Autoblog

GM recalls 1.3 million Cobalts, G5s for power steering problem

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:49:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Communications professionals know that the best time to release bad news about a company is at 5:15 pm on a Friday afternoon before a long weekend. By the time everyone comes back to work the following week, so much other stuff has happened that the story often gets lost in the shuffle. In the auto industry, another good time would be late in the evening just hours before a major overseas auto show while at the same time your biggest competitor is mired in a crisis of its own.

As many of the world's automotive journalists were converging in Switzerland for the Geneva Motor Show late Monday night, General Motors announced it would recall 1.3 million Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s built between 2005 and 2010. GM will replace the motors on their electric power assisted steering (EPAS). Over time the motors can reportedly fail and lead to a loss of steering assist.

When the EPAS fails, the result is similar to a belt breaking on a hydraulic power steering pump. The car is still drivable and controllable, but the steering effort at low speeds rises significantly, making it difficult to maneuver at parking lot speeds. At higher speeds, relatively little steering assist is needed and drivers should be able to make it safely to the side of the road if the warning lamp comes on.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM recalls 1.3 million Cobalts, G5s for power steering problem

GM recalls 1.3 million Cobalts, G5s for power steering problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS - Click above to view high-res image gallery

General Motors may have shed itself of much of its pre-bankruptcy problems, but the automaker still has to tend to its warranty and recall duties. As such, GM is recalling 53,000 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn Ion models for a potential fuel leak problem that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says could lead to a fire. The problem involves 2006 Cobalt and Ion model models sold or registered in Arizona and Nevada and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models sold or registered in Arizona, California, Texas, Florida and Nevada.

NHTSA says the plastic supply or return port on the cars' modular reservoir assembly may crack, potentially leading to a fuel leak that could cause cause decreased efficiency and performance. Worse, if that leaking gasoline comes into contact with an ignition source of any kind, you could be looking at a Delta platform car-b-que.

To fix the fuel leak problem, company dealers will replace the fuel pump module of affected vehicles free of charge. GM is also providing a special coverage for 2006 and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models in other warm weather states, and you can hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release to see if you live in a participating location. GM hasn't yet provided a time frame for owner notification, but if you have questions you can read the official press release after the jump or call 1-800-630-2438 (Cobalt), 1-800-972-8876 (Ion) or 1-800-620-7668 (G5).

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy getting new small, turbocharged car next year

Chris Shunk — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

The industry-wide shrinking of US automobiles is in its infant stages, but new products are coming in a big fat hurry. GM is preparing a new compact model based on the Delta platform, and it will feature the General's new 1.4-liter turbo powerplant. GM isn't spilling the beans on the identity of the new vehicle, which will not be named Cobalt. We don't know if it will replace the Cobalt, either, but we do know that the direct injected, force-fed 1.4-liter four-pot could achieve a remarkable 40 mpg or more. The new engine isn't only efficient, but it's got plenty of pep, too. The turbocharged four-banger will produce between 120 and 140 ponies, and it'll likely have an attractive torque curve to boot.

The as-of-yet unnamed vehicle will be built in GM's Lordstown plant, which currently produces the Pontiac G5 and Chevy Cobalt. The new Chevy may also necessitate an additional shift at Lordstown, which would be welcomed news to the UAW's rank and file. The mystery Chevrolet compact will be unveiled this fall, with a production date of early next year. We haven't heard much regarding an all-new Chevrolet compact, so if this vehicle arrives in addition to a new Cobalt, that will be very big news.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chevy getting new small, turbocharged car next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Axle strike idles first GM passenger car plant

Chris Shunk — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Buick, Cadillac, GM, UAW/Unions

When the American Axle strike began, GM had a 106-day supply of pickup trucks on dealer lots, and even a month-long strike likely wouldn't have hurt the Detroit automaker. It has now been more than a month, the strike isn't any closer to ending, and now GM's car plants are joining its truck plants in the unemployment line. Friday marked the last shift at the General's Hamtramck, MI plant, which builds the Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS, due to a lack of parts coming from American Axle. According to Automotive News the pain may not stop there, either, as the Lordstown, Ohio plant may have to shut down production of the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 due to a lack of brake components. GM may not have been all that concerned about the American Axle strike when it began in February, but now after a month with barely any talks and a quickly growing list of shuttered plants, we're guessing things are getting a bit tight over at the Ren Cen.

[Source: Auto News (subs. req'd)]

American Axle strike idles first GM passenger car plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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