Problems with 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt STEERING

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that after the push button starter was deactivated, the front driver and passenger side doors failed to unlock. the contact activated the remote key fob to exit from the front driver's side door. in addition, both turn signals became inoperable. the air bag on indicator and tire pressure monitoring system failed to function. the failures occurred after the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 10v073000 (steering). the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure was mileage 65,306.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. while driving 40 mph and attempting to brake, the steering wheel became extremely loose and shook independently. the contact heard a sound of plastic breaking coming from the dashboard. the failure recurred multiple times. the contact replaced the axle, but the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front struts, front mounts, rear shocks, and rear springs failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired at the dealer, but the contact replaced the front shocks himself. the failure recurred. the contact spoke to the manufacturer who stated that they could not assist because the contact refused the repairs. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact believed that the stub axle was the cause of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 130,507.

electrical/electronics problem. symptoms: dash warning lights (ie: engine, traction, theft) came on. digital display warning: low fuel (over 1/2 tank of gas) power steering (which stopped operating) and transmission service (transmission stopped shifting smoothly). gauges (speed, fuel and tach) operated erratically, not at all or combination of the two conditions. this condition started with a few of the listed symptoms which initially cleared them selves. later as more showed at same time, i was able to clear them or sometime they cleared themselves . this happened over a years time. when all symptoms showed and would not clear, i took the vehicle to trusted mechanic. he could not locate problem but due to outstanding ignition switch recall, suggest that repair may fix the problem. vehicle was taken to dealership and recall service preformed and no other outstanding recalls were found. vehicle operated without a problem for almost a month before the listed symptoms reappeared. was able to clear the fault codes but symptoms returned within the day and won't clear. a check of recalls found that a recall for power steering loss as described was issued and done at approx. 49,000 miles. several electrical system checks were found in maintenance history (done after power steering recall) and preformed before i purchased the vehicle. the issue describe has become worse over time and has effected the safety of not only those operating the vehicle but any one else on the road when this problem manifest itself. given that the ignition was replaced and the problems persist, i can't believe it was the ignition causing these problems. i will contact gm to see what my options are. given that gm is paying 900 million to the government in fines, maybe uncle sam could held those of us with gm engineered lemons replace them with something that is safe to drive on the road.

2008 chevrolet cobalt. consumer writes in regards to sway bar, power steering and ignition switch problems. *smd the consumer stated the day after the vehicle was purchased, the sway bar links failed. *jb updated 07/30/14

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a traffic sign, the vehicle failed to turn and the steering wheel continue to spin uncontrollably. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, who verified that the steering failed. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 76,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. while driving various speeds, there was a temporary loss of power steering and the vehicle continued normal operation. the failure recurred one to two times daily. in 2010, the manufacturer replaced the power steering motor possibly under the customer satisfaction program. the failure recurred most recently and the dealer denied to service the vehicle under nhtsa campaign number: 0v073000 (steering) due to the excessive mileage on the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vin was unknown. the approximate failure mileage was 50,000. updated 06/15/16*lj

While driving the power steering quit working. i had to pull over and restart the car. after the first time it happen it happen every time i drove the car. *tr

Driving down a residential road at less than 30 miles per hour. all of a sudden without any warning, everything went haywire: i got a low fuel warning even though the tank was half-full, myriad warning lights flashed, the tachometer needle moved erratically, i lost power steering, and the automatic transmission started shifting very roughly. i pulled over and stopped the car, removed and reinserted the key, and restarted the car. the problem persisted. all without the car key attached to a key chain - gm's proposed solution until new parts can be installed for the recall. i drove the car a half-mile back to my home and shut it off. i restarted the car several minutes later and the problem was gone - the only lingering symptom was a check engine light. i drove it to the dealership that day. as yet (2 days later), they have been unable to recreate the problem. they say they're still unsure whether it's related to the recall. i registered my car for the recall over 3 weeks ago but the dealership hasn't received the replacement part yet. my latest information is they are looking for a spare replacement part because they think it will take another three weeks before the part for my car arrives (that's a 6-week wait-list for a replacement part known to cause fatal accidents). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevy cobalt. the contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. the contact indicated that during the crash, the airbags failed to deploy. the driver suffered a concussion, a neck injury and lacerations to the hands and face. a police report was filed. the vehicle was completely destroyed. the failure mileage was 64,400.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle lost power steering and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. the contact stated that something snapped and the steering became uncontrollable. the contact crashed into the side of a building. there were no injuries. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

