NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
226 reportsClear category filter119,000 miles · Jan 31, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemWheels
I BEGAN TO SMELL GAS AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE. I TRACED THE SMELL TO AN APPARENT LEAK COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK WHERE THE LINES FROM THE FUEL FILTER ARE ROUTED OVER THE TOP OF THE TANK. I DISCOVERED THE RECALL FOR FUEL PUMP PLASTIC PART FAILURES IN WARM WEATHER STATES, ALSO 2009 COBALT, BUT, GEORGIA IS NOT LISTED (I'LL …
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I BEGAN TO SMELL GAS AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE. I TRACED THE SMELL TO AN APPARENT LEAK COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK WHERE THE LINES FROM THE FUEL FILTER ARE ROUTED OVER THE TOP OF THE TANK. I DISCOVERED THE RECALL FOR FUEL PUMP PLASTIC PART FAILURES IN WARM WEATHER STATES, ALSO 2009 COBALT, BUT, GEORGIA IS NOT LISTED (I'LL TELL YOU IT IS A WARM WEATHER STATE). ALSO, IN REGARDS TO ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL'S COMPLAINT NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10668977, I DISCOVERED MY TPMS WERE BACKWARDS ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO WHEN I HAD AN UNEXPECTED FLAT. THE LOW PRESSURE INDICATED BY THE TPMS DIRECTED ME TO THE WRONG TIRE. ONE OF THE TPMS STOPPED WORKING WITHIN DAYS OF DRIVING THE CAR OFF THE LOT. OTHER ISSUES: 1) MULTIPLE TIMES I HAVE PLACED A SMALL ITEM LIKE A PHONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG TURNS OFF - SEEMS HYPER SENSITIVE, NOT NEARLY THE WEIGHT OF AN INFANT 2) MY FRONT SPEAKERS DON'T PLAY UNLESS THE WEATHER IS WARM (WIRING HARNESS/CONNECTORS?) *TR
NHTSA ODI #10680187
58,000 miles · Nov 24, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES EMITTED IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
NHTSA ODI #10660496
40,000 miles · Nov 18, 2014
Air BagsFuel/propulsion SystemSteeringCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, WHILE ENTERING THE HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. AS A RESULT, A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. ALSO, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED THE FAILURE. NO INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE REGARDING THE DIAGNOSIS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA ODI #10658908
140,000 miles · Nov 15, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System
GAS TANK LEAKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10655180
48,000 miles · Oct 2, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System
I HAVE A DISTINCT FUEL ODOR AFTER DRIVING COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. ALSO THE CAR IS DIFFICULT TO START. IT TAKES AT LEAST THREE TRIES BEFORE THE ENGINE TURNS OVER. I AM VERY MUCH AFRAID OF A FIRE STARTING. *TR I WAS TOLD IT IS THE FUEL PUMP. THE RECALL SHOULD BE FOR ALL 2009 COBALT NOT JUST A SELECT FEW. I BELIEVE GM IS…
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I HAVE A DISTINCT FUEL ODOR AFTER DRIVING COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. ALSO THE CAR IS DIFFICULT TO START. IT TAKES AT LEAST THREE TRIES BEFORE THE ENGINE TURNS OVER. I AM VERY MUCH AFRAID OF A FIRE STARTING. *TR I WAS TOLD IT IS THE FUEL PUMP. THE RECALL SHOULD BE FOR ALL 2009 COBALT NOT JUST A SELECT FEW. I BELIEVE GM IS TRYING TO PULL ANOTHER FAST ONE.
