Airbag : warning intermittently comes on.. Then resets on the next ignition start. Then will reappear again. Suspension: severe clunking in front end only when turning or maneuvering . This vehicle has done 46k miles total.
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt: harsh or hard shifting
6 of the 845 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt describe harsh or hard shifting.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 26,100
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 43 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Harsh or hard shifting by model year
What owners say
Took car in to replace struts due to clunking sound while going over any surface that was not perfectly smooth. Turns out the sway bar and bearings were failing and needed to be replaced. Apparently I was very close to a possible bad accident. It was quite costly to repaint and I am finding this is a common problem gm is aware of.
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.
The vehicle is past the warranty mileage limits. I noticed several days ago a loud clunking noise while going over the slightest bump coming from the front end. I had the vehicle in for a oil change and tire rotation and asked to have the front end checked. The control arm bushings are worn out and I have to pay $300+ for the repair. Granted, I am outside the mileage limits of the warranty, but this vehicle is barely three years old. It appears I'm not the first to complain either. I have been a chevrolet and gm fan for years, but with this issue plus the problems I had with my last pickup, a 2004 gmc sierra, I'm beginning to question my choices.
Recently heard clunking noise in front end. Haven't taken it to the dealer yet, but will shortly. Suspect it is bushings mentioned in report # 10335840. The mileage is 26100.
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.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or...
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required...
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
- Power train
- This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission...
- This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt harsh shifting
Is harsh or hard shifting a common problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt?
6 of 845 owner complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (1%) mention harsh or hard shifting. The model year with the most reports is 2005.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt?
There are 0 recalls and 43 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
Fuel leak 114Power steering loss 99Fuel smell 98Fuel pump 74Steering lock-up 46Airbag light 32Engine failure 31Loss of power 31Check engine light 30Stalling 29No deployment 27Won't start 24Ball joint 15Grinding brakes 15Door locks 15Fire or smoke 12Headlights 11Hesitation 10Jerking 10Steering noise 8ABS 6Fuel gauge 6Seat belt 6Pulling 5Warning lights 5
VIN decoder
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