Recall Alert: Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Saturn Ion

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Recall Alert: Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Saturn Ion

Posted: Nov. 03, 2009 10:11 a.m.



General Motors has issued a recall order for about 52,000 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn Ion vehicles from model years 2006 and 2007 in order to correct a defect that could lead to a vehicle fire. Only vehicles originally sold or currently registered in certain states in the southwestern U.S. are included in the recall.

In a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the automaker explains, "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." A fuel leak could affect vehicle performance, or, "in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire."

The recall affects 2006 Chevy Cobalts and Saturn Ions originally sold, or currently registered, in Arizona and Nevada, as well as 2007 Chevy Cobalts, Pontiac G5s and Saturn Ions originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and Texas.

On affected vehicles, GM dealers "will replace the fuel pump module free of charge." Owners should expect to receive a recall notice in the mail, but GM has not yet provided a schedule for when that notice will be delivered. Those who wish to make their own repair arrangements may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-972-8876 and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or any of the three GM Owners Center - GM.

The problem could extend to vehicles in other states as well. GM’s recall notice states, "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 notice provides no details on what the "special coverage" might entail. In limited area recalls, automakers typically provide extended warranty coverage applying to the affected part in vehicles outside the targeted area.