Steering Column problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt - part 1

Tl- the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while turning the steering wheel a loud clanking noise was present coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehcile was taken to the local dealer mike raisor Buick/gm located at 2912 east main st. Lyvette in. Who diagnosed that the front struts and suspension were faulty and needed to be replaced. The struts were replaced but the failure continued to occur. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the front end alignment was needed. After performing the front end alignment the failure continued. The vehcile was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the driveshaft and steering column were faulty. The vehcile was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notied of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 92,000. Jft.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving 40 mph, the power steering malfunctioned. The contact stated that the power steering warning indicator illuminated and the steering column made a clicking noise while being driven. The vehicle was taken to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

Our 2006 Cobalt has experienced a failure of the power steering, requiring a replacement steering column and electronic power steering motor. This is the same part that was replaced in 2010 as part of recall no. N100023. I talked with gm representatives over the phone, and they stated that gm parts are warranted for 12 months following the replacement under the recall. Otherwise, repairs are only warranted under the standard manufacturer or extended warranty if purchased.

Takada recall. The led indicator on my steering column will show power steering, at which point if my rpms drop below 1000 the car will stutter, the power steering turns off, and it becomes very difficult to drive. Usually have to pull over and let car rest for 10 to 15 minutes before I can we engage the ignition and drive at a safe manner. This has happened multiple times during highway driving where it becomes extremely unsafe at highway speeds. Have checked VIN numbers and called Chevrolet only to be told my VIN number and car is too high for their recalls.

Ever since I purchased car it'seems been nothing but problems. First it was both control arm bushing after 1 month of purchasing my 06 chevy colbalt. I've since had to replace the entire front end all except for the steering column. Which makes a loud unsettling rattling noise when I go over the slightest bump or when I turn my wheel left to right while in the park position. But now even more scary my car has been stalling out randomly and I've seen other complaint's about this issue. I've had oil changes and tunes up and a diagnostic test and I've been told the car is okay. It's not okay! today it stalled out while accelerating at a green turn arrow and I got hit from the back by the car behind me turning as well. No huge damage but I'm afraid and would like to know what is the real issue.

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that there was an intermittent electrical short pertaining to the steering column and the instrument panel cluster. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired from NHTSA campaign id number: 10v073000 (steering) but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer who diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact indicated that the speedometer gage failed to work, the power steering sensor illuminated and at various points in time the transmission downshifted intermittently. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Dyd.

The first time this particular problem began, because there have been OH so many others, I turned on the car and a power steering messaged appeared. There was no check engine light or anything else, just the "power steering" message. This happened intermittently for about 2 months. Then one evening while accelerating from a stop light, the car started to hop, the "power steering" message came on with a dinging alarm, the car slowed down to about 5 mph, and the power steering was gone, along with the breaks. It was extremely difficult to turn or stop the car. We were able to get it off the road, where we turned the engine off and on a few times. Each time with no success in fixing the issue. Finally after letting it rest for about 15 min, we were able to turn it on and it returned to normal. Since then, intermittently the "power steering" message comes on and dings, the car hops, and the power steering goes out. I took it to the dealer and they said the steering column needs to be replaced at a cost of $800. I can't understand this, since my steering column has rarely been move, maybe a total of 30 since I bought the car in 2006. I am the original owner and very few people, outside of myself, have driven this car, lending to minimal adjusting of the steering column.

My dealer drove the vehicle and I was told that the steering column needed to be replaced to solve the problem. There are metal bearings encased in plastic in this column. Over time the metal will rub against the plastic and cause play in the bearing. The play will cause chatter when going over bumps and other safety issues. By doing research on this matter I found that there were lawsuits placed against the maker or the steering column due to the fact that general motors had to replace so many of these columns under warranty because of this defect. I contacted gm about this matter and was given a case number and was told that they had no way of telling me if the problem had been fixed or the steering column had been modified to fix the problem. I was told the same by my dealer. General motors told me over the phone that one option I had to solve the problem was to file this complaint with you. There is a bulletin that was issued on this problem and I was told today by my dealer that the bulletin had been cancelled by general motors. Why it was cancelled is a mystery. My dealer advised against me changing the column since it is a good possibility that the problem will arise again with the new column.

