NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
125 reportsClear category filter33,197 miles · Jun 19, 2013
Electrical SystemPower Train
ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION AND THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION. I HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND HAD TO DROP THE CLUTCH AND STALL IT TO KILL THE ENGINE. CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 1 MONTH FOR BUMPER TO BUMPER. TALKED WITH MY LOCAL DEALER AND AFTER DISCUSSING IT WITH GM SAID THEY WOULD COVER THE $300-$400 REPAIR WITH $100 D…
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ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION AND THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION. I HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND HAD TO DROP THE CLUTCH AND STALL IT TO KILL THE ENGINE. CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 1 MONTH FOR BUMPER TO BUMPER. TALKED WITH MY LOCAL DEALER AND AFTER DISCUSSING IT WITH GM SAID THEY WOULD COVER THE $300-$400 REPAIR WITH $100 DEDUCTIBLE. I ORDERED AN AFTERMARKET IGNITION CYLINDER FOR $42 AND REPLACED IT MYSELF. I FOUND THE SPRING FOR ONE OF THE TUMBLERS POPPED OUT OF PLACE WHEN I REMOVED THE ORIGINAL. POOR DESIGN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520766
40,000 miles · Jun 11, 2013
Electrical SystemSteering
DRIVING AT 35 MPH AND PANEL LIGHT COMES ON SHOWING POWER STEERING. STEERING BECOMES REAL HARD MAKING TURNING THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE FORCE NEEDED TO TURN THE VEHICLE SLIGHTLY AND THE UNEXPECTED FREQUENT OCCURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM, MAKES THIS A SAFETY VIOLATION AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH OR…
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DRIVING AT 35 MPH AND PANEL LIGHT COMES ON SHOWING POWER STEERING. STEERING BECOMES REAL HARD MAKING TURNING THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE FORCE NEEDED TO TURN THE VEHICLE SLIGHTLY AND THE UNEXPECTED FREQUENT OCCURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM, MAKES THIS A SAFETY VIOLATION AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH OR EVEN A LIFE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED ON THIS AND I WAS TOLD MY PARTICULAR VIN MODEL NUMBER WAS NOT COVERED. I WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT OCCURRING ON 2010 MODELS AND THAT THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS OF 2010 COBALTS. IF THIS IS THE CASE, WHY ARE SOME 2010 MODELS COVERED WHILE OTHERS ARE NOT? I FEEL THE DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO COVER THIS RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THEY ARE PICKING AND CHOOSING WHICH VEHICLES TO REPAIR. IF THERE IS A RECALL, THEN THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE FIXED. THERE IS A RECALL AND T HE NHTSA SHOULD MAKE THEM REPAIR ALL 2010S NEEDING THIS REPAIR AND THE DEALER SHOULD NOT HAVE THE OPTION TO PICK AND CHOOSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10516214
37,000 miles · Jun 7, 2013
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ATTEMPTING TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS NOT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ATTEMPTING TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
NHTSA ODI #10515704
59,000 miles · Jun 7, 2013
Electrical System
AFTER PARKING THE CAR (2010 CHEVROLET COBALT), THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION OR TURN TO THE OFF POSITION. THE CAR IS A MANUAL, SO I HAD TO STALL IT OUT AND THEN UNHOOK THE BATTERY TO TURN EVERYTHING OFF. IT IS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS AT THE MECHANIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10515582
56,000 miles · Jun 3, 2013
Electrical SystemSteering
DRIVING TO WORK I NOTICED THE STEERING BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. I MADE IT TO WORK AND CALLED MY LOCAL SERVICE CENTER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. ONLINE I LOOKED UP A FEW THINGS AND OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM SAID IT WAS APPROXIMATELY $1,200 TO REPAIR. I ALSO SAW WHERE CHEVROLET ISSUED A RECALL…
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DRIVING TO WORK I NOTICED THE STEERING BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. I MADE IT TO WORK AND CALLED MY LOCAL SERVICE CENTER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. ONLINE I LOOKED UP A FEW THINGS AND OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM SAID IT WAS APPROXIMATELY $1,200 TO REPAIR. I ALSO SAW WHERE CHEVROLET ISSUED A RECALL BACK IN 2010 FOR THIS VEHICLE AND THE PRESS RELEASE STATED THAT "THIS IS A CONDITION THAT TAKES TIME TO DEVELOP" -- WHICH IS WHY IT DID NOT OCCUR IN MY VEHICLE UNTIL 3 YEARS LATER (THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL 2010). CAN THE RECALL STILL BE USED TO OBTAIN THIS REPAIR? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10514890
50,000 miles · May 15, 2013
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED TO POWER THE VEHICLE OFF BUT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE IGNITION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED TO POWER THE VEHICLE OFF BUT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE IGNITION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10512233
96,000 miles · Apr 30, 2013
Electrical System
THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF. CALLED CHEVY AND THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND IT. ALL OF THE 2009'S GOT RECALLED BECAUSE OF THAT INCIDENT, BUT THEY WILL DO NOTHING FOR ME ABOUT MY 2010!! WE DID HOWEVER, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY SO IT WOULDN'T GO DEAD! I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW CAR AND NOW I AM HAVING ISS…
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THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF. CALLED CHEVY AND THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND IT. ALL OF THE 2009'S GOT RECALLED BECAUSE OF THAT INCIDENT, BUT THEY WILL DO NOTHING FOR ME ABOUT MY 2010!! WE DID HOWEVER, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY SO IT WOULDN'T GO DEAD! I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW CAR AND NOW I AM HAVING ISSUES, DIDN'T BUY A NEW CAR TO HAVE ISSUES!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510167
600,010 miles · Feb 28, 2013
Electrical System
STARTED CAR NORMALLY. WENT TO TURN IT OFF. THE KEY WOULDN'T TURN OFF. OR COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. I HAD TO STALL ENGINE TO TURN IT OFF. AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. I SEE,ON THE INTERNET, A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS ON ME TO PAY FOR IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10500877
57,000 miles · Aug 17, 2012
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION, IN THE ON POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION, IN THE ON POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 57,000.
