Want to Buy an '06/07 Cobalt - Any Reliability Issues I should be know about?

[Sparky1349]

Hey Guys,

Hey all you hard core Cobalt fans, I'm thinking about a '06/07 Cobalt and want to know if there is anything I should know about first. Read through some of the threads here and haven't seen anything major pop up but I'd like some input from the people who deal with them everyday.

Consumer reports kinda bad mouthed the '06 for reliability issues but I am curious if any current '06 owners are having any issues.

Let me know.

Thanks a lot.

Sparky

[AJT1961]

I bought my Cobalt 1LT '07 new and it now has a bit over 40,000 miles. I have not had a single problem, except for one of the key fobs was defective when new and replaced under warranty. As for "complaints", the oem 15" tires were terrible bordering on unsafe and I was amazed at how much better the car handled and stopped with new tires. Mine has wheel covers as well, and they make an annoying rattle which simple amazes me that GM let a car out of the factory with that kind of problem that should have been identified and solved on the proving ground. Guess that's one of the reasons GM is in such bad shape. Other than these very minor complaints, I absolutely love the car and the low price I paid for it.

[rodeo02]

I've only got ~25Kmi on my 2007 LS, but it's been an excellent car for me. Had a goofy issue better than a year ago where the torque converter on the auto trans would oscillate in/out of lockup. A dealer reflash of the ECM and it never came back. Other than that, she's absolutely basic; roll-up windows, manual locks, so there's nothing to break. IMO, the newer the better. I'd go no older than a 2007 and go basic. Don't forget it's an entry level, inexpensive car.

Joel

[piercerann]

Know this is an old post but if potential buyers are reading....beware of power steering malfunctions. My power steering just went out one day when I was going about 70. I've only had the car for a year, it's an 06. I pulled over, looked for the power steering reservoir. There isnt one. It's electronic. Took it to the dealer, cost me $900 because I had to have the whole steering column replaced. GM hasnt issued a recall and doesnt plan to. I'd just glad that it went out when I was going straight and not on a curve because I could have killed myself or somebody else. I did some googling and found that this is a common problem with 05/06 cobalts. Just beware!!

[cmhj2000]

Ignition switches were an issue on the 05 & 6s.

In some cases part of the problem was linked to people having a lot of junk on their key rings.

[rodeo02]

and power assist steering issues can be attributed to big'ol feet hitting the electrical connector up above the brake pedal. Also prodding around in there or stuffing aftermarket electronics up in there will wreak havoc. Keep in mind the Saturn Vue, Chevy Equinox and others use the same electric power steering. Reach up under the dash. You will feel the motor that provides power assist to the simple manual steering rack. It's a good system if you ask me.

Joel

[RahX]

Get a bigger steeringwheel, that way when it goes out you won't have as much trouble turning it :P

[jrmy1krn]

Originally Posted by piercerann

Know this is an old post but if potential buyers are reading....beware of power steering malfunctions. My power steering just went out one day when I was going about 70. I've only had the car for a year, it's an 06. I pulled over, looked for the power steering reservoir. There isnt one. It's electronic. Took it to the dealer, cost me $900 because I had to have the whole steering column replaced. GM hasnt issued a recall and doesnt plan to. I'd just glad that it went out when I was going straight and not on a curve because I could have killed myself or somebody else. I did some googling and found that this is a common problem with 05/06 cobalts. Just beware!!

And this is why I will never buy a new GM car... that should be a waranty fix. Im so sad that my fav car company is turning out junk.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by jrmy1krn

And this is why I will never buy a new GM car... that should be a waranty fix. Im so sad that my fav car company is turning out junk.

The "power assist" steering is only covered for 3/36, but the entire powertrain, whole engine, transmission, all bearings, axles, shafts, seals, etc... are covered for 5yrs/100K regardless if bought new/used for 2007+. You might want to stick with a 2007+ for that reason. I just haven't heard of enough steering system issues to scare me away from this system.

Joel