NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
408 reportsClear category filter92,058 miles · May 11, 2012
Steering
TODAY WHILE TAKING A LEFT ON TO MY ROAD MY BREAKS FELT AS IF THEY HAD GONE SOFT AND SPONGY AND IT WAS HARD TO STOP. AFTER REALIZING THIS PROBLEM MY VEHICLE'S DASH STARTED BEEPING AND THE WORDS PWR STR FLASHED ON MY DASH AND WHILE TURNING INTO THE ROAD MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN NORMAL. IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN INTO MY ROAD…
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TODAY WHILE TAKING A LEFT ON TO MY ROAD MY BREAKS FELT AS IF THEY HAD GONE SOFT AND SPONGY AND IT WAS HARD TO STOP. AFTER REALIZING THIS PROBLEM MY VEHICLE'S DASH STARTED BEEPING AND THE WORDS PWR STR FLASHED ON MY DASH AND WHILE TURNING INTO THE ROAD MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN NORMAL. IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN INTO MY ROAD ALMOST RESULTING IN A CRASH. LUCKILY A CRASH DID NOT HAPPEN. I HAD ONE OTHER PERSON IN THE CAR WITH ME. THIS RESULT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A WRECK RISKING THE LIVES OF EVERYONE IN THE CAR. AS I HAD DIFFICULTY PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON RESULTING IN THE WHEEL TURNING NORMALLY. I TOOK MY CAR AROUND THE BLOCK TO SEE IF IT WERE TO HAPPEN AGAIN AND IT HAD. I DID MAKE IT SAFELY HOME AFTER THAT DUE TO THE FACT I TOOK A BACK ROAD. I FEEL THAT THE INVESTIGATION TO RECALL THE POWER STEERING IN THE IONS SHOULD BE IN AFFECT DUE TO THE ABUNDANCE OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM. I DO NOT SEE THE REASON IT HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN ACCOMPLISHED. FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY A SATURN ION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE PROBLEMS AND I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE WITH OR WITHOUT CHILDREN TO OWN A VEHICLE AS DANGEROUS AS THIS ONE. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10458173
70,000 miles · Apr 29, 2012
Electrical SystemSteering
I WAS ON MY HONEYMOON IN ORLANDO, FL. ON NOV. 17TH, 2011 WHEN IT WENT OUT THE FIRST TIME. I DISCOVERED THAT WHEN I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN, THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD RETURN TO PROPER OPERATION. SINCE THAT DAY, IT HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT. NO TYPICAL TIMING OR ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION, JUST RANDOMLY STOP WORKI…
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I WAS ON MY HONEYMOON IN ORLANDO, FL. ON NOV. 17TH, 2011 WHEN IT WENT OUT THE FIRST TIME. I DISCOVERED THAT WHEN I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND STARTED IT AGAIN, THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD RETURN TO PROPER OPERATION. SINCE THAT DAY, IT HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT. NO TYPICAL TIMING OR ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION, JUST RANDOMLY STOP WORKING. IT DID THAT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS UNTIL 3 WEEKS AGO WHEN IT WOULD SHUT OFF 5 MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE EVERY TIME. NOW, IT DOES NOTHING, IT NEVER COMES ON. I CHECKED BOTH FUSES AND BEING IN THE VEHICLE INDUSTRY MYSELF, I KNOW THAT A FUSE, RELAY, OR CIRCUIT BREAKER JUST DIES. I FEEL THAT IF IT WERE THE FUSE, IT WOULD NOT ONLY WORK SOMETIMES BUT IT WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. I AM EXPECTING THE MANUFACTURER TO REPLACE THIS. AS THIS IS MY 3RD SATURN AND I HAD WELL OVER 200K ON THE OTHER 2 WITH NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10456813
118,000 miles · Apr 23, 2012
Steering
WHILE MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC ON THE 210W IN IRWINDALE, CA, WE EXPERIENCED MODERATE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE YELLOW ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING BEEP AND THE PWR STR LIGHT DID NOT ACTIVATE. WITH DIFFICULTY WE WERE ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THOUGH THERE WAS A DEFINITE INCREASE IN RISK OF …
