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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

What owners actually said

2,330 reports
145,000 miles · Dec 11, 2017
Steering

STARTED CAR EARLY IN THE MORNING 25 DEGREES OUT. NOTICE THAT SAYS "POWER STEERING " CAME ON ON THE DISPLAY. PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY, DIDN'T NOTICE ANY TROUBLE UNTIL I TRIED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL (NO POWER STEERING) . IT STAYED ON FOR ABOUT A HALF MILE ON NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS. THEN DISPLAY WAS GONE AND CAR DROVE FINE. I DROVE…

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STARTED CAR EARLY IN THE MORNING 25 DEGREES OUT. NOTICE THAT SAYS "POWER STEERING " CAME ON ON THE DISPLAY. PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY, DIDN'T NOTICE ANY TROUBLE UNTIL I TRIED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL (NO POWER STEERING) . IT STAYED ON FOR ABOUT A HALF MILE ON NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS. THEN DISPLAY WAS GONE AND CAR DROVE FINE. I DROVE FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF, ON HIGHWAY ,AND PARKED FOR 6 HOURS. AGAIN, STARTED THE CAR AND "POWER STEERING " DISPLAYED AGAIN. NO POWER STEERING AGAIN. I WAS PARKED IN A PARKING STRUCTURE AND AFTER A COUPLE OF CORNERS THE DISPLAY WAS GONE. DROVE HOME ON FREEWAY, EVERYTHING WAS FINE. STOPPED A COUPLE OF TIMES WITH NO PROBLEM. PARKED. A COUPLE HOURS LATER HUSBAND DROVE TO THE GAS STATION THE ON NEIGHBORHOOD STREET. " POWER STEERING " DISPLAYED AGAIN, IT DID NOT SHOT OFF. GAS STATION WAS ONLY MILE ROUND TRIP. CAR STAYED PARKED FROM 5PM 12/10 TILL 12PM 12/11. NO POWER STEERING AGAIN FOR ABOUT 6 BLOCKS ON NEIGHBORHOOD ST.. WENT INTO STORE, LEFT NO POWER STEERING AGAIN. POWER STEERING CAME BACK JUST AFTER A BLOCK. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET.

NHTSA ODI #11054068

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2017
EngineSteering

POWER STEERING FAILURE AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DASHBOARD. CAR IS DRIVABLE BUT POWER STEERING FAILS OFTEN AT TIMES WHEN DRIVING. WAS ALMOST IN BAD CAR ACCIDENT IF I HAD NOT PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11052842

1,700,000 miles · Dec 4, 2017
Unknown Or Other

A FEW YEARS AGO I HAD MY CAR SENT IN FOR THE RECALL THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. NOW I AM HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AGAIN! WHEN I COME TO A STOP OR SLOW DOWN AT AN INTERSECTION THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF AND LOSE ALL POWER! I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH AND THIS IS STILL HAPPENING FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE. MECHANICS CANNOT G…

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A FEW YEARS AGO I HAD MY CAR SENT IN FOR THE RECALL THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. NOW I AM HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AGAIN! WHEN I COME TO A STOP OR SLOW DOWN AT AN INTERSECTION THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF AND LOSE ALL POWER! I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH AND THIS IS STILL HAPPENING FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE. MECHANICS CANNOT GIVE A FOR SURE ANSWER AS TO WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE CAUSING THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11052288

40,000 miles · Nov 12, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

THE VEHICLE CAN MESS UP FROM EITHER DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY OR TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE ON CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY THAT THE ENGINE STALLS AND SAYS "ENGINE POWER REDUCED" THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALONG WITH THE T/C LIGHT COMES ON. IT HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES IN JUST 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING, MORE FOR LONGER TRIPS. IT WILL EVEN …

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THE VEHICLE CAN MESS UP FROM EITHER DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY OR TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE ON CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY THAT THE ENGINE STALLS AND SAYS "ENGINE POWER REDUCED" THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALONG WITH THE T/C LIGHT COMES ON. IT HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES IN JUST 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING, MORE FOR LONGER TRIPS. IT WILL EVEN DO IT IN 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING. YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN VEHICLE OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN IT DRIVES FINE FOR MAYBE A MILE DOWN THE ROAD BEFORE IT DOES IT AGAIN, OR, YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING IT WITH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BOARD TRYING TO GET SPEED WHICH IF YOU DO THE CAR SHIFTS GEAR VERY BADLY AND RIDES ROUGH BUT WHEN YOU'RE TRYING TO GET TO WORK ON TIME YOU DO WHAT YOU HAVE TOO. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC 3 TIMES OVER THIS. THROTTLE BODY WAS CHANGED (TWICE), THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND CLEANED THE WIRES. ONE MECHANIC WAS THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY NEEDED IT THERE WHEN IT HAPPENED TO BETTER DIAGNOSE THE SITUATION. I DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO LET THEM JUST KEEP MY VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR. I BOUGHT IT USED. I HAVE A LOAN ON THE VEHICLE AND I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS ANY FURTHER THAN I HAVE TO BECAUSE I KNOW THE VEHICLE WILL MESS UP. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN THAT I HAVE TO PUT IN THIS VEHICLE TO TAKE PLACES. THIS VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WANT HELP WITH THIS SITUATION!! THIS FIRST HAPPENED IN NOVEMBER OF 2016. I DO NOT KNOW THE DAY SPECIFICALLY. I DO REMEMBER IT DID NOT FALL UNDER THE DEALERSHIPS WARRANTY THAT I GOT IT FROM.

