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2008 Chevrolet Cobalt electrical complaints

Page 5 of 7: complaints 101 to 130 of 166, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt electrical problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 28, 2014 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 35,000 miles · MO

I cant believe it's going to take gm months, years to fix cobalts ignition switches, there are also fuel pump recall4-13 but my area is "not hot enough" for a fuel pump recall that was advised for other areas???? Wth ?? My appointment for ignition switch fix is months away, if I get killed my family is to sue gm for knowingly holding up the solution!! Come on!!!! Get with it !!! Gm sure gets their money quick but when its time to fix problems and make it right on gm's part they are slacking bad!!!

Filed May 23, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated after the vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency recall campaign number: 14v171000, electrical system the air bag light illuminated sporadically and the power steering failed to function normally. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for the failures. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was 79,873. Rk

Filed May 19, 2014 · Electrical · 78,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the ignition switch however, the failure recurred. The contact placed the gear in neutral and was able to shift into drive, but the vehicle continued to stall several times. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number 14v171000 (electrical system), but the contact was notified of the recall after the failure had occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed May 15, 2014 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact attempted to have the vehicle repaired for the federal safety agency recall campaign number:14v171000 (electrical system). The contact stated that she was notified that the parts were not available; as a result, the repairs were unable to be performed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. There were no failures at this time. Rk

Filed May 11, 2014 · Electrical · NY

My car is part of the gm recall. I have 2 parts on my car which are to be replaced by gm. My car has been shutting off and is unsafe to drive. I have been speaking with gm and chevy dealers to get a loaner vehicle. To no avail. I have been dealing with this since april 11. I understand that gm says it will provide courtesy cars to customers, however, this is not the case. They just give the run around.

Filed May 6, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · MI · crash · fire · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the driver was traveling 55 MPH and drove over a pot hole when the vehicle suddenly stalled, causing the driver to crash into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. The force of the impact caused the vehicle to explode, causing fatal injuries to a passenger. The driver was removed from the vehicle within seconds of the explosion however, the passenger could not be rescued. A police report was filed. The driver was transported to the hospital for treatment of severe bruising, lacerations and fractures to both legs. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v047000 ( air bags , electrical system) and stated that the recall notification was not received until after the incident. The VIN and failure mileage was not available.

Filed May 1, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact received a recall notification of the federal safety agency campaign id number 14v047000 (air bags , electrical system) and 14v171000 (electrical system), however the parts needed were currently unavailable. The dealer was unable to provide an expected date for the remedy part to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Apr 19, 2014 · Electrical · 36,758 miles · PA

On several occasions the battery in the vehicle died for no reason. When trying to start the car when unaware that the battery was dead the key gets stuck in the ignition and are unable to get the key out unless the battery is recharged. However, since there is no power to the vehicle you cannot open the trunk to get to the battery? Before recall in 2010 my key would get stuck in the ignition several times when the battery was fine and I would have to forcefully try to get the key into the start position or off position and pull the key out. Problems still remain with this ignition problem? Dealership states this is how gm designed the car?

Filed Apr 15, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · NY

Tl* the contact owns 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact received the recall notice related to the federal safety agency campaign id number 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system); however, the part needed was unavailable to perform the repair. There are no failures at this time. The manufacturer was notified and stated there was no rental vehicle available. Updated 05/28/14 ma updated 06/02/2014

Filed Apr 14, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · KY

2008 chevrolet cobalt. Consumer writes in regards to steering wheel column recall. *smd the consumer stated in 2010 he steering motor was recalled, and corrected. Recently, the consumer had to replace the steering wheel column, which was part of the key ignition that has been in the media. The consumer spent $1200 for repairs and notified chevrolet about the situation and reimbursement.

Filed Apr 11, 2014 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 137,000 miles · TX

The key locked causing car to roll forward. I attempted to remove key but electrical system was disabled. I was not able to restart auto until jump starting it. Then the check engine light appeared and the traction control off warning appeared. Additionally, the power steering light indicated it was off. No injuries occurred as I was coming to a stop when incident happened. When driving my auto to the dealer, I noticed the RPM reached 4500 at about 50 MPH. Steering took some effort without power steering.

Filed Apr 4, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 95,487 miles · MA

Was driving over to a friends house got pulled over for a front headlight being out. Found out its the same headlight I replaced 3 months ago and this is the same issue that I have with this cars lights every 3 to 4 months. Its either the front headlight bulbs need to be replace or rear light bulbs need to be replace and I can not plug in a car charge for my phone cause of a burning smell that comes from somewhere within the car. I had this investigated by three people who service cars and they can not find the problem they tell me to bring it to the dealer.

