8.3
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$934.00
Average Mileage:
58,323 miles
Total Complaints:
69 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (37 reports)
- replaced steering column (15 reports)
- the power steering assist motor under the steering column (15 reports)
- needs new steering column (2 reports)
steering problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt power steering failure
2009Nov 02
Cobalt LS 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 72,500 miles
Power Steering message displayed on the computer. This happened initially and then again the following day. Progressively got worse until now it happens within 1-2 minutes of starting the car. Turn the ignition off and restart the car and it will work for a minute or so. I hear a click just above the brake pedal. Immediately there are 4 dings and the computer says Power Steering and the power steering stops working.
I took the cover off of the power steering motor just above the brake pedal and used electronic cleaner on it but that did nothing. Based on these symptoms it seems as though the problem is the power steering assist motor but when I discussed this with a service adviser from a dealership they said it could be many things. I doubt they would tell me the real problem even if they knew what it was.
I have 2 GM vehicles and also a Dodge. I have tried to support American auto makers but these annoying problems are very very frustrating. Then it is even more frustrating when you can't buy parts to fix them yourself. They force you to have a dealership fix it. So you almost always end up spending $500 or more for any problem. I have talked to way too many people who have Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas or Nissans that have driven their cars 100,000 miles and say they never had any repairs.
2009Nov 05
Cobalt 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
When I called the dealership, I was told they'd never heard of this problem. My 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt power steering failed/ froze after backing out of a parking space. I was told it needed a new steering column. I searched and found w.care2.com and signed their petition re. Cobalts and the recurrence of power steering failure after the initial repair. I searched Lemon Law and have talked to two attorneys in CA. Car manufacturers supported a legal change 10 years ago so that people who have 'extended warranties' are exempt from Lemon Law protection. Today I was told to file a report with National Highway Transportation and Safety Admin, and, Bureau of Automotive Repair 800-952-5210.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Nov 08
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 57,694 miles
This isn't the first time this issue happens. Book says turn engine off and restart, problem fixes itself. Sure but at what harm to my car? This is now the 2nd time the power steering light is on. Before it was the transmission. Dealer code U2100 comes up which means it's a malfunction in the code reading. So what's the real issue. This power steering can't be fixed w/o paying $500-$1000 are you kidding me WTF. POS car should have gone w/ Ford.
2008Dec 01
Cobalt LT 2.2L Ltr
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
I have a 20005 Chevy Cobalt LT 4 door. I got my car in Jan of 2008, and in Dec of 2008 my power steering started to go out every other day. then one day it went completely out. I took it to a dealership to get it diagnosed to see what was wrong and they had told my my Electronic Power Steering Control Module in my steering column is going out. I asked them how much it would cost and they told me depending on the severity of it anywhere from 600 to 1200 dollars. A dealer ship is the only place to get one because it is a "dealer item only" they said. I'm hoping that GM come up with a recall for this item!
2009Oct 05
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 56,000 miles
I just bought a 2005 Chevy Cobalt a month and a hlf ago from a dealership in Daytona Beach. As soon as I left the parking lot I had to come back because of issues happening with the car. After picking it up from the dealership I was headed home and saw power steering come up in the dash. I went to take a left turn and the steering wheel locked on me with on coming traffic coming. I keep telling the salesman that I do not want this car because I don't feel safe in it. They keep giving me the run around. I think they waiting for my warranty to run out.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Dec 14
Cobalt LS 2.2L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 41,000 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
Sorry If i posted twice, I don't know if i got the first one right so i just redone it.
Okay well i was traveling on Highway 160 on my way to a friends house it was snowing and i didn't know they was ice on the road and as i was approaching a curve in the road
" Power Steering " showed across my message screen, so i didn't take much thought to it until i tried to cut the wheel and it was tight and hard to turn as if the car was not running so I panic and cut the steering wheel to deep and the curve was curved in ice and i spin out of control. the back of the car hit a cliff side bouncing me back on the road where i plow a guard rail and coming to a rest, The seat belt didn't catch good and the air bags did not deploy i didn't even have the car for one year i got it in January and crashed in December the car also had more problems but this was a one and last problem the car had, it never done anything like this before the accident. But overall the cobalt is a good car but they really have a glitch in the power steering.
Ps, the dates are way off on the pics and its hard to see the full damage because of the snow.
