On saturday morning 8/24/13 I got into my car and backed out of the driveway. Once I backed out of the driveway and put the car into drive the car started to jerk. I kept driving for about another 50 feet to a stop sign. It jerked to whole way to the stop sign. There I made a u turn to go back home to get my father. He got in the car and we drove back to the same corner and once again it jerked the whole way to the stop sign. So we went back to the house so my dad could get some his shoes on so we could take it to where I bought the car. While he was in the house I turn the car off. When my dad got back in the car and I turn the car back on and drove to the sign the jerking had went away. I drove the car the rest of the day and put around 75 miles on it that day with no other problems. On sunday night 8/25/13 I got into my car to drive into town. I drove about block and the car began to jerk and shake again. I drove about another block and pulled into a parking lot. Once I stopped I noticed the power steering light on the dashboard had come on. I turned my car off and sit there for a little while turned it back on and drove in town with no problems the rest of the night. On monday 8/26/13 I drove the car 30 miles back to where I bought it with no problems. Their service department has been trying to recreate the problem now for 3 day with no success.
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt electrical complaints
Page 7 of 12: complaints 161 to 190 of 323, newest first, as owners wrote them.
After starting the cobalt or even if I am driving down the interstate at 70 MPH, the t/c lights, brake lights, power steering lights all light up on the dash. The speedometer and RPM gauges start going crazy. The radio will also go in and out. Usually on the interstate, the car will continue to drive, which is very scary. But if I am in town or slowing down to stop, the car will cut off. Then after I crank it again and start to move, the transmission changes gears really rough and feels like it is going to fall out. The only thing I have found to fix this (after weeks at different dealerships) is to turn the car off and flip the key on and off several(20 plus) times.
I was driving in to my apartment complex when my car completely loss power. I was able to steer, however I was not able to accelerate. The radio turned off and the air conditioner quite working. This has happened twice since I've gotten my car. Luckily, I was in places where I could safely pull over. I had to turn my car off, wait for a few minutes and turn it back on to get it to work correctly. I am also having issues with my power steering. I am starting to think that this car just isn't safe anymore and I am looking into possibly getting a new car because of it. It is becoming dangerous to drive this car!
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the fuel gauge and tachometer fluctuated erratically. The contact also stated that the power steering failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that there was low battery voltage. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 65,500. Updated 08/27/13*lj when the consumer stated the vehicle, there was a high idle and a hard shift into reverse. The ignition shift lock release solenoid malfunctioned. When the key was held in acc mode, the brake lock release solenoid malfunctioned. The tachometer and fuel gauge fluctuated erratically. Updated 08/27/13
While driving on a major highway, "power steering" message is displayed on dash, warning chime sounds repeatedly, power door locks cycle at random, instrument panel gauges stop working intermittently and jump around, complete loss of power, and random warning lights appear on dash. At times the gas pedal was completely unresponsive, then vehicle would lurch forward - had a near miss incident when the loss of power on acceleration from a red light almost caused another vehicle to hit us. Issue has occurred at random intervals since the car was new, but has become more frequent lately and tends to occur more often on hot days. Dealer was unable to duplicate concern, despite hundreds of similar complaints on the internet.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated he was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
My car repeatedly go through times of fits. These fits include losing power steering, power steering chime, traction control chime, clicking behind the radio, spinning speedometer, gas gauge fails, jerking or hiccupping as one person described it, occasional stalling. My car will drive fine for weeks, likes its new even, then all of a sudden it has a fit and this goes on for days. This started when my car was a year or two old. I have taken it to the dealer a total of 8 times. Early on when the car was younger it would seem to be repaired only do start this problem again a year later. Now that the car is older and not under warranty I have quit taking it as I do not believe it will help. They do not seem to know how to correct this problem. They are rude to me.
When starting up the vehicle, the check engine and traction lights are lit up. The gauges fluctuate, as well as the temperture reading blinks. Loud clicking sounds can be heard coming from the shift selector. The steering wheel will not turn due to loss of power steering. After shutting off vehicle, the ignition will not release keys for about 15-20 seconds. Have also lost power steering on freeway at speeds of 70 MPH. Have attempted to have gm and the dealership resolve the issue, first by having the recalled parts replaced. Problem is recurring for third time, after being "handled" by the dealership the last two times. A very dangerous and potentially life-threatening problem.