Filed Apr 2, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 55,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact was owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the button located on the gear shifter housing became completely detached. In addition, the turn signal and windshield wiper mechanism fractured upon engaging. The dealer informed the contact that they would be responsible for fifty percent of the repair expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

Filed Mar 31, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · AL · fire · 1 injury

I previously contacted gm befcause of a power steering issue weeks before my accident.I was crossing the railroad track when I lost all power to my car and it caught on fire.

Filed Mar 29, 2014 · Electrical · 104,081 miles · FL

While driving the ignition switch turned off and I had no power to steer the car.

Filed Mar 24, 2014 · Electrical · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the ignition seized and the key failed to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was replaced but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Mar 19, 2014 · Electrical · VA

I am concerned that chevy might have fixed my 2008 ignition switch with parts that might have been in stock for years, perhaps with switches that were found to be defective in prior years. I worry about this because, per media reports, gm did not change part numbers when it hid the fix on prior year cobalts. I no longer own the cobalt, but my daughter has it now. I think we would have noticed by now if it was defective, but what about other people. The cobalt's ignition would not release the key. I brought it to gm who fixed it. The dates above are guesses. Your investigator might have to worry about other years if it can't track part numbers used to fix ignition switches replaced for another reason.

Filed Mar 18, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 39,000 miles · MO

The very first incident I experienced with my power steering was nothing major. I was trying park my car and it suddenly became very hard to steer. I powered the car off for a minute and then restarted it. Once the car was restarted the problem went away. Shortly after that the doors would not unlock. I was unable to get into my car for hours. After much prying, we were able to get into the car but now the driver's door lock has to be locked manually or unlocked with the key in door. Months down the line the power steering issue came back but only worse. It happened while I was driving. A dinging noise went off, "power steering" flashed across the dashboard, and all the gauges went wiggling. It startled me. Again, I pulled over and cut the engine for a spell and waited. After a few moments I turned the car back on and it was like nothing ever happened. The third time was the worst time thus far. I was exiting the highway and suddenly the noise came back and flashed power steering. It was much worse this time. The car was hard to steer, the car roughly jerked, and I could not exelerate. Thankfully I made it home 5 minutes later, but by then the engine light had come on. I found out that my car was recalled for this very reason. When I called chevrolet they said that the previous owners had to have brought my car in during the recall because my car didn't have any open recalls. If my car was truly brought in for the recall then why is my car not fixed? And more importantly why do they expect me to pay for it? They are endagering my life as well as others'. Passing cars off as though they are fixed when really they are not is criminal and something needs to be done. If need be I will pay for my own car but what about all the other cars that they've "fixed"? A young lady died from her power steering failing and you would think that would be enough to fix their mistake.

Filed Mar 15, 2014 · Acceleration, Airbags · 47,000 miles · OK

Ignition switch jams; air bag light stays on; cruise control stopped working; airconditioner stopped working; tire light stays on; engine light stays on; and now heater is barely working.

Filed Mar 6, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 10,000 miles · TN

I do not remember the exact dates and mileage, but I have seen recently the recalls on cobalt. I purchased a 2008 cobalt in 2008. Had 5 miles on it when I bought it. By, 2010 the ignition switch had been replaced 3 times, due to failure. 2 times the ignition would not start. Once, the car would not turn off. I had to drive immediately to the dealership that time. I contacted the dealership, gm, and interstate commerce dept. No one would help me. The only thing gm said they would do is give me $2500 towards the purchase of a brand new vehicle. I had just had my daughter and stuck on the side of the road with her the last time. After no help, I just had let them repo the vehicle. I know the recall only goes to 2007 models, but you may want to investigate the 2008 models as well.

Filed Mar 3, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 75,000 miles · TX

My leg accidentally bumped the keychain 3 3/8 inches long (only one key on it , the ignition key) while I was driving, and the car shut off. I was in a 35 MPH area, I shifted it into neutral and was able to steer into a left turn lane, shifted it into park and started it.

Filed Mar 2, 2014 · Electrical · 43,737 miles · WA

My grandmother was driving and all of a sudden all her gauges went nuts and it started shifting hard. Took to dealership and codes read were u2105, u0073, they say they replaced terminals. One day later same thing happened so I took my code reader and it read u0073. We took it back told them about code and I told them to check terminals again and fuses. They call later and stated that the other computer went out, so grandmother paid another 400. Two days later its doing it again. I have a 04 impala that had the same issues mine was no start and chevy couldn't find problem it started fine for them, but after 2 days everything started breaking, and as a single mom w no money I had to research every code read and learned to fix it. I know every wire and which computer reads first, so chevy is going to have a rude awaking on monday. I believe chevy cant fix these computers and they just clear the codes and off u go until your car reprograms its self and same problems take effect, but I'm sure its due to another computer going out, at least that's what chevy would and will say!!!

