New Cars
Used Cars
Car Reviews
Tips & Advice
News
Follow
Advertisement
Find a Car
Go!

Chevrolet Cobalt Under Investigation For Power Steering Flaw

9 4,139 views Feb 4, 2010
Follow Richard

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt

Enlarge Photo

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating 1,132 customer complaints about the Chevrolet Cobalt. Drivers have reported a sudden loss of power steering in the 2005-09 Cobalt and the 2008-09 Cobalt SS, which has "resulted in difficulty controlling the vehicle, such as departing from the desired travel lane", according to an NHTSA report. So far, the glitch has been linked to 11 accidents and one injury, but no deaths.

The NHTSA began its investigation last week, and there is no published timeline for its conclusion. However, if the study results in a recall notice, it will affect roughly 950,000 vehicles. General Motors has said that it is cooperating fully with the agency.


Of course, no automaker wants to rush headlong into a massive, headline-grabbing recall -- especially GM, which can ill-afford the expense, the loss of sales, or the additional dings to its already-beat up reputation. Making the story that much worse (for GM) is that the investigation centers on the beleaguered Cobalt, a model that's no stranger to recalls and one that's finally being killed off after years of terrible reviews. Now, the Cobalt's reputation may live on -- but like the Ford Pinto, it won't be in the good way.

That said, we'd like to think that automakers across the board have learned a valuable lesson from Toyota's mistakes: when there's a problem, get ahead of it. Waiting for things to boil over is a dangerous proposition for drivers and balance sheets alike.

[AutoNews via Autoblog]

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt

Enlarge Photo

Tags:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (9)

  1. Erika Posted: 2/4/2010 8:36pm PST

    Comparing the Cobalt to the Pinto is hardly an accurate, or fair, analogy.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. richard avatar Richard Read Posted: 2/5/2010 4:39am PST

    @Erika: I admit that the Pinto's problems were different from those facing the Cobalt. However, both flaws are VERY dangerous, and that's all that matters to the general public. One disastrous accident, and the Cobalt's already iffy reputation could go down in flames. (Hopefully not literally.)
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. Steve Posted: 2/5/2010 12:38pm PST

    While I would concede that the steering flaw in the Cobalt is very dangerous, the previous recall on the Cobalt regarding the head impact material would only be an issue to drivers who ignore safety regulations and drive without seat belts. One can argue in that circumstance that the driver is more dangerous than the car! I'm also curious - are you as unforgiving to Toyota and their clearly defective products?
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  4. Janice Posted: 2/6/2010 1:43pm PST

    I have one of the bad Cobalts... My power steering randomly stops working, sometimes during a turn, sometimes while driving on the highway, no reason... I get a two second notice, two short beeps and then no power steering. GM has been useless in getting the problem resolved. It is very dangerous and stressful knowing that at any minute, it could just go out. I really hope that they get this problem resolved soon!
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  5. Tom Johnson Posted: 2/7/2010 9:40am PST

    I purchased new a 2005 Cobalt. Now have 151,000 miles on it. No steering problems to date. Only minor maintenance problems of any sort. Always have had car serviced by dealer.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  6. Crystal Posted: 2/8/2010 4:59pm PST

    I too own a 2005 Cobalt and on my way home from work one day, in a curve, I lost power steering and was only 1/2 mile from my home and didn't think I would make it.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  7. Kris Andrews Posted: 2/18/2010 4:34am PST

    I bouhgt the 2005 model Chevy Cobalt and one day while driving home from work I was mid-turn with one had on the steering wheel and the power steering went out on me and I jumped the curb and almost hit a telephone pole it took all my strength to controll the steering. My cobalt's power steering stays out all the time. I would put the car in neutral while driving down the highway and turn it off then turn it back on and the power steering goes back to normal for about 15 secs and then it goes out again. I am very scared that i am going to wreck because of this. I am a small woman and not that strong so steering this car while at is a chore in it's self. Chevy should be ashamed of themselves for selling a car that is dangerous. All of these car makers only care about MONEY.. MONEY i dont have to get it fixed or even trade in. Chevy you are dealing with peoples lives here. FIX IT!!! MAKE IT RIGHT!!!!!
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  8. scherrie Posted: 8/2/2010 1:45pm PDT

    my problem started today 8/2010. with my power steering and it is very scary. when you have your family with you. does any one know if theres a recall on this problem.if so i wasnot notified. i have a 0/7 chevy cobalt. and it is very hard to steer this vechicle and some one should take accounability for other people lives!
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  9. twanda Posted: 12/3/2010 4:39pm PST

    my 2005 cobalt is having serious problems. it needs struts shocks and two parts of the steering shaft. 1500.00 worth of repairs.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Advertisement
Advertisement
Take Us With You!
Advertisement

More From High Gear Media

 
 
The Car Connection
 
 
© 2013 The Car Connection. All Rights Reserved. The Car Connection is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.