TO DRIVE THIS DEATH TRAP. HE IS COMING TO GET IT SATURDAY AND TRY TO GET IT FIXED BUT THAT IT FOR ME CANT TRUST IT ON THE HWY TRYING TO COME HOME ON THE WEEKENDS. *TR
POWER STEERING WARNING CAME ON AND WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN. I WAS ON A CURVE AT THE TIME AND ALMOST WENT INTO A DITCH. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. GM DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH MANY, MANY PEOPLE HAVE DESCRIBED STEERING PROBLEMS ON COBALTS. GM SHOULD RECALL THEM IM…
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POWER STEERING WARNING CAME ON AND WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN. I WAS ON A CURVE AT THE TIME AND ALMOST WENT INTO A DITCH. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. GM DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH MANY, MANY PEOPLE HAVE DESCRIBED STEERING PROBLEMS ON COBALTS. GM SHOULD RECALL THEM IMMEDIATELY. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE STEERING WHEEL REQUIRED GREATER FORCE TO TURN. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH CAUTION. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AN…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE STEERING WHEEL REQUIRED GREATER FORCE TO TURN. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH CAUTION. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED TO NORMAL OPERATION FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND PROGRESSED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. THE VIN WAS REJECTED FROM THE SYSTEM.
2006 CHEVY COBALT POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. WENT OFF ROAD AND ALMOST HIT A TREE. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE BUT VERY DISTURBING. *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.