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2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,407 reports with mileage · 242 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 1,143 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 323 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 99 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

97 crash reports12 fire reports57 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

323 reports
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52,000 miles · Sep 23, 2009
Electrical System

THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY ON OUR 2005 CHEVY COBALT BROKE. MY HUSBAND WAS SUDDENLY UNABLE TO FULLY DISENGAGE THE SHIFTER, SO THAT THE KEY COULD BE TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE CAR FULLY TURNED OFF. BECAUSE THE KEY COULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT, IT CREATED A SERIOUS DRAW ON THE BATTERY STRENGTH OF THE CAR AND CAUSED IT TO DIE. THE NEXT D…

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THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY ON OUR 2005 CHEVY COBALT BROKE. MY HUSBAND WAS SUDDENLY UNABLE TO FULLY DISENGAGE THE SHIFTER, SO THAT THE KEY COULD BE TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE CAR FULLY TURNED OFF. BECAUSE THE KEY COULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT, IT CREATED A SERIOUS DRAW ON THE BATTERY STRENGTH OF THE CAR AND CAUSED IT TO DIE. THE NEXT DAY MY HUSBAND TRIED CALLING CUSTOMER SERVICE AT GM CORPORATE, WHO REFUSED TO LOOK AT OUR PROBLEM (THE SECOND TIME THIS PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED IN OUR CAR IN THE 4 YEARS/52,000 MILES WE HAD OWNED THE CAR. THEY REFUSED TO HELP OR EVEN DISCUSS OUR PROBLEM, NOT SEEING IT AS AN ISSUE AT ALL. THEY REFUSED TO RECOGNIZE THE RESEARCH MY HUSBAND FOUND ONLINE OF OWNERS OF THE SAME MAKE/MODEL YEAR AND CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS RUDE AND REFUSED US ALLOWANCE TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10284974

82,346 miles · Aug 22, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering

MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT. WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND I AM UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING SINCE IT FAILS. I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART MY CAR IN ORDER TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT. THE MORE I DROVE IT THE WORSE IT GOT! I DRIVE NO MORE THAN 2 MINUTES WITH MY POWER ST…

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MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT. WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND I AM UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING SINCE IT FAILS. I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART MY CAR IN ORDER TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT. THE MORE I DROVE IT THE WORSE IT GOT! I DRIVE NO MORE THAN 2 MINUTES WITH MY POWER STEERING LIGHT COMING ON AND A 5 MINUTE DRIVE I WOULD HAVE TO RESTART MY CAR AT LEAST 5-6 TIMES BEFORE GETTING TO MY DESTINATION. I FEEL LIKE THIS IS PUTTING ME IN DANGER SINCE I AM NOT ABLE TO NAVIGATE THE CAR PROPERLY. THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING! MY CAR HAS BEEN BACK AND FORTH IN THE SHOP FOR 2 WEEKS NOW, AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10281428

54,972 miles · Aug 4, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering

WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT OR AROUND 60 MPH AND THE POWERSTEERING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND HARD FOR ME TO PULL OF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED MY CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT BEGAN WORKING NORMALLY. APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES LATER THE POWERSTEERING WENT OUT …

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WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT OR AROUND 60 MPH AND THE POWERSTEERING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND HARD FOR ME TO PULL OF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED MY CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT BEGAN WORKING NORMALLY. APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES LATER THE POWERSTEERING WENT OUT AGAIN. AS OF TODAY AUGUST 3, 2009 IT HAS GONE OUT 3 TIMES WITHIN 3 DAYS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279282

29,000 miles · Aug 1, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering

DRIVING MY 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT, THE STEERING LOCKUP AND A ALARM APPEAR ON DASH SAID POWER STEERING FAILURE, TO CORRECT THIS. HAVE TO STOP THE CAR, TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART. THEN ANYWHERE FROM 5 TO 15 MINUTE THE STEERING LOCKUP AGAIN. I THINK THIS IS A SAFE ISSUE. THE CAR HAS A ELECTRICAL POWER PUMP AND IS NOT THE ONLY …

