2006 Chevrolet Cobalt problems
Owners have filed 3,056 complaints about the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 42.8% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 13.9%.
Complaints3,056
Crashes272
Fires25
Injuries358
Deaths20
What owners report breaking
Steering 42.8% · 1308
Electrical system 13.9% · 424
Fuel/propulsion system 8.3% · 255
Fuel system, gasoline 7.4% · 227
Air bags 4.8% · 148
Power train 4.5% · 138
Engine 3.0% · 93
Structure 1.8% · 54
Severity
Of those complaints, 272 describe a crash, 25 describe a fire, 358 report an injury and 20 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Chevrolet Cobalt in this data, 2006 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 24 in the last three years against 112 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 68,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving 50 mph the power steering light illuminated on the dashboard and the vehicle began shaking uncontrollably. The contact was able to drive home safely without any power steering. The contact has called the manufacturer regarding this issue. The contact is concerned about the risk involved when the power steering failure occurred. The failure mileage was 78,000. Steering · reported at 78,000 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. Steering · reported at 109,700 miles
I purchased a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt in february of 2009. Around 65,000 miles, the power steering began going out. At first, it would only go out if it was hot outside, and if you turned the car off and then back on it would go away. It became more and more frequent to where it is out nearly all the time now. I have been told my only option is to have the steering column replaced at a cost of approx. $700.00. Steering · reported at 65,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…