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WHILE MERGING INTO FREEWAY TRAFFIC ON THE 210W IN IRWINDALE, CA, WE EXPERIENCED MODERATE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE YELLOW ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING BEEP AND THE PWR STR LIGHT DID NOT ACTIVATE. WITH DIFFICULTY WE WERE ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THOUGH THERE WAS A DEFINITE INCREASE IN RISK OF COLLISION. WE INTEND TO RUN DIAGNOSTICS ON THE ENGINE CONTROL COMPUTER AND THE STEERING MOTOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10456138
62,000 miles · Apr 16, 2012
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE LOST POWER ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE LOST POWER ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA ODI #10455425
60 miles · Apr 6, 2012
Steering
WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ON DASH COMES ON AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING . AS I PULL OVER AND TURN OFF ENGINE, THEN CRANK IT RETURNS TO NORMAL FUNCTION. IT IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENT WITH OUT A NOTICE AND IS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF GOING THROUGH A CURVE WITH ONLY ONE OR TWO HANDS ON STEERIN…
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WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ON DASH COMES ON AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING . AS I PULL OVER AND TURN OFF ENGINE, THEN CRANK IT RETURNS TO NORMAL FUNCTION. IT IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENT WITH OUT A NOTICE AND IS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF GOING THROUGH A CURVE WITH ONLY ONE OR TWO HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10454385
83,000 miles · Apr 2, 2012
Electrical SystemSteering
FIRST OFF THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING, WHEN STOPPED TO FILL WITH GAS WONT RESTART FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, HAS JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC FOR NO REASON. MAIN CONCERN NOW IS THE CONSTANT LOSS OF POWER STEERING, FIRST HAPPENED TO MY WIFE ON THE INTERSTATE WITH OUR 2 YOUNG GRANDCHILDREN AT 65 TO 70 MILES AN HOUR, IT JUST QUIT W…
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FIRST OFF THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING, WHEN STOPPED TO FILL WITH GAS WONT RESTART FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, HAS JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC FOR NO REASON. MAIN CONCERN NOW IS THE CONSTANT LOSS OF POWER STEERING, FIRST HAPPENED TO MY WIFE ON THE INTERSTATE WITH OUR 2 YOUNG GRANDCHILDREN AT 65 TO 70 MILES AN HOUR, IT JUST QUIT WORKING SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF HER SHE HAS 3 HEART ATTACKS ALREADY AND AM VERY SURPRISED IT DIDN'T HAPPEN THEN!!! IT HAS BEEN GETTING MORE AND MORE CONSTANT AS OF LATE, EVERY 10 TO 15 MINUTES IF YOUR LUCKY SOMETIMES A LOT QUICKER, YOU HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF THEN IT WOKS HOWEVER MANY MINUTES THEN MAKES A CLICKING NOISE THEN THE ALARM CHIMES AND BOOM NO STEERING AGAIN. THE CHEVY COBALT (SAME STEERING UNIT AND PONTIAC G6) HAVE HAD RECALLS FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM SO WHY HASN'T GM STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE AND FIXED THESE CRAPPY ION 3'S. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10453885
97,000 miles · Mar 30, 2012
Steering
ON 9 MARCH 2012, AT APPROXIMATELY 0900 HOURS WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE, MY 2007 SATURN ION DISPLAYED THE WARNING MESSAGE/ERROR CODE "PWR STR" AND IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING ASSIST. I WAS FORCED TO REDUCE SPEED AND, USING ALL MY UPPER BODY STRENGTH TO WRENCH THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, PULLED THE CAR TO THE BREA…
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ON 9 MARCH 2012, AT APPROXIMATELY 0900 HOURS WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE, MY 2007 SATURN ION DISPLAYED THE WARNING MESSAGE/ERROR CODE "PWR STR" AND IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING ASSIST. I WAS FORCED TO REDUCE SPEED AND, USING ALL MY UPPER BODY STRENGTH TO WRENCH THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, PULLED THE CAR TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT WITHOUT POWER STEERING. