The steering mechanism on the vehicle has become faulty, fortunately this occurred on leaving my house and I was not traveling at speed.. As one drives the steering begins to pull heavily to the right and one has to forcibly hold the steering wheel to keep the vehicle from leaving the road. I took the vehicle to a local mechanic. The initial thought was that this related to the rack and pinion. This was replaced but didn't solve the problem. The mechanic made some inquiries and found that the vehicle had been subjected to a recall for faulty steering. After further examination, he found that the issue related to a sensor in the steering column which had become faulty.since a recall had been carried out in august 2012, he suggested I refer the matter back to the vendor who performed the recall. The vendor jimmy gray of southaven have told me that the recall was only for a steering motor replacement and that the sensor replacement was not covered. Apparently one needs to replace the entire steering column when the sensor fails. I contacted gm and they are supporting jimmy gray and refusing to replace the sensor as part of the recall. The issue related to the motor assembly may have been wrong in the first place, it could have been the senor all along causing the problem. It would be greatly appreciated if you could look into this matter and advise. This vehicle belongs to my son, I cannot let him drive it the way it is at present.
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt steering complaints
Page 13 of 44: complaints 341 to 370 of 1,299, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Power steering shuts off when started, especially in cold temperatures. Even when the car runs for a few minutes to warm up, steering wheel is still rigid and stiff. Definitely not driveable. Gears shift extremely rough and violently. Unsafe in all situations, especially stop and go traffic. At idle it nearly stalls. Traction control light comes on when all these things exist.
Power steering light comes on and steering wheel becomes hard while driving.
I bought the car in november of 2011. Nit even 3 months later, a very loud. Clunky noise started every time I go over a bump no matter how big or small. I've been to multiple mechanics and have been told my sway bar links, as well as my outer tie rod ends are bad. Then another said it was my bushings. I just want the noise to stop and want to know why is the car sound like its falling apart? Very disappointed with chevrolet for. Not the best 1st car.
While driving to work, steering wheel had been shaking (55mph). Getting off the belt line, traffic came to a sudden stop. I brake, but the car continued to shake and didn't brake. Had to pull to the side to avoid hitting the car in front of me. Car would not accelerate when traffic started up, and I had to turn the ignition off and restart. Car shook badly for a few seconds, then seemed fine. A few days later, driving into my parking lot (10mph) the car's brakes locked up for no reason and I barely got it into a parking space. Took it in to the dealership the car was purchased at and was told the rotors, brakes, and calipers would need to be replaced. Had another mechanic look at it and had the brakes and rotors replaced. Car drove fine. Six weeks later, driving on the highway (60 MPH), slowed down to turn onto another road, and brakes were out. Had another mechanic look at the car, brakes and rotors are worn down again, as well as calipers and brake line. Road conditions were clear at the time of each incident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the steering wheel failed. The contact stated that he attempted to steer but had to provide extra force to steer off the road. The contact looked under the hood and noticed that there was no power steering fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Steering wheel became very difficult to turn while on a freeway entrance ramp. Fortunately I was able to retain control of vehicle. No further issues until 8 days later when again the vehicle become very difficult to steer. I consider the malfunction of the power steering unit to be a dangerous issue. I called the gm help line 2/23/2013 and was told the vehicle was recalled at 54,000 miles to address the steering issue and any needed repairs at this time will be at my expense.
My key is stuck in the ignition. The car is off however, the lights and radio will not turn off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a loss of power steering assist, which caused difficulty in turning the steering wheel. There was no warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v073000 (steering) march 2011 however, the failure recurred and the vehicle was not repaired for the steering malfunction. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 101,349.
