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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.

9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$440
Average Mileage:
77,750 miles
Total Complaints:
26 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (11 reports)
  2. manufacturer needs to recall (10 reports)
  3. manufacturer has recalled..but no parts available (2 reports)
  4. manufacture issued recall...replace electronic steering swit (1 reports)
  5. new motor (1 reports)
  6. scrap the car (1 reports)
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems

steering problem

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2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #6

Dec 072009

Cobalt

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

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

Having the same problem with the power steering, GM really needs to have a recall!

- whartonoh, Mansfield, OH, US

problem #5

Oct 112009

Cobalt LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

Power Steering goes out while I'm driving down the road!!!!! I'm pretty sure that if I was turning at that instance I would get in a wreck because its so hard to steer. Some people aren't strong enough to handle that situation so Chevy is putting peoples lives in danger.

- Tiffany R., Carterville, MO, US

problem #4

Oct 162009

Cobalt LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

it is really annoying when i try to pull into parking spaces and i live kind of out in the country and have sharp corners that are a pain. I am pregnant and would hate to injury me or my baby because my steering randomly goes out and makes my car unreliable. My steering does come back after i shut off the engine,but shortly after that goes out again. I leave my house and go a few city blocks before it goes out. Plus the fix is exspensive and there should be a recall.

- strangstalien, Chaseburg, WI, US

problem #3

Oct 012009

Cobalt

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

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

My young daughter drives a 2006 Cobalt LT. It was purchased used but she has only owed it for 2 years. The power steering has suddenly gone out on several occasions. When she turns the car off and restarts the power steering is fine. She's been very fortunate so far that this hasn't caused an accident. We've heard no word about a recall but I believe Chevrolet needs to do something. From what I hear the problem is very expensive to fix and then it doesn't remain fixed.

- shoukky, Campbellsville, KY, US

problem #2

Oct 062009

Cobalt LT 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

My daughter is in college and while driving down the road the power steering goes out, the service engine soon light comes on and the t/c light comes on. When you try to put it into gear after she stopped it started shaking. She isn't strong enough to drive the car without power steering especially just all of a sudden without any warning while driving in heavy traffic. This has happened before and the dealer said they didn't know what caused it but they seemed to fix it. I would have to agree that this should be recalled! Very dangerous.

- cm7kecks, Lindsay, OK, US

problem #1

Sep 242009

Cobalt

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

Power Steering turns off while driving and then returns only after you shutoff engine. This is a serious problem that could result in an accident.

- 0242198, Florence, SC, US

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