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2006 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

1,950 reports with mileage · 380 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 1,299 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 412 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 255 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

164 crash reports14 fire reports81 injury reports

Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints

29 reports
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90,000 miles · Jan 18, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Vehicle Speed Control

AFTER RECALL ON IGNITION SWITCH MY CAR STILL STALLS AND THE POWER LOCKS GO UP AND WHILE DRIVING AND IT SOMETIMES WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK

NHTSA ODI #10820782

85 miles · Nov 1, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 80. THE CAR BECAME JERKY WHILE TAKING A SLIGHT LEFT (ALMOST LIKE A DELAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL). CAME TO A LIGHT AND THE IDLE STARTING FLIRTING. DROVE FORWARD IT LURCHED A BIT WENT AND PULLED IN. WHILE STOPPED I SHIFTED BETWEEN DRIVE, P…

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TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 80. THE CAR BECAME JERKY WHILE TAKING A SLIGHT LEFT (ALMOST LIKE A DELAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL). CAME TO A LIGHT AND THE IDLE STARTING FLIRTING. DROVE FORWARD IT LURCHED A BIT WENT AND PULLED IN. WHILE STOPPED I SHIFTED BETWEEN DRIVE, PARK REV, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLAM INTO GEAR. IDLE FLUTTERED. SHUT OFF VEHICLE FOR 20 SECONDS LIGHTS AND ISSUE WENT AWAY. CAR IS AT 117,000KM

NHTSA ODI #10787495

Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS SUPPOSEDLY CHANGED, STILL HAVING TROUBLE STARTING THE CAR. DIFFICULT TO STEER, SENSORS AREN'T WORKING. STATIONARY WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, SENSOR LIGHTS COMES ON WHEN DRIVING, CITY HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #10787492

106,000 miles · Jul 20, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

I WAS DRIVING 60MPH DOWN MAIN HIGHWAY WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN THE RPMS WENT REALLY HIGH AND THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, TURNED THE CAR OF AND BACK ON STARTED DRIVING AGAIN. THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR AND WAS HARD TO STEER. STARTED GOING UP A SMALL H…

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I WAS DRIVING 60MPH DOWN MAIN HIGHWAY WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN THE RPMS WENT REALLY HIGH AND THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, TURNED THE CAR OF AND BACK ON STARTED DRIVING AGAIN. THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR AND WAS HARD TO STEER. STARTED GOING UP A SMALL HILL TO TRY AND GET IT OF MAIN ROAD AND IT STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HILL. THESE CARS ARE NOTHING BUT A SAFETY HAZARD AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE!

NHTSA ODI #10735148

195,000 miles · Jul 6, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainSteering

ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHT (T/C) REAPPEAR DOES NOT TURN OFF THROUGH NORMAL DRIVE. TEMPATURE DISPLAY NOT OBTAIN DATA FOR OUTSIDE HEAR INDEX. POWER STEERING WARNING IS SHOWING DURING USUAL OPERATION SMALL RESISTANCE WITH TURNING OF WHEEL NOT NOTICEABLE IF UNAWARE OF CAR CAPABILITIES. POWER TRAIN POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE NO POW…

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ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHT (T/C) REAPPEAR DOES NOT TURN OFF THROUGH NORMAL DRIVE. TEMPATURE DISPLAY NOT OBTAIN DATA FOR OUTSIDE HEAR INDEX. POWER STEERING WARNING IS SHOWING DURING USUAL OPERATION SMALL RESISTANCE WITH TURNING OF WHEEL NOT NOTICEABLE IF UNAWARE OF CAR CAPABILITIES. POWER TRAIN POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION FAILURE NO POWER GOING UP A VERTICAL HIGHWAY HEIGHT CAUSES STOPPAGE OF MOMENTUM WHILE EXCELERATOR IS BEING APPLIED TO THE MAX. TAKEN CAR TO DEALER FOR PROFESSIONAL OPINION CONSIDERING THE ASKING PRICE BEING HUGE THAT NUMBER OF DEFECTS ARE LARGE ONLY HAVING THE CAR FOR TWO YEARS THESE PROBLEMS ARE EXHAUSTING.

NHTSA ODI #10732179

110,000 miles · May 5, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringCrashInjury

VEHICLE GAVE OFF 3 CHIMES WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND THE T/C LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. VARIOUS OTHER LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD STARTED FLASHING AND THE CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER. "POWER STEERING" READ ACROSS THE LED READOUT AND THE VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE VEHICLE ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECT…

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VEHICLE GAVE OFF 3 CHIMES WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND THE T/C LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. VARIOUS OTHER LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD STARTED FLASHING AND THE CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER. "POWER STEERING" READ ACROSS THE LED READOUT AND THE VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE VEHICLE ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. A HEAD-ON COLLISION ENSUED WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10714708

68,110 miles · Feb 12, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System

