Car would not turn key or some times start or go into gear. It is always hit and miss. With this car car still has only 40 some thousand miles on engine. Always broke down in drive way or any where ever parked. When driving sometimes several different lights on dash comes on all at once. This car has been a real problem from 2010.
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt electrical complaints
Page 2 of 7: complaints 11 to 40 of 166, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. While the contact was seated in the driver's seat without the key in the ignition, the vehicle attempted to start independently. The contact stated that the internal lighting flashed on and off. The contact stated that the vehicle attempted to start independently until the battery was depleted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the battery was recharged. Classic chevrolet of lake city (6190 w blue rd, lake city, mi 49651, (888) 580-3758) was called and informed of the failure. The contact stated that the ignition was replaced on four separate occasions; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
The vehicle began having electrical problem a few years after purchase in 2008. The power windows became non operable, radio speakers stopped working, door locks don't unlock via power switch, AC/ heat issues (doesn't function properly), and wire harnesses near seat belt column (where belt meets floor) became severed from seat belt column movement.... This caused air bags to stop functioning.
The battery of this vehicle, and even new ones from the same manufacturer, have the battery installed in the trunk from the factory. There's a brittle plastic tube that vents the toxic fumes generated by an operating battery to the outside of the car. If this tube is damaged/broken, it allows fumes to enter the trunk, and seep into the cabin. The fumes corrode your lungs, which in some cases, such as mine, leads to hypoxia, meaning that the operator of the vehicle is dizzy & confused. This issue not only affects the owners/occupants of the vehicles with this design, but could potentially endanger unsuspecting pedestrians/motorists due to the operator of a vehicle becoming incapacitated, or they may simply black out at the wheel due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. The fumes are allowed to build up in the cabin of the car if the windows are left up and the air conditioner is on recirculate. The fumes are odorless meaning that you can go about operating the vehicle for an extended period of time without noticing that there's a problem, not that it would matter since the fumes corrode the nerve in your nose that allow you to have a sense of smell. The symptoms are flu like, which may lead a victim to ignore their symptoms. In my particular instance, the fumes that were entering the cabin of my car was sulfuric acid. This design flaw could easily lead to death, if not from the highly toxic, carcinogenic fumes that are entering the cabin of the vehicle, then the confusion/dizziness that the fumes lead to, which not only endangers the operator of the vehicle, but unsuspecting pedestrians/motorists who may be in the path of a vehicle with an operator who has blacked out, or is simply confused/dizzy due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. The part number of the tube for my specific car is 15247277. Trunk batteries should be outlawed unless aftermarket.
The gauges on the dash go haywire. A subtle 'ding ding' sound is made. The engine has difficulty accelerating and will only do so in spurts. A power steering warning is displayed on the dash and the steering wheel becomes very tight and impossible to turn. Car will give you about a minute, tops, to do something before shutting down completely. Issue happens randomly but seems to be triggered by the car decelerating into first gear, at a stoplight for example. However, this past incident happened while on the interstate and nearly caused a collision with a semi. My particular VIN is not included in the loss of power steering recall involving chevrolet cobalts, general motors recall number:10023 and the federal safety agency recall number: 10v073000. However, based on performance the past 6 months, I sincerely believe it should be.
"takata recall" I am buying this vehicle from a buy here pay here lot.during my experiernce driving this car. I've had trouble steering the wheel.I brought in in to tire discounters for inspection testing. The result the auto tech explained to me in writing that I have electrical issues with the car.also the tires was placed on backwards and the car needs new tires.the check engine light is on in the car.in motion on the street when experiencing this problem.the sensors are bad.this vechicle is programmed and needs a remote.I have to go to the dealer resolve it.time auto sales in latonia kentucky previous owner of this car.
I first had noticed my front passenger speaker would cut in and out. It didn't matter if the car was stationary or if I was driving. The following week I was driving through the parking lot of my job and the doors locks started locking and unlocking rapidly by themselves. And now they rarely ever do either when I try and push the lock buttons. So they either have to stay locked or unlocked depending the mood of the car. The following week I had a gas leak and had to have it serviced because that is very dangerous. The mechanic told me that there was a recall on that plastic piece to fuel system but only in southern states and I live in the north. And not to long after that my turn signal switch wouldn't stay on or it wouldn't shut off by it's self. Also dangerous trying to hold switch on while making a turn.