2007Dec 14
Cobalt LS 2.2L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 46,000 miles
click to see larger images
Complaint Photos
i bought an 2005 (red) 2.2L and the car was fun it had only 38000 miles on it and i thought to my self that i could make years with this car, i bought it in the year 2007 and drove it often i was a sudden in collage and i also worked a job so the gas mileage was great. and one night it was a cold December night coming home from my part time job, on the message center in the cluster it began saying power steering and the steering got very heavy or hard to turn which ever describes better, and i was approaching a curve so i panic and jerk the wheel very hard, the back end slides around hitting a cliff it's eastern ky they are a lot of clifts, after hitting the clift i bounced into a ditch head on, My airbags did not deploy nor did the seat belt catch like normal my car was demolished and i had only had it almost a year, i got the car in January and wrecked in December, I miss it but it had a lot of problems, the brakes would catch and it would sometimes give it's self gas, but the steering was one problem that ended my cobalts life...don't get me wrong the Chevy cobalt is a great car, it's fun for people but if its got problems like this it can me fatal it almost was for me, i didn't have extended warranty. so the insurance payed the car off and no my parnts insurance rates are up big time. Think before buying a Chevy they are nice to the eye, but bad to the wallet. i am thankful for this website.
2009Oct 06
Cobalt LS 4 cyl.
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
This cobalt was my second car and I work really hard keeping it in great condition by constantly getting the oil changed, tune-ups, you name it. On Tuesday WHILE driving down the HIGHWAY at 65 miles per hour all of the sudden my car rang "DING DING" and on the digital reading dash said "Power Steering". My steering went completely out without warning almost causing a severe accident on the highway. Luckily, I was strong enough to get the car over! Turns out the fix ranges anywhere from $900-$1500 in PARTS alone, so in labor it will be several hundred more. I can't believe that with all these complaints on here chevy has yet to issue a recall. Lives were put in direct risk. I am a student studying at a major university with a minimum wage paying job so raking up that amount of money will be near impossible in a timely manner. In the mean time I will be forced at the mercy of my friends for rides to school, work and errands. This is ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!
2009Oct 04
Cobalt LS 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 72,850 miles
I've had the same problem with my 2005 cobalt LS twice so far. A couple months ago I was driving down the highway going 55 mph when I heard 3 dings. I looked down and power steering message was flashing across the information bar. When power steering wasn't flashing across the screen the temperature had lines instead of numbers like it couldn't register. My check engine light came on along with the traction control light. The speedo and tachometer were moving really erratic too. When I stopped and tried to pull out again it was like I popped the clutch on a manual shift while it shifted into 2nd. Then it bogged down really bad like it shifted way too early. I finally made it home then sent the car to the dealer a few days later. They told me it was the body control module and replaced it for me. I assumed everything was fixed but today for no apparent reason the whole thing started once again. When I got it fixed the first time I had a custom stereo in the car that was apparently hooked into that control module they changed. I bought the car used with the stereo already in it too. They unhooked it saying that it probably shorted out the module. So I took their word for it and left it unhooked....I haven't had a radio or cd player since then....but now that the problem started back even with the radio unhooked, the dealer was wrong. Its back to the dealer again this week to see what they say. Its kind of sad but I hafta drive my 1987 Toyota pickup to work (which is over 100 miles per day for me) but its more dependable than this piece of junk cobalt. If the Toyota got 32 miles per gallon like my cobalt, id save myself the trouble and go ahead and run the cobalt off a cliff.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 12
Cobalt V4
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
My Cobalt keeps getting power steering problems where the steering wheel will shut down and get pretty stiff and the car would make like a jumping movement where if I brake it will turn off by itself.
2008Dec 29
Cobalt LS 2.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 15,000 miles
The first time this happened, it was supposedly fixed by the factory warranty. This has reoccurred twice and this final time is the big one. Went online to look up what type of power steering it had, as there was a debate. Then I found all of these amazing stories of similar nature. Unbelievable. GM should be ashamed. Going to the shop in the morning. We'll see how this will be handled.
2009Sep 16
Cobalt LS
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
Hi, I have a 2005 Chevy Cobalt, and my power steering has been going out off and on for the past month or so. I took it back where I bought it. They ran it through some tests and did a road test and charged me $81 to tell me nothing was wrong. Since then, it has gone out a good dozen times. On Wednesday, it went out three times in one afternoon. Since then it hasn't gone out at all, and seems to have something to do with the temperature outdoors since it only seems to bother when it is above 70 degrees. At first I thought it happened only when I had the air on, but it will do it when the air is off too. It never happens in the morning, though, only the afternoon, so I'm thinking it has to have something to do with the outside temperature. It is more apt to happen when I'm going at a slower speed, but I'll just be driving down the road, minding my own business, and all of a sudden, I hear "ding, ding, ding." The power steering light is on and I have NO power steering. I checked another website this week, and found hundreds of similar complaints. I'm going to a Chevy garage on Tuesday, and I printed out eleven pages of complaints to take with me. And that was just the tip of the iceberg. We need a recall!
