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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
205,000 miles · Aug 9, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. A PUDDLE OF FUEL WAS DISCOVERED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD A REBUILT TITLE AND THE DEAL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. A PUDDLE OF FUEL WAS DISCOVERED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD A REBUILT TITLE AND THE DEALER WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE SPECIAL COVERAGE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 205,000.

NHTSA ODI #10894431

80,000 miles · Aug 8, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

I KEPT SMELLING A VERY STRONG GAS ODOR AND SAW GAS DROPS UNDER MY CAR. WHEN DRIVING, CAR WOULD FEEL SHAKY LIKE IT WANTED TO STALL AND WHEN I STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE CAR WOULD SHAKE VERY HARD AND THEN IT WOULD ACTUALLY STALL. IT STARTED OUT AS A LEAKY FUEL LINE BUT TURNED INTO BOTH FUEL LINES SNAPPING OFF THE FUEL …

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I KEPT SMELLING A VERY STRONG GAS ODOR AND SAW GAS DROPS UNDER MY CAR. WHEN DRIVING, CAR WOULD FEEL SHAKY LIKE IT WANTED TO STALL AND WHEN I STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE CAR WOULD SHAKE VERY HARD AND THEN IT WOULD ACTUALLY STALL. IT STARTED OUT AS A LEAKY FUEL LINE BUT TURNED INTO BOTH FUEL LINES SNAPPING OFF THE FUEL PUMP. I HAD IT REPAIRED IN JUNE, 2016. THERE IS A "SILENT RECALL" ON THIS PART, BUT NOT FOR MICHIGAN CARS (WHY NOT MICHIGAN CARS.. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM .. THE STALLING ISSUE AND THE FIRE ISSUE). ALTHOUGH THIS "SILENT RECALL" OR THE "SPECIAL WARRANTY" GM ISSUED TO COVER THIS PART DOES NOT EXPIRE, THE TIME TO GET REIMBURSED EXPIRED IN 2014, WHICH MAKES NO SENSE. MY CAR DIDN'T BREAK UNTIL 2016, HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO FILE A CLAIM 2 YEARS PRIOR TO IT BREAKING?

NHTSA ODI #10894050

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

I WAS DRIVING AND I PULLED OVER TO A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL.... I WALKED AROUND MY CAR, TIGHTENED MY GAS CAP. EVEN REPLACED. AND NOW FUEL IS POURING OUT ON MY DRIVERS SIDE THROUGH ONE OF THE LINES. NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE. BUT IS VERY HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE WITH.

NHTSA ODI #10893765

87,000 miles · Aug 4, 2016
SteeringSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND EXPERIENCED VIOLENT SHAKING WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND EXPERIENCED VIOLENT SHAKING WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 87,000.

NHTSA ODI #10893086

90,000 miles · Aug 3, 2016
Electrical System

ALARM SOUNDS EVERY TIME DOOR IS OPENED. IT DOESN'T STOP UNTIL KEY IS PUT IN IGNITION AND TURNED. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHETHER IT IS OPENED WITH THE FOB OR THE KEY. LOCKS ALSO RANDOMLY LOCK AND UNLOCK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL ON THIS? THIS APPARENTLY IS A PROBLEM IN THIS MAKE OF CAR.

NHTSA ODI #10892784

200,000 miles · Jul 26, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

LEAKING FUEL.. EXTREMELY STRONG FUEL SMELL. HAPPENS WHETHER IN MOTION OR WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ODI #10888731

154,000 miles · Jul 24, 2016
Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT SPEED IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AFTER TAKING FOOT OFF GAS. THE DOORS ALSO STARTED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK AND EVERY LIGHT POSSIBLE ON THE DASH CAME ON. SPEEDOMETER READ ZERO EVEN THOUGHT STILL MOVING.

NHTSA ODI #10888044

181,000 miles · Jul 10, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringVehicle Speed Control

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING ABOUT 38 MPH AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING BEEPED AND DISPLAYED ON MY DASH. THE STEERING TIGHTENED UP A BIT, AND THE CAR SLOWED DOWN, AS I WAS DRIVING (I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO BECAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER THEN DROPPED TO ZERO, BUT THE TACHOMETER CONTINUED TO REV (I WANT TO…

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I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING ABOUT 38 MPH AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING BEEPED AND DISPLAYED ON MY DASH. THE STEERING TIGHTENED UP A BIT, AND THE CAR SLOWED DOWN, AS I WAS DRIVING (I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO BECAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER THEN DROPPED TO ZERO, BUT THE TACHOMETER CONTINUED TO REV (I WANT TO SAY) BETWEEN 2 & 3 RPM, WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL IN MOTION. THE LOCKS WERE CLICKING UP AND DOWN TOO WHILE THIS WAS ALL HAPPENING. THEN THE CAR BUCKED AND THE SPEEDOMETER BEGAN WORKING. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT REMAINED LIT DURING THE WHOLE TIME. I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT FOR SAFETY. THIS WAS CLEARLY A DRIVING SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE VEHICLE SLOWING DOWN WHEN THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THERE WERE OTHER AFFECTED PARTS, BUT I WAS NOT ABLE TO SELECT THE BOXES: ELECTRICAL; OTHER (SPEEDOMETER) THIS ALSO HAPPENED TODAY: 07/10/16, PROMPTING ANOTHER COMPLAINT TO BE FILED.

NHTSA ODI #10883860

102,230 miles · Jul 6, 2016
Steering

WHILE DRIVING MY 06 CHEVY COBALT, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND BLINKS CONTINUALLY AND MY STEERING WHEEL WILL BEGIN TO SHAKE. THE RECALL WAS CALLED AND MY CAR WAS SERVICED SO WHY IS THIS ISSUE HAPPENING AGAIN? IT'LL GO OFF FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND COME BACK ON. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX THIS, CHEVY NEEDS TO FIX T…

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WHILE DRIVING MY 06 CHEVY COBALT, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND BLINKS CONTINUALLY AND MY STEERING WHEEL WILL BEGIN TO SHAKE. THE RECALL WAS CALLED AND MY CAR WAS SERVICED SO WHY IS THIS ISSUE HAPPENING AGAIN? IT'LL GO OFF FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND COME BACK ON. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX THIS, CHEVY NEEDS TO FIX THIS, ONCE AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #10882975

146,000 miles · Jun 30, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE IGNITION KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY BY PRESSING SHIFT AND FORCING THE KEY OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE IGNITION KEY BECAME LODGED IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY BY PRESSING SHIFT AND FORCING THE KEY OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10881772

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.