← New search

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

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

About this comparison →

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

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

16 reports
Clear category filter
65,000 miles · Jul 14, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER FUEL WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT A CRACK WAS PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUF…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER FUEL WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT A CRACK WAS PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #10610357

1,500 miles · May 16, 2014
Fuel System, GasolineSteering

I PURCHASE MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 2005 AND HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING EVER SINCE. I HAD THIS CAR AT THE DEALER FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AS WELL AS FOR THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THE CART IN THE SHOP MONTHLY FOR THEM TO EVALUATE UNTIL THEY SAID THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THE…

Read full complaint

I PURCHASE MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 2005 AND HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING EVER SINCE. I HAD THIS CAR AT THE DEALER FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AS WELL AS FOR THE CAR SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THE CART IN THE SHOP MONTHLY FOR THEM TO EVALUATE UNTIL THEY SAID THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THEY COULD DO THEY CANT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. WENT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND STILL NO SATISFACTION I EVEN CALLED GM TO COMPLAIN SEVERAL TIMES AND I CRIED THAT I WAS GOING TO GET KILLED AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NOW 13 + PEOPLE ARE DEAD. I HAVE MY CAR AT THE DEALER AND IT WAS A FIASCO. THEY GAVE ME BACK MY CAR WITH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND SAID I SHOULD PAY FOR DIAGNOSTICS. REALLY?? THEY HAD MY CAR I DID NOT GIVE IT TO THEM THAT WAY. I CALLED GM AND THEY TOLD ME TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC MY CAR IS TO OLD SO THEY WONT MAKE THEM DO ANYTHING. NICE REAL NICE - I GUESS I AM LUCKY TO STILL BE ALIVE TODAY - I WISH I COULD SUE THEM BUT I WORK HARD AND DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO SPEND. AGAIN THEY ARE LUCKY THEY HAVE NO PENALTY. THEY DON'T CARE AND THEY WILL ONLY DO WHAT THEY ARE FORCED TO DO NOT WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BAILED OUT THEY SHOULD NEVER HAVE THAT PRIVILEGE AGAIN. IN THIS WORLD ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE AND THE WEAK FAIL. LET THEM FAIL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10588982

119,000 miles · May 13, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A VISIBLE FUEL LEAK ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000. UPDATED 8/21/15*CN THE CONS…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A VISIBLE FUEL LEAK ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000. UPDATED 8/21/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINE. UPDATED 09/01/15*JB

NHTSA ODI #10588191

105,000 miles · Jan 24, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW IN FEBRUARY 2005. I'VE ALWAYS BEEN VERY DILIGENT IN MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR MY CAR. THIS SUMMER I HAD NOTICED A GASOLINE ODOR SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I GOT INTO MY CAR. I ALWAYS LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE FOR WET SPOTS OR DRIPPING BUT NEVER FOUND ANYTHING. IN JANUARY 2014 I TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE AN…

Read full complaint

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW IN FEBRUARY 2005. I'VE ALWAYS BEEN VERY DILIGENT IN MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR MY CAR. THIS SUMMER I HAD NOTICED A GASOLINE ODOR SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I GOT INTO MY CAR. I ALWAYS LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE FOR WET SPOTS OR DRIPPING BUT NEVER FOUND ANYTHING. IN JANUARY 2014 I TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE ANNUAL SAFETY INSPECTION DONE. THE INSPECTOR TOLD ME MY CAR NEEDED BRAKES ON BOTH AXLES AND FRONT ROTORS. HE ALSO TOLD ME HE SMELLED A GASOLINE ODOR BUT COULD NOT FIND AN ACTIVE LEAK EVEN THOUGH HE TURNED THE KEY ON AND PRIMED THE FUEL SYSTEM SEVERAL TIMES. BECAUSE IT WAS RAINING THAT DAY HE TOLD ME THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS WET WHICH PREVENTED HIM FROM FINDING ANY WET AREAS DUE TO A FUEL LEAK. HE TOLD ME HE WOULD CHECK AGAIN WHEN I BROUGHT IT BACK FOR THE RE-INSPECTION. A FEW DAYS LATER, AFTER THE BRAKE REPAIRS, THE INSPECTOR PUT MY CAR ON THE LIFT AND FOUND THE FABRIC HEAT SHIELD/SLEEVE WAS DAMP WITH GASOLINE. HE REMOVED THE HEAT SHIELD/SLEEVE AND FOUND THAT THE SUPPLY FUEL LINE HAD RUSTED THROUGH. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE COBALT MODEL. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF $647 TO REPLACE THE ONE BAD FUEL LINE! A FUEL LINE RUSTING THROUGH IN LESS THAN 9 YEARS? TERRIBLE DESIGN HAVING FUEL LINES RUN A FEW INCHES FROM THE EXHAUST PIPES. TERRIBLE QUALITY PARTS THAT FAIL PREMATURELY AND CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP WITH AN UNCARING ATTITUDE AND STATEMENTS OF "IT'S A CAR, THEY DON'T LAST FOREVER" AND "IT'S ONLY $647, IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD". I GUESS SOMEONE'S CAR HAS TO CATCH ON FIRE, SOMEONE GET KILLED, AND GM GET SUED BEFORE THEY'LL DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS KNOWN AND COMMON PROBLEM. NOW I KNOW WHY THE US GOVERNMENT HAD TO BAIL OUT GM. SMH! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10561385

69,000 miles · Jan 17, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GASOLINE ODOR BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. HE LATER DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A GASOLINE LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS RUSTED AND WOULD NEED A TOTAL REPLACEMENT. THE MEC…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A GASOLINE ODOR BEING EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. HE LATER DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A GASOLINE LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS RUSTED AND WOULD NEED A TOTAL REPLACEMENT. THE MECHANIC ALSO ADVISED THAT THE LINE COULD BE MENDED AS A TEMPORARY REPAIR. THE FUEL LINE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. UPDATED 03/21/14*LJ UPDATED 03/28/2014 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10560390

185,000 miles · Feb 28, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

NHTSA ODI #10500815

90,000 miles · Sep 9, 2010
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel System, Gasoline

2005 CHEVY COBALT-STALLS WITHOUT WARNING, UPON BRAKING, STOPPING OR BACKING, CAR WILL GO DEAD AND SOMETIMES UNABLE TO RE START. COMPLAINED TO SERV DEPT SEVERAL TIME BUT THEY SAY THEY CANT FIND A PROBLEM. THOUSANDS ON LINE WITH SAME COMPLAINT. ALMOST HIT BY TRAIN, AND OTHER VEHICLES DUE TO THE STALLING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10354676

33,000 miles · Mar 3, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineFire

2005 CHEVY COBALT CAUGHT FIRE WHEN THE IGNITION KEY TRIED TO START THE ENGINE. THIS CAR WAS PARKED DURING THE WORK DAY AT THE HOSPITAL COVERED PARKING LOT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10316312

98,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineSteering

OUT OF THE BLUE THE CAR BEGAN MISSING, QUITTING AND UNABLE TO STEER OR TURN THE CAR HAS A SERIOUS LOSS OF POWER. THE CAR HAS BEEN CHECKED AND RECHECKED WITH NO ANSWERS AND WITH THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS AND RECALLS THAT ARE LISTED I AM REQUESTING INFORMATION ON THE SPECIFICS TO GET THE CAR FIXED WITHOUT THE COST TO ME.*TR

NHTSA ODI #10304651

11,538 miles · Apr 21, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LINE LEAK IN HIS VEHICLE. IN MARCH OF 2009, HE SMELLED FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO WHILE IT WAS PARKED. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,062 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,538.

NHTSA ODI #10266281

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.