As I was driving down a highway, my power steering warning appeared on me dic. It kept flashing and the traction control system light came on and disengaged the cruise control. After pulling to the side of the road, shutting off my car and restarting it, the vehicle worked fine. Upon starting it in the morning the power steering went out completely. Restarting the car a few times fixed it, later that day the power steering went out again in town as I was making a turn. I understand that this is not an uncommon problem with cobalts in general as many people have complained about this particular problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v073000 (steering) and since the repair, the steering wheel failed to lock while the vehicle was off. The contact also stated that while in reverse, the vehicle goes in the opposite direction that it is being steered and the steering wheel continues to turn as if there was no wheel base. The failure mileage was 114,400 and the current mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering seized and the vehicle stalled. The contact had to wait a few seconds to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. After diagnosis, the contact was advised that the anti theft module had failed and was later replaced. Immediately after the repair, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000. The current mileage was approximately 109,507. Updated 03/07/13*lj the consumer stated the power steering will shut off, the transmission will shift very roughly, the instrument cluster go on and off,and the car will die at various speeds. When this failure occurred the steering would lock up. Recently, 02/13/2013, the vehicle had no power steering then, it suddenly turned on nearly causing the vehicle to fly off the road. Updated 03/11/2013
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the power steering and speedometer failed. Also, the contact stated that the transmission would not shift out of gear and the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage and current mileage was 42,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and making a turn, the power steering warning indicator illuminated and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. The contact also stated that the light illuminated until the engine was shut down. The vehicle was able to be driven by applying excessive force to the steering wheel. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2006 chevrolet cobalt. Consumer writes in regards to electric power steering recall and reimbursement for repairs. *smd the consumer stated her daughter was driving the vehicle, when the steering wheel locked up. Her daughter was unable to turn the wheel and consequently she hit a retainer wall. Prior to the accident, the consumer stated the steering wheel would shake when braking or while driving at highway speed. The dealer stated the rotors and brake pads needed to be replaced. However, after they were replaced, she continued to experience the same problem. When the consumer returned to the dealer, they informed her, there was a problem with the steering rack and charged her $868.02
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, all of the warning lights on the instrument panel illuminated and the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to lock. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v073000 (electric power assist system). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while completing a turn at 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized causing the vehicle to crash into a tree. The contact sustained minor neck injuries. The failure was assessed by a dealer however, the dealer could not diagnose the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Power steering locked up while driving on a road at around 35-40mph. And the car ran into a rock on the side of the road and flipped upside-down. There was no severe injury but the car was reported as total loss.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel as the vehicle began to jerk abnormally. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle, as the vehicle functioned properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection however, they found no failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the illumination of the power steering warning light. The contact tried to restart the vehicle but to no avail. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or a mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were approximately 109,700.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the power steering seized without warning. The contact shut off and restarted the vehicle to reset the power steering assist. The power steering was restored however, there was an abnormal clicking coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact that the vehicle was included in recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v073000 (steering:electric power assist system). The vehicle was not taken in for the completion of the recall repairs. The failure mileage was 151,472.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that after receiving repairs under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 10v073000 (steering: electric power assist system) the steering wheel became hard to turn and the power steering light illuminated. The steering resumed to normal function after the engine was turned off for a brief moment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and they advised to have the dealer performed a diagnostic. The vehicle was not repaired.the failure mileage was 48,800 and the current mileage was 74,400.
First time we had problem was christmas eve 2010 car stumbled. Check engine light appeared t\c light appeared. Car dinged power steering came up on info center all as we were on a country road on our way to our families christmas . We stopped shut car off my husband got out and checked all fluids and fuses all were ok then we. Started car again and everything was back to normal for quite a awhile he said it might have just got confused there. Then the problem popped up intermittently here and there .right around october 2011 not sure of exact date but me and 3 children where on our way across the state of indiana to see my husband that was working out of town and about 100miles into trip the cars power steering went out and made the car very hard to maneuver lights came on. As did in late 2010 so I pulled over and turned car off and did as my husband did and everything was good. But when I turned car back on it still had lights on so I called my husband and he told me to try unhook battery for like 10 minutes then hook back up and I did that and luckily it worked and we made it to where he was staying and we never had anymore problems till 9/15/12 when I was driving to see my mother and it happened again but this time in heavy traffic at a stop light and this time had all same symptoms but also a new one the transmission wouldn't shift from low gear. And it won't go off my husband researched on internet and found recalls for cobalts and numerous complaints of same steering problems but when I called gm and gave woman my VIN she stated no recalls for my vehicle I don't understand if it is the same make of vehicle same problems they can pick and choose who has a problem and who doesn't. I am gonna try to solve this by taking to gm customer service,but if they not willing to work with me I will be more than happy to sign onto a class action lawsuit.