Battery keeps dying and key is stuck in ignition. Have to keep replacing battery every 8 months which are brand new 5 year battery. Fuel line was replaced but still strong odor of gas and rotting fuel line again. Safety hazard! This has been reported by a large number of people. Why is there not a recall on this?? Vehicle was stationary at the time. This happens all the time so I can only put one date in here. Something is also wrong with my electrical system and the check engine light comes on all the time after diagnosing with my mechanic and having it turned off. Why isn't gm doing anything to help us?
Ignition switch
Instrument cluster malfunctioning, speedometer and warning indicators flashing, going out, resuming normal operation, then repeating the failure symptoms repeatedly. During failure symptoms the transmission and engine bog down, stall and the power steering assist fails (with engine still running) . Random electrical issues such as the check engine light, car alarm sensor, etc flash on and off then start working again totally normally. Can not get the failure to occur at the dealership or mechanics. Fails several times a week. Fails when driving on street, highway at low speeds, medium speeds or high speeds.
Won't crank unless you hold key in a certain place
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the upon turning ignition key in the ignition the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning indicators. The vehicle was towed to the tim lally chevrolet dealer (440‑232‑2000, 24999 miles rd, warrensville heights, oh 44128) where the technician was unable to complete a diagnostic test but stated that the power control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and promised to investigate as a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was about 13,000.
The dash message says power steering. As I was excellerating in the on ramp of the highway, the RPM jumped up to 6,000 all on its own and now it will not shift gears, does not read any MPH, and can barely go more than 20mph. This was unexpected and had no warnings prior to. Although it still functions (turns on, runs, has all power available, has reverse) it is ultimately disabled. Also, the fuel lines/ fuel pump failed causing a gas leak, making it a challenge to start the vehicle. I have patched the fuel line as a temporary fix. I have already replaced the lower control arms and the timing chains at my own expense
My 2008 chevy cobalt began secreting a very strong fuel odor; it didn't matter if it was parked, or driving, the odor has been prominent 24/7. I checked for leaks and found nothing. I recently moved, so I have yet to find a new, trustworthy mechanic, so I've been driving my husbands car due to the fact that I do not feel safe driving the chevy at this point. I had however, been regularly starting the engine once a week, while trying to locate a mechanic, however now. My chevy is completely dead; it wont turn on, nor will the lock system even function VIN number: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'
I give my car chevy cobolt to billy navarr lake charles for ignation switch recall because gm corporate told me take there and chevy delar billy navarr sold my car to some body but they are saying some body steel the car and they can do nothing
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while her son was driving and his cousin in the passenger side seat at 78 MPH, the brakes failed to respond when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that while her son was driving the vehicle caught on fire, lost control of the vehicle, hit a fire hydrant and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. It was unknown the origin of the fire. The driver was injured which resulted with laceration on the anterior right side, there were bilateral wrist fracture, fracture to the right femur and left knee. There was an aortic laceration and multiple bilateral lung lacerations and cardiac contusions, autopsy also reveled first to forth degree firms burns with charring on approximately 70% of the body surface area, there were thermal fractures to the skull and both the hands. The driver was reported dead at the scene and the front passenger sustained a head injury that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver while driving various speeds. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 10v073000 (steering), 14v047000 (electrical system:ignition:switch), and 14v171000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the instrument panel gauges fluctuated and the vehicle stalled without warning occasionally. While driving various speeds, the steering failed. The failures were intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, but the details could not be provided. The vehicle was serviced per the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 10v073000 (steering) and 14e021000 (electrical system), but the remedies failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle stalled and the power steering seized after the repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200.