After having ignition switch replaced by recall, 2 weeks later we lost the use of power steering assist, the serivce airbag light is on, steer wheel hard to turn, feels like manual steering,we took vehicle in for power assist motor replacement under recall warranty, but did not fix problem?, dealership says that steer column needs replaced but, we have to pay $924. 00 to replace. Out of pocket. Pickup from dealership and took to local service center for another opinion.

I purchased a 2006 Cobalt from a private owner this week. I test drove it 3 times with no problems. After bringing it home, I attempted to turn off the car and remove the key. It would not turn off all the way and the key would not come out. I was very upset and scared. The car would restart so I was able to put it in the driveway and park it next to the garage. Since I could not remove the key I put a car club on it and locked the door. Then I parked another car behind it. I did not think about it but since the key was in the accessory position the battery went dead. The next day I was not able to remove the key and I was not able to start it. I called a local Chevrolet dealer. He checked the VIN for recalls and said there was not one on the 2006 Cobalt related to the starting solenoid binding up. He did tell me it is common and most cars that have the problem have a recall issued. This problem has caused me major distress and could be very unsafe if the car had experienced this problem somewhere away from home. I found out how to fix it by reading articles on the internet. Many people have reported this problem and Chevrolet has not listened to the consumers by issuing a recall and repairing the problem. There is a button in the steering column that needs to be pressed by a rod to tell the car that the car is in park and it is ok to turn it off and remove the key. The cars with problems have a rod that does not depress the button. People have to remove a cover on the steering column and reattach the rod when they can not remove their key. However, over time the rod slips to far that this is no longer a solution and the parts need to be replaced. Why should the consumer have to suffer this stress and worry about getting their car stolen because their key is stuck in it? Chevrolet needs to immediately take care of this ongoing, long standing issue.

I bought car used and wasn't told of recalls so I had car one wk before it just broke down. . . The steering colum is defective said the gm dealer but they said I'd have to pay out of pocket even though it is a factory installed part it being of poor quality has cause the steering gear to go bad and the half shaft that goes into transmission. . . If they know it's just a poorly designed steering column why aren't they being held responsible for the lack of responsibility as a car maker who know of this issue but they haven't been forced to offer a recall on the steering column. . . . Instead they expect the consumer to pay for their total lack of safety!!!! what am I suppose to do with a car that's unsafe to drive and my only car??? not to mention after the recall on electric power steering they just put in has gone bad due to the steering gear & bad steering column . . .

After several contacts and attempts to seek assistance from local dealership & gm with the ignition and gear shift problems, both concluded that vehicle VIN number was not part of any current recall. Owner (55 year old) repeated contact due to concerns of mechanical symptoms identical with existing Cobalt recalls. Family was involved in a single vehicle accident at 10:00 am on 3/2/2013. Gear shift and steering simultaneously locked while navigating a corner on local highway. Vehicle crossed centerline, launching over a snow bank and continuing air-born for 30 to 40 yards. Only 1 of the 2 air bags fully deployed. Total loss of vehicle and several ongoing injuries with three occupants of vehicle. (29 year old, 55 year old, and 79 year old) neither the local dealership or gm ever acknowledged vehicle defects. The local dealership had removed the dash cover, console cover, and steering column cover and make some type of adjustments prior to accident. Law enforcement was on scene and no citations were issued. Damage exceeded the value of the vehicle.

I went outside and started my car. As I attempted to drive off, the car would not steer. I learned that there had been a recall on my power steering. The Cobalt has electric power steering, and can only be fixed at the dealership. The problem was fixed on 4/16/2012. On 2/26/2014, I went outside to start my car. Again, as I attempted to pull off, the car would not steer. After taking it to the dealership, I learned that the entire steering column had gone out. Gm knows this car is defective, and refuses to do anything about the problem. My car has been in the shop for 2 weeks, and I am getting the run around. I have had numerous problems out of this car. I've had trouble with the ignition switch, fuel problems, ratting noises, shaking, the windows going out, and the steering system. Something needs to be done. Gm needs to be held accountable. I make regular repairs and have routine maintenance done on my car. I should not have to continue to suffer with these issues that gm know exists. There response is always "due to the mileage and year of your car, we can't offer you any assistance. ".