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DRIVING MY 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT, THE STEERING LOCKUP AND A ALARM APPEAR ON DASH SAID POWER STEERING FAILURE, TO CORRECT THIS. HAVE TO STOP THE CAR, TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART. THEN ANYWHERE FROM 5 TO 15 MINUTE THE STEERING LOCKUP AGAIN. I THINK THIS IS A SAFE ISSUE. THE CAR HAS A ELECTRICAL POWER PUMP AND IS NOT THE ONLY CAR AT HAS IS PUMP, CHEVROLET EQUINOX HAS THE SAME PUMP AND ALSO THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279038

91,000 miles · Jun 16, 2009
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. WHEN THE IGNITION KEY RELEASE CONTROL BUTTON WAS ENGAGED, THE KEY SUDDENLY RELEASED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNABLE TO BE ENTERED…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. WHEN THE IGNITION KEY RELEASE CONTROL BUTTON WAS ENGAGED, THE KEY SUDDENLY RELEASED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNABLE TO BE ENTERED INTO THE SYSTEM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.

NHTSA ODI #10274033

73,000 miles · Jun 10, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THERE WERE NO PRIOR FAILURES WITH THE STEERING. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WOULD COST $2,000 TO REPAIR THE STEERING. THE ELECTRICAL S…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THERE WERE NO PRIOR FAILURES WITH THE STEERING. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WOULD COST $2,000 TO REPAIR THE STEERING. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT ACTIVATE THE AIR CONDITIONING OR LOCK THE DOORS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 73,000.

NHTSA ODI #10273481

34,423 miles · May 27, 2009
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

IGNITION KEY STICKS IN THE "ACC" POSITION AT SHUT DOWN ABOUT 80% OF THE TIME. RESTARTING THE CAR OR PUSHING UP UNDER THE KEY CYLINDER SOMETIMES RELEASES IT. I'VE GONE TO TWO DEALERS SO FAR AND ALL I GET IS YUP ITS STUCK...MAYBE ITS THE SHIFTER MAYBE ITS THE IGNITION. THAT'S NOT A GREAT RESPONSE TO HEAR. THIS IS ON 05 CHEVY …

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IGNITION KEY STICKS IN THE "ACC" POSITION AT SHUT DOWN ABOUT 80% OF THE TIME. RESTARTING THE CAR OR PUSHING UP UNDER THE KEY CYLINDER SOMETIMES RELEASES IT. I'VE GONE TO TWO DEALERS SO FAR AND ALL I GET IS YUP ITS STUCK...MAYBE ITS THE SHIFTER MAYBE ITS THE IGNITION. THAT'S NOT A GREAT RESPONSE TO HEAR. THIS IS ON 05 CHEVY COBALT LS COUPE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10270081

34,950 miles · May 19, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE HE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER STATED THAT A NEW STEERING COLUMN WAS NEEDED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAG…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE HE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER STATED THAT A NEW STEERING COLUMN WAS NEEDED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 34,950. UPDATED 05/27/09 *BF AN IGNITION SWITCH WAS NEEDED AS WELL. UPDATED 05/29/09

NHTSA ODI #10269351

33,000 miles · May 8, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering

NO EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE. CHEVY COBALT 2005 MODEL 33,000 MILES POWER STEERING RANDOM CATASTROPHIC FAILURE KEY STICKS IN IGNITION NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE BY THE MANUFACTURER (NO RECALL) EVEN THOUGH MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS AND PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED WITH THE POWER STEERING IN THESE MODELS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10268177

75,377 miles · Mar 16, 2009
Electrical SystemEquipment

I PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY COBALT IN AUGUST OF 2005. LESS THEN A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IT WAS IN THE SHOP TO BE FIXED. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING PANEL (KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION, BUTTON ON STICK SHIFT STICKS, CAN NOT TURN CAR OFF WITHOUT DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY), I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE…