2009Aug 09
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 27,000 miles
My father-n-law bought me a used 2005 Chevy Cobalt in February. I had no problems what so ever with the car. It was practically brand new. It only had about 17,000 miles on it. Then about a month ago the "power steering" started to go out. It would go out about every 2-3 days, and when it did I would just pull over, turn it off, then restart. Then it started happening more and more. Now, I turn it on, pull out of the driveway and it goes out. I recently learned that the power steering is electric. What's with that. Well, I called the dealer where the car was originally from and they said that they have been receiving several calls about this problem. The guy said that it was probably the motorpack that's in the car where the brake/gas pedal is at. The guy himself said that there should be a RECALL for this particular reason. At first I loved this car. Now I can't stand it. I'm a single mother of four. I can't afford costs like these.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 15
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 97,000 miles
This 05 cobalt is a piece of crap the steering just went bad on it and the power locks have also gone bad and chevrolet wants a ton of money to fix this stuff and we have only had the car since last feb of 08 and problem after problem the steering is problem is annoying cause nothing should cost that much to fix especially when everyone else is having the same problem why isnt there a recall on this, I know why its a way fro GM to get more money so the assholes that run it can pay on there big house and expensive foreign made car that they drive and dont care about anyone but them and the money they make someting needs to be done I cant afford to fix this problem with the steering and locks next car i get will not be a chevy or gm made car and I prefer chevy and now I'm thinking of buying a Ford or Dodge
2009Sep 16
Cobalt LS 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
I tried sending this before, but it isn't showing. I've been having problems with my power steering going out for the past month. I'll be driving down the road, minding my own business, and suddenly, the power steering just quits. The bell rings, the light comes on and I have NO power steering. I turn the engine off, turn it back on, and it's okay until it decides to quit again. It has happened at least a dozen times. On Wednesday, it did it three times in one afternoon. It hasn't done it since. I have no warning, and there doesn't seem to be much rhyme nor reason, only it seems to happen in warmer weather, with or without the air conditioner running. It has never happened in the morning when it is cooler, no matter how far I drive. Wednesday morning, I drove 50 miles to a meeting and it didn't bother me, but it happened three times in the afternoon, so I have to blame the outside temperature, though I'm not sure why that would happen. I looked online and found hundreds of similar complaints. I took it back where I bought it and they charged me $81 to tell me there is nothing wrong with it. I am going to a Chevy dealer Tuesday to see if they will help me. I purchased an extended warranty from "Auto Select." I hope the Chevy dealer will take it. If not, I may have to go back where I purchased it again. This is a nightmare. I can't afford to pay $1000 to $2000 to fix it, so I NEED that extended warranty.
Update from Sep 22, 2009: I took my car to a Chevy dealer today and I have to have a new steering column. Thankfully, I purchased an extended warranty for the car, and they are willing to cover it. I just have to pay the $100 deductible. I emailed Chevrolet yesterday and said I thought they should have a recall. Of course the power steering wouldn't go out when I went to the garage, but tonight, it went out again when I was just coming home from my next-door neighbor's house, about a quarter mile away.
2009Sep 14
Cobalt LS 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 56,000 miles
I bought this car so I could have a reliable car. I got it in Aug. 2005. Before I even signed the papers problems with the air conditioner. Should have known then it was a lemon. Since then in 2007 Traction Controll light comes, Power Steering goes out, Transmision shifts really hard, clicking in the gear shifter, gauges for speed and RPM's bounce all around, and check engine light comes on. There is a few other things but the list goes on and on. All these things happen together. I could be just starting the car or driving down the road. Can not predict when it will happen or how long it last. Sometimes it takes only one time turning car off and on sometimes a few times. It's CRAP!!! I have taken it in they can't figure it out. Nothing shows up on diagnostics. I want the problem fixed. Hopefully this helps.