NHTSA ODI #10640976
64,110 miles · Sep 22, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. 2 HOURS LATER, GOT A CALL THAT THE MODULE HARNESS HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO BECAUSE THE CONNECTION IT MADE TO THE FUEL PUMP HAD BURNED OUT AND FUSED ITSELF TO THE FUEL PUMP. THE SERVICE TECH STATED THIS WAS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION, DUE…
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VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. 2 HOURS LATER, GOT A CALL THAT THE MODULE HARNESS HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO BECAUSE THE CONNECTION IT MADE TO THE FUEL PUMP HAD BURNED OUT AND FUSED ITSELF TO THE FUEL PUMP. THE SERVICE TECH STATED THIS WAS A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE EXPOSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTION INSIDE THE FUEL TANK HAD MELTED, AND IF WE HAD BEEN LOW ON FUEL, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10638214
53,000 miles · Sep 2, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED ON MY 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT, BUT THE IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS AFTER HAVING THE RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED. THERE'S THE POSSIBILITY THAT A SAFETY HAZARD TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC STILL EXISTS IF THERE ARE CASES SIMILAR TO MINE. THE VEHICLE IGNITION WAS INADVERTENTLY SWIT…
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I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED ON MY 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT, BUT THE IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS AFTER HAVING THE RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED. THERE'S THE POSSIBILITY THAT A SAFETY HAZARD TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC STILL EXISTS IF THERE ARE CASES SIMILAR TO MINE. THE VEHICLE IGNITION WAS INADVERTENTLY SWITCHED TO THE "OFF" POSITION WHILE I WAS GETTING ONTO A HIGHWAY. I WAS SHIFTING MY HIPS TO ADJUST MY SEATING POSITION, AND MY KNEE BUMPED INTO MY KEYCHAIN AND CAUSED THE IGNITION TO SWITCH TO THE "OFF" POSITION. I LOST SPEED CONTROL AND POWER STEERING, BUT I WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO MOVE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY, SHIFT INTO "PARK", AND RE-START THE VEHICLE. THIS EVENT HAPPENED WITHIN 48 HOURS OF ME HAVING THE RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED AT A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10630177
96,800 miles · Aug 25, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL SHORTS AND THE TEMPERATURE CONTROLS AND POWER WINDOWS FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO USE THE CONTROLS FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHIC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL SHORTS AND THE TEMPERATURE CONTROLS AND POWER WINDOWS FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO USE THE CONTROLS FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V459000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,800.
NHTSA ODI #10628007
114,000 miles · Aug 18, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System
GETTING INTO CAR AFTER WORK, NOTICED GASOLINE SMELL, GOT OUT OF CAR WALKED AROUND AND LOOKED UNDER CAR, DID NOT SEE ANY VISIBLE LEAKS ON GROUND. SMELL HAD NOT BEEN NOTICEABLE ALL OF THE TIME AND IS NOW WORSE, CAN ALSO SMELL INSIDE CAR AS WELL AS OUTSIDE. TO THIS DAY STILL NOT SEEING ANY LEAKS UNDER CAR HAVE BEEN PARKING OVER CAR…
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GETTING INTO CAR AFTER WORK, NOTICED GASOLINE SMELL, GOT OUT OF CAR WALKED AROUND AND LOOKED UNDER CAR, DID NOT SEE ANY VISIBLE LEAKS ON GROUND. SMELL HAD NOT BEEN NOTICEABLE ALL OF THE TIME AND IS NOW WORSE, CAN ALSO SMELL INSIDE CAR AS WELL AS OUTSIDE. TO THIS DAY STILL NOT SEEING ANY LEAKS UNDER CAR HAVE BEEN PARKING OVER CARDBOARD LARGER THAN THE CAR HAVE ALSO CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOT SEEING ANYTHING. TODAY BECAME SICK FROM THE STRENGTH OF GASOLINE TO THE POINT OF VOMITING. AFTER READING TONIGHT THAT OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR INCIDENTS, FEEL IT IS NECESSARY TO REPORT THIS ISSUE AS I DO LIVE IN A VERY HOT AND HUMID LOCATION THAT IS NOT PART OF THE LISTED STATES THAT CHEVROLET IS ALLOWING FOR THIS RECALL, THAT IS UNJUST. LOOKS LIKE CHEVROLET NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE BEFORE PEOPLE START DYING FOR SOMETHING THEY ARE CLEARLY AWARE OF, AGAIN! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10626214
Mileage unknown · May 18, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSteering
I WAS DRIVING AND HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE THE LIGHTS KEPT ON GOING FROM DIM TO BRIGHT AND THE AUTOMATIC LIGHTS KEPT ON SWITCHING UP AND DOWN REAL FAST AND THE CAR JUST LOST ITS POWERSTEERING THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS COMING FROM THE CAR AND WHEN I PUT GAS IN IT TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO ACTUALLY CRANK BACK …
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I WAS DRIVING AND HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE THE LIGHTS KEPT ON GOING FROM DIM TO BRIGHT AND THE AUTOMATIC LIGHTS KEPT ON SWITCHING UP AND DOWN REAL FAST AND THE CAR JUST LOST ITS POWERSTEERING THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS COMING FROM THE CAR AND WHEN I PUT GAS IN IT TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO ACTUALLY CRANK BACK UP. IM AFRAID WHILE DRIVING FAST THE ELECTRIC PROBLEMS WILL CAUSE SERIOUS HARM. THERE WAS A RECENT RECALL ON THIS MODEL AND ALL THE PROBLEMS I STATED AND I NEED THEM FIXED. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10592311
Official recalls
5Apr 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.
Mar 6, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP IS FULLY ENGAGED. IN THE EVENT THAT THE CLIP DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR 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
3PE20011 · 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.
AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.
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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