2007 Chevrolet Cobalt: harsh or hard shifting

Filed May 29, 2018 · Steering · 149,000 miles · PA

While driving at 40 MPH getting off exit 100 off of route 81, the power steering to the right wasn't working, being very hard to turn. As I turned the steering wheel a little to the left, the steering loosened and allowed me to turn right very slowly. I returned to driving as the steering seemed to be working properly as a few tests in the parking lot indicated that it was working properly. Fortunately, I made it home but as I turned to the street to take me home, I heard a loud clunk from the front. As I turned into the driveway, I heard the clunk again. I let the car sit overnight. When leaving the next morning, the steering wheel, nor the tires themselves, would turn to the right at all! The steering motor had been replaced by a recall and then I had to replace the replacement 3 years later! I had to have the tie rod ends replaced under warranty with only 15,000! Now I don't know if I want to put more money into it. It wasn't a horrible car and it did well, but seeing all these posts makes me think this was a design flaw that they turned a blind to.

Filed Jan 10, 2017 · Steering · 116,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the steering wheel required excessive force in order to make a turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure occurred on several occasions. The contact also stated that the vehicle's intermediate shaft would have a clunking noise and the steering wheel felt as if it were loose. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

Filed Jan 2, 2015 · Steering · 100,000 miles · MI

I purchased the car brand new in 2007. The front suspension started to make lots of clunking noises and rattling whenever I went over bumps in the road. It continued to get worse. Took the car into the chevy dealer and they said nothing was wrong with the car. I've taken the car to a mechanic and he replaced l front control arm twice. The mechanic said the car should not be having those problems with the cars current mileage. I also have very dangerous sound in steering column every time I turn the steering wheel. I have complained about this to dealership. Of course, they initially did not hear anything. I had my steering lock on me and couldn't get the key out, thus I had the car towed to the dealership in april 2011. They fixed the ignition switch. The noise in the steering column has only got worse since that time. December 16, 2014, I took car in for the recall on the ignition. The dealer told me that the steering column was falling apart and wanted to charge me $1100.00 to fix. They insisted that this has nothing to do with the ignition switch. The car sounds like it is barely holding together like on squeaky hinges.

Filed Aug 27, 2014 · Electrical, Fuel system · 17,940 miles · GA

Car has a hard yank after coming to a stop and starting off. Knocking noise coming from rear of car since day one of purchase. Vibration in accelerator and gear shifter. Lights on interior of car dashboard goes on and off. Problem still happening today and the tsm was replaced as well, as they always say they cannot duplicate the problem. Check engine light has never came on at anytime the problem happened. It happens after car is driven and heated up. Only happened when long trip over 50 miles, now since ignition has been changed on call back. Problems has worsened lights on and off, transmission hard shift when driving short trips as well as a constant vibration. Knocking coming from gas tank side of car was mainly during cooler weather now happened when day was above 90 degrees. Electrical problem with vehicle I think and has caused many problems and even deaths. Do not think it was keys ignition. I seriously think is in the entire electrical system. Problem should of been fixed when 1st reported, but they only reset the trans computer.

Filed Jul 15, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 89,888 miles · MI

Recently my 2007 cobalt that I have only had for about a year started twitching out on the dashboard. I started the car to find the gauges fluttering, the security system light came on, it flashed power steering and low fuel ( car has full tank) as well as check engine. I pulled it into to drive where it clunked hard and there was a clicking sound coming from the shifter as well as the power steering was out. I disconnected the battery cables and it reset the computer with no problems thus far. The car has been ok for the last day and a half until today when very quickly the power steering light flashed and went off.the driver side speaker stopped working but flashes on randomly as well as the radio buttons don't work from time to time. I noticed a lot of recalls and similar problems with other peoples vehicles. I would like to know what is causing this electrical issues and have them fixed, I feel my safety is at risk, especially if the power steering shuts off again, this time while I am driving.

Filed May 6, 2013 · Steering · 152,987 miles · WI

When turning left or right it makes a clunking noise from the steering column.

Filed Sep 10, 2012 · Suspension · 20,000 miles · IL

I purchased the car brand new in 2007. I noticed at about 20,000 miles the front suspension started to make lots of clunking noises and rattling whenever I went over bumps in the road. I took the car into the chevy dealer and they said nothing was wrong with the car. The car now has 42,000 miles on it and the noise is still there. There is also a really awful noise when I apply the brakes and release them the car jerks like the brakes are gonna fall off the car. I recently took the car to a mechanic and he said the bushings need to be replaced and possibly the struts and control arm. The mechanic said the car should not be having those problems with the cars current mileage. He recommended I take it to the dealer ship but my warranty has since expired and the dealer ship will not fix the car.

Filed Aug 15, 2012 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · PA

I was driving down the road and heard a clunk on the right front passenger side in the wheel area. Took it to the mechanic and he said the suspension needed replaced and that it was actually punctured up in the very top of the suspension. As of yet I havent gotten it replaced as I was waiting to get it all done when the car gets inspected along with new tires and an alignment. After reading other complaints chevy needs to recall the 2007 cobolt and fix it. I also have only back speakers that work for the radio and the electric locks mechanism on the drivers side for passenger door has never worked since I got it after numerous attempted repairs at auto dealership. Would never buy another chevy. Going to a foreign auto maker for next purchase.

Filed Aug 30, 2011 · Locks, Suspension · 60,000 miles · MN

Terrible clunking sound in the front end of my 2007 cobalt. Dealer says its control arm bushings and sway bar links. Personal mechanic confirmed the sway bar links needed to be replaced, but also saw that the arm bushings were in perfect condition and perfectly tight. Replaced links, but noise persists. When trying to find out what to do next I went to the internet where I discovered this seems to be a widespread problem. Help please and investigate so gm can recall the faulty materials.

Filed Aug 17, 2011 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · MI

Loud noise/clunking while going over minor to moderate bumps and passenger side front brake 'grabs" when applying brake and "jumps when releasing. Have had passenger side wheel bearing replaced under warranty as well as power assisted steering motor under recall. Vehicle is driven very little due to out of state work. I have not had it to the dealer for inspection but plan to do so soon.

Filed Jul 10, 2011 · Suspension · 54,000 miles · MI

At 54000 miles a "clunking" noise began from the drivers side front when taking off from a stop or going over moderate bumps in the road. Im at 57000 now and the noise has transferred to the passenger side also. Have not yet had the chance to have it looked at but I feel its safe to assume my problem is going to be the same as all the rest.

Filed Jul 6, 2011 · Suspension · 25,359 miles · WI

Owner heard clunking noise in right front. Found the tire moves when brakes are applied. Dealer found right front control arm bushings worn and right front strut worn. Owner found left and right front strut to be leaking and right control arm badly worn. Corporation recommended only right side control arm bushings and right side strut to be fixed. Nothing was done right now because owner refused to pay for repair since the vehicle only has 25,000 miles on it.