NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,649 reports130,000 miles · Sep 29, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train
THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, WAS AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS.(60 TO 70MPH) THE SECOND, WAS IN CITY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. THE THIRD WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AFTER A 5 MINUTE IDLE. THE FOURTH WAS WHEN MY LAST MECHANIC WAS TEST DRIVING IT BECAUSE HE THOUGHT HE'D FIXED IT. DASH LIGHTS BLINK ON AND OFF, ALL WARNING LIGHTS COME ON, EN…
Read full complaint
THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, WAS AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS.(60 TO 70MPH) THE SECOND, WAS IN CITY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. THE THIRD WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AFTER A 5 MINUTE IDLE. THE FOURTH WAS WHEN MY LAST MECHANIC WAS TEST DRIVING IT BECAUSE HE THOUGHT HE'D FIXED IT. DASH LIGHTS BLINK ON AND OFF, ALL WARNING LIGHTS COME ON, ENGINE COOLING FANS STOP OPERATING, TRANSMISSION HUNTS FOR WHAT GEAR IT SHOULD BE IN; RESULTING IN THE TRANSMISSION SELF DESTRUCTING. ENGINE MANAGEMENT, OTHER THAN THE COOLING FANS, SEEMS TO BE UNAFFECTED. I'VE REPLACED 4 TCM'S SO FAR; AS ALL MECHANICS SAY THAT IS THE PROBLEM. IT WORKS FOR A FEW DAYS OR A WEEK, THEN THE SAME PROBLEM MANIFEST. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH QUITE A FEW GM VEHICLES.
NHTSA ODI #10910688
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2016
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON, STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP, GEAR SHIFT STARTS CLICKING, STALLING OUT DURING DRIVING AT SPEED. I HAVE RAN OFF ROAD SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE TO USE BOTH HANDS TO TURN A CURVE BECAUSE OF STEERING LOCKED.
NHTSA ODI #10910102
158,000 miles · Sep 27, 2016
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE IGNITION KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE VEHICLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE REVERSE GEAR. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN PROMPTED. THE VEHICLE WAS…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE IGNITION KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE VEHICLE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE REVERSE GEAR. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN PROMPTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10909902
29,693 miles · Sep 23, 2016
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE KEY FOB FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE KEY FOB FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,693.
NHTSA ODI #10909355
65,632 miles · Sep 17, 2016
Steering
I WOULD LIKE TO VOICE MY DISPLEASURE WITH HOW GENERAL MOTORS PERFORMED THEIR RECALL ON CHEVY COBALT VEHICLES. MY 2005 COBALT WAS PURCHASED BY DOBLES CHEVROLET (NOW QUIRK CHEVROLET OF MANCHESTER) BACK IN 2005. THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL WAS SUPPOSEDLY PERFORMED IN MAY OF 2014. ON THE AFTERNOON OF TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014, M…
Read full complaint
I WOULD LIKE TO VOICE MY DISPLEASURE WITH HOW GENERAL MOTORS PERFORMED THEIR RECALL ON CHEVY COBALT VEHICLES. MY 2005 COBALT WAS PURCHASED BY DOBLES CHEVROLET (NOW QUIRK CHEVROLET OF MANCHESTER) BACK IN 2005. THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL WAS SUPPOSEDLY PERFORMED IN MAY OF 2014. ON THE AFTERNOON OF TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014, MY CAR LOST COMPLETE CONTROL. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY LOSING POWER STEERING AND THRUSTING VIOLENTLY. IT COULD'VE KILLED SOMEONE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. MY MECHANIC AT CARK'S CAR CARE DIAGNOSED THIS AS AN IGNITION SWITCH ISSUE AND CALLED QUIRK CHEVROLET OF MANCHESTER ABOUT AN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL PERFORMED ON THE CAR. MY MECHANIC SPOKE TO SOMEONE IN SERVICE WHOM CONFIRMED THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN DONE ONCE BUT THE IGNITION SWITCH SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD SO SOON. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THEY WERE INFORMED THAT BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH SHOULDN'T HAVE GONE BAD SO SOON, THAT THE SERVICE WOULD BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE. UPON HEARING THIS I CALLED IN TO SCHEDULE AND WAS THAT THEY'D LOOK AT IT BUT IT WOULD NOT BE FREE BECAUSE THE RECALL IS ONE-AND-DONE. DURING CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY, MARY BARRA SPOKE ABOUT HOW SAFETY WAS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO GM. I HEARD SUCH WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT SAFETY AND CONSUMER CONFIDENCE; BUT ALL I'VE EXPERIENCE IS NEAR DEATH AND DESTRUCTION. FOR 9 YEARS I OWNED THE GEAR AND EXPERIENCED NO IGNITION SWITCH ISSUES; HOWEVER, ONLY TWO YEARS AFTER THE RECALL THAT 'NEW' PART COULD'VE LEAD TO A LETHAL ACCIDENT. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO SEVERAL PEOPLE AT GM INCLUDING THE DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS MARY BARRA HERSELF, BUT HAVEN'T RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM ANYONE.
NHTSA ODI #10907364
89,000 miles · Sep 9, 2016
Power TrainSteeringVehicle Speed Control
GM REPLACED IGNITION PARTS AND SHIFTER MECHANISM AS PER RECALL. SHORTLY AFTER ISSUES BEGAN WITH STEERING LOCKING UP, TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING AND VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS FLASHING. THIS BECAME MORE FREQUENT AND IS NOW IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. MY TECHNICIAN SAYS IT IS A BODY OR TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE COSTING WELL OVER A THOUSAND …
Read full complaint
GM REPLACED IGNITION PARTS AND SHIFTER MECHANISM AS PER RECALL. SHORTLY AFTER ISSUES BEGAN WITH STEERING LOCKING UP, TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING AND VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS FLASHING. THIS BECAME MORE FREQUENT AND IS NOW IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. MY TECHNICIAN SAYS IT IS A BODY OR TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE COSTING WELL OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS. THERE APPEAR TO BE 100S OF 1000S OF THE SAME ISSUE AS PER SEARCH ENGINES. I WILL CONTACT MY LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP. IF GM WILL NOT BACK UP ITS PRODUCT IT WILL BE THE LAST GM IN MY DRIVEWAY. I WILL TRADE IN ON A TOYOTA.
NHTSA ODI #10904920
85,290 miles · Sep 3, 2016
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering
POWER STEERING MOTOR IS OUT, LOSE OF POWER STEERING ON DASH BOARD NO RECALLS WHEN THERE SHOULD BE
NHTSA ODI #10903473
112,195 miles · Aug 28, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
VEHICLE LEAKING FUEL FROM FUEL LINE AT CLAMP, UNDERNEATH DRIVER SIDE IN FRONT OF BACK TIRE. WORSE UPON START AND STOPPING.
NHTSA ODI #10899082
75,000 miles · Aug 24, 2016
Unknown Or Other
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS FUEL. VEHICLE SMELL OF GAS. CAN CAUSE A FIRE. WHEN SEATING STILL FUEL WILL LEAK ON THE GROUND WHEN CAR IS RUNNING OR WHEN STARTING THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10898124
158,000 miles · Aug 17, 2016
Power TrainSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE POWER STEERING AND A YELLOW PADLOCK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTO…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE POWER STEERING AND A YELLOW PADLOCK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. UPDATED 10/04/16*LJ *TR
NHTSA ODI #10896550
Official recalls
5Apr 10, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Feb 10, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
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.
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.
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 ↗
Illustration