2009Sep 05
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
Without warning, this past Saturday, the Power Steering Message came on in my 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt and the power steering failed. Fortunately, my husband and I were just coming to a stop at a stoplight. I managed to get to a station and off the highway. We were about four blocks from the house and got the car home...thank god for the weight training I've been doing!! I made an appointment at the car shop and was told that the diagnostic test showed C0475 as the error code. Also, that this code COULD mean the power steering motor was bad. What they couldn't tell me for sure is if the power steering column caused the motor to go bad???????????? GM, if you are going to code issues, why not code all the issues so customers don't have to guess at what problem they have? I was told it would cost me $480.00 (This is at KOONS in Manassas, VA) to have the motor replaced and $940.00 to have the steering column replaced. AHhh here's the rub, I could replace the motor and still have the problem and then they would have to replace the column...the column contains the motor...I asked if I went with the motor and then later have to do the column if they would reimburse me for monies put out for the motor and was told flatly, NO I can't do that... So, I went with the motor because I have to rent a car for the week since it's going to take 2 -3 days to get the part blah blah blah...I don't want this car...I will NEVER buy another Chevrolet car AGAIN - EVER!!!!!!! I have about 60,000 miles on the car - bought used in 2006..I have another 2 1/2 years of payments.....I am seriously thinking of trading the car in for another one and take the higher payments...reading all the complaints scares the crap out of me...I don't want to be driving 65 mph on Rt 66 and loose my power steering...
AUTOBEEF, are the complaints listed here being sent to the manufacturer? Sent to President OBAMA since he (gov't) owns part of this company?
2009Aug 27
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
My power steering went out in my car a couple of weeks ago, at first I could just turn it off then turn it back on and it would drive fine for awhile. Now its to the point of as soon as I turn on my car and pull out of my drive way it goes out and wont just fix if i restart it. Every time i have to drive it gets harder and harder to fix. I am a 20 yr old woman and take care of myself i can't afford for things like this to keep happening. Today i called GM and tried to complain but the guy i was on the phone with said if there is not a recall then there is nothing he can do, but i did inform him about this website and others and let him know that they are about to have hell with these cars. Everyone definitely needs to call and complain so that something can be done, this is ridiculous! Plus i didn't mention the other problems ive had with this car, its just completely outrageous i thought it was just me and bad luck... but obviously not.
2008Nov 01
Cobalt LS
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Last August (2008) was when I bought my used 2005 Chevy cobalt LS. It was running perfectly fine until November. I was making a right turn into my work when the steering wheel went stiff-as if I couldn't steer correctly. After that the power steering went in and out constantly for a week. Then finally, it just quit working. When I went to get my oil change, I asked them to do a diagnostic on my car and unfortunately they said that I had electrical power steering which meant, I needed a whole new power steering unit! As I read and researched all the details online about power steering failure in this make and model, I came to realize that this is a common thing. Now please excuse my french, but WHAT THE FU#K?! There must be a recall on this because I'm definitely not the only one experiencing this issue..
2009Sep 06
Cobalt LX 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
While driving I lost power steering and power steering light went on... talk about Dangerous this problem needs to be recalled
i have owned nothing but Chevy's since i owned my first car a 1978 Monte Carlo..and my husband and i currently own 4 Chevy's but if Chevy does not own up to this problem it will be my last GM vehicle.
2009Aug 30
Cobalt 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
Ok so basically what everyone is saying is totally true. When i first got my cobalt i was so happy with it and the first two years it was great. Then on my third year i had to replace a control arm which cost 800 dollars. Now my power-steering is acting up and to fix it will cost 1-2000 dollars from what i been pricing. It happened on I 95 going 65 mph and i almost crashed into some cars because my motor over revved and jolted my car. My locks randomly lock and unlock and my car over revvs all the time and im worried i will blow the motor. This car after its warranty is a piece of crap. I cant believe all the things that have went wrong with it. After 6 months paint was chipping off my hood, after a year the paint on half of the buttons on my radio were chipping and the shifter keeps coming loose. I am trading this car in and hope to get something for it. I still owe 5000 dollars on this car and now its not even worth that much and its not worth it to fix it. So now im going to be stuck with a higher car payment but it will be worth it because this car is a piece of crap. Im never buying a GM car again!
2009Feb 01
Cobalt
- Manual transmission
- 20,000 miles
It is shocking that Chevy hasn't done a recall on this problem. It's a safety hazard, especially since it comes and goes. How many people are going to have to die before anything is done about this?
2009Aug 20
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
This has happened twice now -- I've been parallel parking and the power steering has cut out entirely. No, my tire did not hit and therefore get locked up on the curb. After seeing everyone else's complaints about this I decided to call the Chevy company. In order for us to actually do anything about this, this is what we have to:
1.) Go to an actual authorized Chevy dealership and have them find out what's wrong. Unfortunately, this will cost us and it cannot be reimbursed, although it may go towards fixing the problem. When you have your answer,
2.) Call up the Chevy Owner number and create a file about your complaint. I just called and the number as of Sat. Aug. 22, 2009 is: 1.800.222.1020 taken from the company website at: http://www.chevrolet.com/pages/mds/owners/landing.do
The thing is, we have to prove that it's a manufacturer's fault and it has to have documentation. Without this, none of our complaints will be taken seriously enough to validate a recall.