Vehicle has been having problems with steering since the power steering assist motor was replaced per the recall. Vehicle was serviced about 6 months ago by a Chevrolet dealership because the steering wheel was locking up, and the front end was rattling. The following parts were replaced: front stabilizer end links, steering column, and serpentine belt. The steering has since developed a delayed response and requires full turns from center to end to turn right or left around corners. The turning radius has significantly declined. The car also pulls right or left when braking if the steering wheel is off center. The rattling from the front end also has resurfaced and is bad when going over bumps. Current mileage is 83,000.

About 3 years ago I started to get a thumping noise in the front end of the 2006 Cobalt. I asked a mechanic what it could be and they gave me a couple things it might be also gave me idea on cost. Being a single mom of two and the thumping was not to bad I did not have the money to repair. As time went on got louder and worse. So, I brought it in to have problem fixed it was the lower tie arms and something else went bad and cost me almost $1000 to fix. I looked online and found many 2006 Cobalt owners say they have the same issue but was told by gm was not a safety issue so they were not recalling car it was our problem. I have noticed the lights on the dash sometime dim so low you can not see them then they will brighten again even after replacing the battery. Over this winter I started to get a humming in the steering column and asked my mechanic to look he told me I have electric power steering they could not fix. I got the recall about the ignition switch and was doing as they said and only driving with key and nothing else. But now every time I stopped I was checking key to make sure it was in place and a few times it had moved slightly but did not kick it out of the on position. If I had not checked it, it probably would have with all the pot holes. Then on April 6th 2014 on my way home from work (which is 24 miles away from home). When I was turning to go on the highway the steering wheel was humming again(I had no clue that there was any problems with steering columns at this point) I got onto the highway and the dash light came on and a dinging sound started and I had to fight, the car to the side of the road. I turned the car off then turned it on to see if it stopped and was able to get home. Looked online to see if others where having this issue and found tons of 2006 Cobalt owners having issue. That is when I saw they are recalling 2010's for it not 2006.

2006 chevy Cobalt steering column is falling apart and making all kinds of clunking noises while driving, chevy already replaced the power steering motor because of a recall but refuses to do anything about the actual steering column which is falling apart and destined for failure with less than 80,000 miles.

My Chevrolet Cobalt 2006 has a steering column problem. It makes noises, like a rattle and I bougth the car on 03/16/2011, used and since the first week after purcharsed ive taken the car to get fix every day except for saturdays and still can not get it fix. It also shakes violently at times and its very, very scary.

The power steering motor had a recall and when my car started having problems a short time later we took it in to have it replaced. A year and 2 days later, or 20,000 miles later, the power steering stopped working while driving again. We took the vehicle to the shop and was told by my mechanic that his supplier sells so many motors for the power steering that they had 64 on stock because they sold at least 10 a week. A week later the power steering went out again. We took the car back and was told that they investigated the problem and a site for mechanics where they can put in problems and try and get solutions from other mechanics that may have had the same problem had over 1,000 cases of the same problem and no resolution. We have since replaced the steering column because when they were putting the car back together they accidentally hit the steering column and everything went dead and they hit the steering column again and everything came back normal. We were told there is a short, there is a known problem (and yes, gm knows because they have had mechanics call them about the problem repeatedly) and still no resolution or recall to completely overhall the power steering system. There are 1,000's of Cobalts on the road from when we were told by the sales people that the car was safe that are not safe and no one is fixing it. There are known cases from where people have died due to the problem and still no resolution. . Read more...

I own a 2006 chevy Cobalt. The power steering goes out all the time. It resets itself when the car is turned off then back on. It happens when you're turning, when you're driving in a straight line, it doesn't seem to matter. It wasn't happening very often, but within the last 2 months it is very frequent. Sometimes up to 10-15 times a day. I have had the entire steering column replaced for $610. 00. That was not the problem. Updated 03/10/10 updated 08/30/10.

