2006 Chevrolet Cobalt: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Jul 18, 2022 · Acceleration, Steering · FL

Power steering light came on now I have no speedometer and it will not shift right

Filed Mar 5, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · NC

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.

Filed Jul 20, 2015 · Driver assistance · 106,000 miles · NY

I was driving 60mph down main highway when all the sudden the rpms went really high and the power steering indicator light came on. I pulled to the side of the road as soon as possible, turned the car of and back on started driving again. The car would not shift out of first gear and was hard to steer. Started going up a small hill to try and get it of main road and it stalled in the middle of the hill. These cars are nothing but a safety hazard and something needs to be done!

Filed Jul 31, 2014 · Fuel system, Transmission · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate over 35 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, who replaced the fuel pump and the shift cylinder. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in first gear and the speedometer failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 28, 2014 · Steering, Transmission · 42,000 miles · IA

Light goes on and power steering comes on the screen transmition does not shift right no power steering the car can't be driven safely 43000 miles and it was already fixed once.

Filed Apr 2, 2013 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 156,231 miles · AZ

When driving the gauge cluster lights up while both the MPH and RPM needles jump around. Total loss of power steering as well as the transmission goes into limp mode. Lost control on freeway thankfully no one were in the 2 lanes that the car veered into at the time. Was able to stop the car in the service lane. There are many complaints of this same issue.we have received no recall information and we are not under the current recall for whatever reason. Same issues as original recall fits in years recalled for...why not include us? Took the liberty of paying for both the eps motor and module with no success. I am currently out $1,500.00 this is not fair.

Filed Jan 24, 2013 · Steering, Transmission · 42,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Oct 7, 2012 · Acceleration, Steering · 90,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Feb 5, 2011 · Electrical · 66,000 miles · CO

I bought my 2006 cobalt brand new and it now has 66,000 miles on it. At about 15,000 miles the key locked in the ignition and shifting gears became almost impossible (automatic transmission). It was under warranty so I took it to the dealer and they replaced the shifter assembly. Now today (2/3/11) I wasn't having any problems with my car until I started it and couldn't press the shifter button in to put it out of park. It stayed stuck in park. When I tried to take the key out, it stayed stuck in acc. I was able to manually take it out by pressing the "plunger" under the steering wheel. Called the dealer and had to tow my car there. Again, my shifter assembly has to be replaced with a total cost (after towing, diagnostics, labor, and parts) of $450 out-of-pocket. Due to a cheap plastic piece in the gear shift. Ridiculous.

Filed Dec 23, 2010 · Transmission · 41,153 miles · PA

Gm recall notice the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v073000 for the 2009 chevy cobalt should cover all years. I own a 2006 model year with the same problem and have read about more complaints online when trying to diagnose on why mine would not shift into park and I could not remove the key from the ignition going back to the 2005 model year. I believe this is a serious safety issue and believe it should be corrected asap.

Filed Nov 22, 2010 · Transmission · 89,887 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet cobalt. The contact had the vehicle repaired according to recall 10v073000 (steering: electric power assist system). The dealer changed the code, but made no mention of replacing the electronic power assist. The vehicle would not shift out of first gear. When driving, the vehicle would not accelerate and gear shifter became stuck in first gear. The current and failure mileages were 89,887.

Filed Feb 25, 2010 · Electrical · 2,000 miles · MI

1. The instrument panel gauges continue to move after vehicle is shut off. Occurs daily and has done so since purchase of vehicle 2/2006. Dealership replaced engine computer twice while vehicle under warranty but only after I personally contacted gm. 2. While driving car the steering wheel and car pulls to the left. Dealership states they can not reproduce this condition yet other family members who have driven the car have had this happen to them. Saw on news broadcast a possible recall for this. 3. Ignition in steering column will not turn on. Ignition replaced 4-5 times by dealership. 4. Gear shifter sticks or will not go into gear. Replaced while under warranty and under service bulletin numerous times. 5. While trying to start car starter or something drags. Has done this since purchase of vehicle. Dealership claims they can not reproduce condition.