NHTSA ODI #11045473

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

SOME TIME AGO I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE FUEL LINES. I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR. CURRENTLY I HAVE AN ACTIVE FUEL LEAK AROUND FUEL TANK WHEN DRIVING. SOMEBODY TOLD ME ABOUT THIS WEBSITE, SO I AM WRITING HERE TO SEE IF SOMEBODY CAN ENFORCE RECALL FOR MY CAR. I DON'T REMEMBER NOW WHEN I WAS REJECTED…

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SOME TIME AGO I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE FUEL LINES. I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR. CURRENTLY I HAVE AN ACTIVE FUEL LEAK AROUND FUEL TANK WHEN DRIVING. SOMEBODY TOLD ME ABOUT THIS WEBSITE, SO I AM WRITING HERE TO SEE IF SOMEBODY CAN ENFORCE RECALL FOR MY CAR. I DON'T REMEMBER NOW WHEN I WAS REJECTED, SO I WILL PUT /1/1/2016 FOR THE DATE. THANKS.

NHTSA ODI #11045384

150,000 miles · Nov 2, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT SS SMELLS OF GAS BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE WITH MY MAKE/MODEL/YEAR OF CAR AND FOUND THAT OTHER STATES (NOT MINE), HAD A RECALL INVOLVING THE FUEL PUMP ON THIS CAR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY OTHER STATES DIDN'T RECALL THIS ISSUE WHEN MANY OTHER STATES HAVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS …

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MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT SS SMELLS OF GAS BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE WITH MY MAKE/MODEL/YEAR OF CAR AND FOUND THAT OTHER STATES (NOT MINE), HAD A RECALL INVOLVING THE FUEL PUMP ON THIS CAR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY OTHER STATES DIDN'T RECALL THIS ISSUE WHEN MANY OTHER STATES HAVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE? I LIVE IN MICHIGAN AND MANY OTHERS HAVE POSTED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR CAR YET NONE OF US ARE IN THE 2 STATES WITH THE RECALL. ALL STATES SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS THIS CAN CAUSE A FIRE! I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS TO BE FIXED WHEN IT IS OBVIOULSY A SERIOUS PROBLEM!

NHTSA ODI #11042553

Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

CAR IS LEAKING GAS BADLY FROM TOP OF GAS TANK.

NHTSA ODI #11041409

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2017
Steering

MY RACK AND PINION WHICH IS PART OF THE POWER STEERING HAS SEPARATED AND I AM HAVING TROUBLE STEERING. I HAD MY CAR DIAGNOSED RECENTLY AND THEY MECHANICS AT MIDAS GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE SAYING I NEED TO HAVE MY RACK AND PINION REPLACED. MY RACK AND PINION IS CLANGING TOGETHER WHERE IT SEPARATED WHEN I DRIVE. THE MECHANICS TOLD ME M…

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MY RACK AND PINION WHICH IS PART OF THE POWER STEERING HAS SEPARATED AND I AM HAVING TROUBLE STEERING. I HAD MY CAR DIAGNOSED RECENTLY AND THEY MECHANICS AT MIDAS GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE SAYING I NEED TO HAVE MY RACK AND PINION REPLACED. MY RACK AND PINION IS CLANGING TOGETHER WHERE IT SEPARATED WHEN I DRIVE. THE MECHANICS TOLD ME MY STEERING COULD GO OUT AT ANY TIME

NHTSA ODI #11039307

140,000 miles · Oct 19, 2017
Steering

ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING LOCKS UP

NHTSA ODI #11034735

180,000 miles · Oct 11, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

MY 2006 COBALT KEEPS SMELLING LIKE GASOLINE FUEL. I CHECKED THE BOTOM AND IT IS LEAKING FUEL NOT SURE IF ITS FROM FUEL LINES ON GAS TANK.

NHTSA ODI #11032991

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.