2008 Chevrolet Cobalt: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Mar 1, 2019 · Airbags, Steering · 141,152 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. While driving at low speeds, there was a grinding noise coming from the steering wheel and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact also mentioned that the air bag warning indicator illuminated periodically. The steering wheel was unable to be turned. When the vehicle was restarted, it functioned normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the passenger side air bag sensor and the electric motor power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,152.

Filed Sep 15, 2015 · Brakes, Steering · 151,565 miles · NY

Wheels- the control arm bushings wear tremendously and rattle making the steering wheel shake uncontrollably. Steering- the steering wheel has a ton of "play" before it engages in a turn. Brakes- the rear drums and shoes wear excessively fast causing severe deterioration and grinding.

Filed Jul 1, 2015 · Engine · 122,701 miles · NV

Was driving to san diego, first stop of several on a vacation. Stopped at a stop light. Went to proceed as light turned green, heard a scraping and grinding sound; there was little to no power for the car. It couldn't go above 30 MPH, and made a "loud noise" (as stated on paperwork from dealership). Got to city (by the bay) chevrolet. I ended up spending $1334.21 for a new catalytic converter and two gaskets. I was also out $111.26 for a rental as I was going to disneyland and knott's berry farm after a stop to san diego. I had to have the rental from thursday to saturday or I would have missed time at disneyland. I picked the day for knott's berry farm. According to chevrolet, the 2005-2007 cobalts in nevada (where I bought the car and live) are affected by a catalytic converter issue; however after contacting chevrolet and advising them of my issue -- they tell me (despite the identical issue) -- my model is not affected. I am looking for $1445.47 in compensation for actual losses. I would like compensatory damages since chevrolet is refusing to do the right thing and investigate or reimburse me and it affected my vacation. Also, I want the recall extended to the 2008 models. Updated 09/15/15*lj updated 11/03/2017

Filed Oct 14, 2013 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 68,122 miles · FL

At random the vehicle will suddenly exhibit ESC failure, traction control failure, and several other trouble codes while simultaneously losing all gauge function and power steering. The error will continue to escalate causing a malfunction in the electronic stability control mechanism causing grinding while turning. The error often subsides after shutting the ignition off for several minutes.

Filed Jul 15, 2013 · Brakes · 48,590 miles · NJ

Since the car was purchased new, it has made occasional grinding noises from the rear brakes. The rear brakes have worn out so quick that this is the second time they are being replaced (three sets of rear brakes in under 50,000 miles). The replacements have not been covered under warranty because they are a "wear" item. This vehicle is the four-door "sport" model with the rear disc brakes and manual transmission. The problem is that the brakes wear very quick and the parking brake will no longer hold the vehicle on an incline. The emergency brake was adjusted by the dealership twice and they said there is nothing wrong with it, but I figured out what the problem is. The springs on the rear calipers that release the pads when the parking brake is disengaged are not strong enough to release the pads. Even when the parking brake is fully disengaged, the rear pads are clamped down on the rotors causing heat, premature wear, and more rolling resistance, leading to decreased parking brake function.

Filed Apr 12, 2012 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · OH

After 12,000 miles had to get new brake pads and rotors do to loud squealing. Have since been replaced two more times for the same thing.

Filed Feb 3, 2012 · Brakes · 21,000 miles · OK

The rear brakes clunked and squeaked. Took it to the chevy dealership in november 2011. They replaced the pads and turned the rotors. Since the car was two months out of warranty the charge was 307.40. Within 30 days the brakes started making the noise again but not as often or as loud. The sound has gotten progressively worse and more often. Instead of a squeak there is now an extremely loud grinding noise when stopping, particularly when there is moisture present. The brake pads still have plenty of material on them and the rotors are smooth. The noise is deafening in parking garages and can easily be heard 1/8th of a mile away. Stopping distance has increased and the vehicle does not feel safe.

Filed Mar 4, 2011 · Brakes · 29,000 miles · IN

Whenever my rear disc brakes get wet and then dry off - they make a very load squealing noise. I have to make sure I back out of my garage without braking. I am afraid the noise will wake my daughter because her bedroom is above the garage. I have had it in to the chevy dealer to check it out and they tell me the brakes are fine. Also, they know this model car does have this problem. If gm knows about this why do they not remedy it. Once I drive it a few miles it seems to go away. But once the rear brakes get wet again I guarantee the squeal will be back.

Filed Sep 20, 2010 · Body, Brakes · 35,886 miles · MI

2008 chevy cobalt, I bought it brand new in jan. 2008! I have had nothing but problems with the passengers side front end and front brakes. In the beginning, the car was under warranty, now it is not, but the problems keep happening and I have had it back in for service many, many times! Always for the same issues, front end and brakes! You will see when you pull the service reports! I contacted gm and I had a wonderful lady working with me and she said she was putting someone on my acct, a guy called me said they accepted my acct, now today he called and said they were not able to do the buy back program with the car and just to keep servicing the car! Im telling you they service it and then in a matter of a short period, its back in the service dept. The car should in no way shape or form, have all these issues and for gods sake front end or brakes, its still fairly new! I pray nothing seriously happens to me or anyone riding in this car due to something being broke or breaking! The service dept where I bought the car says they fix it, but shortly there after its back! Now, they treat me like I don't know what im talking about and I am furious! Please check out the service reports and you tell me! I believe this is a defective car! There also has been others who have had issues with the front ends and brakes with these cars even the owner of the dealer I bought it at admitted that! There are several bulletins out on it also, I know for a fact! I am one very dissatisfied customer!!! Right as I speak, when you are driving 40+ MPH the steering wheel shakes and you can feel it in your seat and on the floor board..is this normal? It also wants to sway to the left or the right...ya just never know! The brakes have this horrible grinding loud sound as you brake, it is sometimes, not always! I will put down the first incident date because too many to list! There were other issues with this car as you will see in reports!

Filed Feb 3, 2010 · Steering · NE

1. Squealing while turning squealing upon start-up stiff steering erratic function lack of power 2. It occurs often, cannot steer, I didn't realize what was wrong with my car until I found the symptoms on-line and I have all of them. 3. Will take it into dealership.

Filed Feb 2, 2010 · Steering · 20,000 miles · MO

All of a sudden, the steering wheel has shifted. While driving straight, the wheel is turned a quarter turn to the left. Whenever turning the steering wheel, I hear a squeaking noise and sometimes a "clunk" noise.

Filed Apr 2, 2009 · Transmission · 15,000 miles · ME

Purchased cobalt "revolution" with manual transmission in feb 2009. Always got some minor grinding when shifting into 4th gear. Waited during break-in period but only got worse. Around 15,000 miles took to dealer, he couldn't duplicate the problem. The grinding got worse and extended to 3rd gear too. At approx 30,000 miles it was almost constant. Dealer replaced the 3rd and 4th syncro gears. Problem recurred almost immediately in 3rd only. Shifter failed and had to be towed at approx. 50,000 miles. Dealer again rebuilt transmission and replaced a shifter linkage pin. Problem recurred almost immediately in 3rd only. Shifter again failed and had to be towed to dealer. Dealer waiting for backordered cable for shifter and then will "try" to fix grinding. Dealer says cable is not part of power train warranty!