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I PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY COBALT IN AUGUST OF 2005. LESS THEN A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IT WAS IN THE SHOP TO BE FIXED. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING PANEL (KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION, BUTTON ON STICK SHIFT STICKS, CAN NOT TURN CAR OFF WITHOUT DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY), I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEREO GOING INTO "LOCK" MODE - WHICH IN TURN MAKES ME TURN THE CAR ON AND THEN OFF AGAIN TO GET THE RADIO TO WORK. I LOOKED INTO THE LEMON LAW AND THEY STATED SINCE IT WAS ALL ELECTRICAL, THEY COULD NOT PIN POINT IT TO BEING THE SAME PROBLEM ALL 5 TIMES OF IT BEING IN. WELL, IT HAS DONE IT AGAIN NOW IN MARCH OF 2009. THEY ARE STATING THAT ME EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH NATIONAL WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THIS THEREFORE I HAVE TO PAY $400 TO FIX SOMETHING THAT SEEMS TO BE A DEFAULT ON THIS CAR. IT IS NOT YET 4 YEARS OLD. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. I TRIED TRADING IT IN, BUT I WAS LAID OFF LAST YEAR AND MAKE LESS MONEY AND DO NOT HAVE THE BEST CREDIT BECAUSE OF NOT WORKING FOR ALMOST A YEAR. I HATE THIS CAR AND AFTER THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH THIS CAR, I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A CHEVY AGAIN!! THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND THEY SAY THEY WILL NOT COVER IT. I HAVE FOUND ON SEVERAL WEBSITES THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM, BUT CHEVY SAYS IT HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED ENOUGH TO THEM TO SAY THAT IT IS A RECALL. WOW! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262046

Official recalls

5

14V171000 · Electrical System:ignition

Apr 10, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch

Feb 10, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Electrical System:ignition:switch

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

10V073000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Mar 3, 2010

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

07V014000 · Structure

Jan 18, 2007

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.'

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

04V560000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Nov 22, 2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BULB SHIELDS INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMPS CAN LOOSEN DUE TO VIBRATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE BULB SHIELD CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. IF THIS OCCURRED ON A HEADLAMP INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE, ONCOMING DRIVERS MAY NOTICE ADDITIONAL GLARE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE10005 · Electric Power Steering Failure

Opened Jan 27, 2010 · Closed Jul 19, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System

In a March 1, 2010 letter, General Motors Corporation (GM) provided a defect information report to NHTSA regarding a problem that could result in sudden loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and MY 2007 through 2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS).The letter indicates that the loss of steering assist could occur at any time while driving and that, once assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and a chime sounds to inform the driver.The letter further states that steering control is maintained in manual mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds.In the next ignition cycle, power assist is typically regained and the DIC message is no longer displayed.GM's letter identifies the root cause of the EPS failure as the EPS motor and indicates that production of a new motor started in December 2009.GM's recall repair procedure instructs dealers to replace the EPS motor in all recalled vehicles. ODI's analysis of all information available related to sudden loss of EPS assist while driving in the MY 2005 through 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles shows current complaint and warranty rates of 323/100,000 vehicles and 0.4% respectively.In response to ODI's request for information, GM identified 81 complaints where a crash was claimed that may be related to loss of EPS assist.ODI's analysis of all crash claims was based on verifiable factors such as; whether a loss of EPS was indicated at the time of the crash by a chime or malfunction indicator lamp or if a EPS related component malfunction was identified after the crash occurred.With this method ODI identified 36 possible crashes related to EPS failure.GM assessed crash claims based on the available facts and excluded crash claims that indicated that the vehicle was travelling at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater.GM said that it believes if power assist is lost while a vehicle is moving at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater there is a small difference in steering efforts perceived in subjective evaluations at those speeds and it is unlikely to lead to loss of vehicle control. Based on GM's safety recall, this investigation is closed.