1,308 of the 3,056 complaints about the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt are about the steering — 43% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 60,750 miles.
1,308
Complaints
79
Crashes
4
Fires
30
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
STEERING
All of these failed again after repair, the car hes been disabled for over 2 years with the same failures. < Dealer Recalls 14115 Dec 5, 2014 Product Safety - Electric Power Steering Assist 14113C Jul 17, 2014 Product Safety - Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder and Ignition Key 14113 Jul 17, 2014 Product Safety - Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder and Ignition Key
NHTSA complaint #11688075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
I have been experiencing the loss of steering assist. This occurs at any time while driving and that, once assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and a chime sounds. Steering control is maintained in manual mode, but requires greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds. In the next ignition cycle, power assist is typically regained and the DIC message is no longer displayed. The occurs at speeds in excess of 60mph.
NHTSA complaint #11667876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
My Power Steering is going out and then coming back in to use. Today is the second time it has happened. It went out just now, I reversed down the road to my house, and turn it off once I crank it again the steering is back. I haven’t gotten any pictures of it as I’m more worried about making it back to my house so I’m not in the road but will be more than happy to get a picture if this happens again. I’m also not sure which ADAS this connects to so I put cruise control.
NHTSA complaint #11616719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Was driving home from work on i70 through the canyon when out of no where I wasn't able to steer my car...was able to stop the car, turned it off .waited a minute then started back up that is when power steering came across my dash .nothing was wrong with my car ,drove normal then out of nowhere going the speed limit 75mph. I'm not able to steer my car. This never happened before ,scared the crap out of me with no warning almost crashed cause I could not steer my car.
NHTSA complaint #11613220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
strong smell of fuel affraid to drive the igntion get stuck and locks so you cant turn the car on
NHTSA complaint #11573304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
While driving the car, it will suddenly stall w the engine running but won’t react the use of the brakes, steering or gear shifter. It’ll suddenly jerk and the following lights will appear on dash :ABS, Power steering, no brake fluid warning, low fuel warning and check engine. All of the areas have been check and have all their fluids so this doesn’t make sense. We bought this car for our 16 year old daughter and the first time she drive it, a truck almost wrecked into her
NHTSA complaint #11533628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
It will say power steering on dashboard then doesn’t allow it to shift loses all power
NHTSA complaint #11518517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The car was driving completely fine on a routine trip for groceries. After shopping as I'm about to leave however, the steering wheel was very stiff and I noticed the power steering light was on. After some researching I found that this model does not use power steering fluid and is electric. Thankfully this didn't happen to me while driving down a highway or something, I had my kid with me.
NHTSA complaint #11485036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Car drove fine during a routine trip for groceries. When about to leave the parking lot, my steering wheel was very hard to turn, almost impossible and I noticed a power steering warning on the dash. Thankfully this didn't happen on a highway or something, I had my kid with me.
NHTSA complaint #11485037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
power steering failure while driving, yes it is available for inspection upon request. Safety was put at risk by losing control of the car and almost hitting other cars while driving. a dealer or service center has not reproduced the problem. Also not inspected by others. unknown if any warning messages appeared, i didnt notice while i was trying to stay alive.
NHTSA complaint #11478422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Power steering light came on now I have no speedometer and it will not shift right
NHTSA complaint #11474445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and attempting to reverse, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact did not notify the manufacturer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
NHTSA complaint #11469011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The problem that sent it to a different mechanic than the chevy dealer where it came from after a month and 900.00 bill for 550.00 ecm and diagnostic test they did without my permission, there labor for the test and ecm was a total of 900.00. Plus claimed it was throwing a code for a peddle that it needed. We just put a brand new peddle and brand new throttle body on it, it was idled to high, so reason for them getting it was to get the old ecm and new throttle sinked up to reduce the idle , at the time of it leaving me it started and ran just idle to high. Throwing no codes. They got it, claim it wouldn't start so did a diagnostic claimed it needed a new peddle. I said I'm coming to get it, they didn't tell me at any time I couldn't drive it home. I left there lot and pulled about 150 feet off the side of road because it wouldn't shift. Called them , botched did no good. Called same tow truck to tow it home. Got here it was idled normal but was throwing a different codes, I turned the car off it wouldn't stop running for about 3 to 4 minutes, then it died. I had it towed to different mechanic for the ignition to be replaced. He said it was throwing a couple codes still ignition not fixed yet, and it ran for about 15 minutes after shutting off the key. At no time here or at the new place did it throw a code for a defective peddle. So now it's be gone for 2 months , new ecm , new throttle body ,new peddle, idle is fixed and car runs but won't shift. Codes its throwing is now are just needing coil on #4 checked and throttle position sensor adjusted. So far that's it. 2 months later. Still not ready for pick up.