It's a bit stupid, but I can see their point from a business owner perspective -- why pay for something that you may not have had a hand in? They do have a right to ask for proof. Although I think enough people just complaining about a problem with cars of the same make and model must raise some flag.
(This is why I hate heartless companies who don't take onus for anything unless someone cries loudly enough to NOT be heard. It should never come to that and someone needs to get fired if it does).
In the meantime, simply tell everyone you know to not buy a Chevy Cobalt and call and complain as often as you like to that number. That'll send a message to Chevy to not ignore the safety of its customers :o)
2009Sep 01
Cobalt LS
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
My daughter was driving the car when the light came on and the dealer says we have to replace the steering column. After seeing all of the issues with this problem and all of the accidents and near accidents, I am pissed.
I am filing a formal complaint with GM, I am writing to the consumer hotline at Channel 3 in Philly, I am writing to 20-20 and 60 Minutes and my Congressman and Senator.
What is GM waiting for...enough people to be killed to make it worthwhile.
Everyone needs to push the issue...use the internet!
20-20 - 60 minutes are all available on line for you to send in your problem.
2009Aug 21
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 50,023 miles
Last Friday my power steering indicator light came on in my 2005 Chevy Cobalt. I was told that the entire steering column will have to be replaced which will cost about $800 for the part. This is clearly a manufacturing problem and Chevrolet should do a recall to correct the matter. It is completely unfair that me as the consumer should have to pay to fix a problem that was clearly caused by GM. If GM refuses to take responsibility for this problem which could potentially cause accidents by not recalling the power steering problem in the Cobalt, then I think that GM Chevrolet no longer deserves my business and once I get rid of my Cobalt I will never buy another GM Chevrolet vehicle.
2009Aug 26
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
It just happened today on my way home from school. Just looked at the price of text books, over $300. Rent is coming up, about $335. Now this looks like it could cost in the range of $900? Ugh.
Out of curiosity though, The car's computer was telling me it was 120 degrees outside, this was higher than ever before, but it does have a tendency to exaggerate. I was wondering if the steering went out on anyone else when it was really hot outside? Could the problem be related?
2009Aug 01
Cobalt LS 3.0L
- Automatic transmission
- 41,000 miles
am completely shocked!!! F*CK GM, I swear to God I hope they all burn in Hell those f*cking rip off's I cant BElieve I ut read more than 25 compliants on the same issue oer sterring failure and they refuse to recall te problem!!! F*CK Chevy COBALT UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
2009Aug 08
Cobalt LS 2.2L Ecotec
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
The power steering will intermittently and randomly go out and the message "POWER STEERING" will appear on the display near the tachometer. I bought the car new in 2005 with a 6 year Premium warranty through Premier Warranty (through the dealership). Premier refuses to cover this problem under their extended warranty. Although "power steering" is covered, the part that needs to be replaced to accommodate fixing the power steering, which is the steering column, is not covered.
According to the dealership that did troubleshooting, the "Torque Sensor Input" is defective.
2009Aug 18
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 41,500 miles
Well, today I the Power Steering warning came on, with a "ding" letting me know somethin was awry. Sure enough, it had gone out, and though I'm a large person, it really takes me off the seat to turn it, when it is going slow especially.
Car has been pretty bad, though while it was under warranty, it was OK.
I really think this needs to be a recall, as I've read several forums now, and several have mentioned accidents, and near-accidents, when it goes out. The problem seems to be cured for an indeterminate amount of time, when you turn off the engine, and crank it.
2009Jun 09
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
Car has been good ,but all of the sudden the power steering light came on with the dingding and no power steering. Especially does it when it gets hot. You can turn it off and it will maybe pop on in a minute again or wait for hours. I can not believe the fix for this is a steering column change. What a bunch of bull. 600.00 just for the steering column.Who has that kind of money.