For no apparent reason and without any warning (no check engine light or anything), I received an "engine power reduced" warning and my car's engine completely shut down while I was completing a turn in a busy intersection. Luckily, I was able to coast to safety and park in a nearby parking lot. The car refused to turn back on for several minutes. Once it did, I drove my car to my office and was able to start it and drive it without further incident for several weeks. Then, without warning it happened again while I was on the freeway and has been happening intermittently since then. When I took it to the dealership, they claimed they are not aware of other people having this problem, but I have found numerous complaints and reports from other owners online, so I'm not convinced of their honesty or concern regarding this matter. They say they *think* the problem might be the master computer or at least that is their "best guess" (their words, not mine). I will be replacing it later this week. Unfortunately, I'm not confident the repair will fix the problem. After gm's repeated and explicit denial of the power steering problem and how long it took them to admit there even was one, I have decided to appeal to you. At present, when driving this car, I am a danger to myself and everyone else who might be around me on the road...as are all other cobalt drivers. Please, investigate this matter before someone has this happen at the wrong place and the wrong time and someone gets seriously hurt, or worse. Gm knows it created a car with a faulty electrical system which could result in catastrophic failures and they need to take responsibility for it and fix it. Just because they stopped making the car, does not absolve their responsibility to make them safe for everyone on the road.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 50 MPH. The contact also stated that the vehicle stalled while driving in reverse. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic for a diagnostic test. The test results showed a defective throttle position sensor. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic to have the throttle position sensor replaced but the repair did not remedy the issue. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. The failure mileage was 199,267.
The 2005 chevy cobalt, as well as possibly every other model year cobalt has more problems than just the power steering motor failures. The speedometer no longer works in my vehicle, the low-fuel warning pops up no matter how much gas is in the car, the engine warning light illuminates, as well as the anti-theft light, battery light (the battery is brand new) and just about every light on the dashboard. Though this isn't a big problem, the radio locks itself and cannot be used until the car is turned off and turned back on. The car struggles to get out of first gear and has stalled repeatedly at red lights and on ramps to the highway. I have had the power steering recall repair done twice and when I took the car back to the dealership in may because the power steering warning had popped up again and the power steering stopped working, they said it was not the power steering and they sent me home in my stalling, jumping car with no power steering. Speaking to a chevy customer service representative, they told me to go have the car diagnosed (they did run a scan at the dealership and came up with codes u2107, u2100 and u2105) and that I should be responsible for the cost. I asked why they didn't suggest this at the dealership, and was never given an answer other than a repeated I should be held responsible and it's probably a bad ECM or bcm. The car is out of warranty and chevy offered 50% of the repair cost, but how is this a problem that I caused and should be responsible for at all? This car is incredibly unsafe to drive and I have read a number of similar complaints for this vehicle online. Gm must be held responsible for their faulty vehicles. The power steering recall did not take care of everyone's problems and the customers should not be held responsible for the manufacturer's failure.
After approach from stop sign, went to accelerate, vehicle stalled, dashboard computer lights flashing, I.e power steering, brake, MPH, and pinging. Started vehicle after multiple attempts. Difficult steering, accelerating no more than 30 MPH, and transmission jerking. This vehicle has been to shop 2 times. The trans module was replaced august 1, 2012. A day after pick up, it had the same issues I.e. Difficulty steering, unexpected stalling, rough limited acceleration, flashing computer lights on the dashboard. The auto shop employee assured me" it is safe to drive and do not be afraid.." the shop had this vehicle for three weeks. It was written on invoice, " car driven for 26 miles trouble free has possible inop issue, but is operating as designed." nine days after pickup this vehicle still remains unsafe on the road, with unexpected stalling stopping I.e stop/ go traffic, intersections, and computer lights flashing on dashboard. The TCM /ECM issue is still not resolved causing a safety issue with unexpected stalling and difficulty steering and loss of acceleration.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge and several warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that while driving, power steering failed. As a result, the steering became hard to maneuver. The vehicle was not taken to a repair shop or dealer for inspection or repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who stated that the vehicle should be taken for diagnostic. The failure mileage was 103,000 and the current mileage was 153,000.
After having been repaired several times under the power steering recall, the problems have become worse. The car stalls, lights flicker, the low fuel message will flash despite there being gas in the car, the power steering is completely inoperable, the speedometer rests on zero at all times, various warning lights are always illuminated and the car struggles to get out of second gear (it is an automatic.) the dealership service center gave diagnostic codes indicating possible issues with the body control module and electronic control module and stated that it wasn't covered under the recall, but that the power steering motor had again gone out, but they would not fix it. The car has stalled numerous times on -ramps to highways and in intersections and has become too dangerous to drive, but chevrolet has refused to acknowledge the problem and only technical service bulletins exist, though they will now acknowledge them when asked, as though the problem is not a dangerous one. The entire electrical system of the car is faulty and should be recalled as it is a major safety concern.
