NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
18 reportsClear category filter90,000 miles · Mar 15, 2020
Exterior Lighting
HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON ISN'T PROPERLY SECURED TO THE DASHBOARD WHICH MAY CAUSE THE BUTTON TO PUSH INTO THE DASH. IF HAZARDS NEED TO BE ACTIVATED FOLLOWING AN EMERGENCY OR ANOTHER APPROPRIATE SITUATION TO USE YOUR HAZARDS, THIS COULD PREVENT THEM FROM BEING ACTIVATED; WARNING OTHER DRIVERS OF A STOPPED VEHICLE. SEVERAL TRIM PIECES N…
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HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON ISN'T PROPERLY SECURED TO THE DASHBOARD WHICH MAY CAUSE THE BUTTON TO PUSH INTO THE DASH. IF HAZARDS NEED TO BE ACTIVATED FOLLOWING AN EMERGENCY OR ANOTHER APPROPRIATE SITUATION TO USE YOUR HAZARDS, THIS COULD PREVENT THEM FROM BEING ACTIVATED; WARNING OTHER DRIVERS OF A STOPPED VEHICLE. SEVERAL TRIM PIECES NEED TO BE REMOVED TO FISH OUT THE BUTTON FROM THE INSIDE OF THE DASH, IT TAKES 10-15 MINUTES TO DO SO AND COULD PROVOKE A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DEACTIVATE YOUR HAZARDS (IF THEY ACTIVATED IN THE FIRST PLACE)
NHTSA ODI #11318090
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior LightingFuel/propulsion System
INCREASINGLY THE VEHICLE IS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE LIGHTING IS NOT CONSISTENT AND THE SMALLEST ADDITION OF EXTRA FEATURES REQUIRING POWER (EX: USING ONE OR MORE WINDOW CONTROLS, HEATER AND OR DEFOGGER, LIGHTING IN DASH AT FULL CAPACITY, MUSICAL PERFORMANCE, RADIO AND BASS, ETC) WILL CAUSE THE POWER OF EXISTING DEVICES TO F…
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INCREASINGLY THE VEHICLE IS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE LIGHTING IS NOT CONSISTENT AND THE SMALLEST ADDITION OF EXTRA FEATURES REQUIRING POWER (EX: USING ONE OR MORE WINDOW CONTROLS, HEATER AND OR DEFOGGER, LIGHTING IN DASH AT FULL CAPACITY, MUSICAL PERFORMANCE, RADIO AND BASS, ETC) WILL CAUSE THE POWER OF EXISTING DEVICES TO FLUTTER OR SURGE FOR EXAMPLE THE HEADLIGHTS WILL DIM OUT WHEN TURNING THE WINDOWS DOWN OR THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO VIBRATE AND SHAKE EVEN MORE ALMOST AS THOUGH IT IS OVERPOWERING AND WANTING TO SHUT DOWN OR QUIT. ALSO THE RPMS WILL FEEL LIKE THEY ARE HICCUPING OR BOUNCING DOWN AND UP MORE THAN USUAL AND AT RANDOM TIMES AND SPEEDS AT TIMES SEEMS LIKE ITS GOING TO RED LINE EVEN IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS. THIS IS ALSO A BIT OF THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUE BUT IT IS THE OPPOSITE WHEN YOU PUSH THE GAS IT HESITATES OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT GLITCHES OR JOLTS AND GAINS POWER VERY SLOWLY AND HAS A HARD TIME ACCELERATING AND GAINING SPEED (SEEMS GUTLESS?) . AND AT STOP LIGHTS AND WHENEVER PARKED ITS RUMBLES AND SHAKES ALL TOGETHER LET ALONE IF YOU ARE USING THE RADIO OR HEAT ETC IT'S LOUD ENOUGH TO HAVE TO GET THE PEOPLE IN VEHICLE TO ALMOST YELL WHEN TALKING OVER IT OR IF YOU ARE IN A DRIVE THROUGH THE PERSON CAN'T HEAR YOU AND EITHER HAVE TO STUT OFF THE ENGINE OR SPEAK TO THEM IN PERSON AT THE NEXT WINDOW. ALSO WHEN YOU ARE SLOWING DOWN TO STOP IT ALMOST SEEMS THE ENGINE WILL BE FASTER THAN THE BODY OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT (I KNOW SOUNDS CRAZY BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN IT ANY OTHER WAY) . I'VE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT IT WILL BE FUEL AND OR ELECTRICITY RELATED OR BOTH. ITS ALSO RANDOMLY SHOWING A FEW DIFFERENT CODES AND THEN SUDDENLY THEY GO AWAY ALL TO DO WITH FUEL PRESSURE OR SYSTER OR EVAP TYPE THING. WITHOUT CLEARING THEM THEY RESOLVE THEMSELVES WITHOUT ANY WORK OR ANYTHING WITCH ALSO SEEMS VERY ODDTO ME. THANKYOU IN ADVANCE FOR READING.
NHTSA ODI #11291429
127,800 miles · Sep 6, 2019
Exterior Lighting
SERVICE ESC LIGHT CAME ON AFTER CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE. AFTER CAR WAS DRIVEN 7 MILES AND ENGINE TURNED OFF, LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON. THE NEXT DAY, SAME PROCESS REPEATED.
