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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

What owners actually said

1,564 reports
31,000 miles · Apr 4, 2010
Steering

I OWN A 2007 CHEVY COBALT AND HAVE HAS INTERMITTENT POWER STEERING LOSS DURING LOW SPEED MANEUVERS IN PARKING LOTS AND AT STOP LIGHTS. POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED IN DECEMBER OF 2009 BUT STILL PROBLEM EXISTS AND DEALER WAS ABLE TO PULL A CODE FROM CARS COMPUTER THAT SAYS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IS OVERHEATING BUT DEALER SAYS THA…

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I OWN A 2007 CHEVY COBALT AND HAVE HAS INTERMITTENT POWER STEERING LOSS DURING LOW SPEED MANEUVERS IN PARKING LOTS AND AT STOP LIGHTS. POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED IN DECEMBER OF 2009 BUT STILL PROBLEM EXISTS AND DEALER WAS ABLE TO PULL A CODE FROM CARS COMPUTER THAT SAYS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IS OVERHEATING BUT DEALER SAYS THAT IS NORMAL CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS BEEN NO HELP AT ALL IN GETTING MY CAR FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10323680

21,000 miles · Apr 2, 2010
Steering

POWER STEERING MOTOR IS OUT, MAKING IT VERY HARD TO STEER.

NHTSA ODI #10323496

31,000 miles · Apr 1, 2010
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE SHE WAS MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ODOMETER READING W…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE SHE WAS MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ODOMETER READING WAS NO LONGER VISIBLE. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. AFTER RESTARTING IT, THE POWER STEERING FUNCTIONED NORMALLY WITH NO FAILURES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 31,000.

NHTSA ODI #10323375

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2010
Steering

2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER STATES POWER STEERING ISSUES AND SUGGESTS A RECALL. *TGW

NHTSA ODI #10316517

52,985 miles · Mar 31, 2010
Steering

2007 CHEVROLET COLBALT. 03/30/10, POWER STEERING WENT OUT SEVEN TIMES IN THIRTY TWO MILES ON MY WAY TO WORK. HAS CAUSED NEAR ACCIDENTS ON CURVES AND ICY ROADS MANY MORE TIMES. PROBLEM IS CORRECTED TEMPORARILY WHEN VEHICHLE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF (WHILE STILL IN MOTION) THEN TURNED BACK ON AND STARTED. POWER STEERING HAS WENT OUT…

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2007 CHEVROLET COLBALT. 03/30/10, POWER STEERING WENT OUT SEVEN TIMES IN THIRTY TWO MILES ON MY WAY TO WORK. HAS CAUSED NEAR ACCIDENTS ON CURVES AND ICY ROADS MANY MORE TIMES. PROBLEM IS CORRECTED TEMPORARILY WHEN VEHICHLE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF (WHILE STILL IN MOTION) THEN TURNED BACK ON AND STARTED. POWER STEERING HAS WENT OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NEGOTIATING A CORNER CAUSING ME TO INADVERTANTLY GO INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE AND OVER CORRECT WHEN RETURNING TO LANE OF TRAVEL.

NHTSA ODI #10322956

99,081 miles · Mar 26, 2010
Steering

TL*CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT LT. THE CONTACT STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND PROCEEDED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AT 3 MPH. WHILE TURNING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT TOWARD A CURB. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE …

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TL*CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT LT. THE CONTACT STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND PROCEEDED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AT 3 MPH. WHILE TURNING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT TOWARD A CURB. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE STRUTS AND NOT THE POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT THE STRUTS WERE NOT DEFECTIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,081. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,312.

NHTSA ODI #10322342

40,000 miles · Mar 26, 2010
Steering

STEERING COLUMN IS RATTLING BROUGHT THE CAR IN THEY SAID IT WAS THE I SHAFT I BROUGHT IT TO 3 OTHERS TO LOOK AT AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE WHOLE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AND IT NEEDS TO GET REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE.IS THIS PART OF THE RECALL AND IF IT IS WHY IS MY CAR NOT ONE OF THEM?

NHTSA ODI #10322274

50,150 miles · Mar 23, 2010
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH, HE HEARD A WARNING CHIME FOLLOWED BY THE ILLUMINATION OF THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT. THE STEERING WHEEL IMMEDIATELY BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO USE EXTREME FORCE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE WAS …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH, HE HEARD A WARNING CHIME FOLLOWED BY THE ILLUMINATION OF THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT. THE STEERING WHEEL IMMEDIATELY BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO USE EXTREME FORCE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED WITHIN A FEW MINUTES SO THAT THE POWER STEERING COULD RESET ITSELF. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000: STEERING: ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM), THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR WERE STILL BEING MANUFACTURED. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,150 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,811. UPDATED 05/11/10. *LJ

NHTSA ODI #10321632

50,300 miles · Mar 23, 2010
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 20 MPH AND HIGHER, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE WARNING PANEL FOLLOWED BY A SERIES OF WARNING CHIMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE HIGHWAY USING EXTREME UPPER BODY FORCE. SHE WAS CONCERNED, DUE TO MEDI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 20 MPH AND HIGHER, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE WARNING PANEL FOLLOWED BY A SERIES OF WARNING CHIMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE HIGHWAY USING EXTREME UPPER BODY FORCE. SHE WAS CONCERNED, DUE TO MEDICAL REASONS, THAT SHE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IF THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR HER YEAR (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V073000), MAKE AND MODEL; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT CONFIRM IF HER VIN WAS A PART OF THE RECALL BECAUSE THEY HAD NOT DEVISED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 50,300.

NHTSA ODI #10321567

38,500 miles · Mar 22, 2010
Structure

STRUT DAMAGE CAUSING VEHICLE TO SWAY AND TURN ABRUTLY. *DT

NHTSA ODI #10321468

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.