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, READ THROUGH MY OWNER'S MANUAL, AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. IT RAN WITHOUT ISSUE FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES BEFORE THE CODE AGAIN APPEARED AND I AGAIN LOST POWER STEERING. THIS SITUATION HAS RAPIDLY PROGRESSED TO A NIGHTMARE; THE CAR RUNS FOR 15 TO 30 MINUTES AND THEN LOSES POWER STEERING. TURNING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING IT IS NO LONGER SUFFICIENT; ONCE IT FIRST LOSES THE POWER STEERING, IT WILL NOT RUN FOR MORE THAN 5 MINUTES WITHOUT LOSING POWER STEERING AGAIN. GM INFORMED ME THAT THERE IS NO OFFICIAL RECALL, AND THEREFORE I WOULD HAVE TO FUND THE REPAIRS MYSELF; THE ROUGH ESTIMATE WAS $1,000 IN PARTS AND LABOR. RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS THAT GM ALLEGEDLY SENT OUT A NOTICE REGARDING THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER I CAN HONESTLY ATTEST THAT I NEVER RECEIVED ANY SUCH NOTIFICATION, AND HAD THE STEERING NOT FAILED ON MY VEHICLE, I WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN AWARE OF IT. CURRENTLY, I CANNOT USE THE CAR AT ALL BECAUSE IT POSES A SERIOUS DANGER TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. AS AN ACTIVE DUTY MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES, THIS IS JUST ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE AND JEOPARDIZES MY CAREER. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10453621
27,900 miles · Mar 29, 2012
Steering
WITHIN THE LAST MONTH, THIS VEHICLE HAS BEGUN TO EXPERIENCE POWER STEERING FAILURES AT RANDOM INTERVALS. AS YOU ARE DRIVING, THE PWR STR LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE POWER STEERING ITSELF WILL FAIL. THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES, OCCURRING SEVERAL TIMES ON SOME DAYS, AND OTHER TIMES GOING SEVERAL DAYS WITH NO OCCURRENCE. UPON FAILU…
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WITHIN THE LAST MONTH, THIS VEHICLE HAS BEGUN TO EXPERIENCE POWER STEERING FAILURES AT RANDOM INTERVALS. AS YOU ARE DRIVING, THE PWR STR LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE POWER STEERING ITSELF WILL FAIL. THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES, OCCURRING SEVERAL TIMES ON SOME DAYS, AND OTHER TIMES GOING SEVERAL DAYS WITH NO OCCURRENCE. UPON FAILURE, IF YOU TURN OFF THE ENGINE, AND RESTART THE CAR, THE STEERING WILL WORK AGAIN. THERE IS NO SET SPEED FOR THIS OCCURRENCE EITHER. I'VE HAD IT HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY AT FULL SPEED, (60MPH) AND AT OTHER TIMES IN PARKING LOTS WHERE I'M DOING 5 TO 10MPH. I AM FILING THIS REPORT BECAUSE MY RESEARCH HAS LED ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM, NOT ONLY WITH SATURN, BUT WITH OTHER GM PRODUCTS AS WELL. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10453468
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2012
Steering
YESTERDAY AFTERNOON I WAS DRIVING ON OUR MAIN CITY ROAD, GOING 35-40MPH. WHAT SOUNDED LIKE THE SEAT BELT ALARM WENT OFF A FEW TIMES, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN ON THE SAME DAY AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. IT SEEMS TO BE A SPORADIC ISSUE BECAUSE IT DIDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN LA…
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YESTERDAY AFTERNOON I WAS DRIVING ON OUR MAIN CITY ROAD, GOING 35-40MPH. WHAT SOUNDED LIKE THE SEAT BELT ALARM WENT OFF A FEW TIMES, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN ON THE SAME DAY AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. IT SEEMS TO BE A SPORADIC ISSUE BECAUSE IT DIDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN LAST NIGHT. NOT WANTING TO TAKE ANY CHANCES, I DROPPED THE CAR OFF AT MY LOCAL MECHANICS LAST NIGHT....JUST GOT THE CALL FROM HIM THAT THE CAR NEEDS A NEW STEERING MOTOR. THIS COULD BE AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS EVENT AND THE CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED. I'M A 47 YR OLD WOMAN WITH MS AND IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO TAKE A TURN WHEN THE POWER STEERING IS OUT. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10452260
78,500 miles · Mar 7, 2012
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH , THE POWERING STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,388. UPDATED 03/27/12*LJ UPDATED 03…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH , THE POWERING STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,388. UPDATED 03/27/12*LJ UPDATED 03/30/12
NHTSA ODI #10450595
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.
