NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
2,330 reports163,400 miles · Sep 11, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER, THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATED, AND THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER, THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATED, AND THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,400.
NHTSA ODI #10763232
163,000 miles · Sep 9, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
STRONG SMELL OF GAS EMITTING FROM REAR OF CAR. NOTICE MORE AND GETS STRONGER AFTER ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR. FUEL IS LEAKING AND GAS MILEAGE DROPPED FROM AROUND 28-29 TO LESS THAN 10MPG. I HAVE CALLED LOCAL DEALER(2) AND BOTH ARE REFUSING TO REMEDY EVEN THOUGH THIS IS NOT A NEW COMPLAINT OR DEFECT BUT ONE IN CHEVROLET'S DESIG…
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STRONG SMELL OF GAS EMITTING FROM REAR OF CAR. NOTICE MORE AND GETS STRONGER AFTER ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR. FUEL IS LEAKING AND GAS MILEAGE DROPPED FROM AROUND 28-29 TO LESS THAN 10MPG. I HAVE CALLED LOCAL DEALER(2) AND BOTH ARE REFUSING TO REMEDY EVEN THOUGH THIS IS NOT A NEW COMPLAINT OR DEFECT BUT ONE IN CHEVROLET'S DESIGN AND THEY HAVE ADMITTED SUCH YET REFUSE TO FIX.
NHTSA ODI #10762523
136,000 miles · Aug 29, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
THE FUEL LINES ARE LEAKING WHERE THE LINES CONNECT TO THE FUEL PUMP. IT IS CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF GAS TO SATURATE THE TOP OF THE TANK AND RUN DOWN THE REAR OF THE TANK.
NHTSA ODI #10760120
103,000 miles · Aug 28, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OVER A HILL ON A RAILROAD TRACK, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FOREHEAD, A BRUISE ON THE HAIRLINE, AND WHIPLASH THAT DID N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OVER A HILL ON A RAILROAD TRACK, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FOREHEAD, A BRUISE ON THE HAIRLINE, AND WHIPLASH THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #10760018
134,000 miles · Aug 27, 2015
Unknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING ALL OF A SUDDEN SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING T/C LIGHT CAME ON POWERSTEERING LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WOULDN'T GO PASS 35 AND DOOR LOCKS KEPT ON LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WHILE DRIVING. GM IS SAYING THERE'S NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHEN PARKED CAR CAME OUT LATER CAR WOULDN'T START BUT THEN NEXT DAY IT STARTED BUT SAME LIG…
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WHILE DRIVING ALL OF A SUDDEN SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING T/C LIGHT CAME ON POWERSTEERING LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WOULDN'T GO PASS 35 AND DOOR LOCKS KEPT ON LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WHILE DRIVING. GM IS SAYING THERE'S NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHEN PARKED CAR CAME OUT LATER CAR WOULDN'T START BUT THEN NEXT DAY IT STARTED BUT SAME LIGHTS WENT ON BUT THEN CAR NEVER STARTED AGAIN,EVEN THOUGH WE REPLACED BATTERY.
NHTSA ODI #10759733
126,000 miles · Aug 26, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
NHTSA ODI #10759415
7,358 miles · Aug 24, 2015
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,358.
NHTSA ODI #10758964
162,000 miles · Aug 24, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, STRONG FUEL FUMES EMITTED FROM THE REAR OUTER PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
NHTSA ODI #10758926
90,000 miles · Aug 19, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
EVERYTIME WE DRIVE OUR COBALT WE HAVE A HARD TIME STARTING IT. AFTER A FEW DAYS WITH IT BEING HARD TO START WE THEN STARTED SMELLING A STRONG GAS ODOR ON THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE OF THE CAR. I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL PUMP, BUT FOR SOME REASON IT IS ONLY IN CERTAIN STATES AND OF COURSE MY STATE (MICHIGAN) IS NOT INCLU…
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EVERYTIME WE DRIVE OUR COBALT WE HAVE A HARD TIME STARTING IT. AFTER A FEW DAYS WITH IT BEING HARD TO START WE THEN STARTED SMELLING A STRONG GAS ODOR ON THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE OF THE CAR. I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL PUMP, BUT FOR SOME REASON IT IS ONLY IN CERTAIN STATES AND OF COURSE MY STATE (MICHIGAN) IS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA ODI #10749649
68,500 miles · Aug 11, 2015
Steering
POWER STEERING GOES OUT. ITS HAPPENED GOING 27 MPH AND ITS HAPPENED GOING 68 MPH. STARTED ACCRUING AROUND 68,500 MILES BUT WHEN I REACHED MY DESTINATION I TURNED IT OFF AND BACK ON AND THE POWER STEERING TURNED BACK ON. MY CAR IS A STANDARD SO IT CAN BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF AND BACK ON QUICKLY BUT IT STILL ISN'T SAFE …
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POWER STEERING GOES OUT. ITS HAPPENED GOING 27 MPH AND ITS HAPPENED GOING 68 MPH. STARTED ACCRUING AROUND 68,500 MILES BUT WHEN I REACHED MY DESTINATION I TURNED IT OFF AND BACK ON AND THE POWER STEERING TURNED BACK ON. MY CAR IS A STANDARD SO IT CAN BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF AND BACK ON QUICKLY BUT IT STILL ISN'T SAFE FOR ANYBODY TO DRIVE LIKE THIS I GOT THIS CAR FROM AN OLDER LADY AND I SEE WHY SHE SOLD IT BECAUSE OF HOW DANGEROUS THIS MATTER IS. TO YOUNG PEOPLE AS WELL
NHTSA ODI #10747716
Official recalls
5Apr 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.
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. GMs 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. GMs 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. GMs 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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
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