WASHINGTON — An estimated 905,000 2005-'09 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles, including the Cobalt SS, are the subject of a new investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration due to complaints of electric power steering failure. Such an action is sometimes the precursor to a recall.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigations says it has received 1,132 complaints alleging sudden loss of electric power steering in the affected Cobalts. A majority of the complaints, numbering 754, have been received in the past six months, it said.
"Approximately 10 percent of the complaints allege that the loss of steering assist resulted in difficulty controlling the vehicle, such as departing from the desired travel lane," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem. "Eleven complaints allege that the sudden increase in steering effort caused by the alleged defect resulted in a crash, with one alleging an injury."
A preliminary evaluation was opened on January 27 to look into the frequency, scope and safety consequences of the alleged defect.
Inside Line says: Something to be aware of if you own the aforementioned Cobalt. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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4_justice says:
01:55 PM, 10/22/2010
Small number with issues - try again. I first noticed the "shim", but the rims were defective which caused the front tires to wear. Dealer said it was "impact damage" and GM refused to replace the rims. Bought my new 2010 Cobalt on March 29, 2010 with 10 whole miles on it. One week later, wouldn't start. Had it towed to the dealership, after of course an embarrasing call to my job - new car and having car trouble. Dealer said it was the starter, but I doubted it then, doubt it now. I think it was electrical. Anyway, they fixed the car whatever it was. Then comes the "shim". Thought it was the "bent rims", but I am now thinking it was probably a combination of the rims and the power steering. Anyway, after GM refused to even consider manufacturer defect, I replace the passenger front rim and of course tire. Still shimmed.
October 17th the power steering completely "locked up". It didn't just lose the assist and become hard to handle, it became impossible to control and went airborn after stricking a drainage pipe. It it on the "front passenger side", flew into the air and came back down on the front passenger side. I had it towed, once again to the dealer who informed me that after checking the onboard computer, no indication of any steering issue registered! Oh, and the rims? The front passenger rim that I had replaced was the only rim not damaged!!@! Go figure! In addition, airbags DID NOT DEPLOY, ONSTAR DID NOT CALL! Again, GM is "blameless". Now this is a brand new, one owner vehicle carrying three passengers (one 3 months pregnant) and the driver. It was completely locked up with adult witnesses and still - GM is refusing to be held accountable!!!
I have hired an attorney, parked the General Mess and have filled out the Lemon Law paperwork. Now I can understand random manufacturing defects - no probleem - it happens. But to be called, pretty much a liar, and have GM refuse to accept the possibility that perhaps there is an integrity issue with the stock rims - nope - it was me - I impacted somthing that caused this damage, of course without hurting the cheap plastic wheel cover - without damaging or blowing out the tire - but the replacement rim took the impact weight of the entire car with four adult passengers - twice!!! and is fine - the other three of course, not so fine.
GM should step up to the plate before someone is killed and take responsibility. I will not fix this car with my insurance and my deductible and PIP coverage! I hope others take action as I have and get this giant multi-billion dollar congolomerate to be responsible and not tell us all that we are NUTS! BUYER BEWARE BIG TIME HERE PEOPLE!!!
msshopper47 says:
05:48 PM, 06/02/2010
I bought my 2005 Cobalt brand new, never a problem. The last 3 weeks I noticed the steering wheel shaking and new a problem was beinging. A few days ago I received the recall letter in the mail. Bill Jacobs in Joliet has my car in there with 2 days and fixed changed the part. Car drives wonderful. I love the car! Very economical except for the entrance of the truck. Way to narrow.
migitpoo says:
01:01 PM, 04/04/2010
I just hope that if there is recalls on the cobalts because of the electric power steering , that everyone of us that have a cobalt will see the problem taking care of soon especialy for those that have aready had a problem with the electric power steering in their cobalts. I have a 07 chevy cobalt coupe and i havent had any problems so far but i there will be a recall on all cobalts because of thissteering problem then my local dealer will fix mine for me.
tario23 says:
06:01 AM, 02/19/2010
Well, I was on the freeway when it happen to me with my three kids in the car!!!!!!!! I only had the car a month SCARED yes!!!! to me its takin them to long to do something, cuz I took my back and no one a the dealership said nothin i payed seven hundred in some dollars for the power steer and its still actin up.
belong2jesus says:
07:44 PM, 02/05/2010
I was on my way to work on Wedneday and my power steering locked up on my. I call my brother about the matter, and he told me that it was on the news about the failure....
maxman says:
05:51 PM, 02/04/2010
LOL well first Toyota, then Honda, then Ford...hell whats a recall party without GM.
mzbamf says:
09:27 AM, 02/04/2010
We have to remember that with any of these recalls, it is a small to none chance of the problem actually happening to you. Realistically crap could happen in any car as cars are thrown in many different environments with variations in manufacturing. Just don't be scared and live your life
flwind says:
09:23 AM, 02/04/2010
Is there anything out there that's not going to kill me now? LOL
icecubefosho says:
06:36 PM, 02/03/2010
Looks like GM was capitalizing on Toyota's recall too soon eh?