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.
Since about 40K miles, the front end started clunking over potholes, like it was metal hitting metal; now at over 80K they both clunk. One mechanic said struts were gone, and another the bushings failed. A major suspension component, which I suspect is a bushing from the sound, should not fail at 40K-and I am simply hoping for a recall, as this also interferes with safe handling and causes car to wobble across rough roads. One dealer said have zone person look at-but I believe the defect is widespread, and so they are treating as a case-by-case situation. It is an obvious problem in manufacture. Had a Toyota before-no major issues even at 237K!!
Total miles:27900 the car makes loud noises while driving even when you hit pot holes or not. The bushings gave up on the driver side control arm and leaks can be noticed on the struts on both sides. Earlier their was a similar noise which resulted in changing the wheel rim. These fixes are too expensive, at really low miles.
2007 Chevy Cobalt- many problems, electrical comes off and on, car rides like a bucket of bolts, at 50,000 kms front passenger wheel had 1 1/2 inch movement while parked. Very dangerous. Why no recalls for these issues? the fixer of the car replaced a suspension control arm bushing. All kinds of noise, all pot holes I thought the car was going to fall apart. Hunk of junk car. Many safety issues should be investigated. Brought back to the dealer several times for sagging doors on two door model, irregular idol, rattling sounds in the front end to no avail. Thank god I only leased it, they can keep it, it is a hunk of junk. I would never recommend this car to anyone.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact heard a noise as if metal to metal were knocking together in the front end of the vehicle, especially when he hit a bump in the road. The contact noticed that the failure had become progressively worse since he purchased the vehicle in may of 2007. The dealer installed new brakes pads and turned the rotors; however, the failure continued to occur while driving various speeds. He took the vehicle to the dealer 7 times and the most recent was February 2010 when the dealer replaced the two front struts. The failure has not recurred since the front struts were replaced. He called the manufacturer and was instructed to take the vehicle to the dealer. The current mileage was approximately 49,000. The failure mileage was approximately 900.
Loud clunking could be heard during tip-in/ tip-out of throttle. Returned was car to dealer for investigation and was told it needed suspension control arm bushings. The vehicle only has 39,672 miles, is primarliy highway driven, and has seen very little use over the last 16 months. Steering control has diminshed over time while efforts have increased. Failure of control arm bushings seems premature for number of miles driven.
- Hartland, MI, USA
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Within a month of purchasing a new 2007 Chevy Cobalt - I began hearing rattling noises from my vehicle. I have had the car in for repairs numerous times. Multiple components have been replaced and or repaired. I currently have 15,000 miles on the vehicle - to this day I can still hear rattling noises and clunking noise coming from the steering-suspension. The mechanics have now told me they don't know what's wrong and suggested I try a different dealership. I have contacted Chevy and received no help in settling this issue. If Chevy would of had their return policy when I purchased - I would of gladly returned the vehicle - I make car payments on a lemon. I don't even like my daughter to ride in the vehicle for fear of her safety. I fear I will be driving down the road the front end will fall apart. It scares me to death.
My 2007 Cobalt began clattering upon going over even the least of bumps or potholes, even at low speeds. I took it to the dealer, and it was diagnosed as having the left control arm end come out of its bushing. It will cost approximately $190 to fix, but would be covered under warranty, minus my deductible ($200).
2007 2 dr Chevy Cobalt = - 40,000 miles ( highway ) at 37,000 miles I had the left front control arm bushing fail, at 39,000 I had the right one fail I had the left control arm replaced and I am having the right one replaced today by my brother -in-law out of a trans shop in allen park dealer says there are no issues ( service bull ) with the control arm bushing and it would not be covered by warranty ( I have contacted the dealer on both failures, as well as the customer service people ). being in the industry, I have contacted people in the industry and verify that there was problem with the bushing in the prototype phase and early production bushing should not just come out of there casing.
The lower ball joint came completely detached from the front passenger wheel assembly. The bolt and nut that locks the ball joint to the wheel assembly was gone. I do not know if the bolt and nut loosened and fell out or if the bolt and nut were never installed. I suspect that the bolt and nut assembly were not torqued correctly at the factory. My daughter was driving the car down the driveway. The right front tire turned 90 degrees and wedged against the back of the wheel well. The right front drive axle disconnected from the transmission. Consequences would have been severe if this occurred at highway speeds. The lower ball joint stem was reinserted into the wheel assembly. I am currently searching for a replacement bolt and nut.
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- Columbus, OH, USA