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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

Steering complaints

1,143 reports
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17,000 miles · May 14, 2015
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

NHTSA ODI #10716451

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2015
EngineSteering

3800 CHADWOOD DR

NHTSA ODI #10716318

212,037 miles · May 13, 2015
Steering

I WAS DRIVING AND WAS GETTING CLOSE TO PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY WHEN THE DASH LIT UP AND THE STEERING WENT OUT I HAD TO TRY AND BACK UP TO PULL INTO THE DRIVEWAY IT WAS VERY HARD TO DO . IM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR THIS HAPPENED AT SOMEONE ELSE HOUSE NOT MINE

NHTSA ODI #10716132

130,000 miles · Apr 8, 2015
Steering

IT BEEPS AND READS POWER STEERING EVERY TIME WE DRIVE IT, NO POWER STEERING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10704547

103,000 miles · Apr 7, 2015
Steering

I WAS STOPPED IN LINE OF TRAFFIC AND HAD TO MOVE TO THE RIGHT SLIGHTLY TO GET OUT OF A FIRETRUCK'S WAY (NOT IN A JERKING AND FORCEFUL MOVEMENT, BUT NORMAL TURNING OF STEERING WHEEL). WHEN I TRIED TO GET BACK INTO THE LINE OF TRAFFIC, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MOVE AND I HEARD ELECTRICAL MOTOR NOISES COMING F…

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I WAS STOPPED IN LINE OF TRAFFIC AND HAD TO MOVE TO THE RIGHT SLIGHTLY TO GET OUT OF A FIRETRUCK'S WAY (NOT IN A JERKING AND FORCEFUL MOVEMENT, BUT NORMAL TURNING OF STEERING WHEEL). WHEN I TRIED TO GET BACK INTO THE LINE OF TRAFFIC, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MOVE AND I HEARD ELECTRICAL MOTOR NOISES COMING FROM BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. THESE NOISES CONTINUED FOR 10-20 SECONDS AND THEN THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE CAME ON THE DISPLAY. THIS NOW HAPPENS EVERY TIME I START MY CAR AND STEERING HAS BECOME VERY DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY TURNS AT SLOW SPEEDS. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE, AND WAS TOLD ON THE GM HOTLINE THAT MY VIN DID NOT MATCH THE RECALL FROM 2010 PERTAINING TO THE POWER STEERING. I TOOK THE CAR TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ALSO CALLED GM AND WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL WHEN INQUIRING ABOUT PARTS. HE DID NOT FIX OR REMOVE ANY PARTS, BUT WROTE A NOTE ON PAPER INDICATING I WAS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AS THAT RECALL. I AGAIN CALLED THE GM HOTLINE, WHO AGAIN TOLD ME MY VIN WAS NOT COVERED AND THAT GM WOULD NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE IN THE RECALL. THEY ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER, WHO I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ON SATURDAY, 4/11, MORE THAN 2 WEEKS AFTER THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10704260

89,000 miles · Mar 31, 2015
EngineSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE GEAR FAILED TO SWITCH AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE GEAR FAILED TO SWITCH AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

NHTSA ODI #10702917

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2015
Electrical SystemSteeringCrash

2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION AFTER RECALL WORK WAS DONE. *SMD THE CONSUMERS SON WAS DRIVING, WHEN SUDDENLY THE STEERING WHEELS AND BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE HE WAS TRYING TO NEGOTIATE A CURVE, CAUSING HIM TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. AT THE PRESENT…

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2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION AFTER RECALL WORK WAS DONE. *SMD THE CONSUMERS SON WAS DRIVING, WHEN SUDDENLY THE STEERING WHEELS AND BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE HE WAS TRYING TO NEGOTIATE A CURVE, CAUSING HIM TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE KEY CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONSUMERS SON WAS NOT INJURED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED ON OCTOBER 21, 2014. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10701597

179,797 miles · Mar 4, 2015
Electrical SystemSteering

THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF MY TRIP HOME THE CAR DASH KEPT FLASHING A POWER STEERING ERROR MESSAGE AND THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD KEPT GETTING DIM. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS GETTING REALLY TIGHT, THE CAR ALMOST STALLED OUT SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE DIALS FLUCTUATED. THE CAR ALSO BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND I BECAME AFRAID THAT I WOUL…

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THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF MY TRIP HOME THE CAR DASH KEPT FLASHING A POWER STEERING ERROR MESSAGE AND THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD KEPT GETTING DIM. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS GETTING REALLY TIGHT, THE CAR ALMOST STALLED OUT SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE DIALS FLUCTUATED. THE CAR ALSO BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND I BECAME AFRAID THAT I WOULD NOT MAKE IT HOME. I HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND THEY REFUSE TO EVEN LOOK AT THE CAR WITHOUT CHARGING ME. THE CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN RECALLED TWICE AND ALTHOUGH I HAVE HAD BOTH RECALL REPAIRS DONE I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. EVERY TIME I DRIVE THIS CAR I FEAR FOR THE LIVES OF MY FAMILY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10692186

24,000 miles · Mar 4, 2015
Electrical SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 10V073000 (STEERING), THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 10V073000 (STEERING), THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

NHTSA ODI #10692077

119,250 miles · Mar 3, 2015
Steering

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT THE TC LIGHT AND POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND THE STEERING LOCKS ALSO WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF TWO OR THREE TIMES THE CAR WILL BE OK FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND THE TACK GAUGES GOES CRAZY WHILE IN PARK PUTTING IT IN GEAR THERE IS A CLICKING IN THE GEAR SHIFTER I FEEL THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE HAD IT T…

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT THE TC LIGHT AND POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND THE STEERING LOCKS ALSO WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF TWO OR THREE TIMES THE CAR WILL BE OK FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND THE TACK GAUGES GOES CRAZY WHILE IN PARK PUTTING IT IN GEAR THERE IS A CLICKING IN THE GEAR SHIFTER I FEEL THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER I BROUGHT THE CAR AT AND THE TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AND SEND ME ON MY WAY I HAVE HAD IT THREE TIMES IM SCARED TO DRIVE IT ITS SAD YOU PAY ALOT OF MONEY FOR A CAR AND THEY ACT LIKE THERE DON'T CARE. THIS HAS BEEN SINCE THE RECALL ON THE IGNITION WITCH RECALL I FEEL THAT GM NEED TO LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10691970

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.