Chevy Cobalt Power Steering Recall Investigative Report on KPRC Channel 2 Houston

***WE DID IT!!! GM ANNOUNCED A RECALL ON MARCH 1, 2010!!!
Read More here: www.click2houst...
***
Hello all! First thanks for calling in and reporting your steering issues. Over 1,000 complaints have been filed since our video was posted and we caught the attention of KPRC Cahnnel 2 in Houston who did an investigative report on the topic and found some great information.
If you are having this issue please call in! We have to keep the pressure on.
It only takes five minutes, so please call in!
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
888-327-4236
www.SaferCar.gov

[@ftballplayer36]

my 2006 cobalt just started having this issue (car locks and unlocks itself, speedometer reads zero, RPMs increase to 6000, and power steering message comes on) and I called GM because my VIN wasn't included in the 'recall'. They said I would have to pay 120$ to get it diagnosed at the dealership and THEN look into many factors (age of car, mileage, care of car, etc.) to see if they would issue a recall for my car. Im sure they would find a loophole to get out of paying for it, but this is ridiculous. Never buying a GM car again.

[@wilc816]

Edgar O EXACTLYYYY

[@swaggalisciousbby]

Edgar O same happens to my 2006 Chevy Cobalt

[@JohnDoe-kj6wp]

Edgar O yes same thing. I will never buy from GM again after my car. I asked them for a rental cause it was a defect and I was basically told to go fuck myself. Then had the nerve to call me a month later asking if I wanted to go in and look at some more of their cars.

[@bettyfreeman1953]

I’m having the same issue my car I bought used and almost three years later it goes crazy and with my kids in the car. The doors locked then unlock them back to lock and the motor races like to strain and kicks off, it’s time for something else safer.

[@joec677]

I sent this in as a complaint to NHTSA: GM needs a class action against them. While driving home from work on a busy parkway my daughter lost control of her 2010 Chevy Malibu (due to loss of power steering), after almost getting hit by another car she struggled to get the car to the side of the parkway, steering was extremely difficult. She called me and I was able to drive it home but the power steering worked on and off. A warning message flashed [ Service Power Steering - ESC off ] My daughter doesn't recall seeing the warning light before the incident. I took the car to my mechanic, he said I was better off going to the dealer because it was a big electronic problem with power steering but he wasn't sure how to troubleshoot it. This could have ended in a nightmare.. And I am very upset after doing research on the Electronic Power Steering Assist problems and recalls for the Chevy Malibu and other GM vehicles over the past 10 yrs -it is quite troubling and what really angers me is they don't have a recall for her car which is ridiculous after you spend a little time researching the 2010 Malibu customer complaints due to the power steering failure.

[@AlteredSenses]

Thanks, mate! I received a recall repair to the power steering on a used G5 GT I just bought. Everyone is still missing the point how it is dangerous if the power motor assist goes offline and catches the driver off guard ... not safe, period! People have been indirectly killed due to that, so it's not something to joke over.

[@berlow7]

this happened to me, got the recall notice in the mail and got it repaired. havent had a problem since. thank you everyone

[@godisgoodatht]

Two words, honda civic. My 06 has 230,000 mi on it, all i have replaced besides brakes and tires is the battery. Runs and drives like i just bought it in 06.

[@timothydenette6735]

Hondas: You just cant kill em.

[@trackgrad08]

My car locked up on me several times today and GM never called me or mailed me a thing!!!! They better fix this sh** cuz it really shook me up.

[@dirkmason174]

I'm just experienced this same problem with my 2011 Chevy Malibu! The power steering just failed! The dealership quoted me $1400 to fix! I am shocked by the number of complaints and GM has not issued a recall! This doesn't seem like a wear & tear issue so GM needs to do the right thing! If not, no more GM vehicles for my family!

[@dannialwilliams4]

Same thing happed to my 10 Chevy hhr. It didn’t qualify for the recall because the vin didn’t qualify. For 80$ later and about 30 minutes of work I just put a new power steering motor in it and haven’t had a problem with it since.

[@rafaeljimenez5940]

I have 07 Chevy cobalt LS for 11+ years never had a problem, took it to the dealer ignition recall a few weeks ago, now am having problems with the steering fluid. Just call the dealer to see what they say.

[@sugar0o]

I had this issue happen 3 times while drive. The dealership when i brought it in, said it would cost about $1500 to fix. BUT, to answer your question, when my power steering failed, it was as if my car LOCKED UP and i could not turn almost at all. The worst case in this was when i was turning across a busy road and it totally failed. I was lucky to have not been t-boned. They HAVE to fix it if it's apart of that recall, take your car in.

[@coinstigerfernandez5133]

Is there still a recall on this ?

[@SandraIsFalling]

my 2006 malibu does the exact same thing...luckily i was just in my driveway when it went out.

