Q1. What models are involved?
A1. Certain 2005-2007 model year Chevrolet Cobalt, 2005-2006 model year Pontiac Pursuit
(Canada only) and 2007 model year Pontiac G5 vehicles.
A1. The ignition switch torque performance may not meet GM specification.If the torque performance is not by specification, and the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off road or experiences some other jarring event, the ignition switch may inadvertently be moved out of the "run" position. The timing of the key movement out of the "run position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the airbags not deploying, increasing the potential for occupant injury in certain kinds of crashes.
Q3. How was this discovered?
A3. GM initially learned of the field incidents involving moderately severe to severe crashes in which the cars' frontal airbags did not deploy.
Q4. Why was no recall ordered earlier?
A4. The incident rate was very low with no growing trend.
Q5. Why did GM not make this public sooner?
A5. The incident rate was very low with no growing trend.
Q6. What was changed? Why are you recalling the cars now?
A6. We have now completed our internal analysis and concluded that a recall of the ignition switch for certain model years is the appropriate action to bring closure to the issue.
Q7. Did the NHTSA order you to do a recall?
A7. No. GM independently made this decision. There was no government involvement. We took our findings to the agency and told NHTSA we would voluntarily recall these cars.
Q8. What about the Chevrolet HHR and Saturn ION? They are similar vehicles. Why are they not being recalled?
A8. Those vehicles have different physical layouts or electrical architecture and we have no confirmed reports or incidents involving non-deployment of frontal air bags occuring on these or other vehicles under the conditions described above.
Q9. Didn't GM issue a Preliminary Information Bulletin in 2005 warning dealers to be on the lookout for this condition?
A9. At that time, we were investigating field incidents that involved inadvertent turning of the key cylinder and loss of electrical power, and the bulletin addressed those issues.
Q10. What is the country breakdown for the recalled vehicles?
A10. US 619,122
Canada 153,310
Mexico 6,130
Total 778,562
Q11. The Cobalt has had a lot of recalls and problems in recent years. How many times have you recalled these cars?
A11. There have been several safety or non-compliance recalls of the Cobalt since production began in 2004. In most cases, the completion rate for repairs exceeds 80%
Q12. How dangerous is this condition? Is my car safe to drive?
A12. Even with the reduced torque condition, these vehicles can be safely driven. Customers should remove non-essential items from their key ring until the corrective action is completed.
Q13. When can I get my car fixed?
A13. We are working with our suppliers to expedite the availability of parts. We expect to have parts available beginning in April. Customers will receive a letter in early April.
Q14. How do I know if my vehicle is involved?
A14. All 2005 through 2007 models are included.
Q3. How was this discovered?
A3. GM initially learned of the field incidents involving moderately severe to severe crashes in which the cars' frontal airbags did not deploy.
Q4. Why was no recall ordered earlier?
A4. The incident rate was very low with no growing trend.
Q5. Why did GM not make this public sooner?
A5. The incident rate was very low with no growing trend.
Q6. What was changed? Why are you recalling the cars now?
A6. We have now completed our internal analysis and concluded that a recall of the ignition switch for certain model years is the appropriate action to bring closure to the issue.
Q7. Did the NHTSA order you to do a recall?
A7. No. GM independently made this decision. There was no government involvement. We took our findings to the agency and told NHTSA we would voluntarily recall these cars.
Q8. What about the Chevrolet HHR and Saturn ION? They are similar vehicles. Why are they not being recalled?
A8. Those vehicles have different physical layouts or electrical architecture and we have no confirmed reports or incidents involving non-deployment of frontal air bags occuring on these or other vehicles under the conditions described above.
Q9. Didn't GM issue a Preliminary Information Bulletin in 2005 warning dealers to be on the lookout for this condition?
A9. At that time, we were investigating field incidents that involved inadvertent turning of the key cylinder and loss of electrical power, and the bulletin addressed those issues.
Q10. What is the country breakdown for the recalled vehicles?
A10. US 619,122
Canada 153,310
Mexico 6,130
Total 778,562
Q11. The Cobalt has had a lot of recalls and problems in recent years. How many times have you recalled these cars?
A11. There have been several safety or non-compliance recalls of the Cobalt since production began in 2004. In most cases, the completion rate for repairs exceeds 80%
Q12. How dangerous is this condition? Is my car safe to drive?
A12. Even with the reduced torque condition, these vehicles can be safely driven. Customers should remove non-essential items from their key ring until the corrective action is completed.
Q13. When can I get my car fixed?
A13. We are working with our suppliers to expedite the availability of parts. We expect to have parts available beginning in April. Customers will receive a letter in early April.
Q14. How do I know if my vehicle is involved?
A14. All 2005 through 2007 models are included.