2009Aug 01
Cobalt 2.2L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 47,000 miles
i have a 2005 Chevy cobalt and have had the same problem mine went out on me and i live on a 2 lane blacktop that's extremely twisty i about hit a semi head on because i couldn't turn the wheel
2009Jul 21
Cobalt LT V4
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I'm 19 years old and decided to go with the Cobalt for my first car. I got it back in January of this year (09) & there were already problems with the locks going haywire, the inoperable sunroof, the back, passenger window also not working, & just recently, the power steering. At first, I was able to cope with the problem after finding out that by cutting the car off and back on, it resets it and the problem disappears. Well I've taken it to the dealership 5 times now, and each time, they've given me yet another excuse as to why it does this. I have had my steering column replaced for a total of $938.00 and the problem still persists. I was just going to say forget it and drive under these conditions until 2 days ago (August 10, 2009) I was on my way to work and almost got in an accident that could have killed me on the count of me not being able to turn. I had to jump the curb in order to avoid getting hit by another car because mine wouldn't make a left turn out of the turning island. I was then scared half to death and suffered a severe anxiety attack, half of my family came to get me and they called the tow truck to take it straight to the dealership. (the towing service was the dealership's, not our insurance company's).
They told me some BS about my car only doing that when I have low fuel, which I personally knew was not true, but my mother believed & gave me much grief about how I need to keep the tank over 1/2 full. Then they charged us $138 for the towing expenses. So, i went and got the car back, and filled the tank all the way up so I could go about my day, even though I'm still nervous about driving the car, and as soon as I left the gas station, my power steering once again failed me, and I took a picture of the dash showing my gas meter and the message. I sent it to all of my email addresses and returned the car to the dealer.
They now have my car, and I have emailed the picture to the manager at the dealership. I have no rental or other source of transportation and I have 3 jobs that I need to attend to along with a ton of errands. I cannot afford to spend another dime on getting this car repaired and I have decided to contact GM about this matter, luckily GM's corporate office is nowhere from my house & I am starting a case study on the cobalt's steering problem. I am also looking to get a refund on what I have paid so far because of the Michigan Lemon law. I suggest that the people who have taken their cars to the shop 3+ times for the same problem to look it up because it is different in every state.
I have fallen in love with this car (as it is my first), but it is not worth my life. Next time, I'm either buying a Ford or going foreign. :-(
2009Aug 06
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
i have a 2005 cobalt and i have really low miles on it. i barely have 38K on it. i have always babied this car and the power steering just went out as im driving on the freeway. No warning at all, not like when you need gas and a little "ding" goes off. Im on the freeway when all of the sudden it goes out. Ive never driven a car without power steering before so i kind of started to get worried. so i pulled over and waited about 10 minutes before getting back in the car, when i turned it back on i had no problems. then the next day it got about 100 yards before locking up, luckily i was at a stop light and i could turn the car off and back on, i got about another 100 yards before it happened again. So after calling all the Chevy dealerships in San Diego to get a weekend appointment i had to pay $109 just for a diagnostics! WTF?! NOT COOL CHEVY!! I come to later find out that the steering column AND ENGINE need to be replaced becuase theyre "binding". they want $930 ON TOP OF THE $109 i just paid them. plus tax.
2009Aug 01
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
This is my husband's car. A few weeks ago the power steeling failure notice came on and the car would lose power steering ability while driving without any notice. This has happened many times to him and me on one occasion. The quick solution here was that we pull over, turn the car off, and then turn it back on. That has worked for us so far. The car went to a small garage today and the mechanic could not find anything wrong with it. He suggested we check for recalls . . . and this is where i ended up. I am very happy to see others' complaints about this problem, but am very disappointed in GM. We will make a formal complaint to them, but it seems this problem should have already been addressed. Thanks for everyone's complaints. This site was very helpful for us. And I'm pretty sure I will never purchase another GM vehicle.
2009May 01
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
same issue as the rest of these victims that bought a 2005 chevy cobalt because it was cheapest. i will never have the money to fix this problem so a recall would be nice before i get in wreak or drive off a mountain.
2009Jan 15
Cobalt LS
- Automatic transmission
- 49,000 miles
My 2005 Chevy Cobalt's power steering went out around the 45,000 mark. I found hundreds of other Cobalt drivers that had to pay $900-$2500 to repair their car. GM is aware of this problem but has chosen to do nothing about it. The only thing we can do is get everyone out there to call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and let them know of this issue.
It only takes five minutes, so please call in!
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
888-327-4236
http://www.SaferCar.gov
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1eLyWNFO6s
2009Mar 09
Cobalt LS 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,080 miles
I always thought owning a Chevrolet was a wise choice until I got a 2005 Chevy Cobalt. Everything was fine until 3mos later the damn power steering light came on and then eventually went out. I am a small women and to try to turn the steering wheel is like lifting weights but good for the abs. This is a terrible feeling for my body as well as my pockets!!!!! What makes Chevrolet think if we brought this cheap lemon we have extra money for the repairs to a faulty steering wheel? They need to recall this part because it's happening too many cars. I want to trade this SH@! and get a Honda or another Toyota. You would think with everything happening with GMC they will be compassion enough to fix this ongoing steering nightmare for free!!!!! anyone please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2009Jun 14
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
Went through the same crap has all of you, and of course it wasn't included in my "extended warranty" and I spoke to GM and was told they can't do anything for me. I don't know about the rest of you but It feels like the two are in it together. Just a feeling. I will try the suggestions listed and will let you know if it worked for me wish me luck.
