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2005 Chevrolet Cobalt suspension complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 47, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt suspension problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 24, 2011 · Body, Suspension · 68,902 miles · 00

I have a 2005 cobalt that has less then 70,000km on it and have recently been hearing a loud clunking coming from the front end of the car. I have just had a licensed mechanic look at the car and was informed that my front rear control arm bushings are completely gone and the car is now a hazard to drive till it can be fixed. With such low kms the mechanic had no reason or idea as to why they would be so far gone. I was advised that if the car was driven any further, the tires could fall of and the car would crash.

Filed Jul 8, 2011 · Suspension · 97,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that a loud squeaking noise could be heard coming from the front passenger side, while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact wa sinformed that the front control arm was defective and needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileages were 97,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2011 · Suspension · 26,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated on three occasions that the front control arms fractured. After the first failure the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where it was repaired. After the second and third failures the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was repaired. The failure mileage was 26,000 and the current mileage was 84,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2010 · Suspension · 19,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. While driving approximately 60 MPH she began to hear a clanking sound coming from the front end. The failure recurred whenever she operated the vehicle at any speed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where she was informed both front lower control arms were popped out and the front tires were worn. The vehicle was repaired and the failure has not recurred. The failure mileage was 19,000 and the current mileage was 20,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2010 · Suspension · IL

Had my wife's 2005 chevrolet cobalt in for the power steering recall. The only problem we had prior to the recall was the failed rear control-arm bushings on both front control arms (both failed within the same month). Now, after having the recall performed, we are having problems with (of all things) loss of power steering. The traction control light comes on, the brake safety interlock clicks (under the automatic gear selector in the center console), and we have no power steering! I cannot let my wife drive this in this condition, as she is small and not strong enough to crank on the steering wheel without the power-assist. I called the dealer and was advised that I could bring it in to see if there is a problem with the part replaced in the recall - but I would have to pay for the diagnostics. Called chevy and got nowhere with them as well. Left the car at our mechanic's shop this morning to get a more reliable diagnosis!!

Filed Jul 1, 2010 · Suspension · 25,500 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that whenever he made a left and right turn or drive over a pot hole there was a constant knocking noise on the front drivers side of the vehicle. When the failure occurred it was as if the wheels were separating from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and stated that this was a constant problem which required the bushings to be replaced occasionally. The vehicle was not repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 25,500 and the current mileage was 41,328.

Filed Jun 15, 2010 · Lights, Suspension · OH

Headlight full of moisture has got worse and worse for the last two years almost and gm will not do anything about my headlight. Today 6/15/2010 I took my car for the recall notice got about the power steering assist. And found out that both front lower control arm bushings need replaced, and my right front rim is bent and possible wheel brg might need replaced and I called gm about this and they will not take care of any of these problem they said (sorry about the experience) why is gm not helping!

Filed May 26, 2010 · Suspension · 58,000 miles · PA

Lower a-arm bushings replaced with only 58,000 miles also upper strut mounts are also bad and need replaced.

Filed May 20, 2010 · Body, Suspension · 10,225 miles · NH

I own a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. It has 10225 miles on it. It would not pass the new hampshire state inspection because it was unsafe to drive. The front end controller arms needed to be replaced. I feel that there must be others out there with like problems.

Filed Mar 17, 2010 · Brakes, Locks · 45,000 miles · PA

Three issues with my 2005 chevy cobalt. One the door latch broke and I can no longer get out the drivers side. If an accident were to occur I would have to crawl out the passenger side to get out of the car. Secondly, my struts keep going bad on my car. I have had them replaced three times now. My third issue is the brakes. I was told that the cobalt had anitlock brakes when I bought it. However, when I have had to slam on the brakes they lock and a little light comes on with a anti brake symbol on it.

Filed Mar 14, 2010 · Suspension · 109,000 miles · OH

I own a 2005 chevy cobalt since new. Car has 109,000 miles on it and has had a few problems some that dealer took care of under warranty. I started noticing a clunking noise coming from the ps front of the car on 12/09. I finally found out that the lower control arm rear bushing was completely worn out causing the control arm to move forward/backward causing the noise. I replaced both ps & ds bushings which fixed the problem. This is not acceptable on a car with this low miles on it. I have owned cars with well over 200,000 miles on them and never had to replace control arm bushings.

