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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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
70 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
129 / 3
Average Mileage:
64,228 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems

steering problem

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2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner Comments (Page 18 of 62)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #890

Feb 102013

Cobalt

  • 95,623 miles

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

As I was driving down a highway, my power steering warning appeared on me dic. It kept flashing and the traction control system light came on and disengaged the cruise control. After pulling to the side of the road, shutting off my car and restarting it, the vehicle worked fine. Upon starting it in the morning the power steering went out completely. Restarting the car a few times fixed it, later that day the power steering went out again in town as I was making a turn. I understand that this is not an uncommon problem with Cobalts in general as many people have complained about this particular problem.

- Star City, AR, USA

problem #889

Jan 102013

Cobalt

  • 114,400 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 10V073000 (steering) and since the repair, the steering wheel failed to lock while the vehicle was off. The contact also stated that while in reverse, the vehicle goes in the opposite direction that it is being steered and the steering wheel continues to turn as if there was no wheel base. The failure mileage was 114,400 and the current mileage was 115,000.

- Slorssant, MO, USA

problem #888

Jan 242013

Cobalt

  • 42,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the power steering and speedometer failed. Also, the contact stated that the transmission would not shift out of gear and the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage and current mileage was 42,000.

- Largo , FL, USA

problem #887

Jan 242013

Cobalt

  • 145,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph and making a turn, the power steering warning indicator illuminated and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. The contact also stated that the light illuminated until the engine was shut down. The vehicle was able to be driven by applying excessive force to the steering wheel. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Mayfield , KY, USA

problem #886

Jan 112013

Cobalt

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, all of the warning lights on the instrument panel illuminated and the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to lock. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 10V073000 (electric power assist system). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 80,000.

- Round Rock, TX, USA

problem #885

Dec 082012

Cobalt

  • 102,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while completing a turn at 40 mph, the steering wheel seized causing the vehicle to crash into a tree. The contact sustained minor neck injuries. The failure was assessed by a dealer however, the dealer could not diagnose the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

- Independence, VA, USA

problem #884

Oct 282009

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles

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

Power steering locked up while driving on a road at around 35-40mph. And the car ran into a rock on the side of the road and flipped upside-down. There was no severe injury but the car was reported as total loss.

- Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA

problem #883

Aug 152012

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 57,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel as the vehicle began to jerk abnormally. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle, as the vehicle functioned properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection however, they found no failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000.

- Flint, MI, USA

problem #882

Nov 282012

Cobalt

  • 109,700 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle stalled with the illumination of the power steering warning light. The contact tried to restart the vehicle but to no avail. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or a mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were approximately 109,700.

- Lorado, TX, USA

problem #881

Nov 052012

Cobalt

  • 151,472 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the power steering seized without warning. The contact shut off and restarted the vehicle to reset the power steering assist. The power steering was restored however, there was an abnormal clicking coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact that the vehicle was included in recall NHTSA campaign id number: 10V073000 (steering:electric power assist system). The vehicle was not taken in for the completion of the recall repairs. The failure mileage was 151,472.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

problem #880

Jul 012010

Cobalt

  • 48,800 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that after receiving repairs under NHTSA campaign id number: 10V073000 (steering: Electric power assist system) the steering wheel became hard to turn and the power steering light illuminated. The steering resumed to normal function after the engine was turned off for a brief moment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and they advised to have the dealer performed a diagnostic. The vehicle was not repaired.the failure mileage was 48,800 and the current mileage was 74,400.

- Lewisburg, KY, USA

problem #879

Dec 242010

Cobalt

  • 90,000 miles
First time we had problem was christmas eve 2010 car stumbled. Check engine light appeared T\C light appeared. Car dinged power steering came up on info center all as we were on a country road on our way to our families christmas. We stopped shut car off my husband got out and checked all fluids and fuses all were ok then we. Started car again and everything was back to normal for quite a awhile he said it might have just got confused there. Then the problem popped up intermittently here and there.right around October 2011 not sure of exact date but me and 3 children where on our way across the state of Indiana to see my husband that was working out of town and about 100miles into trip the cars power steering went out and made the car very hard to maneuver lights came on. As did in late 2010 so I pulled over and turned car off and did as my husband did and everything was good. But when I turned car back on it still had lights on so I called my husband and he told me to try unhook battery for like 10 minutes then hook back up and I did that and luckily it worked and we made it to where he was staying and we never had anymore problems till 9/15/12 when I was driving to see my mother and it happened again but this time in heavy traffic at a stop light and this time had all same symptoms but also a new one the transmission wouldn't shift from low gear. And it won't go off my husband researched on internet and found recalls for Cobalts and numerous complaints of same steering problems but when I called GM and gave woman my VIN she stated no recalls for my vehicle I don't understand if it is the same make of vehicle same problems they can pick and choose who has a problem and who doesn't. I am gonna try to solve this by taking to GM customer service, but if they not willing to work with me I will be more than happy to sign onto a class action lawsuit.

