What is the ignition problem in the Chevy Cobalt?

The ignition problem in the Chevy Cobalt refers to a defective ignition switch that can move out of the Run position, potentially cutting power to the engine and disabling critical safety systems such as airbags.

What happened and why it matters

In the mid-2010s, General Motors issued a large-scale recall that covered millions of vehicles, including the Chevrolet Cobalt, over a faulty ignition switch design. The switch could move from Run to Accessory or Off if jostled or driven with a heavy key ring, causing the engine to stall and disabling critical safety systems while the car was in motion. The defect has been linked to several fatal crashes and prompted investigations by regulators and lawsuits against GM.

Root cause and recall rationale

The core issue was a mismanufactured ignition switch that did not reliably hold the Run position. In enough instances, the switch could shift to a lower position, cutting power to the engine and reducing the effectiveness of airbags and other safety features. GM introduced a remedy that replaced the ignition switch and associated components and conducted safety campaigns to inform owners.

The following sections outline the symptoms and the steps owners should take to verify recall status and obtain the free repair.

Symptoms to watch for

Owners should be alert for these warning signs that could indicate ignition-switch problems or related electrical faults.

• Engine stalls or shuts off while driving


• Loss of dash lights, gauges, or accessory power (radio, lights) while driving


• Difficulty turning the ignition or the key gets stuck in the lock


• Airbag warning light may illuminate or airbags may fail to deploy in a crash

These symptoms don't guarantee a recall issue, but they warrant prompt inspection by a dealer or qualified mechanic, especially on a Cobalt from model years affected by the recall.

What GM did and what owners should do now

GM's corrective action for the ignition-switch defect involved replacing the ignition switch assembly and, in many cases, related components and wiring. The company also worked with regulators to notify owners and arrange repairs at no cost to the customer. If your Chevy Cobalt is a model year included in the recall, you should have or be able to obtain a free repair from an authorized GM dealer. To check eligibility, use your VIN at GM's recall site or the NHTSA recall database.

Below are steps to verify recall status and get the fix:

• Check your vehicle's recall status using the VIN on the GM recall page or the NHTSA SaferCar database.


• Contact an authorized GM dealer to schedule a free ignition-switch repair if the vehicle is included in the recall.


• Do not continue to drive a car if the ignition is prone to moving out of Run; arrange safe transportation if needed until repaired.


• Ask about the full remedy, which typically includes replacing the ignition switch and related components, and ensuring the airbag system is functional after the repair.

Keeping up with the recall repair is essential for safety and resale value. If you have questions or concerns about your specific vehicle, a GM representative or NHTSA resources can provide confirmation based on your VIN.

Summary

The Chevy Cobalt ignition problem is rooted in a defective ignition switch that can move from Run to Accessory or Off, potentially shutting off the engine and disabling important safety systems. The problem led to a large-scale recall involving the Cobalt and other GM models. Owners should verify recall status via VIN and, if affected, arrange a free repair with a dealership, while avoiding driving if the ignition is unstable until repaired.

What are the symptoms of a faulty ignition switch?

Symptoms of a faulty ignition switch include difficulty turning the key, the engine not starting or stalling while driving, flickering dashboard lights, and electrical accessories not working. Other signs are a no-crank or silent starter, difficulty removing the key, and the steering wheel lock failing. 
Common symptoms

• Difficulty starting the car: The engine may not crank at all, or it may crank but fail to start. 
• Engine stalling: The car may stall while driving, or after you've just started it. 
• Flickering or erratic dashboard lights: This can happen when the switch struggles to provide consistent power to the electrical system. 
• Electrical issues: Accessories like the radio, power windows, or headlights may not work or work intermittently. 
• Key problems: You may have difficulty turning the key, or the key might get stuck in the ignition. 
• No starter noise: When you turn the key, there may be no sound from the starter motor. 
• Steering wheel lock issues: The steering wheel lock may fail to engage or disengage properly. 

What is the Chevy ignition scandal?

On July 29, 2014, a lawsuit was filed in US District Court in Manhattan on behalf of 658 people who claim that they were injured or killed because of the faulty ignition switches in GM's recalled cars. The lawsuit alleges that GM knew about the faulty switches since 2001 but did not recall any of its cars until 2014.

What is the most common problem with the Chevy Cobalt?

Top Chevrolet Cobalt Problems

• Ignition Key Stuck Due to Failed Shifter.
• Check Engine Light and Misfire Due to Ignition Module/Coil Failure.
• Broken Timing Chain.
• Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue.
• Chevrolet Cobalt stalling issue at stop signs and during idling with fluctuating RPMs.

What is the problem with the ignition switch on a Chevy Cobalt?

Chevy Cobalt ignition switch problems often involve keys getting stuck, intermittent starting, and the engine unexpectedly shutting off while driving, a known defect that led to a recall for models from 2005-2010. Symptoms can include a no-start condition, stalling, or loss of accessories and power steering, with a heavy key ring or jarring frequently exacerbating the issue. 
This video demonstrates a common problem with the Chevy Cobalt ignition switch where the key gets stuck: 53sDIY Inspired † Lewis BrantnerYouTube · Nov 3, 2022
Common symptoms

• The ignition key gets stuck and won't turn.
• Intermittent starting problems; the car may not start sometimes but work at others.
• The engine stalls or shuts off while driving, sometimes affecting power steering and airbags.
• A no-start condition or a silent starter motor.
• Intermittent loss of power to other accessories.
• Difficulty turning the key. 

Causes of the problem

• Faulty ignition switch design: The original design had a short "detent plunger" that allowed the key to slip out of the "run" position into "accessory" while driving, causing the car to stall and the airbags to fail. 
• Heavy key rings: A heavy or large key ring can easily jostle the ignition switch into the accessory position. 
• Steering wheel pressure: The key can get stuck if the steering wheel is under pressure; wiggling the wheel can often release it. 

This video explains how a faulty ignition switch can fail while driving: 53sCBC NewsYouTube · Oct 20, 2014
What you can do

• Recall: Check if your vehicle is part of the official GM recall for the ignition switch. You can check the recall status on the official GM website or through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 
• Key chain: Remove any unnecessary weight from your key ring to reduce the chance of the switch being jostled into the accessory position. 
• Steering wheel: If the key is stuck, try wiggling the steering wheel while gently trying to turn the key. 
• Professional repair: If your car is still having issues, a qualified mechanic should inspect the ignition switch and steering column to diagnose and fix the problem.