Start of the problem the gauges will go eratic, my car chimes a few dings then theft light comes on. I don't have a theft system. Ls model. Also effects the transmission(automatic) cause it will shift hard and jerk the car. The AC also shuts off during this issue, it will blow air but it won't be cold. Seems like the issue always comes back when it's extremely hot outside. This is an on going issue for about 5 years and it comes and goes. Every mechanic I went to their car reader can't read my car. Also it has happened while I was driving and again when I'm parked and just started the car. And I have had all the recalls fixed that were reported.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle dashboard leaked water and the vehicle had an abnormal fuel odor. The failure occurred when the A/C and heater was activated. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had a crack fuel canister. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had a cracked fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v459000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 90,140.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. While driving at 35 MPH, the engine stalled, the steering wheel seized, and all the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. While driving various speeds, the instrument panel gauges fluctuated, the power steering failed, and the transmission shifted abnormally. The security system warning indicator illuminated. The failures occurred sporadically. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000. Updated 06/15/16*lj the consumer stated all codes read, a loss of communication. Updated 06/28/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. While driving 55 MPH, all the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the power steering failed and the speedometer, fuel gauge, and tachometer needles moved back and forth and displayed inaccurate readings. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the electronic brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the remedy did not resolve the issue. The contact stated that the failure continued to occur intermittently. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Power steering went out while I was driving at a speed of 45 MPH. I checked fuse and it was blown. I then but new fuse in and started car. The second I started the car the fuse blew again. The strang thing was that even tho the fues had blown the power steering continued to work until the car was shut off. Also my radio started changing stations by itself and airbag warning came across the dash then a couple days after that started I went to start the car and it wouldn't. Radio, outside lights and blinkers, interior lights, and dash lights would all still work, but it seemed that no power was getting to the starter nor the fule pump. At this time the car still won't start
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while parked, the indicators in the instrument panel began to flicker and the steering wheel required force in order to maneuver the vehicle. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. While the vehicle was at a service center, the steering wheel failed to turn and seized. The power steering and service air bag lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery and passenger seat module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Some times the car will not start, reduced engine power, can not go long distance on turn pike, car will stall out. Fuel/propulsion system, has a problem also, but will not let me click on box above.
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, there was a loss of steering, which resulted in a driver side impact collision. The air bags did not deploy. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the vehicle was deemed destroyed. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags , electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. A police report was filed. There were no injuries reported that required medical attention. The failure mileage was 138,000.
"takata recall" when going slow in drive and reverse my car began to have trouble steering. It physically go to the point where I was manually turning it my self with no help from the power steering. The dash lights have gone out, none of them are currently working....I have to drive with a flash light secured to my dash just to see my gauges. I am unable to see any thing else that comes up on my dash that has to be seen by a light. My gear shift lights do not work. I must turn on the dome light in order to see the gear I shift into. Heating/AC lights are gone. Tail lights also are not working. Have changed the light bulbs and still no tail lights.
One morning when I started my 2008 chevrolet cobalt with the 2lt trim package, the airbag readiness light came on and stayed on the whole time I was driving, and at the same time the passenger airbag status indicator off symbol was lit. The car had never been involved in an accident and the approximate millage on my car at this time was 50,577. There was a person setting in the passenger seat that weighed approximately 140 pounds, so the airbag should have been on. Ever since that day, every time I start my car the airbag readiness light and the passenger airbag off lite come on and stays on. I checked the connectors under the passenger seat and all were connected. I took my car, paid out of pocket to have diagnostic testing to get the error codes for this but no codes were shown. Recently I took it to the dealership for the ignition switch safety recall repaired. After reading chevrolet cobalt technical service bulletins about airbags, numerous complaints from other cobalt owners about this exact problem, recalls that had the term airbags mentioned, I decided to tell my concern to the service employees and was told this wasn't covered, that I could pay for them to do testing on it. Seeing as I had already paid for the exact same testing before with no results as to what was wrong, I declined to have it done again. I contacted chevrolet by email concerning this. They emailed me back asking for additional information. I replyed with that information and have never heard anything back from them. What do those of us who have safety concerns associated with the airbags need to do to get chevrolet to acknoweledge that this is a problem that needs their attention seeing as this is a common problem with the cobalts? Seeing as chevrolet has put out technical service bulletins concerning this exact problem proves they are aware of it but have yet to do anything about it.
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