← 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

What owners actually said

1,649 reports
155,000 miles · Feb 28, 2016
Structure

THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH DOES NOT WANT TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS NOTHING CONNECTING TO OPEN IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAVE HAD TO CRAWL OVER PASSENGER SIDE TO OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE. I UNDERSTAND THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, SOMETHING NEEDS…

Read full complaint

THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH DOES NOT WANT TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS NOTHING CONNECTING TO OPEN IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAVE HAD TO CRAWL OVER PASSENGER SIDE TO OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE. I UNDERSTAND THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.

NHTSA ODI #10838842

135,345 miles · Feb 26, 2016
Service BrakesSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH TO MAKE A TURN INTO AN INTERSECTION, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, BRAKING, AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT FLASHED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTAR…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH TO MAKE A TURN INTO AN INTERSECTION, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, BRAKING, AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT FLASHED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, THE FAILURE CODE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND, UPON PARKING, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES WERE SLOW TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE10005 (STEERING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,345.

NHTSA ODI #10838695

80,000 miles · Feb 19, 2016
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, A CLICKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTU…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, A CLICKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #10837231

160,500 miles · Feb 17, 2016
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REQUIRED GREATER EFFORT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UN…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REQUIRED GREATER EFFORT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,500.

NHTSA ODI #10836691

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2016
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOT…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10836591

115,444 miles · Feb 11, 2016
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND, A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, WHO COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,444.

NHTSA ODI #10825691

90,220 miles · Feb 1, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION AND MOVED 10 FEET, THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL POURING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE, PLACED HER HAND UNDER THE VEHICLE, AND FELT FUEL POURING OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION AND MOVED 10 FEET, THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL POURING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE, PLACED HER HAND UNDER THE VEHICLE, AND FELT FUEL POURING OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,220.

NHTSA ODI #10823489

112,314 miles · Jan 28, 2016
Electrical System

ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. TWICE WHILE STOPPED AND 4 TIMES WHILE CITY DRIVING IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A TURN. CAR SHUTS DOWN WITH KEY IN THE ON POSITION. I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURN THE KEY INTO THE OFF POSITION. I CAN THEN TURN THE KEY AND THE CAR TURNS BACK ON. I WAS ALMOST REAR- ENDED. THIS IS THE SAME THING TH…

Read full complaint

ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. TWICE WHILE STOPPED AND 4 TIMES WHILE CITY DRIVING IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A TURN. CAR SHUTS DOWN WITH KEY IN THE ON POSITION. I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURN THE KEY INTO THE OFF POSITION. I CAN THEN TURN THE KEY AND THE CAR TURNS BACK ON. I WAS ALMOST REAR- ENDED. THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED WHEN MY CAR WAS PART OF THE SAFETY RECALL 13454. I CALLED GENERAL MOTORS AT 1 800 222 1020. I TOLD THE GUY THAT THE SAME THING WAS HAPPENING THAT HAPPENED WHEN THEY HAD THE RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH. HE TOLD ME THEY WERE HAVING OTHER CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENING. I ASKED HIM HOW COME THEY WEREN'T HAVING A RECALL ON THE RECALL? IT IS VERY SCARY DRIVING THIS CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WOULD BE COVERED AND I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER (WHICH IS 30 MILES AWAY)

NHTSA ODI #10822922

146,000 miles · Jan 28, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

MY CAR IS LEAKING FUEL AT THE GAS TANK. GM RECALLED THE 2006 COBALTS BUT MINE IS A 2005. MY CAR COULD EXPLODE AND GAS IN OUR PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM IS A HUGE CONCERN. THIS CAR IS A LEMON!! I HAVE EXTREME ANXIETY OF DYING IN THIS CAR. I NEED SOMEONE TO GET GM TO RECALL MY CAR ASAP BEFORE I DIE!! I CANT AFFORD TO FIX IT.

NHTSA ODI #10822721

174,000 miles · Jan 26, 2016
Electrical SystemSteering

THE LIGHTS ALL OVER THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY WORK AND NOT WORK, THE BATTERY DRAINS AND HAVE REPLACE THE BATTERY 4 TIMES.THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I GOT THE CAR WITHE THE LIGHTS. THE STEERING THING JUST STARTED, WHEN YOU MAKE A TURN THE STEERING BINDS UP AS IF THE POWER STEERING IS GOING OUT. ALSO ACTS AS IF THE CAR IS GOING TO …

Read full complaint

THE LIGHTS ALL OVER THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY WORK AND NOT WORK, THE BATTERY DRAINS AND HAVE REPLACE THE BATTERY 4 TIMES.THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I GOT THE CAR WITHE THE LIGHTS. THE STEERING THING JUST STARTED, WHEN YOU MAKE A TURN THE STEERING BINDS UP AS IF THE POWER STEERING IS GOING OUT. ALSO ACTS AS IF THE CAR IS GOING TO STALL. THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE IN DRIVE POSITION. IN PARK IT DOESN'T DO THIS. THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEVELS ARE PERFECT. ALSO, WHEN THIS ISSUE STARTS, THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE BOUNCES UP TO 40 MPH EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE AT A STOP. THE RADIO WILL SUDDENLY TURN FULL BLAST SOUND FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS AND TURN BACK DOWN. SCARES ME HALF TO DEATH. THERE IS A MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IN THIS CAR FOR LIGHTS TO WORK ONE TIME AND THEN NEXT TIME NOT. I GO THROUGH LIGHT BULBS LIKE CRAZY, EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS I AM CHANGING A DIFFERENT BULB. AND THE STEERING ISSUE IS UNSAFE, THE CAR COULD STALL WHILE TRYING TO TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC. STILL AFTER HAVING ALL RECALLS COMPLETED, THE CAR IS STILL NOT SAFE.

NHTSA ODI #10822222

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.