On several prior occasions, the key would become stuck in the ignition. To solve this problem, I would simply shift from park to drive, cycling through the gears. This would allow the key to be removed from the ignition. I figured it was a small problem with the automatic gear shifter, it may not be fully engaging in park. This situation carried on for approximately two (2) years, whenever needed I would repeat the cycling of gears to disengage the key. However, a few days ago the key became stuck in the ignition and the previous solution would no longer dislodge the key. I found the switch under the steering wheel to remove the key, but the car is inoperable due to the key becoming stuck in the ignition cylinder on a constant basis. Upon doing some research, I have come to the conclusion that is a common problem with automatic transmission equipped cobalts. The shifter is not fully engaging a micro shifter when engaging in park, causing the key to remain in the ignition. It has come to the point where I can not remove the key, even while using the switch under the steering wheel.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the key could not be removed from the ignition. The contact was able to start the engine and shut the engine off, but the key would have to remain in the ignition. The vehicle was shifted into park and the contact attempted to wiggle the key several times but to no avail. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
My car shutts off every couple of minutes while im driving it also shut down on big intersection and I almost got hit by the car in back of me. It is very dangerous I was so scared the car just honked and was mad because it was my fault the car just shut off.
My car shut off while driving out of a parking lot a couple of days ago. Everything shut down. I couldn't even brake. I was able to put the gear in park and restart it just fine. However this is the fourth time this has happened. The last time being on the george washington bridge. The very first time was 2 months after I purchased this car. I assumed it was because I went over a speed bump that was larger than normal. The second time I went over a pothole. The third time was on the highway. So I had a mechanic look at it and he stated that I could be the alternator. This was about 2-3yrs after purchase. However my time was very limited. I live in md but I work in new york so I spend a lot of time there and leave my car at home. So I haven't had a chance to get it fixed. With this last incident I decided to search the internet and it turns out that I am not the only one with this issue. I found it funny that there were many others with the same or similar problem. I put in a search for "cobalt shutting off while driving" and found a couple of sites describing similar issues. This last incident reminded me of how dangerous this could be. I had my 4 yr old niece in the backseat and the exit of the parking lot was on a hill. Feeling the car rolling back and not being able to brake would surely be considered a safety issue. On a side note I did have my car examined for the recall I was given notice about. This was completed last year. Nothing abnormal was reported.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized while driving at various speeds. The gauges on the instrument panel also displayed inaccurate readings whenever the failure occurred. The contact stated that she had to wait long periods of time before the steering wheel returned to normal functioning ability. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was common for the make and model. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact also stated that prior to the failures, the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v073000 (steering:electric power assist system). The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.
Power steering failure. Shut off while driving.
I own a 2005 chevrolet cobalt, the power steering and traction control lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle then began to jerk and become difficult to drive. The vehicle had to be towed to an authorized dealer and repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v073000 (steering:electric power assist system); but the dealer told me that there no recall for my vehicle, apparently they was base on the vehicle VIN # instead of model/made/year of the car. The dealer told me I need to replace steering column which will cost me close to $1000 w/part, labor & taxes. Pickup my car on the same day late afternoon, was able to drive home with no incident. However, the failure recurred the next day, again towed the car back to the dealership, the manufacturer was aware of the failure. The vehicle was awaiting further inspection at the dealership, in the meantime I'm driving the rental that was provided by the dealership. This is mfg defected problem, I should not have to paid to fix the steering column.
Randomly, chimes sound, gauges on instrument panel cycle to zero and back, power steering warning light, fuel low warning show, sometimes theft light comes on as does check engine light. Electrical assist to automatic transmission is lost resulting in hard shifts. Must manually shift into 1st gear when stopping to avoid engine stalling. Parking car seems to fix/allow car to reset. Has happened many times over past two years. Had mechanic look at it first time. Said every computer on the car had to be reset to the tune of $100. Recurred two days later. Fixed itself before taking it back in. Now I just live with the problem because I don't have the money to let these guys trouble shoot and fix things that are not the problem. Am having the power steering recall done tomorrow hoping that it would solve the problem but apparently it doesn't. Problem occurrence is totally random. Sometimes there is 6 months between episodes, sometimes weeks, days. It is really acting up after the heavy rains of irene.
My 05 chevrolet cobalt has a power steering warning on dic when I start it (I had the power steering replace during recall). And then it acts crazy. More warning lights are turned on, check engine light, theft deterrent lights, warning chime etc. The speedometer and tachometer reads jump up and down. I can't accelerate it continuously. Noise can be heard sometimes. It will come to a sudden stop and then pick up speed again when I am driving. Imagine I was driving 70mph on a highway! This problem could be fatal and cause major damage. I have to restart several times to get rid of it. This happens twice a week at the very beginning and then more and more often. Sent it to the dealer but they were not able to locate the problem, simply saying the codes read modules not communicating. But they have no idea of what causes this problem. It's totally unacceptable as this is such a common problem for this model as far as I can see at online forum. Gm should really do something after hearing so many complaints on the same issue. It's extremely dangerous. Don't wait til a big price has been paid! Big safety issue!