I LIVE IN BUFFALO, NY SO THIS IS MORE OF A PROBLEM THAN NOT. DURING THE COLD MONTHS WENT HE TEMPERATURE GOES BELOW 20 DEGREES THE CAR FAILS TO START. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, SPARK PLUGS, INTAKE, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, AND BATTERY. I WILL BE TRYING THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEXT. THE CAR WILL CRANK STRONG, AND CONTINUE…

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I LIVE IN BUFFALO, NY SO THIS IS MORE OF A PROBLEM THAN NOT. DURING THE COLD MONTHS WENT HE TEMPERATURE GOES BELOW 20 DEGREES THE CAR FAILS TO START. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, SPARK PLUGS, INTAKE, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, AND BATTERY. I WILL BE TRYING THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEXT. THE CAR WILL CRANK STRONG, AND CONTINUE TO CRANK FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. IT WILL THEN STOP, AND BEGIN TO CRANK AGAIN WHEN THE KEY IS AGAIN TURNED. HOWEVER THE CAR NEVER TURNS OVER. THE ONLY THING I CAN IMAGINE IS THAT SOMETHING IS COMMUNICATING WITH THE ECM OR ECU, NOT TO START. THIS ONLY OCCURS WHEN IT IS VERY COLD OUT AS I PURCHASED THE CAR IN LATE SEPTEMBER, THEREFORE I HAVE TO EXPERIENCE WITH THE VEHICLE IN WARM TEMPERATURES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10682992

137,000 miles · Jan 25, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineSteering

WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 65MPH AND CAR SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING AND READING ENGINE DISABLED. PULLED OVER TURNED IT OFF AND BACK ON THE SAME THING HAPPENED 5 MINUTES LATER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10678781

94,548 miles · Jun 25, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD THREE DINGS AND MY CAR FLASHES POWER STEERING, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEERING TO THE NEXT LANE TO TRY AND GET OFF THE FREEWAY THEN IT JUST SUDDENLY STARTED WORKING FINE. BUT NOW I'M WORRIED THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. I'VE RECEIVED TWO LETTER ABOUT THE RECALL BUT NO DEALER IN MY AREA HAS THE PARTS, WAS …

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DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD THREE DINGS AND MY CAR FLASHES POWER STEERING, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEERING TO THE NEXT LANE TO TRY AND GET OFF THE FREEWAY THEN IT JUST SUDDENLY STARTED WORKING FINE. BUT NOW I'M WORRIED THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. I'VE RECEIVED TWO LETTER ABOUT THE RECALL BUT NO DEALER IN MY AREA HAS THE PARTS, WAS TOLD I'D BE CALLED WHEN THEY ARRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10605831

80,000 miles · May 13, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFuel/propulsion System

MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT SS SUPERCHARGED STARTED MALFUNCTIONING IN FEB 2013 DRIVING THE HWY THE CAR WOULD JOLT AS IF IT WAS RUNNING OUT OF GAS SAME THING OCCURRED ON APRIL 2013. THE BIG PROBLEM HAPPENED SEPT 2013, DRIVING 75 ON THE FWY MY COBALT STARTED TO JOLT AND LOOSE POWER AND THE SPEED STARTED SLOWING DOWN ALL THE WAY TO 30MPG …

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MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT SS SUPERCHARGED STARTED MALFUNCTIONING IN FEB 2013 DRIVING THE HWY THE CAR WOULD JOLT AS IF IT WAS RUNNING OUT OF GAS SAME THING OCCURRED ON APRIL 2013. THE BIG PROBLEM HAPPENED SEPT 2013, DRIVING 75 ON THE FWY MY COBALT STARTED TO JOLT AND LOOSE POWER AND THE SPEED STARTED SLOWING DOWN ALL THE WAY TO 30MPG I WAS BARLEY ABLE TO MAKE MY WAY THROUGH TRAFFIC TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, ONCE PULLED OVER MY COBALT DIDN'T WANT TO START AND WHEN IT DID IT WOULD ONLY GO ABOUT 100 FEET AND SLOW DOWN THEN TURN OFF. SINCE THEN MY COBALT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. AT LOW RPM'S IT DIES OFF. SINCE THAT DAY MY BOOST GAUGE DOESN'T WORK. MY MPG'S HAVE DRAMATICALLY FELL ABOUT 10, ILL FILL UP HALF THE TANK AND THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW IT DROPS TO EMPTY. ALSO WHILE DRIVING WHEN I HIT POT HOLES THE CAR TURNS OFF. IT HAS A HARD TIME STARTING UP. I'VE READ THROUGH THE FORUMS AND OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS YET AND IF NOT WHO NOT?! WOULDN'T YOU THINK CARS FAILING ON THE FWY IS A MAJOR RED FLAG? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10588242

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.

09V419000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Oct 29, 2009

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, NEVADA AND TEXAS. THE PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN PORT ON THE MODULAR RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. IF EITHER OF THESE PORTS DEVELOPS A CRACK, FUEL WILL LEAK FROM THE AREA. IF THE CRACK BECOMES LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY BE OBSERVED DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL COVERAGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME FOR MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE AND TEXAS AND MODEL YEAR 2007 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN: ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 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.

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.