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2007 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

1,276 reports with mileage · 288 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 689 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 283 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 281 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

116 crash reports16 fire reports72 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

281 reports
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89,000 miles · Nov 22, 2010
Electrical SystemPower Train

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON, POWER STEERING GOES OUT, RPM, SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGES GO TO ZERO THEN RAPIDLY MOVE BACK AND FORTH, TRANSMISSION SLIPS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND AUTO THEFT LIGHTS COME ON. I HAVE HAD THE POWER STEERING RECALL FIXED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES NOW. AT FIRST IT WOUL…

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DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON, POWER STEERING GOES OUT, RPM, SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGES GO TO ZERO THEN RAPIDLY MOVE BACK AND FORTH, TRANSMISSION SLIPS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND AUTO THEFT LIGHTS COME ON. I HAVE HAD THE POWER STEERING RECALL FIXED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES NOW. AT FIRST IT WOULD GO AWAY IF THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, HOWEVER, NOW I HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP IN 1.5 WEEKS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10367044

37,000 miles · Nov 19, 2010
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE INDICATOR SOUND IS NOT FUNCTIONING. HE STATED THAT THEY ARE FUNCTIONING BUT THE NOISE THAT OCCURRED WHEN SIGNALING IS THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. THE VIN WAS U…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE INDICATOR SOUND IS NOT FUNCTIONING. HE STATED THAT THEY ARE FUNCTIONING BUT THE NOISE THAT OCCURRED WHEN SIGNALING IS THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10366907

71,000 miles · Nov 15, 2010
Electrical SystemEquipment

THE LEFT FRONT SPEAKER STARTED GOING OUT (COULDN'T HEAR WORDS OR MUSIC WELL). SOON AFTER IT COMPLETELY QUIT WORKING AND WHEN IT QUIT SO DID THE RIGHT SIDE. IT'S ONLY THE DOOR SPEAKERS. THE BACK ONES WORK FINE.

NHTSA ODI #10365761

52,000 miles · Oct 31, 2010
Electrical System

SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEW ISSUES WITH RADIO AND LEFT SPEAKER, DASH LIGHTS FLASHING ON AND OFF, COMPLAINTS TO DEALER WENT UN-RESOLVED UNTIL WARRANTY WAS OVER THEN THEY WANTED TO LOOK AT IT. NOW AT 52,000 MILES INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHTS WENT OUT, STATIC ON RADIO. FOUND BLOWN FUSE, REPLACED AND IT BLEW OUT AGAIN, LEAVING ME WITH…

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SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEW ISSUES WITH RADIO AND LEFT SPEAKER, DASH LIGHTS FLASHING ON AND OFF, COMPLAINTS TO DEALER WENT UN-RESOLVED UNTIL WARRANTY WAS OVER THEN THEY WANTED TO LOOK AT IT. NOW AT 52,000 MILES INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHTS WENT OUT, STATIC ON RADIO. FOUND BLOWN FUSE, REPLACED AND IT BLEW OUT AGAIN, LEAVING ME WITH NO INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS OR TAIL LIGHTS. HAVE FOUND SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON OTHER WEB SITES. AS OF PRESENT TIME NO SOLUTION TO THE ISSUE. FAILURE OCCURRED AT 5AM WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10363427

20,000 miles · Oct 20, 2010
Electrical SystemSuspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN DECEMBER 2008, THE IGNITION FAILED AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. MARCH 2010, THE CONTACT HEARD A METAL GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT STRUTS, BUSHINGS, CO…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN DECEMBER 2008, THE IGNITION FAILED AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. MARCH 2010, THE CONTACT HEARD A METAL GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT STRUTS, BUSHINGS, CONTROL ARM SHAFT AND STABILIZER BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BUSHING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT TWO TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE STRUTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,000. UPDATED 01/12/11*LJ UPDATED 03/28/11

NHTSA ODI #10361335

68,000 miles · Oct 5, 2010
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesSteering

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF, THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS AS DOES THE IGNITION AND THE CAR CANNOT BE RESTARTED. THE CAR HAS BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THIS DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10359273

62,000 miles · May 19, 2010
Electrical SystemEquipment

THE LEFT FRONT SPEAKER STARTED GOING OUT (COULDN'T HEAR WORDS OR MUSIC WELL). SOON AFTER IT COMPLETELY QUIT WORKING AND WHEN IT QUIT SO DID THE RIGHT SIDE. IT'S ONLY THE DOOR SPEAKERS. THE BACK ONES WORK FINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10331307

42,000 miles · May 17, 2010
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A HEATING CORE FAILURE WHICH WAS REPAIRED. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ALSO MALFUNCTIONED ALONG WITH THE SIGNAL SOUND, SEAT BELTS, AIR CONDITIONING UNIT, SPEAKERS ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE AIR BAG WAS REPAIRED. TH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A HEATING CORE FAILURE WHICH WAS REPAIRED. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ALSO MALFUNCTIONED ALONG WITH THE SIGNAL SOUND, SEAT BELTS, AIR CONDITIONING UNIT, SPEAKERS ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE AIR BAG WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR OTHER REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,269. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000.

NHTSA ODI #10330782

56 miles · Mar 18, 2010
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY SHUT ON AND OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LIGHT SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE WARRANTY WAS VALID UNTIL MARCH 25, 2010; HOWEVER, THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY SHUT ON AND OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LIGHT SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE WARRANTY WAS VALID UNTIL MARCH 25, 2010; HOWEVER, THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER THREE TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18000.

NHTSA ODI #10320641

46,000 miles · Mar 4, 2010
Electrical System

THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND DRAINS THE BATTERY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10316856

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.

12V459000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Sep 19, 2012

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Texas. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 21, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles in for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

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.

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.