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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

What owners actually said

1,649 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2014
Air BagsEngineCrashInjury

MY COBALT, WHICH IS NOW TOTALED, WAS IN A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT AND THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR COLLIDED INTO THE REAR END OF PICKUP TRUCK AND THEN WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR SMASHED INTO THE CONCRETE GUARDRAIL. AT SOME POINT DURING THE CRASH, THE CAR SHUT OFF AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. …

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MY COBALT, WHICH IS NOW TOTALED, WAS IN A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT AND THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR COLLIDED INTO THE REAR END OF PICKUP TRUCK AND THEN WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR SMASHED INTO THE CONCRETE GUARDRAIL. AT SOME POINT DURING THE CRASH, THE CAR SHUT OFF AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED, MY FIANC WAS UNABLE TO TURN IT BACK ON AND HAD TO PUSH IT OFF THE BUSY HIGHWAY BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE HIT THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576967

53,379 miles · Apr 2, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior LightingCrashInjury

I WAS STOPPED AT A RED SIGNAL FOR A FEW MINUTES. SUDDENLY, A UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO STUDENT HIT MY CAR FROM THE REAR AT FULL FORCE. HE WAS TEXTING AND WHEN HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR HE WAS STILL TEXTING. HE ADMITTED IT WAS HIS FAULT BECAUSE HE WAS NOT LOOKING AT THE ROAD AND WAS TEXTING ON HIS PHONE. I CALLED THE POLICE AND OBTAINED …

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I WAS STOPPED AT A RED SIGNAL FOR A FEW MINUTES. SUDDENLY, A UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO STUDENT HIT MY CAR FROM THE REAR AT FULL FORCE. HE WAS TEXTING AND WHEN HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR HE WAS STILL TEXTING. HE ADMITTED IT WAS HIS FAULT BECAUSE HE WAS NOT LOOKING AT THE ROAD AND WAS TEXTING ON HIS PHONE. I CALLED THE POLICE AND OBTAINED A POLICE REPORT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK. MY MOM AND I WERE JOLTED FORWARD AT FULL FORCE WITH BACK AND NECK TRAUMA. MY CAR STALLED ON IMPACT OF THE OTHER CAR. LUCKILY MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I DID NOT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO RESTART MY CAR AND I PULLED THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO NOT BLOCK THE BUSY STREET. I COMPLAINED THAT MY AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK BUT I WAS IGNORED. ALSO, THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD TURNED OFF THE CAR WHICH I THOUGHT WAS STRANGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576910

115,000 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE RUNNING. I'VE STOPPED AT STOP LIGHTS AND WHEN I TRY TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE CAR WILL SHUT TOTALLY OFF WHILE IN DRIVE. THE DOOR LOCKS ARE CONSTANTLY RUNNING UP AND DOWN AND WILL NOT STAY LOCKED. MANY TIMES I'VE COME BACK TO THE CAR THINKING IT WAS LOCKED TO FIND IT UNLOCKED ITSELF. THE ELECT…

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THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE RUNNING. I'VE STOPPED AT STOP LIGHTS AND WHEN I TRY TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE CAR WILL SHUT TOTALLY OFF WHILE IN DRIVE. THE DOOR LOCKS ARE CONSTANTLY RUNNING UP AND DOWN AND WILL NOT STAY LOCKED. MANY TIMES I'VE COME BACK TO THE CAR THINKING IT WAS LOCKED TO FIND IT UNLOCKED ITSELF. THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM HAS CREATED A PROBLEM WITH BRAND NEW BATTERIES. I'VE REPLACED IT TWICE SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR IN 2010. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576522

112,250 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER COMPLETING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE ISS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER COMPLETING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,250 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,083.

NHTSA ODI #10576489

121,000 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

AS IM DRIVING FROM A FAST RATE OF SPEED AND I SLOW DOWN I LOSE POWER STEERING AND ON MULTIPLE TIMES I HAVE COME CLOSE TO HITTING VEHICLES AS IM PARKING OR ALMOST RUNNING INTO A HOUSE FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576462

181,000 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS NO LONGER CONTROLLING THE WHEELS. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THE WHEELS WERE SIDE WAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS NO LONGER CONTROLLING THE WHEELS. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THAT THE WHEELS WERE SIDE WAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION EXPLODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 183,000.