NHTSA ODI #11253591
115,000 miles · Aug 17, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel/propulsion System
I FIRST HAD NOTICED MY FRONT PASSENGER SPEAKER WOULD CUT IN AND OUT. IT DIDN'T MATTER IF THE CAR WAS STATIONARY OR IF I WAS DRIVING. THE FOLLOWING WEEK I WAS DRIVING THROUGH THE PARKING LOT OF MY JOB AND THE DOORS LOCKS STARTED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING RAPIDLY BY THEMSELVES. AND NOW THEY RARELY EVER DO EITHER WHEN I TRY AND PUSH TH…
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I FIRST HAD NOTICED MY FRONT PASSENGER SPEAKER WOULD CUT IN AND OUT. IT DIDN'T MATTER IF THE CAR WAS STATIONARY OR IF I WAS DRIVING. THE FOLLOWING WEEK I WAS DRIVING THROUGH THE PARKING LOT OF MY JOB AND THE DOORS LOCKS STARTED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING RAPIDLY BY THEMSELVES. AND NOW THEY RARELY EVER DO EITHER WHEN I TRY AND PUSH THE LOCK BUTTONS. SO THEY EITHER HAVE TO STAY LOCKED OR UNLOCKED DEPENDING THE MOOD OF THE CAR. THE FOLLOWING WEEK I HAD A GAS LEAK AND HAD TO HAVE IT SERVICED BECAUSE THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT PLASTIC PIECE TO FUEL SYSTEM BUT ONLY IN SOUTHERN STATES AND I LIVE IN THE NORTH. AND NOT TO LONG AFTER THAT MY TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WOULDN'T STAY ON OR IT WOULDN'T SHUT OFF BY IT'S SELF. ALSO DANGEROUS TRYING TO HOLD SWITCH ON WHILE MAKING A TURN.
NHTSA ODI #11120583
115,000 miles · Oct 30, 2017
Exterior Lighting
DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM RANDOMLY GOES ON AND OFF. DRIVERS HEADLIGHT REPLACE 2 TIMES AND PROBLEM REMAINS, HIGH BEAMS AND ALL OTHER OUTSIDE LIGHTS WORK OK. CHECKED THE INTERNET AND MANY OTHERS WITH CHEVY CARS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. HAPPENS RANDOMLY, WHEN STARTING, STOPPING OR DRIVING FAST OR SLOW, TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT OR GOING STRAIGH…
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DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM RANDOMLY GOES ON AND OFF. DRIVERS HEADLIGHT REPLACE 2 TIMES AND PROBLEM REMAINS, HIGH BEAMS AND ALL OTHER OUTSIDE LIGHTS WORK OK. CHECKED THE INTERNET AND MANY OTHERS WITH CHEVY CARS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. HAPPENS RANDOMLY, WHEN STARTING, STOPPING OR DRIVING FAST OR SLOW, TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT OR GOING STRAIGHT
NHTSA ODI #11041291
100,000 miles · Jan 9, 2017
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF OR SOMETIMES WOULD NOT OPERATE AT ALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 03/16/17*LJ *JS
NHTSA ODI #10943751
Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteering
"TAKATA RECALL" WHEN GOING SLOW IN DRIVE AND REVERSE MY CAR BEGAN TO HAVE TROUBLE STEERING. IT PHYSICALLY GO TO THE POINT WHERE I WAS MANUALLY TURNING IT MY SELF WITH NO HELP FROM THE POWER STEERING. THE DASH LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT, NONE OF THEM ARE CURRENTLY WORKING....I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH A FLASH LIGHT SECURED TO MY DASH JUST…
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"TAKATA RECALL" WHEN GOING SLOW IN DRIVE AND REVERSE MY CAR BEGAN TO HAVE TROUBLE STEERING. IT PHYSICALLY GO TO THE POINT WHERE I WAS MANUALLY TURNING IT MY SELF WITH NO HELP FROM THE POWER STEERING. THE DASH LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT, NONE OF THEM ARE CURRENTLY WORKING....I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH A FLASH LIGHT SECURED TO MY DASH JUST TO SEE MY GAUGES. I AM UNABLE TO SEE ANY THING ELSE THAT COMES UP ON MY DASH THAT HAS TO BE SEEN BY A LIGHT. MY GEAR SHIFT LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. I MUST TURN ON THE DOME LIGHT IN ORDER TO SEE THE GEAR I SHIFT INTO. HEATING/AC LIGHTS ARE GONE. TAIL LIGHTS ALSO ARE NOT WORKING. HAVE CHANGED THE LIGHT BULBS AND STILL NO TAIL LIGHTS.
NHTSA ODI #10811587
117,048 miles · Oct 14, 2015
Air BagsExterior LightingCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE MERGING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT AND REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE MERGING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT AND REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,048. ...UPDATED 01/20/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10782131
158,783 miles · Sep 10, 2015
Exterior LightingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,783.
NHTSA ODI #10762774
60,000 miles · Jan 5, 2015
Exterior LightingLatches/locks/linkagesSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE TURN SIGNAL FLASHER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LATCHES BECAME INOPERABLE INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TIRE GAUGES WERE MISREADING THE OPPOSITE TIRES AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL A WARNING IND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE TURN SIGNAL FLASHER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LATCHES BECAME INOPERABLE INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TIRE GAUGES WERE MISREADING THE OPPOSITE TIRES AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10670196
Official recalls
4Apr 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
2PE20011 · Fuel Line Leak
Opened Jul 5, 2020 · Closed Aug 17, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel/propulsion System
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel/propulsion System
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
Fuel System, Gasoline
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
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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