[@Alxm225]

Does anybody know if I can take my cobalt to a chevy dealer if the paint has been peeling from the rear bumper since I had purchased it back in 07? Now it just looks ugly n that the dealership didn't do a good job painting it a different color

[@tussfaithgrace]

I bought mine last year had power steering issues a week later took it back and they did an update which only helped for a day. Started acting up again for two days max and has been fine up till tonight. Hopefully it'll b wrkin fine tomorrow ;-(

[@NiGHTRiDER9001]

My school had one of these for the Drivers Ed class. That thing was a pain in the ass to drive. When the recall was issued they traded it in for a blue Ford Taurus Sedan.

[@Likeamojay]

@crackaddict444 Don't say a vehicle is crappy unless you've owned it or frequently driven it. My Cobalt is just over 2 years old with 52,000 miles and the only time it's ever been in for service was for this recall. (Which the power steering never failed ever anyway). I average 40 MPG on the freeway and it's a very quick, responsive, and agile little car. Again, this is not to defend GM in anyway, I'm glad they recalled them to prevent any future issues and for people who did experience problems

[@jaimemerino8135]

I can say that my cobalt is a 2006, so some of component that were made after 06' may be failing, so check on that!

[@knowbodiesfull5768]

My 2006 Cobalt power steering went out a few times and it came back on. Once, I was in a Walmart parking lot and I could not steer the car without extreme effort! It was akin to driving a 1952 pickup truck. Then, suddenly, the power steering returned - and there haven't been any problems since. Still, I am concerned. I still love my car. It's pushing 129,000 miles, but it's in otherwise good shape. I'm not ready for car payments!

[@PickelJuice659]

This happened to me, my power steering gave out temporary then worked again lucky I was in a parking lot when it happened and now my key ignition switch is starting to fail, I have a hard time turning the key over just to turn the car on! Oh plus the dash board gages goes crazy sometimes as well, it's super irritating

[@jhett777]

Excellent reporting and important information. This is what the press is suppose to do, expose lies and secrets!

[@sugar0o]

i had to FIGHT to pull it in the turn. :\ it felt like i was trying to pull 40lb's of weight with just upper arms while sitting. I was honestly scared. I've never been in a wreck... EVER i really felt like this would have been the first time. like i said, i was lucky in that i made it off enough in the turn to finally get out of the way of oncoming traffic. Being t-boned as such is Not anything i ever want to do.

[@Alxm225]

Is it too late to take in my 06 cobalt? At times the steering wheel gets real stiff

[@crackaddict444]

@Likeamojay I guess you missed the report by NHTSA where they proved that driver error was the cause of the majority of those accidents, and many of them were found to be fraudulent. One guy in a Scion tC was drunk when his mother filed the claim of his death due to "SUA". And they even say in this video that someone died from getting into an accident in their Cobalt.

[@Lionsalways]

2006 chevy Malibu, my wifes car just spent 1400 to replace electric power steering motor and steering column, WHY DOES GM IGNOR THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM? she almost hit another car head on after the power steering light came on and it went out, theres thousands of complaints on the internet about this safety hazard, we're not talking a defective floor mat, we're talking life and death, I have been a chevy buyer always, but gives credence to those who buy foreign cars when GM seems to just ignor this issue, hard to defend my American car with this crap, not only is this dangerous, its expensive!, time to re-think purchasing from another car company!!!!one that stands behind their product and safety engineering

[@DesmondCalloway]

I have the same issue with my 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. GM is still not willing to look into the matter.

[@oldzy]

Mine just went on my 2008 Cobalt LT. Luckily I was going straight and not on a turn. Just took it in for the recall. Should have done it earlier before the prob popped up suddenly. Click in the dash then 4 chimes... then POWER STEERING on the DIC, and you go full 'manual' steering. So keep a firm hold on the wheel with at least one hand just in case.

[@lildevilbmxer7]

however they left saturn ions in the dust with this recall.

[@JustinC721]

The irony is that the company that makes the Electric Power Assisted Steering unit is JTEKS; a subsidary of Toyota.

[@rick101366]

the page we got said there is over 1 million cars affected by this sterring problem , they better find the problem soon you think

[@Likeamojay]

@crackaddict444 No confirmed electronic problem? Try telling that to the nearly 100 people who died to due unintended acceleration in 2010 alone. Where have you heard of people dying in Cobalts? I drive one and have never had this issue. Loss of power steering doesn't make a car impossible to control, it just makes it harder. Like I said before I'm not trying to deny anyone's problems they've had with their Cobalts. All my point is GM is not getting a pass in media coverage of the recall.

[@sexytrini401]

Alex NO..its not to late, i got my recall notice in the mail on Monday 4th..last week i noticed my steering was a bit stiff too..my car is 2006 and at 47000 miles...i think the power steering was going out on it and i drive alot. Take it in to WEBB Chev...and get it serviced for free i got my car in Today Friday-8th..and they are replacing the fuel pumps too recall on fuerl pump as well get it done before something bad happens!!!

[@noctisvigiloguild]

It happens to my 2010 Cobalt. It just started to do it one day and of course the first time had to be while I was making a turn. I have contacted GM many times because a part was recalled due to the PS issue but the answer I get from GM is “your VIN in not listed on our recall list”. WTF, I have the same exact problem as the cars on your list, this is poor customer service by GM (unfortunately this is my second GM car that had a serious issue (out of 2 GM cars)) and I’m done being left stranded by GM, time to go back to Ford. Now if I’m in a turn and the PS goes out, I have to quickly put it in Neutral, turn off the car and turn it back on to reengage the PS. However, it could go right back out 10 seconds later.