2009Jun 10
Cobalt LX
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
MY HUSBAND BOUGHT ME A USED CHEVY COBALT 2005 IN ORDER FOR THE KIDS AND I TO MOVE AROUND WITH..FOR THE FIRST YR EVERYTHING WAS FINE ALL OF A SUDDEN FOR TH LAST COUPLE OF DAYS I NOTICED THAT MY CAR STARTED DISPLAYING POWER STEERING..I DIDNT KNOW WHAT IT WAS SO I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANICS THEY COULDNT EVEN EXPLAIN..I STARTED DOING RESEARCH AND NOTICED THERES LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE..HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS WHICH IS SO DANGEROUS COULD BE HAPPENING..DOESNT THE CHEVROLET COMPANY KNOWS HOW DANGEROUS THIS IS..ESPECIALLY SINCE I EXPERINCED THIS WHILE DRIVING IN A HIGHWAY AND MOST OF ALL WITH TWO OF MY SMALL KIDS..WHO STARTED GETTING NERVOUS..I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO TURN ON THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND STOP TRAFFIC UNTIL I COULD MOVE TO THE SIDE..WHICH WAS TH WORST EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE..
2008Aug 01
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 40,389 miles
Ok. Seriously - what is wrong with GM and not recalling this issue. It started last summer for me. The very first time the power steering failed my power steering completely locked. I was unable to even move my steering wheel for about 5 seconds. JUST in time for a corner that was coming up on a freeway! The following two times I nearly crashed. It only happened three times last summer but about two months ago - it started again! Now, everytime I drive my car (and I mean EVERYTIME I START IT) my power steering fails. I have had it happen up to 12 times in one day. I can restart my car and it will be fine for about 10 minutes (if that) and it will fail again.
I have spoken with and written letters and emails to GM and they tell me the same thing everyone else is saying. "Take it to a dealership". Ya, I'm not wasting my money on them. I understand my car is NO longer under warranty (go figure - the first time it happened my car was about 2500 km over the bumper to bumper warranty) and I refuse to put any more money into their hands. I can NOT afford to put a new steering column in my car. I also just put $1000 into it because of the Ignition Control Module that failed just before Christmas and a new Catalytic Converter. Sometimes I think it's just a wire loose or something because it happens So randomly, and the electronics in these car is awful as well. I don't know, I'm not a mechanic.
This is dangerous and needs to be fixed! I am about ready to go to my local media to look into it. This car is a LEMON! There is a lemon right I believe for us owners who are stuck with P.O.S.'s like this and we should all get reimbursed for this! I have had nothing but problems with my car, but my debt is SO high on it, I CAN'T get rid of the car! No other dealership wants to take on these lemons!
We need to keep voicing our opinions! Maybe something will come of it!
2009Jan 02
Cobalt
- Manual transmission
- 52,000 miles
GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD BE ASHAMD OF THEM SELVES SELLING POOR CITIZENS LEMONS AND LIMES. THE CHEVY COBALT IS THE WORST CAR I EVA OWNED. THE ENGNE LIGHTS STAYS ON AND THE POWER STEERING DOESNT WORK. AFTER HAVING IT CHECKED I WAS TOLD THE GMC MADE A BAD DECISION TRYN TO MAKE IT AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE ONLY WAY IT CAN BE FIXED IS TO HAV A NEW STERN COLUMN PUT IN. RIDICULOUS.
2009Jun 06
Cobalt Cobalt 4.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
I HAVE A CHEVY COBALT 05 AND THIS POWER STEERING ON MY CAR IS BUGGING ME ALOT..WHEN I BE DRIVIN THE STEERING WHEEL GETS VERY VERY VERY HARD TO TURN..SO IF IT HAPPENED TO AN OLD PERSON I DONT THINK HE CAN TURN IT..SO I ASKED ABOUT IT AND THEY SAY MY SH*T IS ELECTRIC SO THAT MEANS I HAVE TO CHANGE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN..ND AT LEAST I HAVE TO PAY LIKE 600 BUCKS..AND GM IS GOING OUT OG BUZZNISS AND THEY KINDA SUCK AND THEY CANT DO SH*T BOUT IT!!!!!
