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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1996–2017

Chevrolet Cobalt recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 7,681 owner complaints for the Chevrolet Cobalt, covering model years 1996 to 2017. The 2006 model year drew the most complaints (2,330), and Steering is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Chevrolet Cobalt VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 10 recall campaigns on file
  • 7,681 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 13 model years with data (1996–2017)
  • most complaints: 2006 (2,330 for that model year)
  • top component: Steering (3,890 complaints)
  • latest recall 15V500000 (reported Aug 10, 2015)
  • 559 complaints reporting a crash (7.3%)
  • 70 complaints reporting a fire (0.9%)
  • 309 complaints reporting an injury (4.0%)
  • 42 complaints reporting a death (0.5%)

Chevrolet Cobalt complaints by model year

13 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2006 model year has the most complaints: 2,330 of 7,681, or 30.3%. Next come 2005 (1,649) and 2007 (1,564). The fewest are for 2017, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Chevrolet Cobalt owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1996–2017Column chart of 7,681 complaints across 22 model years. The highest is 2006 with 2,330. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1996: 1 complaint119961997: 0 complaints19971998: 0 complaints19981999: 0 complaints19992000: 1 complaint120002001: 0 complaints20012002: 2 complaints220022003: 0 complaints20032004: 0 complaints20042005: 1,649 complaints1,64920052006: 2,330 complaints2,33020062007: 1,564 complaints1,56420072008: 845 complaints84520082009: 710 complaints71020092010: 574 complaints57420102011: 2 complaints220112012: 1 complaint120122013: 0 complaints20132014: 0 complaints20142015: 0 complaints20152016: 1 complaint120162017: 1 complaint12017
Show the figures for all 13 model years
Chevrolet Cobalt complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Chevrolet Cobalt complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
199610000
200010000
200221000
20051,64997125710
20062,33016414817
20071,56411616726
200884576144413
2009710597294
2010574467262
201120000
201210000
201610000
201710000
All model years7,6815597030942

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Chevrolet Cobalt components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Steering is the component named most often, in 3,890 complaints (50.6% of all 7,681), followed by Electrical System (1,458) and Fuel/Propulsion System (1,107).

Components named most often in Chevrolet Cobalt complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Chevrolet Cobalt complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Steering3,89050.6%
Electrical System1,45819.0%
Fuel/Propulsion System1,10714.4%
Air Bags6097.9%
Fuel System, Gasoline4786.2%
Power Train3684.8%
Engine3314.3%
Suspension2182.8%
Unknown or Other1622.1%
Vehicle Speed Control1572.0%
Structure1552.0%
Engine and Engine Cooling1431.9%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1151.5%
Service Brakes1071.4%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1071.4%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Chevrolet Cobalt recalls

10 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Cobalt, newest first. The 10 campaigns cover model years 2005 to 2010. 5 model years tie for the most campaigns (5 each).

  • 10 recall campaigns
Chevrolet Cobalt recall campaigns covering each model year
2005: 5 campaigns2006: 5 campaigns2007: 5 campaigns2008: 4 campaigns2009: 5 campaigns2010: 5 campaigns
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 15V500000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Side/Window

    Model year 2010

    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:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 14V171000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition

    Model years 2005–2010

    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:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 14V153000

    Reported

    Steering › Electric Power Assist System

    Model year 2010

    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:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 14V047000

    Reported

    Air Bags; Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model years 2005–2010

    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 12V459000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2007–2009

    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:
    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 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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 10V073000

    Reported

    Steering › Electric Power Assist System

    Model years 2005–2010

    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:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 09V419000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2006–2007

    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:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 09V073000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift

    Model year 2009

    General Motors is recalling 276,729 MY 2009 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR, malibu, traverse, GMC Acadia, Pontiac G5, G6 and Saturn Aura and outlook passenger vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicles safety standard 102, "transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect", and FMVSS 114, "theft protection and rollaway prevention". On some of these vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged. If the clip is not fully engaged, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. With this condition, the drive could move the shifter to "park" and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in "park".

    Consequence:
    The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and ensure that the shift cable adjustment clip is fully engaged. In the event that the clip does not engage, the shift cable will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before March 24, 2009. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 and Saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 07V014000

    Reported

    Structure

    Model years 2005–2006

    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:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 04V560000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model year 2005

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install two new headlamp assemblies. The recall began on November 17, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Chevrolet Cobalt questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Chevrolet Cobalt have?

NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Cobalt, covering model years 1996 to 2017. The most recent, 15V500000, was reported on August 10, 2015 and is filed under “Air bags”.

Which Chevrolet Cobalt model year has the most complaints?

The 2006 model year, with 2,330 of the 7,681 complaints in NHTSA’s file (30.3%). The next are 2005 (1,649) and 2007 (1,564). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Chevrolet Cobalt complaint?

Steering is the component named most often: 3,890 complaints, or 50.6% of all 7,681. Electrical System (1,458) and Fuel/Propulsion System (1,107) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Chevrolet Cobalt?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Chevrolet dealer.

How many Chevrolet Cobalt complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 7,681 complaints, 559 report a crash, 70 a fire, 309 at least one injury and 42 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Chevrolet models

8 models · most complaints first

The Chevrolet models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Chevrolet VIN decoder with every Chevrolet model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Chevrolet models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.