Mar 31, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
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.
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
2EA11014 · Electric Power Steering Failure
Opened Sep 29, 2011 · Closed Apr 15, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
On March 31, 2014, General Motors Company (GM) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist in approximately 1,340,447 model year (MY) 2004 through 2010 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS), including 334,728 MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles that are the subject of EA11-014.GM has assigned the recall number N140115.The NHTSA recall number is 14V-153.According to the DIR, if power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center and a chime sounds to inform the driver.GM indicated that steering control can be maintained in manual (unassisted) steering mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash.Sudden loss of power steering assist can occur in the subject vehicles if the system loses electrical power or whenever the system detects a fault that requires it to enter fail-safe operation mode, removing power from the EPS motor.GM?s DIR identifies three basic conditions that may result in loss of power steering assist in the recalled vehicles:power steering motor faults, torque sensor assembly faults, and power steering motor controller unit faults.GM will issue four service bulletins providing different repair procedures for recalled vehicles.Bulletin 14115 will provide repair instructions for replacing the power steering motor in MY 2004-2007 Saturn ION, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and vehicles repaired in recall 10V-073 that received repairs prior to May 31, 2010.Bulletin 14116 will provide repair instructions for replacing the torque sensor assembly in MY 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura vehicles built from March 1, 2008 through June 27, 2008.Bulletin 14117 will provide repair instructions for replacing the torque sensor assembly and power steering motor controller unit in MY 2008 Malibu, G6 and Aura vehicles built from February 1, 2008 through February 28, 2008.Bulletin 14118 will provide repair instructions for replacing the power steering motor controller unit in MY 2008 Malibu, G6 and Aura vehicles built from October 1, 2007 through January 31, 2008.Analysis of information from all sources identified a total of 4,787 complaints and 30,560 warranty claims related to loss of power steering assist while driving in the MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles, resulting in a complaint rate of 14.3 incidents per thousand vehicles and a warranty claim rate of 9.1 percent.ODI?s analysis of alleged steering related crashes identified 12 with evidence indicating the incident was related to a loss of power steering assist. Two of the crash allegations involved low-speed curb impacts and are excluded from the resume crash count.Three incidents occurred in parking lots, six occurred while turning at street intersections, and one occurred on a highway exit ramp.The crashes in parking lots or intersections all occurred at speeds less than 30 mph.The crash on the highway exit ramp involved impact into a guard rail at approximately 35 mph.Two of the crashes resulted in injuries to the drivers.This investigation is closed.All ODI complaints associated with this closing resume are listed in the attachment pages.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:electric Power Assist System
On March 31, 2014, General Motors Company (GM) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist in approximately 1,340,447 model year (MY) 2004 through 2010 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS), including 334,728 MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles that are the subject of EA11-014.GM has assigned the recall number N140115.The NHTSA recall number is 14V-153.According to the DIR, if power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center and a chime sounds to inform the driver.GM indicated that steering control can be maintained in manual (unassisted) steering mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash.Sudden loss of power steering assist can occur in the subject vehicles if the system loses electrical power or whenever the system detects a fault that requires it to enter fail-safe operation mode, removing power from the EPS motor.GM?s DIR identifies three basic conditions that may result in loss of power steering assist in the recalled vehicles:power steering motor faults, torque sensor assembly faults, and power steering motor controller unit faults.GM will issue four service bulletins providing different repair procedures for recalled vehicles.Bulletin 14115 will provide repair instructions for replacing the power steering motor in MY 2004-2007 Saturn ION, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and vehicles repaired in recall 10V-073 that received repairs prior to May 31, 2010.Bulletin 14116 will provide repair instructions for replacing the torque sensor assembly in MY 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura vehicles built from March 1, 2008 through June 27, 2008.Bulletin 14117 will provide repair instructions for replacing the torque sensor assembly and power steering motor controller unit in MY 2008 Malibu, G6 and Aura vehicles built from February 1, 2008 through February 28, 2008.Bulletin 14118 will provide repair instructions for replacing the power steering motor controller unit in MY 2008 Malibu, G6 and Aura vehicles built from October 1, 2007 through January 31, 2008.Analysis of information from all sources identified a total of 4,787 complaints and 30,560 warranty claims related to loss of power steering assist while driving in the MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles, resulting in a complaint rate of 14.3 incidents per thousand vehicles and a warranty claim rate of 9.1 percent.ODI?s analysis of alleged steering related crashes identified 12 with evidence indicating the incident was related to a loss of power steering assist. Two of the crash allegations involved low-speed curb impacts and are excluded from the resume crash count.Three incidents occurred in parking lots, six occurred while turning at street intersections, and one occurred on a highway exit ramp.The crashes in parking lots or intersections all occurred at speeds less than 30 mph.The crash on the highway exit ramp involved impact into a guard rail at approximately 35 mph.Two of the crashes resulted in injuries to the drivers.This investigation is closed.All ODI complaints associated with this closing resume are listed in the attachment pages.