THAT SH*T PISSEZ ME OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2009Jun 16
Cobalt LS
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
THIS IS MY DAUGHTER'S CAR AND SHE STARTED HAVING THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMING ON AND THEN NO POWER STEERING. SHE COULD TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND IT WOULD WORK FOR A FEW MINUTES OR NOT WORK AT ALL AGAIN. SHE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE MANAGER (AFTER HER PAYING $70 TO DIAGNOSE) TOLD HER THAT IT WAS THE STEERING COLUMN AT A COST OF $800. HE THEN GAVE HER THE NUMBER TO SOMEWHERE THAT WOULD HELP WITH THE COST. SHE CALLED AND THEY (NOT SURE WHO "THEY" ARE) ARE GOING TO PAY 60% OF THE COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. I AM WAITING TO SEE IF THIS IS TRUE OR NOT. SHE IS A COLLEGE STUDENT AND CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY $800 FOR SOMETHING THAT LOOKS LIKE IT IS MORE THAN JUST A SMALL PROBLEM, MORELIKE WIDESPREAD, ON A MCDONALD'S SALARY. I AM HOPING THAT "THEY" ARE GOING TO HELP HER. IF AND WHEN I FIND OUT WHO "THEY" ARE, I WILL LET EVERYONE KNOW. SORRY, I WISH I HAD MORE INFO. OR YOU CAN CALL THE DEALERSHIP (GILLAND) IN OZARK ALABAMA @ 1-334-774-9030 AND ASK FOR THE SERVICE DEPT AND MAYBE THEY WILL GIVE YOU A NUMBER TO CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHO "THEY" ARE :)
2009Apr 01
Cobalt LTD
- Automatic transmission
- 20,000 miles
Power Steering Fails at any speed. Dealer says that I need to replace steering column. Others say no just replace Electronic Assist Motor. This is obviously a manufacturer defect. GM does not want to do anything about it. They say that if enough people complain, they will recall. I find it hard to believe that no one else has called GM to complain. However, that is exactly what you need to do. Call them and raise some hell and do some complaining. They say that if there is a recall, you will be reimbursed for all costs of repair. But, we should call any way. It would probably take a class action suit to get anything done.
2009May 27
Cobalt ES V4
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
After reading all the complaints about the loss of power steering to the 2005 Chevy Cobalt I can see why GM is going out of business. I know more about my car problem then the useless dealership does at this point. Thousands of Cobalts have had this problem with the power steering just failing out of the clear blue sky. Its dangerous. People have paid 1000.00 to 2500.00 for a factory caused issue. Like so many Americans, I have been laid off and no clue on how I am going to pay for this. GM denies that this problem even exists. How many people yet to come will have this problem that have no clue its coming, how many people will be injured and how many people will die in a bad wreck because of this problem. Crap like this should be a crime. Instead we give billions in bailout money and protect GM in bankruptcy court so they can bail out on paying their bills. Only in America can this happen.
2009May 11
Cobalt 4 Cl
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
I am so upset at this matter because there has been many complains about this issue and Chevy seems to do nothing. This looks like something this company should recall cause it is a problem that can cause alot of damage. The estimate I was given to fix this problem is about $1,100.00 dlls. I don't think I should be paying for something like this if this is a factory problem.
2009May 09
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 52,921 miles
it's time for a recall (electric power steering) - bottom line.
2008Oct 02
Cobalt
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
OK, I took out the power steering motor as mentioned here and when I took it apart, a lot of black powder fell out. NOT a good thing. They are made in Japan and I'm guessing it's not a very clean facility. Anyway, cleaning it out with electrical contact cleaner didn't solve the problem. I took it to a repair shop and had it tested and it worked. I did notice that if only worked if the power was on the connector a certain way. What I did when I got home was to take the connector and a small, flat-tip screwdriver and leverage the connecting tabs so that they come in better contact with the prongs on the other part of the connector. Bingo! So far so good! It used to go out after about 30 seconds of driving and has been working all day now. So, clean out your steering motor and THEN adjust the prongs for better contact. This is a FREE fix, so try it FIRST before you spend money!
2007Nov 30
Cobalt LS
- Automatic transmission
- 25,000 miles
I experienced Power steering failure first in NOV 2007. It happens about once a month now... No recall is available for it. GM is no friend of mine. This problem is going to kill someone if it hasn't already!
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2009Nov 11
Cobalt LX 2.2L
Returning from a surf trip heading home my power steering took a dump . looks like its cover under the warranty though . Taking it to the dealer .
domesticfix
Tampa, Florida, USA
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