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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2006 Cobalt continued to carry the torch first lit by the 2005 model year. To be clear, that torch is burning bright with widespread power steering issues, electrical curiosities and a dangerous ignition switch defect which led to a massive recall by GM. This isn’t a great torch to carry.

The 2006 added it’s own special flare with gas leaks due to cracks in the “return portion of the modular reservoir assembly.” A recall of 2006 Cobalts was issued to fix the problem, but only to vehicles sold in or current registered in Arizona and Nevada, leaving other owners to pay for repairs themselves.

Between this car stalling while driving, giving owners fits with power steering failure and having it be a potential tinderbox because of gas leaks, we felt we had no other option than to award it our “Avoid Like the Plague” badge.

6.7

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
28,900 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems

steering problem

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2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner Comments

problem #3

Feb 032009

Cobalt LS 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When I slow down, the steering column shakes and vibrates. It also makes a pretty loud rattling noise. At first the mechanics told me it was because there was mud in my wheels, so it was throwing off the balance, or that it was because a rim was bent. Even after all of these issues were taken care of, it still does these things. When I go over bumps, its extremely loud, and going down dirt roads, I cant hear myself think. Not a good time.

- Michelle G., Bradenton, FL, US

problem #2

Nov 102007

Cobalt ES 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,662 miles

This is the third time i took my car back to the dealer for the same problem. The last two times they found something and said it is under warranty and fixed it, but now this time they are saying i may have bent my wheels. They never looked at my wheels to actually say that is the problem. Basically they wouldnt even check because its not covered under my warranty because it is my fault.

- Amy A., East Mckeesport, PA, US

problem #1

Mar 082007

(reported on)

Cobalt LS 2.2

  • Manual transmission
  • 17,900 miles

Steering shakes from left to right under certain road conditions. The tires were rotated and balanced. It does not do this all the time. It will drive smoothly at 65 or 70 m.p.h.. The shaking of the steering wheel seems to occur after making turns and changes in road tilt to the left or right. The steering will feel stiff when correcting from left to right. The dealer say he cannot duplicate problem.

- Alfred Purcell 4., Prince Frederick, MD, US

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