Steering:electric Power Assist System
On March 31, 2014, General Motors Company (GM) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist in approximately 1,340,447 model year (MY) 2004 through 2010 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS), including 334,728 MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles that are the subject of EA11-014.GM has assigned the recall number N140115.The NHTSA recall number is 14V-153.According to the DIR, if power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center and a chime sounds to inform the driver.GM indicated that steering control can be maintained in manual (unassisted) steering mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash.Sudden loss of power steering assist can occur in the subject vehicles if the system loses electrical power or whenever the system detects a fault that requires it to enter fail-safe operation mode, removing power from the EPS motor.GM?s DIR identifies three basic conditions that may result in loss of power steering assist in the recalled vehicles:power steering motor faults, torque sensor assembly faults, and power steering motor controller unit faults.GM will issue four service bulletins providing different repair procedures for recalled vehicles.Bulletin 14115 will provide repair instructions for replacing the power steering motor in MY 2004-2007 Saturn ION, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and vehicles repaired in recall 10V-073 that received repairs prior to May 31, 2010.Bulletin 14116 will provide repair instructions for replacing the torque sensor assembly in MY 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura vehicles built from March 1, 2008 through June 27, 2008.Bulletin 14117 will provide repair instructions for replacing the torque sensor assembly and power steering motor controller unit in MY 2008 Malibu, G6 and Aura vehicles built from February 1, 2008 through February 28, 2008.Bulletin 14118 will provide repair instructions for replacing the power steering motor controller unit in MY 2008 Malibu, G6 and Aura vehicles built from October 1, 2007 through January 31, 2008.Analysis of information from all sources identified a total of 4,787 complaints and 30,560 warranty claims related to loss of power steering assist while driving in the MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles, resulting in a complaint rate of 14.3 incidents per thousand vehicles and a warranty claim rate of 9.1 percent.ODI?s analysis of alleged steering related crashes identified 12 with evidence indicating the incident was related to a loss of power steering assist. Two of the crash allegations involved low-speed curb impacts and are excluded from the resume crash count.Three incidents occurred in parking lots, six occurred while turning at street intersections, and one occurred on a highway exit ramp.The crashes in parking lots or intersections all occurred at speeds less than 30 mph.The crash on the highway exit ramp involved impact into a guard rail at approximately 35 mph.Two of the crashes resulted in injuries to the drivers.This investigation is closed.All ODI complaints associated with this closing resume are listed in the attachment pages.