NHTSA ODI #10471282
1,000 miles · Jul 27, 2012
Electrical System
IN JUNE 2010 I PURCHASED 2 COBALTS. LESS THAN 3 MONTHS LATER, MY KEY WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION AND I COULD NOT SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE PART. 1 YEAR LATER, THE 2ND COBALT HAD THE SAME ISSUE. IN JULY OF 2012, IT HAPPENED TO MY CAR AGAIN. IN BARELY 2 YEARS OF OWNING THESES CARS, 3 INCIDEN…
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IN JUNE 2010 I PURCHASED 2 COBALTS. LESS THAN 3 MONTHS LATER, MY KEY WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION AND I COULD NOT SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE PART. 1 YEAR LATER, THE 2ND COBALT HAD THE SAME ISSUE. IN JULY OF 2012, IT HAPPENED TO MY CAR AGAIN. IN BARELY 2 YEARS OF OWNING THESES CARS, 3 INCIDENTS OF THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED. COME TO FIND OUT, THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE, YET THERE WAS NO RECALL. I'M STILL WAITING FOR THE 2ND CAR TO FAIL AGAIN LIKE THE FIRST. I AM APPALLED TO SAY THE LEAST AT GM FOR THIS ISSUE. HOW CAN NOT BEING ABLE TO SHUT OFF YOUR CAR'S ENGINE NOT BE A RECALL? WOULD IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING OTHER VEHICLES? MY FAMILY HAS OWNED CHEVY CARS SINCE I CAN REMEMBER. I WAS SO LOOKING FORWARD TO PURCHASING ANOTHER CAR NEXT YEAR. UNFORTUNATELY I FOUND OUT THERE WERE AC ISSUES IN THE CRUZE. WHERE I LIVE, THE SUMMER TEMPERATURE REACHES AN AVERAGE OF 115 DEGREES. DON'T THINK I WANT A FAULTY AC. I AM SERIOUSLY CONTEMPLATING TRADING MY CAR IN TO ANOTHER CAR COMPANY (NOT CHEVY) TO AVOID THIS EMBARRASSING MESS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10467928
Official recalls
5Aug 10, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles manufactured January 4, 2010, to June 23, 2010. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an improperly routed Side-Impact Sensor (SIS) wiring harness in the driver side front door. The misrouted wiring harness could cause an electrical short that disables the driver side curtain air bag.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A disabled driver side roof-rail air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of that air bag, increasing the risk of injury to the driver.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sensor's wiring in the driver's door and make repairs as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15075.
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.
Mar 31, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
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.
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
1PE20011 · Fuel Line Leak
Opened Jul 5, 2020 · Closed Aug 17, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel/propulsion System
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel/propulsion System
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
Fuel System, Gasoline
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a protective AGE coating and, in the vicinity of the left rear wheel, are further wrapped in a foil heat shield. The AGE coating consists of an annealed zinc aluminum alloy metal coating with extended corrosion protection paint. Under certain conditions, water and corrosive road deicing agents may enter a crevice between the heat shield and the AGE coating. With extended environmental exposure in high corrosive environments, the AGE coating can degrade. If it degrades enough, the base metal lines may begin to corrode beneath the heat shield.Corrosion to the fuel lines may eventually cause a perforation to develop in the line, allowing fuel vapors to escape from between the line and the heat shield, emitting a fuel odor that will be detectable to the vehicle operator. If the corrosion progresses, fuel may begin to weep from the line. Further metal degradation due to corrosion could create a drip or a mist of fuel. If this occurs, vehicle owners may see drips, spots, or puddles on the ground near the rear portion of the vehicle, primarily along the driver's side rear wheel.The majority of allegations (85%) were reported for vehicles that are operated in the salt belt region of the United States. This area includes states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Additionally, the average failure mileage in the subject vehicles is approximately 111,000 across all data sources.Considering the low manufacturer complaint/warranty rates of fuel line replacement, the fact that the majority of failures are concentrated in salt belt states, high failure mileages, as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, and the highly detectable and progressive nature of this failure over time, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. There are two reported fires in ODI data and no reported fires in GM data. Both ODI reported fires were minor, occurred after the vehicle was parked, and were extinguished utilizing fire extinguishers.In view of the progressive failure occurring at high mileages, the age of the subject vehicles, the high detectability of the leak, and the majority of failures occurred in salt belt states, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the attached identification numbers.
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