I was driving home one rainy day, about 45mph, dash lit up to shift. I looked and I was already in 5th. Next second everything on dash went out. No speedometer, no shift light, no mileage or trip meter, nothing. Only thing on dash that works is tach and digital display says power steering. Already had an appointment for recall work for power steering assist motor, thought that maybe that was what was wrong so I kept appointment. When got back from dealer, they tell me they replaced power steering assist motor and they had noticed the dash display and had done scan and it showed the power steering motor is went out! Bought this car for my daughter, to drive back in forth to school, scared for her to drive it the 90 miles a day she drives to college. Thought this was just an isolated case but after checking online, I see that this is a major defect in these cars. Something needs done before someone gets hurt or killed.
While driving my 2006 chevy cobalt when I lost power steering which made it difficult to control my car around sharp turns due to the fact that I was not expecting the power steering to just go out on me like that. This type of problem is very dangerous especially when it happens while driving. I have already had my power steering fixed once due to a past recall and here I am again having problems with the same thing again!
Traction control light comes on and causes the car to shift very rough and steering wheel jerks.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact was traveling 55 MPH when the power steering failed. The power steering warning light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 110,050.
Gm case no.: [xxx]05/14/12- dropped off car @ ourisman chevrolet, bowie, md, power steering light came on while driving. 05/15/12 by advisor, my car was fixed, power steering motor replaced. Drove car & power steering light came on, steering wheel barely turned, almost had an accident, & had a hard time accelerating. Took car for repair at dealership. Dealer found found communications errors, further diagnostics cost approximately $264.00 for diagnostics test. Cost for diagnostics waived depending on module to be repaired. Spoke w/ service advisor, told steering control module not recall item. Service supervisor denied the repair costs waived. Call from dealer, quoted repair price of for steering control module $1361.27. Spoke with gm customer service, investigated my complaint, forwarded to supervisor, dealer advised the repair of power steering control module not part of the recall, not part of the steering system, given gm case no. 71-1069830519. Dealer denied waiver of charges for diagnostics since the 1st quoted price for initial diagnostics was $150.00 to find problem and a diagnoses a non-recall item would be $265.63. Service manager tony & not waiver for diagnostics fee, power steering module could not have become faulty from the power steering motor. Advised dealer I was picking up my car, was told it was taken apart at that moment since they assumed I would have it fixed, gave no approval of repairs. I told dealer would pick up car 05/29/12, was going out of town, told was ok & it would be ready to pick up. Spoke further with supervisor from gm cust. Serv. Ctr., told dealer stated power steering module not a recall item & refused to repair. 05/29/12 picked up car, car had tow written on windshield, was told car would not be towed if left over the weekend. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH and attempting a right turn, the power steering failed. As a result, the steering wheel became very hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the repair failed to remedy the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who advised that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure and current mileage was 141,000.
My wife and grandson were in the car when power steering came on the dash. It caught her attention but didn't know really what had happened till she tried to turn and almost went in the ditch. We took it to the dealer and 700.00 paid to have the problem continue to recur. It comes and goes and if it is not a problem when we take it to the dealer they don't know what to do. All they say is it is in the wiring issue and think we should buy something else. I didn't know about all these problems till it occurred to us. We bought the car new and have like the 2006 cobalt but this is the first I have heard they have a problem with the powersteering or wiring to the electric assist to the power steering. I am told they had a fix back in 2010 are we still qualified to have our car fixed under that recall. My son is going in the army in a couple weeks we wanted to let him have this car after he gets stationed somewhere but we can't give it to him when we are not trusting its safety.
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