NHTSA complaint #11455292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking space, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights were illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11452095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle while making a right turn into a parking lot. The contact returned to the vehicle and the failure persisted. After making a second stop, the light disappeared and the steering wheel resumed normal operation. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering) which she linked to the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #11450922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
My power steering alert came up and immediately I start having trouble driving as the steering wheel got tight. Almost had a accident and there is other problems with my 2006 chevy cobalt lt that have been on recall and I cannot get any help at local dealership
NHTSA complaint #11448886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Hi. I was driving to go shopping like I normally do speed limit was 45 mph. All of a sudden I noticed I was getting very close to the medium the 8-inch cement medium. I tried to turn the wheel more to the right but it was very hesitant and hard to do I ended up hitting the medium and it damaged the rear rim on that wheel and the tire afterwards just made a loud thumping noise it was a very scary situation. It was then I noticed it said power steering lit up on the dashboard nitro it back home and then the light on off and the steering was okay again which was very scary and strange it happened one more time when I was turning the corner and I almost hit someone because I could not turn the wheel like it normally turned it took a lot of effort this is a very scary situation as this is the only vehicle I have for transportation it's not normal do you have the steering just instantly either stop or is very hard to turn. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11441215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The contact's daughter owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering would intermittently fail as the power steering warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The contact stated that his daughter would reset the battery to correct the power steering; however, the failure would always return. The contact had taken the vehicle to several dealers to be repaired; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact then took the vehicle to Mohawk Chevrolet (639 NY-67, Ballston Spa, NY 12020) where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #11438537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel inadvertently lost power. The power steering warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle for a moment. Then the contact restarted the vehicle and she was able to drive to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact that they could not diagnose the vehicle as the OBD reader was unable to read the codes. The contact notified the dealer of the failure and scheduled an appointment for the diagnostic test on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #11437239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the speedometer also failed to operate as needed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11434562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The vehicle will often lose power steering and begin to "buck" or "jolt" when braking. The door chime will sound and the display will flash "POWER STEERING" when this occurs. The speedometer and other gauges will go crazy and won't accurately state how fast you are driving. Sometimes when this happens, the steering wheel will become very difficult to move and it is almost impossible to turn. Sometimes the car will just buck when braking, sometimes the steering completely gives out. My car has even stalled and stopped running while driving - I am unsure if this is related to the problem. Any of these issues are extremely dangerous and could cause an accident. There is a recall on this vehicle for the power steering system, but Chevrolets own website claims my vehicle does NOT have any recalls (according to my VIN). I have never brought this car in for repair (for the recall) and to my knowledge, none of the previous owners have either. Upon researching, many others seem to have this problem as well with GM telling them their car does not have a recall. This has been going on for a long time, and no mechanic or anyone I bring it to can tell me what's wrong.
NHTSA complaint #11433914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and loss motive power. The power steering became inoperable. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #11433371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The contact's daughter owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. Additionally, the door locks would lock and unlock independently, and the speedometer was not functioning properly. The electric power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #11431962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS DO NOT WORK AND ELECTRIC POWER STEERING DOSE NOT WORK
NHTSA complaint #11403193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED IN A PARKING LOT, HE HEARD THE VEHICLE CHIME AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING BECAME FIRM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. A VIN SEARCH SHOWED NO OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING). NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11395206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY, CAR WENT DEAD> HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP. POWER STEERING WENT OUT, BUT AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR IT WAS OK. IT KEEPS HAPPENING OFF AND ON- ON OCCASIONS. I KEPT SMELLING GAS, TOOK IT TO CAR REPAIR SHOP WAS TOLD I COULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE, WAS TOLD THE GAS TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED OR WHATEVER THE PART INSIDE THE GAS TANK. NOTE: WHEN THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM ARRIVED I WAS LEAVING GOING TO WORK. I STARTED THE CAR BUT THE STEERING WAS HARD TO TURN SO I PULLED BACK INTO PARKING SPACE AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I RESTARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES-WAS ABLE TO STEER OK. UPON SMELLING GAS THIS WENT ON FOR SERVAL DAYS. I THOUGHT IT WAS FUMES FROM OTHER CARS. I WOULD SMELL GAS WHILE DRIVING IT. ONE DAY AS I PULLED UP TO WORK I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND NOTICED SOMETHING WET NEXT TO MY FRONT TIRE. I COULD SMELL GAS FUMES. I TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP THE NEXT DAY. SHOP TOLD ME THE CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11390483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
POWER STEERING WARNING CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AN THE SPEEDOMETER STOP WORKING NOW THE CAR WON'T START I HAVE CHECKED FUSES AN RELAYS UNHOOKED BATTERY TO RESET COMPUTER NOTHING WORKS
NHTSA complaint #11384095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL A LOUD CLANKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHCILE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER MIKE RAISOR BUICK GMC CADILLAC LOCATED AT 2912 EAST MAIN ST, LAFAYETTE, IN 47904, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT STRUTS AND SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE STRUTS WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED. AFTER PERFORMING THE FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHCILE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT AND STEERING COLUMN WERE DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #11360620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14E021000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 10V073000(STEERING) WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JEFF JOHNSON CHEVROLET(2533 CARROLLTON PIKE, WOODLAWN, VA 24381) WHERE SHE DROPPED THE VEHICLE OFF TO HAVE THE RECALLS REPAIRED. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AS AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT DROVE STRAIGHT INTO DITCH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES DUE TO THE ACCIDENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HER FIANC'S HOUSE. SHE IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER TO INFORM THEM OF THE ACCIDENT AND ALSO INFORMED THAT SHE HAD NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SLANTED TO THE RIGHT BY ABOUT ONE TO TWO INCHES UPON RETURN OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT APART OF THE STEERING WHEEL RECALL. THE CONTACT CALLED ANOTHER DEALER,FLOW BUICK-GMC(1945 SKIBO RD, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28314) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT SINCE THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN SERVICED, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST HER WITH THE MATTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT A SENIOR ADVISOR WOULD CONTACT HER ABOUT THE MATTER. THE SENIOR ADVISOR HAD CALLED HER BACK AND INFORMED HER THAT THE RECALL WAS INACTIVE AND THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT THE INITIAL DEALER TO GET THEIR SIDE OF THE STORY. THE CONTACT HAD YET TO HEAR BACK FROM THE ADVISOR. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 172,000.
NHTSA complaint #11354386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
CONSTANT POWER STEERING, TRACTION CONTROL AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ENGINE LIGHT MESSAGES. POWER STEERING LOSS CAUSING CAR TO BE UNDRIVEABLE. THIS HAPPENS DURING CAR START UP AND WHILE DRIVING BOTH ON THE ROAD AND FREEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11354099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.