1. Car was driven from parking space and was almost unable to turn the steering. 2. Failure occurred one time and the vehicle was towed to the local dealership. 3. Dealership gave me the option of replacing either the electric steering motor or the steering motor and the steering column due to electrical components in the column. Only the steering motor was replaced and the car seems to drive normally.

Purchased 2006 chevy Cobalt lt in January on the 13 of the month later the steer column start locking up. Contact a general motors and chevorlet service department and was told there as a recall on the power steering it happen every time you drive under 15-20 miles a hour it goes to manual driving very hard to turnthe steering wheel as long as your driving 30-40 miles it has power steering, I was told that chevorlet has not found a way to correct this problem and it was going to a be recalled. I was also told if I brought it in before the recall I would have to pay for it and sign a form that said the dealership would not be held liable after it was fixed. It has been three month since I spoke to gm and the dealership and I haven't heard anything about the recall. This is very dangerous I have a infant and wife that some time rides in my card and if I have to turn quickly I might not be able to. Also if someone or a car turn in front of me I might not be able to turn the car because of the power steering being out in this vehicle. Nothing has been done by the dealership to fix this problem as of today.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving 10 mph, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn without warning. The contact had a recall repair performed for the power steering that was partially repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the entire steering column would possibly need to be replaced. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 96,000 and the current mileage was 97,000.

2006 chevy Cobalt ss 55,000 miles. Power steering stopped working. Entire steering column has to be replaced.

Power steering stopped working on 1/28/10, as I was driving home from work. It started working again on 2/1/10, and then stopped and then started again. I took the car to my mechanic and he said that the entire steering column would have to be replaced.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that whenever he was driving various speeds including 35 mph it became difficult to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that they needed to replace the steering column for $1000. There were no recalls or warranties for the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 53,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact was driving approximately 30 mph on normal conditions. The "power steering" warning light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. Immediately, there was a loss of power steering. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. The engine was turned off. The vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The failures occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The steering column was replaced for the malfunctions. The failure mileage 30,275.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact was driving approximately between 20-30 mph on normal road conditions. A chime sensor sounded inside of the vehicle and the "power steering" warning light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. Immediately, there was a loss of power steering. The driver pulled over to the side of the road which required greater effort to turn the steering wheel. The engine was turned off. The vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The electric power steering column was replaced. The failure mileage was 55,000.

The contact owns 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving approximately 60 mph on normal road conditions the "power steering" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Immediately, there was a loss of power steering. The driver pulled over to the side of the road which required higher effort to turn the steering wheel. The engine was turned off as a result of the warning indicator. The vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was inspected by at an independent mechanic who stated that the failure was contributed to the power steering module. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time. The failure mileage was 65,000. Updated 2/22/10 the dealer replaced the steering column and motor. Updated 06/17/jb.

My husband was driving our 2006 chevy Cobalt when, without warning, the power steering went out. He crossed double yellow line before being able to regain control of the car. Could have been a very serious head-on collision had there been another car oncoming. Had to replace the entire power steering column and motor. Car had approx. 50,000 miles on it when this occurred and of course, just passed the warranty time. This is a serious safety issue. Why is chevy/gm not taking accountability for a defective power steering column? there are 1,000's of people in our situation and it is unacceptable. Are they waiting for a fatality to occur? they are aware of the problem, as I called chevy directly, but they will not pay for the repairs. Anyone driving a chevy Cobalt should be made aware of this safety issue. I do not feel safe driving this car, nor do I want to drive my children in this car. You take it for granted that when you buy a car, the company producing the car is concerned for your safety. That is obviously not the case with the chevy Cobalt. Shame on you gm to think about your own wallet before the safety of your customers. Makes you think twice to buy "american".