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 21, 2013 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · CT

Originally, the key got stuck in the ignition of my 2008 cobalt and the car wouldn't shut off. Mechanic disconnected battery and attempted to bypass tumbler mechanism. With a paper clip. He triggered the key release. Car started after that. However, on about the fifth or sixth try after that, the car failed to start and the key wouldn't turn the ignition switch. Car is stuck at work 50 miles from home and I will have to pay a small fortune to tow it to the shop near me...one that won't rob me blind, that is. Furthermore, I have great need of my wheels as I transport musical equipment to and from my concerts with this car, so I'm losing revenue here. As this has been a recurrent problem and gm already knows it is an issue, I request a recall and reimbursement for this problem, including the towing fee. Thanks in advance, gm. Regards, an avid, but currently downhearted, non-running chevy owner.

Filed May 29, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 40,000 miles · VA

The audio indicator for the turn signals, chime for safety belts, door ajar (all warning chimes) stopped working. The left front speaker stopped working for the radio as well. (I've looked this up on the internet, and supposedly all audio indicators come through the speaker.) this appears to be a problem with many cobalts, over a long time (I've seen it mentioned for many model years). It is always the same, the left front speaker stops working (none of the others) and the audio warning equipment stops functioning.

Filed Apr 11, 2013 · Electrical · MI

Basically vehicle was parked in parking lot for an hour, when I got back to vehicle the car the vehicle had no power and would not start. Nothing was left on, no lights where on and no radio or other electrical device left on where all turned off. I had to jump start vehicle in order to get power back to vehicle and to have vehicle running again. This has happened twice before and have taken to dealership and nothing was found to be wrong.

Filed Mar 7, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 76,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that once the vehicle was started, the fuel and odometer gauges would display an accurate reading. In addition, the power steering assist failed and the vehicle would resume in normal operation after turning the engine off and restarting. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis however, they were unable to determine the problem. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000. Updated 5/19/114*cn updated 05/28/2014

Filed Feb 20, 2013 · Electrical, Fuel system · 75,000 miles · TX

Well I got my car back in 2009 and now I own it, well I have had power steering which I had fixed,but now I've been really having a bad gas smell and one of my friends dad is a mechanic and he looked at it and he's thinking something wrong with either the line or the filter or tank, I cant stand driving my own car cause how bad the smell is I've started having nose bleeds,and that's not my only problem all my lights are going off(tire,airbag,)etc. Yes my car is not in the best shape right now but I just started working again and my car is falling apart and idk how to get it fixed as of now.

Filed Oct 24, 2012 · Electrical, Fuel system · 103,000 miles · CA

Car had starting issues, once took to the mechanic, they found out that the fuel pump connectors were burned and had possibility of igniting during driving. Chevy recalled many cars(cobalts) with the same issues from 2007 to 2009, when we called chevy about our vehicle, they said our car wasn't included in the recall even though we had that problem.

Filed Oct 3, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · 97,000 miles · TX

I noticed a slight tapping/rattling noise coming from the front driver side. The noise only occurs between the speeds of 50-60 MPH and only when letting off the gas completely. Then I received in the mail an ignition cylinder recall. My car had problems with locking up and difficulties turning the key. So I took the car to the dealership told them about the noise I was hearing then waited a week with no call from the dealership so I called them. They told me my car would be finished by noon, I arrived at 4 pm. They then told me my car was not yet finished. The dealership had not even put in the new ignition cylinder even after a week. I was told the noise could not be replicated. I waited for the ignition to be put in (about 30 mins) then took one of the dealership mechanics on a test drive to hear the noise. Noise was heard and took it back to the shop. Checked under the car and nothing wrong could be found. The lead mechanic took it for a test drive but due to the heavy downpour of rain nothing was heard. I was asked to bring the car back on monday due to possible severity of the situation. Dropped the car back off at the dealership monday. A test drive and a look under the car and they found the problem, noise coming from rack and pinion while hitting bumps rack worn and needs replacement steering column making noise as well recommend replacement with out replacement the car would eventually have no steering ability at all: cost $1524 no warranty. This car has had the power steering recall replacement (the steering wheel suddenly stopped working while in a parking lot due to broken pinion) in 2010 and a transmission issue (RPM rev when the car hit 40 when the gas was not being applied) that was a worn seal it was fixed and covered by warranty in 2011. This would be the twice now with no steering ability only its a different cause? I feel like I'm being cheated.

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