RQ10004 · Electric Power Steering Failure
Opened Dec 15, 2010 · Closed Oct 5, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System
ODI has received 846 complaints and GM identified 3,489 reports alleging sudden loss of steering power assist in model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Saturn Ion vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).Sixteen of these complaints alleged that the EPS warning lamp had illuminated before or during the loss of steering assist and the increased steering effort contributed to a crash. Two of the GM crash claims indicated that the driver was injured in the crash. In a previous Preliminary Evaluation PE10-005, ODI investigated the sudden loss of power steering assist in MY 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles. In May 2011, in response to an ODI information request letter for RQ10-004, GM provided ODI with complaint, warranty and EPS system information related to EPS loss of assist for the Saturn ION and Peer vehicles Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Malibu. In that response, GM indicated that the EPS system used in the subject vehicles was the same as that used in the MY2005 to 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5. In March 2010, GM recalled approximately 1.05 million Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles (NHTSA recall no. 10V-073) to correct a defect with the EPS assist motor. The defect identified was described as a buildup of brush debris mixed with oily material on the EPS electric motor armature which causes the motor to stop functioning; the same problem identified in the current subject vehicles.ODI has duplicated this failure in both a Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion previously tested at the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC). In the defect notification letter for the previously recalled Cobalt and G5 vehicles, GM stated that the vehicles may experience a sudden loss of assist that could occur at any time while driving and that if power steering was lost the vehicle would revert to manual steering mode and would require increased steering effort from the driver.ODI believes that, depending on driving circumstances this increase in steering effort could result in some loss of control and a crash.This investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (EA11-014) to further assess the frequency, scope and safety consequences of a sudden loss of steering assist in the subject vehicles.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:electric Power Assist System
ODI has received 846 complaints and GM identified 3,489 reports alleging sudden loss of steering power assist in model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Saturn Ion vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).Sixteen of these complaints alleged that the EPS warning lamp had illuminated before or during the loss of steering assist and the increased steering effort contributed to a crash. Two of the GM crash claims indicated that the driver was injured in the crash. In a previous Preliminary Evaluation PE10-005, ODI investigated the sudden loss of power steering assist in MY 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles. In May 2011, in response to an ODI information request letter for RQ10-004, GM provided ODI with complaint, warranty and EPS system information related to EPS loss of assist for the Saturn ION and Peer vehicles Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Malibu. In that response, GM indicated that the EPS system used in the subject vehicles was the same as that used in the MY2005 to 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5. In March 2010, GM recalled approximately 1.05 million Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles (NHTSA recall no. 10V-073) to correct a defect with the EPS assist motor. The defect identified was described as a buildup of brush debris mixed with oily material on the EPS electric motor armature which causes the motor to stop functioning; the same problem identified in the current subject vehicles.ODI has duplicated this failure in both a Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion previously tested at the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC). In the defect notification letter for the previously recalled Cobalt and G5 vehicles, GM stated that the vehicles may experience a sudden loss of assist that could occur at any time while driving and that if power steering was lost the vehicle would revert to manual steering mode and would require increased steering effort from the driver.ODI believes that, depending on driving circumstances this increase in steering effort could result in some loss of control and a crash.This investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (EA11-014) to further assess the frequency, scope and safety consequences of a sudden loss of steering assist in the subject vehicles.
Steering
ODI has received 846 complaints and GM identified 3,489 reports alleging sudden loss of steering power assist in model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Saturn Ion vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).Sixteen of these complaints alleged that the EPS warning lamp had illuminated before or during the loss of steering assist and the increased steering effort contributed to a crash. Two of the GM crash claims indicated that the driver was injured in the crash. In a previous Preliminary Evaluation PE10-005, ODI investigated the sudden loss of power steering assist in MY 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles. In May 2011, in response to an ODI information request letter for RQ10-004, GM provided ODI with complaint, warranty and EPS system information related to EPS loss of assist for the Saturn ION and Peer vehicles Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Malibu. In that response, GM indicated that the EPS system used in the subject vehicles was the same as that used in the MY2005 to 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5. In March 2010, GM recalled approximately 1.05 million Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles (NHTSA recall no. 10V-073) to correct a defect with the EPS assist motor. The defect identified was described as a buildup of brush debris mixed with oily material on the EPS electric motor armature which causes the motor to stop functioning; the same problem identified in the current subject vehicles.ODI has duplicated this failure in both a Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion previously tested at the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC). In the defect notification letter for the previously recalled Cobalt and G5 vehicles, GM stated that the vehicles may experience a sudden loss of assist that could occur at any time while driving and that if power steering was lost the vehicle would revert to manual steering mode and would require increased steering effort from the driver.ODI believes that, depending on driving circumstances this increase in steering effort could result in some loss of control and a crash.This investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (EA11-014) to further assess the frequency, scope and safety consequences of a sudden loss of steering assist in the subject vehicles.
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