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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

Seats complaints

3 reports
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78,000 miles · Mar 8, 2017
Air BagsSeats

THE ACTIVATING SWITCH FOR THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG FAILED AROUND 78,000 MILES. THIS SEAT SWITCH ACTIVATES THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SAFETY SYSTEM WHEN AN OCCUPANT SITS DOWN IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I WAS TOLD AT THE TIME WE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL REPAIR DONE TO THE CAR THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REPLACE THE BROKEN SEAT SWITCH…

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THE ACTIVATING SWITCH FOR THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG FAILED AROUND 78,000 MILES. THIS SEAT SWITCH ACTIVATES THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SAFETY SYSTEM WHEN AN OCCUPANT SITS DOWN IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I WAS TOLD AT THE TIME WE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL REPAIR DONE TO THE CAR THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REPLACE THE BROKEN SEAT SWITCH WAS TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT COVER. TO DO THIS REQUIRES AN INITIAL OUTLAY OF $150.00 DOLLARS FOR THE PART( THE SWITCH IS WOVEN INTO THE SEAT FABRIC)PLUS LABOR TO INSTALL(PRICE UNKNOWN)AT THE DEALERSHIP. WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE,WEIGHT OR GENDER ANY FRONT SEAT PASSENGER MAY BELIEVE THEY ARE PROTECTED UPON READING THE DASHBOARD 'AIRBAG' SIGN WHEN SITTING IN THE CAR. THE PANEL-MOUNTED INDICATOR FOR THAT AIRBAG IS A LIGHTED DISPLAY WHICH, IN DAYLIGHT, IS HARD TO SEE WITHOUT CUPPING YOUR HAND OVER THE ANNUNCIATOR-OR WAIT UNTIL NIGHTFALL , GET SOMEBODY TO SIT IN THE SEAT, AND THEN CHECK OUT THE DASH LIGHT.

NHTSA ODI #10959549

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2011
Seat BeltsSeatsUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury

MY WIFE AN I WERE STOPPED AT MIDDLEBROOK PIKE TRAFFIC LIGHT WAITING FOR THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO PASS ON WESTERN AVENUE IN KNOXVILLE,TENNESSEE SO THAT WE COULD MAKE A RIGHT TURN. WE WERE REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHO FAILED TO STOP. MY SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME ,I WAS BOUNCING BACK AND FORTH SEVERAL TIMES(I REMEMBER GOING…

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MY WIFE AN I WERE STOPPED AT MIDDLEBROOK PIKE TRAFFIC LIGHT WAITING FOR THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO PASS ON WESTERN AVENUE IN KNOXVILLE,TENNESSEE SO THAT WE COULD MAKE A RIGHT TURN. WE WERE REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHO FAILED TO STOP. MY SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME ,I WAS BOUNCING BACK AND FORTH SEVERAL TIMES(I REMEMBER GOING BACK AND FORTH AROUND 3 TO 4 TIMES BEFORE IT KNOCKED ME OUT). THE SEAT BELT JUST DID NOT HOLD ME ! AT THAT TIME I WEIGHED ABOUT 250 TO 260LBS. I WAS PARALYZED FROM THE WAIST DOWN FOR ABOUT 9 DAYS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HOSPITAL IN KNOXVILLE ON THE NEURO FLOOR. I HAVE BEEN TO [XXX] REHABATION SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY HAVE FITTED ME FOR A POWER WHEEL CHAIR. IF THE SEATBELT WOULD HAVE WORKED PROPERLY I WOULD NOT BE IN THIS SITUATION THE HEAD REST IS BENT AND LOOSE WERE MY HEAD BOUNCED OFF OF IT SEVERALTIMES, AN THE SEAT ITSELF MOVES WHEN IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE STATIONARY(IT CAN GO FORWARD OR BACKWARD) WITHOUT WARNING.THE CAR DEALER SAID THEY WAS A RECALL ON THE SEAT BELTS ON THIS CAR BUT THEY NEVER DID FIX THEM. THE CAR DEALER HAD PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT VEHICLES SIGN PAPERS THAT THEY HAD THEIR PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION WHEN THEY DID NOT. THE DEALER WOULD GIVE THEM A TANK OF GAS FOR IT AN ALSO FOR ANY LETTER FROM GM ON RANKING THE LOCAL DEALER'S SERVICE FAVORABLY ONLY. THIS DEALER KNEW OF SEVERAL RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE BUT THEY DID NOT WANT TO FIX THEM UNDER THE MANUFACTURE WARRANTY.MY WIFE CALLED GM HEADQUARTERS AND THEY TOLD HER THAT IF SHE HAD ANY MORE PROBLEMS WITH HER CAR THEY WOULD REPLACE IT . I ALSO HAVE A SPINAL CORD INJURY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10428777

5 miles · Mar 4, 2007
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

(1) CAR SHUTS ITSELF OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. DURING@ RUSH HOUR I VEERED AWAY ( W-NO POWER TO CAR ),FROM TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. PARKED ,SHUT CAR OFF, TOOK KEY OUT OF IGNITION, THEN REPLACED AND STARTED IT BACK UP, AND PROCEEDED ENROUTE. (2) AFTER MARKET CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE TO SHUT OFF AND TURN ON. (3) …

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(1) CAR SHUTS ITSELF OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. DURING@ RUSH HOUR I VEERED AWAY ( W-NO POWER TO CAR ),FROM TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. PARKED ,SHUT CAR OFF, TOOK KEY OUT OF IGNITION, THEN REPLACED AND STARTED IT BACK UP, AND PROCEEDED ENROUTE. (2) AFTER MARKET CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE TO SHUT OFF AND TURN ON. (3) RESULT OF ABOVE (2)AFTER MARKET CRUISE CONTROL TAKES ITS OWN MIND AND DECIDES TO FULLY ACCELERATE UNTIL GEARING DOWN IN HOPES IT 'AWAKES' THE COMPUTER (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION),THEN CRUISE CONTROL WILL FINALLY SHUT OFF. (CONSEQUENCE ) PASSENGER HAD A HEART ATTACK. I CALLED A TAXI. "HE'S OK" (4) SERVICE AIR BAGS LIGHT HAVE BEEN ON SINCE 20,K MILES I NOW HAVE 47,XXX MILES. (5)STOCK TIRES AND RIMS WOBBLE WITH IRRITATING CONTINOUS NOISES -CAN'T GE RID OF IT. (6) STOCK SEATS DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES BOTH WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLYTHEY ARE REALLY SLANTEDLIKE THIS ( / \ ). (7) A CLUNKING BUCKET SOUNDING NOISE FILLS VERY SLOWLY, (HEALTH PROBLEMS) AN ODOR IS ALWAYS PRESENT LEAVING ME LIGHT HEADED ,NAUTIOUS WHILE DRIVING, DIZZY EXITING CAR,AND WITH BREATHING PROBLEMS -LIKE SHORTNESS OF BREATH. I HAVE SEVERE BACK PROBLEMS NOW, AND CAN NOT SIT IN THE CAR FOR MORE THAN 20 MIN, UPON A BREAK OF FRESH AIR AND A WALK FOR THE SPINE. (8) BRAKES SOUND AND FEEL (WHEN APPLIED),SCRATCHY.@5,000 MILES THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP HAD TO TURN AND SHAVE ALLREADY MY DISC BRAKES SAYING THEY WERE WORN IN. (9) MY HEATER MAKES A LOT OF NOISES WHEN USING IT. (10) ACCELERATION HESITATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10184153

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.