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the instrument panel gauges were malfunctioning and the power of steering would fail sporadically without warning. In addition, the transmission was shifting gears independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 53,000.
The power steering light came on. I had no mileage or speedometer reading. I took it to mr. Tire which was about 3 miles away. They put the car on a machine and found mil code u0101. They told me to take it to the dealer because there was a recall for this. I called the dealer the next morning and took it right over to them. They had the car for two days and finally called me and told me that they had to replace the TCM and reprogram it, clear the codes and retest. This was going to cost $500. I had taken this car to bob bell last june when I received the recall notice. It was repaired. After a few months I noticed that three or four times the signal came on about brakes but then disappeared and everything seemed fine. Then this monday this happened.
We just bought a used 2005 chevy cobalt from the chevy dealership. The day we picked the vehicle up the car shut off and would not start. We took it back the dealership said it was the kill switch. We took the car back home with us. The same day, driving to another location the car shuts down while driving. Two months later, the car still keeps shutting down while driving at any given time. I work at a mechanic shop and I have many mechanic friends. No one can explain why it keeps shutting off. I have researched on the internet for a while; many people with the same problems with no solution. This vehicle has low mileage and most complaints in forums with the same issue have the same problem with low miles or happening from first of purchase. Do not know how to fix the problem. Was told that the car must do this while mechanic is driving in order to try to repair the problem. No diagnosis can be made. I feel this problem will cause an accident; was close to getting hit today when car shut off in the middle lane of traffic. No parts purchased at this time.
Had the power steering recall done a while ago. Never had any problems before. Now my power steering failure msg will come on the dash, then the transmission will shift real hard, jerking everyone inside. Car will stall out when you come to a complete stop, but if you slow down and keep rolling, it will just stay in overdrive and takes forever to get back to speed. Car also never gets to operating temperature in the winter, according to the temp gauge. Had the temp sensor replaced, still no change, but I do have heat in the winter. Also at times my security light will come on then the car will shutdown while I'm going down the road. Other times it will take about 5 mins to get the car started. There will be other times the car chimes 4 times and nothing shows up, then other times the power steering msg will appear. I have only lost power steering about 5 times with this car since the recall was done, and never before. This is a known problem with these cars as I've been reading internet forums. This has been ongoing for the last 8-9 months.
The power steering light, traction control light and a bell chimes. While I am in traffic the car slows down and begins to jerk. It has happen twice this week march 14 and the 16 in 5:00 pm traffic. I was going 40 when it happened. I called my used car dealer and he stated no warranty and to take it to get checked out. I have only had this car 5 months.
My 2005 chevy cobalt has had repeated problems with error codes that the dealer has been unable to resolve. When these errors occur, the speedometer moves back and forward and the the car attempts to stall. The car does stall at slower speeds at times. Whenever I take the vehicle to bob bell chevy in bel air ,maryland they tell me the can't find anything wrong when drive it . On 02/11/2011, I was told by the dealer rep ray, again,that he could not find anything wrong and to drive vehicle until it does this again and bring vehile in without turning it off and they will then check the codes. My chevy cobalt did the exact same again along with the error code "power sterring" across the screen as I was leaving the dealershipp on 02/11/2011 and I immediately returned to the service shop and the serviice technian obtained the error codes. Ray from the service bob bell chevy stated now I had to pay for any diagnostic work and repairs even though this was a recall problem. My times this vehicle has been in the shop has been well documented by the dealership who each time intially deny their is a problem and state they cannot diagnose any problems unless they can reproduce they problem or I drive the vechile to them while it is happening without turning it off. This car is unsafe and has stalled several times when these error codes occur causing near accidents. I feel more investigation should be completed into why the makers of the chevy cobalt are unable to correctly diagnose error codes and continue to but my life and my family at risk. I am unable to trade this car in to anyone because of the repeated problems and I would never sell it to an innocent buyer who could by hurt with this car. Why gm is allowed to get away with this defective car is not fair.
I have a 2005 chevy cobalt, the key constantly gets stuck in the ignition, the last time this happened I was unable to turn my car off for over 5 hours. This is a problem for many reasons. Not only will I probably have to replace that part but eventually the battery due to this. I've researched it online and see that it is a common complaint among many chevy's especially my model. I think since it's such a common issue their should be a recall for this. I don't see why I should waste over $800 to get something fixed that is more common than it should be.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history