On two seperate accounts, as i made a right turn at a stop light, the steering locked mid turn causing me to proceed into on coming traffic. this cobalt has already had a recall on the power steering assist in 2010. i have had the chevrolet dealer ship run a diagnostics on the car and they have confirmed 3 things. the issue is with the power steering assist, the problem is getting worse as the car is driven more and is unsafe to drive, and also that this is not wear and tear and that there is nothing preventative that could have been done to prevent this other than replacing the steering gear box entirely. gm has refused to acknowledge this issue we are having and claims that we are responsible for this fix entirely because the factory warranty has expired. i have asked them to consider the safety of my family and help me fix this issue and they have not changed their position. this car has had 4-5 recalls in the last 5 years and there is already documented problems with the power steering of this car. *js

I am very disappointed in gm's handling of the february 10 and april 10, 2014 recalls of 2008 chevrolet cobalts. i am a 2008 cobalt owner, and i still have not received a letter nor has my uncle who is the registered owner. i bought the vehicle used but do not feel that is an adequate excuse for not being notified of this recall. i was not able to order the designated parts for repair until 3 days ago, as the dealership i contacted in regards to the problem did not get back to me. i do not feel that this recall is a situation to make light of. people are dying from this deficiency in the vehicle, and i was never even informed of the possibility of my air bags not deploying. i do not feel safe driving my car and i do not feel secure knowing that without my taking the initiative to investigate this problem, i would never have known that my car had been recalled. i also am not satisfied with the listing on the official gm letter on the nhtsa website that all ignition switches will be replaced, when the posted recall on cars.com from gm states a problem with the ignition cylinder as well. i also feel that my air bags, steering and entire electrical system should be tested and replaced if there is even the slightest chance that they have be ineffective. i lose power steering if my ignition switch fails, in addition to my air bags failing, further compromising my safety. i am very concerned about these defects on my vehicle, as i have no other form of transportation back and forth to work etc., and the length of time it is taking for it to be repaired. the dealership that ordered the parts for me told me it would be 6 weeks before the parts arrived, at which point i could make my appointment which may mean additional waiting. i, as a consumer, feel slighted and certainly disregarded. i will not recommend any gm sedan of this nature to anyone. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated after the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa 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

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the steering wheel was hard to turn which caused the driver to crash into another vehicle. the air bags failed to deploy. the other driver sustained neck injuries. a police report was filed of the incident. the vehicle was destroyed. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 91,778. updated 08-20-14 *bf...updated 09-09-14 *bf. updated 09/15/2014 *js

Power-steering function has begun to produce a constant electrical "whine" while active during turns. on occasion, it seems to barely function, requiring greater effort during a turn. *tr

I was driving on the everett turnpike in nh. there was a soccer net in the middle of the highway. the cars in front of me had stopped and i tried to stop, but because my power steering was out along with my anti-lock brakes. i couldn't stop. i hit the car in front of me and my airbags didn't deploy. luckily the only damage done was psychological. if i were an inexperienced driver than i would have died.. i have already had my power steering fixed once and now it has been recalled again. the car as a whole should be recalled. i don't feel safe driving it after they fix a problem that has already happened twice. *js

My 2008 chevy cobalt lt started having problems steering. i do not know where the power steering unit is but it acts like it is low on power steering fluid, it is a struggle to turn sometimes. *js