Filed Mar 2, 2010 · Electrical, Steering · 99,000 miles · GA

Power steering column and motor replaced for over 1,000 dollars also bushing. Engines stalls when pressing gas and brake pedal. Key wouldn't come out ignition and my car wouldn't stay in park. Had to pay a locksmith to remove the key. Headlights keep having to be adjusted. Wheel bearing and struts need to be replace but I don't have the money for all of these repairs for a 2005 vehicle. Its to many problems for such a newer vehicle. What is chevy going to do about this, how many more people have to die or get injured.

Filed Feb 12, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · CA

Vehicle begins to vibrate violently at slower speeds after deceleration from highway speeds. Control of vehicle is lost during most violent vibrations, and stopping the vehicle completely does not help the situation. This vibrating (on the front wheels only) will continue for miles/hours. The only things noted on any 2005 chevy cobalt were safety for interior and headlights but there have been over 1100 reports of faulty power steering. Slower speeds cause this violent vibration on the front end of the vehicle. It has started approximately a year after purchase and has continued and has gotten worse since then current date 12 february 2010. Condition keeps worsening, has almost caused an accident.

Filed Feb 10, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · 116,369 miles · TX

I have a 2005 chevy cobalt- the power steering is extremely difficult at times- the light comes on and off- showing a problem is present- I am unable to turn the car normally- making me use two hands-also, there is a rattle in the back- left- very noticeable- to all in vehicle.

Filed Feb 2, 2010 · Brakes, Suspension · 50,000 miles · NC

I purchased a 2005 cobalt in april 2008, started having violent shaking in front of car while trying to find the problem my mechanic discovered a defective strut which chevy replaced even though warranty had just run out. This did not correct violent shaking occurring on a regular basis. Had front end, tires, wheels, rotors, axle checked with no outcome of finding the problem. When the shaking occurs unable to steer and have to reduce speed and pull to shoulder of road, after complete stop normally can resume driving. Since my daughter does not do any long distance travel I hoped that it would not occur as often as it does while I was driving it to work, however in january of 2009 while my daughter was driving car around a curve t/c light came on shaking and inability to control the car left her straightening the curve out spinning around and after weeks in a body shop and 5000 dollars in repairs, several trips back and more money, high insurance rates we still have a car that has a serious defect with no answers to what causes it and what can be done to correct it. Now that she is venturing further from home I am in fear for her life but I have no funds to replace this car or it would have already been gone although I am sure that nobody else would want it due to the publicity that these cars have been getting. Luckily my daughter was not killed in this accident but does someone have to die before chevrolet steps up to the plate and fixes these cars. I have been constantly been researching trying to find the problem even though I can find other people with the problem nobody seems to have the solution. The cars or in warranty or just out of warranty and we couldn't get answers and as the autos get older they don't feel it is there problem. Our car gets regular maintenance with the same mechanic each time so therefore he has firsthand knowledge of every step it has had,and now that it has hit the news I am seeing some direction to take to get help.

Filed Feb 2, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · OH

We have a chevy 2005 cobalt. The front end make a really bad riddling noise and sometimes the steering is hard. I call and took it to a dealer and they said they was no recalls. I said I heard it on tv and also the papers. My daughter is the one that drives this car most of the time. I want to know is she going to be safe. Please let me know asap. I don't want anything to happen to her. Its asking for a date of incident I'm not sure. Guess? The noise is mostly on rough roads. The steering is about one time every ?? Thank you please let me know.