I currently own a 2006 chevy Cobalt. Within the last 2 months I have experienced a problem with the power steering shutting off while I am driving. It has cut off in the middle of a turn, switching lanes on the expressway, and even turning in parking spaces. I have taken it to a chevy dealer where they informed me that I had to replace the entire steering column and the motor that goes with it. It is very dangerous to drive. The problem kept occurring several times in a day, I found that the only solution is to turn the car off and on then it would reset and I can drive again. But who knows when it will cut off again. It could be minutes or hours, but it occurs again, until I pull off and restart the car. I have had many close calls. It is a danger to myself and others. Especially riding with kids in the car. I have replaced the 2 parts as suggested by the chevy dealer which cost me $1371 total. Now just less than 3 weeks, I heard there are more than 11,000 of the same complaints. I went back to the chevy dealer and was informed to wait on a letter from chevy because currently they are recalling cars individually by serial number. I informed the gentleman I had the similar complaints like the others and was given a 1 800 number to call chevy. I have gone thru the automated system and can't seem to get anywhere. I hope help is on its way. I gave chevy all the money I have plus borrowed money.

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6) I own a 2006 chevy Cobalt ss manual model the power steering continuously shuts down and fails leading to the column locking up when I am driving. It has lead to a couple of very close mishaps when I am driving. It will work and then with out notice lock up and shut down. I took it to the dealer and they told me the sensor in the column can go bad which leads to it not relaying data to the motor that controls the power steering. I believe its a problem with chevy. If the sensor constantly is going bad they should be responsible. Not to mention its a $1,500. 00 job to fix which is out rages. This problem is very dangerous because I cannot turn the vehicle and make evasive maneuvers which could lead to me hurting not only myself but other drivers. Please help!!!!!!!!!!!! [xxx].

I have a 2006 chevy Cobalt LS. While driving the car an alarm sounds the power steering illuminates and the steering wheel locks up making it extremely difficult to steer. The first time it happened I was able to pull off to the side of the road and shut the car off. Waited a few minutes then restarted the car everything seemed fine and then it did it again about a mile down the road. This is very scary not to mention dangerous. With this happening on a constant basis I have been unable to drive the vehicle therefore causing additional expense for alternate ways to work. The local gm dealership refused to even look at the car anymore saying they were advised by gm. This is because the original dealership we purchased the car from is being sued by gm for a 7 million dollar debt and they don't want to deal with their issues. The car has spent more time in the shop than we have been able to drive it. I have well over 30 repair orders for my steering column alone. We had a mechanic contact the local gm rep to see if he could help but the rep wont even call back. We had started to have problem with the car within 24 hours of leasing it new. Gm has done nothing we contacted an attorney but it seems gm would rather pay their high price attorneys to give us the run around than fix the problem and satisfy a customer. The problem occurred at 41,000 miles warranty is expired. Due to this experience I will never buy another gm vehicle again.

The steering on my 2006 chevy Cobalt quits working suddenly. It has done this several times. I took it back to dealership while still under warranty. They replaced the steering column, but the problem still exist. Seems to happen mostly in the middle of a turn.

We have a 2006 chevy Cobalt that was purchased for our children's use. My very large husband had been using it while my daughter was away at college. The power steering all of a sudden started going out while he was driving. He would turn the car off, and the power steering would return, but it would cut out again. We brought it to our mechanic who fixed it, but it is a costly repair as he was required to buy the whole steering column just for one part. I understand from information I've read that just because it's fixed doesn't mean it won't happen again!!! I hesitate to let my daughter use this car again as this is a very dangerous problem. Please don't let anyone get killed before you make Chevrolet permanently fix this problem!.

Random failure of power steering. Fails 3-5 times during 15-20 minute commute which causes vehicle steering to become stiff. Temporary resolution is turning vehicle off and back on, giving you another 5 minutes of power steering. Nothing has been done yet to fix the problem since it's an $800 - $1500 out-of-pocket repair at the dealership. I may try to purchase the power steering motor ($230- dealership only) and install myself but that means pulling out the steering column, disabling airbag, and hoping everything works correctly when you put it back together. This is very dangerous since this is my wife's vehicle which she uses to get to work and carry my 1 year old girl to baby sitter. This has failed during turns, and even when going 55 mph, it is still very difficult to make a 60 degree turn.