- Lawrenceburg, IN, USA

problem #878

Jul 262011

Cobalt

  • 155,560 miles
I was driving home one rainy day, about 45mph, dash lit up to shift. I looked and I was already in 5th. Next second everything on dash went out. No speedometer, no shift light, no mileage or trip meter, nothing. Only thing on dash that works is tach and digital display says power steering. Already had an appointment for recall work for power steering assist motor, thought that maybe that was what was wrong so I kept appointment. When got back from dealer, they tell me they replaced power steering assist motor and they had noticed the dash display and had done scan and it showed the power steering motor is went out! bought this car for my daughter, to drive back in forth to school, scared for her to drive it the 90 miles a day she drives to college. Thought this was just an isolated case but after checking online, I see that this is a major defect in these cars. Something needs done before someone gets hurt or killed.

- Genoa, WV, USA

problem #877

Aug 112012

Cobalt

  • 103,000 miles
While driving my 2006 Chevy Cobalt when I lost power steering which made it difficult to control my car around sharp turns due to the fact that I was not expecting the power steering to just go out on me like that. This type of problem is very dangerous especially when it happens while driving. I have already had my power steering fixed once due to a past recall and here I am again having problems with the same thing again!

- Harrisburg, PA, USA

problem #876

Jul 062012

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 111,148 miles
Traction control light comes on and causes the car to shift very rough and steering wheel jerks.

- Painesville, OH, USA

problem #875

Jun 272012

Cobalt

  • 110,050 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact was traveling 55 mph when the power steering failed. The power steering warning light illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 110,050.

- Hewett, WV, USA

problem #874

May 142012

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 52,207 miles
GM case no.: [xxx]05/14/12- dropped off car @ ourisman Chevrolet, bowie, md, power steering light came on while driving. 05/15/12 by advisor, my car was fixed, power steering motor replaced. Drove car & power steering light came on, steering wheel barely turned, almost had an accident, & had a hard time accelerating. Took car for repair at dealership. Dealer found found communications errors, further diagnostics cost approximately $264 for diagnostics test. Cost for diagnostics waived depending on module to be repaired. Spoke w/ service advisor, told steering control module not recall item. Service supervisor denied the repair costs waived. Call from dealer, quoted repair price of for steering control module $1361.27. Spoke with GM customer service, investigated my complaint, forwarded to supervisor, dealer advised the repair of power steering control module not part of the recall, not part of the steering system, given GM case no. 71-1069830519. Dealer denied waiver of charges for diagnostics since the 1st quoted price for initial diagnostics was $150 to find problem and a diagnoses a non-recall item would be $265.63. Service manager tony & not waiver for diagnostics fee, power steering module could not have become faulty from the power steering motor. Advised dealer I was picking up my car, was told it was taken apart at that moment since they assumed I would have it fixed, gave no approval of repairs. I told dealer would pick up car 05/29/12, was going out of town, told was ok & it would be ready to pick up. Spoke further with supervisor from GM cust. Serv. Ctr., told dealer stated power steering module not a recall item & refused to repair. 05/29/12 picked up car, car had tow written on windshield, was told car would not be towed if left over the weekend. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Bowie, MD, USA

problem #873

May 142012

Cobalt

  • 141,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph and attempting a right turn, the power steering failed. As a result, the steering wheel became very hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the repair failed to remedy the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who advised that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure and current mileage was 141,000.

- Garland , TX, USA

problem #872

Feb 082012

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
My wife and grandson were in the car when power steering came on the dash. It caught her attention but didn't know really what had happened till she tried to turn and almost went in the ditch. We took it to the dealer and $700 paid to have the problem continue to recur. It comes and goes and if it is not a problem when we take it to the dealer they don't know what to do. All they say is it is in the wiring issue and think we should buy something else. I didn't know about all these problems till it occurred to us. We bought the car new and have like the 2006 Cobalt but this is the first I have heard they have a problem with the powersteering or wiring to the electric assist to the power steering. I am told they had a fix back in 2010 are we still qualified to have our car fixed under that recall. My son is going in the army in a couple weeks we wanted to let him have this car after he gets stationed somewhere but we can't give it to him when we are not trusting its safety.

- Gulfport, MS, USA

problem #871

Feb 242012

Cobalt

  • 52,000 miles
I purchased a brand new 2006 Chevy Cobalt and haven't had problems until recently (2012). My problem started in February 2012 when heading to a doctor's appointment. Started the car and the power steering light came on. Started pulling car off of parking lot where I live and the car had a jerking/bucking sensation to it and then shut off on me. Had car towed to Chevy dealer and the car wouldn't duplicate the same problem so I got the car back. 9 days later I go out again and the car starts with the same problem - power steering light on; jerking sensation and the speedometer dropped from 35 mph to 0. car went back to Chevy dealership. Again, car would not duplicate problems. Got car back & since I have been scared to death to have this vehicle on the road, it has sat for 2 months. After getting GM involved, tried to take vehicle back to dealer and once again - power steering light on; jerking/bucking sensation; clicking in gear console. 3 times now I have had this car back to dealership and now they decide it's the body control module (BCM), yet they indicated that on my first trip, that a stored code showed them the BCM was not communicating. Getting GM involved has been a waste of time because naturally since the warrant is off of the car, they don't want to do anything to soak up the cost of replacing this module which is going to cost me $685.

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

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