My 2008 cobalt ignition locked up while parked. car was towed to chevrolet and they switched it out. had no ability to turn key, wheel or anything. everything locked up completely. i finally got my chevrolet cobalt back (2 months) from the dealership with a brand new key for the ignition. went to get into the car and they didn't switch the door locks. now they cut corners and refuse to pay for or change my door locks so i have to carry around 2 separate keys. i have called chevrolet customer service and they say it is my fault. i have heard of several other owners of cobalts or owners of chevrolets that had the same thing happen. *tr

Taking a right hand turn,power steering stopped working,making it hard to continue making the turn. this is now happening every day and makes it difficult to drive the vehicle. *tr

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. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that the power steering assist suddenly malfunctioned and caused the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering power assist was faulty. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. the failure mileage was 161,634. updated 6/10/14*cn

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. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. when turning the steering wheel, the traction control warning light illuminated and the contact lost control of the vehicle. in addition, there was a loud abnormal noise coming from the wheels. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 77,000. updated 01/23/15*lj updated 06/9/2015 *js

I was on my way to work this morning on and noticed my car 'stuttering' as few moments at a time. after i proceeded from a stop position and continued off the highway, the car dashboard began to light up, almost as if it was shortening out. the speedometer, fuel gauge, and my rpm kept moving back and forth quickly. there were multiple messages flashing such as powersteering, low traction, no traction. my check engine light, antitheft light, and the traction light kept flashing. then i lost power steering and my car ultimately 'died' on the side of the road. *tr

In november 2013 my vehicle steering wheel got stuck at work. it took a couple of times on turning the key to turn on the vehicle. it happened 4 more times and i decided to make an appointment at the vara chevrolet dealership service center. i told the lady that was helping me what happened to to the vehicle in december 2013 and she told me to leave it overnight in order for them to check the vehicle. when i picked it up they said they didn't see anything in the computer system. i told her that it happened a couple of times and i knew it was a problem. she told me then i guess when the cars steering wheel gets stuck again you'll have to bring it in how it is. i asked her if there was any recalls and she said no. i thought then maybe then there isn't nothing wrong. in february 2014 my husband took the vehicle to have it serviced and then when he parked it at the service center they were going to move it inside the shop and it got stuck like it had done to us before. the service members then were unable to turn it on or move it. they put rolls under the wheels and said they were going to check it there. when we picked it up after three days they said they fixed it. my husband and me never asked what was wrong with it as long as they fixed. i started then hearing on the news about the recalls on general motors with ignition problems on cobalts up to the year 2007 and the complaints. it was exactly what was happening to us but the only difference was it was a 2008. i am concerned that there might be other problems with the same vehicles with other years. if the service center knew there was an issue with this vehicles and recalls why didn't they voice concerns to their management or to us. i am very upset about the treatment we received and my biggest concern is that it is happening with earlier models not just up to 2007 cobalts. this needs to be addressed. *js

Power steering failed. chapman chevrolet in tempe az said that steering column needed to be replaced. charged $970 to replace it. may 26 the power steering again failed and this time there was a recall for electric power steering motor was under recall and parts unavailable. about a month and 1/2 late repairs were made. august 2,2014 again failed and .again power steering motor was replaced. chapman chevrolet and gm are refusing to pay for the original amount paid for replacement of the steering column even though the steering column was replaced on numerous gm cars including 2010 cobalts,, 2004/05/06/08/09 malibus, saturn aura 2008/09, chev hhr 2009/10,. it is probably the same steering column used in all these vehicles including the 2008 cobalt. *tr

Tried to back out of my parking spot at home to go to work. could not turn wheels at all. had car towed to chapman chevrolet because my bother, who is a mechanic, advised me that there was a recall for this model and year. after chapman received the car they blamed problem on steering column and wound up charging me $960.73 to replace it. my brother advised me that power steering unit is part of power steering operation. information system on dash board said power system failure. fortunately this did not happen while driving to work as i could not have handled the car and would have has a serious accident. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. the contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the defect. the contact also stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the power steering sensor light illuminated as the power steering assist failed. the contact indicated that after shutting off and restarting the vehicle, the defect was corrected. the failure was intermittent. the vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 97,000.

