Model year record

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

5 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 2,234 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V171000

Electrical system: ignition

Component: Electrical system: ignition
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
Vehicles affected: 2,191,014
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-04-10
Owners notified: 2014-04-18

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V047000

Air bags

Component: Air bags
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
Vehicles affected: 2,190,934
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-02-10
Owners notified: 2014-04-18

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 10V073000

Steering: electric power assist system

Component: Steering: electric power assist system
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 1,050,889
Reported to NHTSA: 2010-03-03
Owners notified: 2010-03-29

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V014000

Structure

Component: Structure
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 98,707
Reported to NHTSA: 2007-01-18
Owners notified: 2007-03-21

Defect description

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.'

Safety risk

IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V560000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Component: Exterior lighting: headlights
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 1,378
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-11-22
Owners notified: 2004-11-17

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BULB SHIELDS INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMPS CAN LOOSEN DUE TO VIBRATION.

Safety risk

THE BULB SHIELD CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. IF THIS OCCURRED ON A HEADLAMP INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE, ONCOMING DRIVERS MAY NOTICE ADDITIONAL GLARE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Steering	1,064	63,000 mi
Electrical system	266	68,687 mi
Engine	70	101,000 mi
Air bags	65	85,290 mi
Power train	55	93,000 mi
Steering: electric power assist system	52	51,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	38	109,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	34	103,600 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	32	70,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	31	58,000 mi
Unknown or other	28	85,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	27	82,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition	26	47,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	26	62,000 mi
Structure: body	23	95,000 mi
Suspension	23	45,000 mi
Equipment	21	67,101 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	19	49,900 mi
Steering: column	19	28,880 mi
Traction control system	18	60,000 mi
Suspension: front	17	58,000 mi
Service brakes	16	122,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch	14	34,950 mi
Exterior lighting	14	80,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	13	20,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	13	22,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	12	65,000 mi
Structure	12	8,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	11	35,000 mi
Tires	7	31,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	6	35,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	6	6,287 mi
Power train: clutch assembly	6	10,000 mi
Structure: body: door	6	65,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	5	8,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	5	37,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	5	5,500 mi
Suspension: rear	5	62,000 mi
Wheels	5	50,000 mi
Interior lighting	4	4,000 mi
Service brakes, electric	4	60,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm	4	35,200 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	4	573 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	3	45,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal	3	17,645 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	3	68,000 mi
Parking brake	3	45,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)	3	15,500 mi
Power train: driveline	3	49,500 mi
Seat belts	3	61,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	3	10,225 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	3	124,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	3	2,179 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	3	48 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module	2	6,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring	2	467 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	2	48 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	2	—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	2	4,300 mi
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer	2	47,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift	2	7,273 mi
Seat belts: front	2	10,000 mi
Seats	2	78,000 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments	2	569 mi
Tires: sidewall	2	21,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	2	10,819 mi
Visibility	2	2,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor	2	8,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly	2	8,257 mi
Child seat	1	—
Electrical system: horn	1	48 mi
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module	1	48 mi
Electrical system: software	1	14,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly	1	1,100 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	1	11,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	1	—
Equipment adaptive/mobility	1	—
Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices	1	6,000 mi
Exterior lighting: back up lights	1	49,862 mi
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights	1	290 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch	1	7,273 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery	1	9,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	1	58,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	1	44,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage	1	1,700 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	1	—
Fuel system, other	1	—
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system	1	125 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)	1	28,510 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch	1	—
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)	1	—
Power train: manual transmission	1	47,551 mi
Power train: manual transmission: floor shift assembly	1	5,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly	1	61,882 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor	1	53,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist	1	10,819 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar	1	28,510 mi
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device	1	—
Steering: gear box: shaft sector	1	1,500 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid	1	30,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump	1	50,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	1	19,520 mi
Steering: rack and pinion: rack	1	37,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	1	41,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear	1	—
Wheels: hub	1	1,774 mi
Wheels: rim	1	—

The 2006 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.