Filed Dec 19, 2009 · Locks, Steering · 62,530 miles · MN

Power steering on my 2005 cobalt goes out intermittently, it had not done it for two months. But recently, while I was taking a turn, it went out, and I was unable to keep the car in my lane and hit the curb on the opposite side of the road, thankfully no other vehicle was present in intersection, or it would have been a front end collision. Now it works only for a few minutes when I turn my car on , but goes out every time I drive it. I also have problems with the power locks locking and unlocking themselves constantly while I'm driving, and even after the vehicle is parked. I can not leave it unattended because it unlocks itself. I started to have the problem shortly after purchasing it in 2007, but the warranty expired, its 63,000 miles, and cannot afford to fix it. This should not be an issue in a car less than 5 years old. I live in minnesota, and the roads are often icy, I am fearful it will happen again, and I may not be so lucky again. I have also had problems with the front suspension, I had the shocks/struts? Replaced 2 months after buying it, at around 40, 000 miles, and they still have the same problem after the dealer fixed it, I should have complained then, but I was afraid to shell out more money for something else they would claim was wrong with it.

Filed Oct 29, 2009 · Electrical, Suspension · 5,000 miles · CA

2005 chevorlet cobalt ls sedan- purchased new 15 miles on odometer. @ 5000 mile service after nearly dieing on the I-5 from violent shaking! Found (non disclosed)hit before purchased, rail dust corrosion on moldings, weights missing from three of four tires, dash cubby broken and 1 yr to replace, electrical demons! (locks, radio, gauges, etc...) maintenance @ 100.00 a pop under warranty ( but still major problems!) struts replaced three times, electrical harnesses replaced, power window motor on two windows replaced, ignition cylinder replaced, fob keyless entry reset, new radio. A never ending nightmare prospect motors dealership in jackson ca whom I purchased the vehicle from has filed bankruptcy and is no longer in business. Frank halverston owner has made no attempt to help me! Continuing problems; 70k miles clunking, rattling, shaking, feels like the car is going to fall apart! Steering problems, suspension problems, electrical problems- rear shocks shot, replace tire four fourth time! Family chevorlet, under "extended service plan", did nothing this last time to ammend the situation but rather blamed it on my brakes and a plastic retainer wall on my right front tire unsafe to drive! Yet gm has denied my claim for a new vehicle four times! And the gm certified dealership held me out on warranty till it was no longer eligible for lemon law! Just want my car fixed and operating properly, not to walk through '!@#$% for my consumer rights!

Filed Aug 16, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 110,000 miles · MD

Today is aug 16 2009 and I have been having problems with my 2005 chevrolet cobalt for a while. Since the last year my steering wheel has been shaking every time I put on the brakes, and starting the last 3 weeks the power steering illuminates and the steering wheel just locks and I would have to pull the vehicle on to the shoulder and shut off the engine and restart it and then it works again.this normally happens 2 or 3 times a day. I have not taken it to the dealer yet although I did speak to a service advisor about the situation and he thinks it might be the power steering pump and that it would probably run me about $1200 to fix it. I really cannot afford that kind of money due to me being unemployed. The last date that this incident happened was on aug 15 2009. Please I need your help and assistance. Thanks

Filed Jul 30, 2009 · Suspension · 70,000 miles · MI

Lower control arm bushings wear out and cause bad steering and control replaced both sides within two months car only has 70000 miles on it live on blacktop road dealer was very rude had 15 on back order they know there is a problem.

Filed Jul 21, 2009 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the lower control arm was failing. She heard a loud noise coming from the vehicle, which affected the tires. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer for inspection. The contact has taken her vehicle to other mechanics and was informed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. She believes that the mechanics are trying to get over on her. The vehicle will eventually be repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed Jun 18, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 72,100 miles · PA

I own a 2005 chevrolet cobalt, and about a month ago I was driving down a country road when my "power steering" message was displayed on my dashboard stating it had shutoff. This then lead to my car trying to shut itself off in the middle of the road going 55 miles per hour. The gauges were flashing, radio was flashing, the car would not shift gears and was rocking back and forth, and I couldn't really steer the car. After I was able to get it under control and stopped and shutoff it seemed to reset the system and I had no problems until a few days ago. I was driving on a very busy interstate during rush hour while going about 80 miles per hour, and the situation happened again except I was nearly in a collision with semi truck trailers, it took all I had to get it off the road without hitting anything. This scared me to death. This time the system did not reset , but I was able to limp it to the chevy dealer near my apartment. Come to find out it was the :body control module" that was bad. It cost me $508 dollars to fix this one issue. Two weeks ago I had to take it in for a lower left front control arm bushing that was bad, and also the shifter solenoid was bad, and I had spent nearly $1100 for all of those safety issues as well.