NHTSA ODI #10576444

106,000 miles · Mar 31, 2014
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

WELL DRIVING TO DINNER FOR MY BIRTHDAY AND GOING AROUND A CURVE, I HIT A POTHOLE THAT I COULD NOT AVOID WITHOUT CROSSING THE CENTER LINE OF THE ROAD INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC CAUSING MY IGNITION SWITCH TO TURN FROM THE ON POSITION TO THE OFF POSITION, MUCH LIKE THE MOST RECENT RECALL STATES. THOUGH I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GET THE CAR T…

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WELL DRIVING TO DINNER FOR MY BIRTHDAY AND GOING AROUND A CURVE, I HIT A POTHOLE THAT I COULD NOT AVOID WITHOUT CROSSING THE CENTER LINE OF THE ROAD INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC CAUSING MY IGNITION SWITCH TO TURN FROM THE ON POSITION TO THE OFF POSITION, MUCH LIKE THE MOST RECENT RECALL STATES. THOUGH I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GET THE CAR TO COME TO REST ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, I AM STILL EXTREMELY NERVOUS THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND I AM ALSO VERY, VERY DISAPPOINTED TO HEAR THAT THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE SINCE THE CAR WAS RELEASED. THIS IS THE THIRD RECALL ON THIS CAR SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT, AND I AM FAR LESS THAN IMPRESSED WITH THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS TRULY A DEATH TRAP, MUCH LIKE OTHERS HAVE STATED. MY GREATEST FEAR IS THAT SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY WILL BE DRIVING MY CAR AND NOT RETURN, ALL BECAUSE OF THIS GIANT MESS CREATED BY GM. IT IS VERY DEPRESSING TO KNOW THAT I AM STILL PAYING ON AN EXTREMELY FAULTY VEHICLE, IN WHICH THESE ISSUES WERE KNOWN ABOUT LONG BEFORE I HAD ACTUALLY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS, SOMETHING MORE THAN JUST A "SIMPLE" FIX (LIKE ALL THE OTHER RECALLS WITH THIS DEATH TRAP WERE SAID TO BE). IT IS ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER WITH THIS CAR, AND THOUGH SOMETHING SERIOUS HAS YET TO HAPPEN TO ME, I AM CONCERNED FOR THE FUTURE OF OTHERS AND MYSELF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576033

120,000 miles · Mar 27, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF HE HIT A POT HOLE AND HIS TEMPERATURE LIGHT CAME ON AND GM STATED THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. THE CONTACT OCCASIONALLY HAD DIFFICUL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF HE HIT A POT HOLE AND HIS TEMPERATURE LIGHT CAME ON AND GM STATED THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. THE CONTACT OCCASIONALLY HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING THE VEHICLE TO START AND HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WITH THE KEY. HE HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THE VEHICLE COOLED DOWN ALMOST TWO HOURS AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VERY SLOWLY TO HIS RESIDENCE. HE ADVISED THEM IN 2005 THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH HIS IGNITION AFTER HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN JULY 2005. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2005. THE DEALER DROVE 20 MPH TO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ADVISED THEM THAT HE WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. HE CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE ANTI FREEZE CONTINUED TO LEAK OUT OF THE VEHICLE. HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE STRUTS, BUSHINGS, TIMING CHAIN, LINK AND THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR HIM TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AT A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD TAKE 20 DAYS TO A MONTH BEFORE THE MANUFACTURER COULD SEND SOMEONE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT HIS RESIDENCE. THE DEALER NOTIFIED HIM TODAY TO ASK IF THE MANUFACTURER SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND DIAGNOSED ARE NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS OVER 120,000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI #10575254

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2014
SteeringCrashInjury

I ENTERED THIS ONCE, COMPLAINT #10356159 BUT MY DAUGHTER IS STILL PAYING FOR THE ACCIDENT. SHE WAS CHARGED BECAUSE THEY SAID SHE WAS AT FAULT. SHE HAD THE STEERING "FIXED" BY THE DEALER AND ABOUT A MONTH LATER IT DID NOT RESPOND IN A TURN. SHE HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR…

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I ENTERED THIS ONCE, COMPLAINT #10356159 BUT MY DAUGHTER IS STILL PAYING FOR THE ACCIDENT. SHE WAS CHARGED BECAUSE THEY SAID SHE WAS AT FAULT. SHE HAD THE STEERING "FIXED" BY THE DEALER AND ABOUT A MONTH LATER IT DID NOT RESPOND IN A TURN. SHE HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10575110

138,000 miles · Mar 26, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesSteeringCrash

WAS HEADING TO WORK WHEN THE CHEVY COBALT SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, CAUSING ME TO LOSE POWER BRAKES, POWER STEERING, AND CAUSING THE AIR BAGS NOT TO DEPLOY WHEN I WENT STRAIGHT THREW A STOP SIGN IMPACTING INTO A SNOW BANK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10575007

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.