My most important issue with my 2008 cobalt lt is that my engine is gone which i think is horrible and i purchased this car brand new i have been the only owner and have taking very good care of my vehicle, i will never buy a gm product again, through reading all the complaints i cant believe this vehicle hasn't been recalled my car started shaking really bad, and making a loud ticking noise, it was very hard to stop and also steer my vehicle i could have been in a very fatal crash or anything! my car also has the same issue about the speakers they go in and out and work when they want to. but my main issue is my engine in which my car i is longer under warranty and the dealership said it is nothing they can do for me, which i believe is totally absurd considering im still making payments on a vehicle that doesn't work, and is only 5 years old, so basically that means to me they will cover your car for 5 years or 100,000 miles then your just on your own which is horrible, to invest and buy a vehicle brand new and it just breaks down in this magnitude! i am very upset and disappointed that they aren't willing to help, so i will be suing them! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and making a turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 30,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact was driving 35 mph when the power steering failed. the vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. the contact was informed that the electrical steering column had failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the incident. the vin was unavailable. the approximate failure mileage was 74000.

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. *tr

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? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the steering wheel seized. the contact notified the dealer and informed them that the vehicle had been remedied in 2011 under nhtsa campaign number: 10v073000 (steering). the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection and was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the incident and referred the contact to the dealer. the approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

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. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that the ignition module failed, causing the vehicle to stall sporadically and without warning. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure several times but did not provide a remedy for the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 10v073000 (steering) but was advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the approximate failure mileage was 15,000. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the contact stopped the vehicle on the shoulder and shut the engine off. after restarting the vehicle, the electronic power steering reactivated. the failure recurred intermittently. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 133,000. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the failure recurred multiple times. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Left and right front control arm bushings failed. very dangerous !!! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on november 18, 2012 for service under nhtsa campaign id number: 10v073000(steering). most recently, the power steering assist failed. the manufacturer was contacted and stated that they would not repair the vehicle a second time at their expense. the failure and the current mileage was 44,000. *tr

I have a 2008 chevy cobalt, i have many problems with it. it shut off itself 3 times at 60 miller per hour, the lights start blink and the power lock it's locking and unlocking by itself many times. i call the chevy recall center and they told me that i have to pay for the diagnostic ,but i am doing payments on this car still and i can't pay for the diagnostic . the recall # is.. 14v047 and 14v171. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. while driving various speeds, the power steering warning indicator illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to control. the contact heard a chiming sound before the power steering failed. the contact stated that the failure occurred after the ignition switch was replaced. the dealer diagnosed that the motor kit needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

My power steering light comes on and i lose power steering. i can turn the car off and back on again and it's fine for a while but eventually happens again. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact was driving 35 mph and attempted to change lanes when the power steering assist failed. the vehicle was inspected by the dealer, who stated that the steering shaft had to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 10v073000 (steering: electric power steering). the failure and current mileage was 84,000.

The power steering went out and the car became extremely hard to steer. this has happened at multiple times since the initial time. i called regarding the recall for power steering and found out that the previous owner had the power steering motor replaced at 58,400 miles. this is a huge safety concern, and the power steering going out twice on this model is indicative that the real problem was not addressed. the power steering column may be to blame for this continuous safety concern. the real core problem was not address by gm in their recall. *tr

I was driving my car and all of a sudden the power steering stopped working and it was difficult to make a turn. *tr

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 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that the power steering assist failed. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the vehicle was not further repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the issue. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 111,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact was driving approximately 30 mph when the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the failure recurred nine times while the contact was driving at various speeds. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing but was not repaired. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 10v073000 (steering:electric power assist system) that could have been related to the failure but he was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall campaign. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 75,900.

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? *tr