Filed Oct 28, 2008 · Suspension · WI

Horrible rattling noises in the entire vehicle. I hear rattling from every direction. It is a very bumpy and noisy ride. Not worth the money I paid.

Filed Oct 11, 2008 · Suspension · 21,833 miles · AK

Car has less than 20,000 miles and have failure of the bushing the right side is a total failure bad enough they said not to drive it and the left is about ready to fail also we're having them replaced and the front end realigned but we're on a limited road island and there are 7 other cobalts here that are all having the same problems is this something locally here or happening nationwide.

Filed Jun 11, 2008 · Suspension · 62,000 miles · MA

Feels like an accident waiting to happen. Rattling front end noise for a few months and with my 60k mi check up it's discovered that I need 2 lower control arms (the bushings are gone) and need to replace the front struts and rear shocks as they are leaking. I have always owned a chevrolet and find this appalling. My cobalt is only 3 yrs old and needs to replace major equipment. I had an old chevy and never had to see a replacement like this until I had over 100k mi on the vehicle. I cannot find any recalls on these parts, but see many complaints. Even the dealership thought I should get rid of the car??????? Given the current times, who could afford that. So now I am looking at an estimate of $1821.40 to fix this. When is gm going to step up to the plate and acknowledge this problem with this vehicle.

Filed Jun 4, 2008 · Suspension · 28,000 miles · OH

Lower control arm bushing need to be replaced at 28,000 miles at a cost of $250. Vehicle is just 4 months out of warranty. Same problem with friend's cobalt as well.

Filed Mar 6, 2008 · Suspension · 41,000 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the contact began hearing a noise coming from the front driver side of the vehicle. The noise intensified as the speed increased. She took the vehicle back to the dealer and they stated that the two front wheel bearings were faulty and the rims on the passenger side of the vehicle were bent. The factory paid for one of the wheel bearings and the second one was replaced. The failure mileage was 41,000 and current mileage was 42,000.

Filed Jan 22, 2008 · Suspension · OH

I bought my 2005 cobalt in june of '05. Had numberous problems with it but the one I'd like to know more about is the lower control arm rear bushings. I replaced 'bad' ones in june of 2007 and have to replace them again. I do not feel as though this should be necessary. Any information on these?

Filed Jan 6, 2008 · Suspension · 35,200 miles · NY

(2( bolts that hold the lower control arm broke or came loose and fell out causing loss of steering.

Filed Jul 18, 2007 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

Severe steering and braking problems. Mechanics can't find problem. A lot of times, on the highway or at speeds greater than 40 MPH the steering starts to shudder and make a machine gun noise with each rattle. The rattling slows down as the speed slows down. There have been times where I had to pull over because it felt like a flat tire, only to get out of the car and inspect the car and see that the tires were fine. The problem goes away after shutting the car off and restarting it. When braking while going at speeds 40 MPH or higher the brake gets soft and mushy feeling, and doesn't appear to slow the car down enough, and the shudder starts in the steering wheel again with the rat-a-tat sound for every shudder. I brought this car to dealer several times, and the mechanics could not get the car to do the same for them. The last time, one of the staff members mentioned that there may be a problem with the electronic steering/suspension system ,and that gm was trying to figure it out. Recently, I took the car in for a brake check at another shop - the mechanic said the brakes were fine, nothing' was wrong with them, but the car still did its shuddering. I' had two front end alignments, and rotation of wheels, still the same problem. I feel that one of these days the shuddering is going to cause a potentially fatal problem, when the brakes, steering or suspension go out. I also noticed on 6 different occasions that the brake light came on just for a second. It's never stayed on, and it didn't come on during the shuddering moments. The car stalled a couple times, but they were so far and few between. The back light on dashwas hard to read when headlights were automatically on during the day.

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