2008 Chevrolet Cobalt: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Nov 5, 2017 · Electrical, Fuel system · 149,000 miles · FL

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

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 Mar 12, 2015 · Suspension · 35,000 miles · NH

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. While driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front suspension control arm bushings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000. Updated 4/30/15

Filed Apr 17, 2014 · Steering · 11,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would make a loud popping noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering shaft was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred three times after the initial repairs. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer each time, where they replaced the sway bar, control arm bushings on both sides, and the electric power steering motor. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 11,000 and the current mileage was 48,500. Updated 06/10/14*lj updated 8/22/2017

Filed Mar 29, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 54,140 miles · MN

Left and right front control arm bushings failed. Very dangerous !!!

Filed Nov 9, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 99,124 miles · OH

Took car into have it inspected for noise coming from the from end told it was the lower control arm bushing and that cobalts where good for that part to fail so why does chevy not fix the problem?

Filed Jan 18, 2013 · Suspension · 69,000 miles · MA

Lower control arm bushing fails . There is so much play when braking car pulls to one side it didn't start till car was out of warranty.

Filed Dec 27, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 7,972 miles · CT

The control arm bushings had to be replaced with less than 8000 miles on the car. They went so bad the car swerved and clanked and chattered when the brakes were applied. Less than 8000 miles on the car??? This is a joke. I see on the internet a lot of people with same complaints. Why no recall?

Filed Apr 17, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 50,000 miles · IL

Purchased 2008 car used in 2010 with approx. 10k miles. Have had several issues with stereo speakers going out. Car now has less than 60k miles. Recently developed knock in front when going over bumps. Took car to dealer to have recalled steering box fixed. Chevrolet says lower control arm bushings, front struts are leaking, and sway bar end links need replaced soon. Almost $1500 dollars. Not covered under warranty though online search shows rampant issues.

Filed Jan 12, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 69,700 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact was driving 65 MPH when the vehicle began to shake uncontrollable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the struts, control arm, bushings axle, cv joints, sway bar bushings, brake pads, and the rotors but to no avail. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that because the contact purchased the vehicle used, they could not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 69,700. ...updated 01/31/12 *bf the axle seal was replaced, due to the vehicle leaking transmission fluid. There was a noise coming from the steering shaft. Updated 02/03/12

Filed Nov 22, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 16,000 miles · TX

Vehicle was taken to the dealership in oct 2011 at apprx 16,000 miles to check loud noise coming from front suspension area. Dealer replaced power steering motor according to recall and replaced part of steering column. However, that did not fix the issue. This is my elderly mother's car and she did not recognize the noise was not usual or that the repair did not address the problem. Vehicle now has 20,000 miles (nov 2011) and mechanic diagnosed lower control arm bushings are shot. This is apparently a common problem for this model & year. Dealer does not consider this a safety issue. I think it is--possibility of suspension components failing.

Filed Oct 13, 2011 · Suspension · 19,300 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while making a turn at 5 MPH, the front passenger side lower control arm bushings failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the lower control arm under the warranty. Four months later while driving 30 MPH, the contact drove over a road bump and a noise was heard from the left side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who inspected the noise and noticed that the driver side control arm bushings failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 19,300 and the current mileage was 22,368. Updated 10/31/11 *bf updated 3/30/12