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2007 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

1,276 reports with mileage · 288 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 689 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 283 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 281 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

116 crash reports16 fire reports72 injury reports

Steering complaints

689 reports
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44,200 miles · Dec 14, 2009
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THE STEERING COLUMN WILL LOCK. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE , THE FAILURE WILL REOCCUR. HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THE STEERING COLUMN WILL LOCK. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE , THE FAILURE WILL REOCCUR. HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44200. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44639.

NHTSA ODI #10295619

64,000 miles · Dec 11, 2009
Steering

ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING FAILS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10295410

Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2009
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH HE LOST POWER STEERING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10295349

47,000 miles · Dec 10, 2009
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT LS. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF PARKING SPACE , SHE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. SHE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. AFTER THE INSPECTION T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT LS. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF PARKING SPACE , SHE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. SHE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. AFTER THE INSPECTION THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #10295198

44,000 miles · Dec 9, 2009
Steering

BEGINNING ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO, I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY POWER STEERING. IT WILL ARBITRARILY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND THE SCREEN ON THE DASH BOARD WILL FLASH "POWER STEERING". I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND UPON RESTART THE PROBLEM IS FIXED. SO FAR I HAVE NOT HAD ANY REAL SAFETY ISSUES, BUT THIS WILL CAUSE A SE…

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BEGINNING ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO, I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY POWER STEERING. IT WILL ARBITRARILY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND THE SCREEN ON THE DASH BOARD WILL FLASH "POWER STEERING". I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND UPON RESTART THE PROBLEM IS FIXED. SO FAR I HAVE NOT HAD ANY REAL SAFETY ISSUES, BUT THIS WILL CAUSE A SEVERE ISSUE ONE OF THESE DAYS WHILE I AM ON THE ROADS. I LOOKED ONLINE AND SAW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, GIVE OR TAKE A YEAR. A RECALL SHOULD BE MADE ASAP BEFORE IT CAUSES SERIOUS INJURIES TO DRIVERS OR PASSENGERS.. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10295161

41,353 miles · Dec 9, 2009
Steering

ON DECEMBER 08, 2009, I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK WHEN THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE WAS ACTIVATED ON THE DASH DISPLAY PANEL FOLLOWED BY THE MALFUNCTIONING OF THE POWER STEERING ASSIST. I PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND TO A CONVENIENCE STORE TO CHECK THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS NO PLACE TO ADD POWER STEERIN…

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ON DECEMBER 08, 2009, I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK WHEN THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE WAS ACTIVATED ON THE DASH DISPLAY PANEL FOLLOWED BY THE MALFUNCTIONING OF THE POWER STEERING ASSIST. I PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND TO A CONVENIENCE STORE TO CHECK THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS NO PLACE TO ADD POWER STEERING FLUID I DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING IS REALLY POWER ASSISTED MECHANICALLY ASSISTED AND THEY PROBLEM WENT AWAY BY TURNING OFF THE CAR AND THEN RESTARTING THE CAR; HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURS ONCE ON THE HWY. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO THE PUBLIC AND SHOULD BE ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY BY GM BEFORE SOME GETS KILLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10295145

60,000 miles · Dec 9, 2009
Steering

I BOUGHT A '07 BRAND NEW CHEVY COBALT. WHEN MY ODOMETER WAS AROUND 60,000 MILES, I MADE A LEFT TURN AND LOST MY POWER STEERING. PRETTY MUCH WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF BEGINNING DRIVING, EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR, THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT. I HAVE TO TURN MY CAR OFF AND RESTART IT IN ORDER FOR IT TO CORRECT ITSELF. I HAVE TAKEN IT I…

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I BOUGHT A '07 BRAND NEW CHEVY COBALT. WHEN MY ODOMETER WAS AROUND 60,000 MILES, I MADE A LEFT TURN AND LOST MY POWER STEERING. PRETTY MUCH WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF BEGINNING DRIVING, EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR, THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT. I HAVE TO TURN MY CAR OFF AND RESTART IT IN ORDER FOR IT TO CORRECT ITSELF. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO A MECHANIC AND THEY TOLD ME BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE IT WOULDN'T BE COVERED BY ANY FORM OF WARRANTY BECAUSE ONE WAS FACTORY( UP TO 36,000 MILES) AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULDN'T COVER IT ALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10295126

25,000 miles · Dec 7, 2009
Steering

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 2007 CHEVY COBALT AND SHE LOST THE POWER STEERING - SHE LOST CONTROL AND MOVED INTO OTHER LANES AND NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10294833

40,000 miles · Dec 7, 2009
Steering

WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE WORDS POWER STEERING FLASHES ON THE SCREEN UNDER THE SPEEDOMETER, AND MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOES OUT ON MY 2007 CHEVY COBALT. WHEN I TURN OFF MY CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON THE POWER STEERING WORKS AGAIN. BUT THE PROBLEM OF THE POWER STEERING SHUTTING DOWN AGAIN HAPPENS REGULARLY AT RAND…

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WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE WORDS POWER STEERING FLASHES ON THE SCREEN UNDER THE SPEEDOMETER, AND MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOES OUT ON MY 2007 CHEVY COBALT. WHEN I TURN OFF MY CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON THE POWER STEERING WORKS AGAIN. BUT THE PROBLEM OF THE POWER STEERING SHUTTING DOWN AGAIN HAPPENS REGULARLY AT RANDOM INTERVALS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10294760

69,000 miles · Dec 7, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ON THE VEHICLE FAILED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND ON SO THAT THE POWER STEERING COULD RESET ITSELF. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR UNTIL THE CONTACT REACHED HER DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ON THE VEHICLE FAILED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND ON SO THAT THE POWER STEERING COULD RESET ITSELF. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR UNTIL THE CONTACT REACHED HER DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE VIN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

NHTSA ODI #10294714

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.

12V459000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Sep 19, 2012

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Texas. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 21, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles in for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

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.

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.