[@51-FS]

Yea my 2010 is doing the same thing and its not on the list.....

[@HelloKindWorld]

keep in mind that GM is the company that brought us lemons like the late model Pontiac Grand Am, I was actually surprised however at the lack of defects in my cobalt, I have 47,000 miles on mine and never had this problem, not to suggest there isnt one. if GM offers to recall something, you had better take it. because it takes a lot to get them to fix any design flaw. God, im still pissed about my grand am!

[@Likeamojay]

@crackaddict444 Where is your proof that the electronic throttle was not an issue? Then why did Toyota reprogram the braking system on the Prius? Why did they recall over 2.3 million vehicles for accelerator servicing?

[@crackaddict444]

@davek98 Toyota only has a small ownership share in JTEKT. They are not a majority shareholder and do not have a controlling share in them. GM sourced this part from this company and approved for THEIR car. GM is just, as usual, trying to lay the blame on someone else. I wouldn't expect anything less from Government Motors.

[@MRFLIP]

HAY EVERY ONE PLEASE READ THERE IS A NEW GM RECALL ON ALL CHEV COBALT 2007 TO 2009 FOR A FUEL PUMP ATTACHMENTS THAT IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO SET FIRE THIS IS IN THE STATES OF AZ CA ARKANSAS OKLAHOMA ALSO THIS RECALL IS FOR PONTIAC G5 SEDANS EQUINOX AN PONTIAC TORRENTS SUVs THIS INFO CAN BE FOUND ONLINE JUST SEARCH 2012 GM RECALL

[@barryparker2947]

Checking power steering

[@TecmoBO34]

so what happens now? Mine just went out on my 2006 Cobalt -(14,000 miles) who do I contact in regards to the recall?? Do they cover the cost of repair, or is too late now?

[@bobg69]

@16musicfanatic The Malibu's have the exact same power units on them. Here is my predicament, doing Interstate speed of 70mph and have the wheel completely lockup for a split second. The wheel won't budge. I'm a 230lb man and for me not to be able to turn the wheel there is something wrong. Times of slow speed and steering goes out is a pain but can be handle that. The complete lockup is crazy!! There are many GM models that have these same gremlins. GM knows it but don't like to recall as all.

[@sexytrini401]

Webb Chevrolet..dealerships and service centers will take your call and make appt to service your cars .. both power steering and fuel pump have to be replaced and should be free..so call up your local WEBB and talk to them... the news is saying don't wait for a recall notice to get it serviced!!!

[@Lawrence330]

My first car had manual steering. If I can drive a 3/4 ton truck without power steering, 100 lb girl from the video can drive a Cobalt when the power assist goes out.

[@edridcalderon9280]

My 2005 Chevy Malibu 2.2l power steering move to the left side complete by itself, when I try to turn the steering wheel to the passenger side I need to apply my strength to make a right turn and if I loose the steering wheel at the same time, the steering wheel make a left turn all the way by itselt, so I have to hold it and let it loose slowly. What can I do?

[@Likeamojay]

My 2009 Cobalt hasn't ever had this problem. To the contrary the steering is rather responsive. I love my car. I'm not trying to diminish anyone else's problems or deny that the problem exists. I know it does and I know it's very dangerous. But It's not like the Cobalt is a shitty car.

[@TwizzyVamp01]

Wow this is crazy I didn’t know this !

[@lachacala291097]

i need more information because i have a cobalt 2008 and i get this problen at 34000 and 36000 mi

[@MyStone88]

I come from a large family. All of us used to own US made cars. With the exception of one or two members, all of us now buy Japanese cars.

[@tussfaithgrace]

i just bought this car and its doing the same thing. have they recalled

[@900Yugo]

there is power steering 30 years ago but its not electric power steering its hydraulic power steering EG my 1979 Datsun had power steering.

[@0purple0oranges0]

so it the power steering goes there gonna fix it right?

[@jerryscool2008]

i didnt know this.

[@ThisWreathingNurse]

i have a cobalt.. nd u dont quite understand the problem... ur driving nd ur steering pretty much locks up on u..outta no where... u can barely turn the wheel.. its dangerous..

[@kyleansley]

I had a fellow employee of mine delivering pizza's in a cobalt with about 30,000 miles on it and he went off the side of a mountain and was killed. I bet it was because the steering failed because he went off on the inside of a curve.

[@indinoboy]

They fix my the power steering of my cobalt 2005 for free. what is wrong with the fuel pump?

[@daveyrayschroeder9167]

I'm not happy. My steering just went out last week while leaving my neighborhood. Luckily I'mblessed with being a fairly strong indiviual and was able to keep control, but I highly doubt the average person would have. It was severe. In fact, the mechanic I took the car to could NOT turn the wheel himself and I had to pull it in the garage for him. I feel for that 90lb woman, that must have been terrifying. Along with the power steering assist motor problem, turns out my U-joints on the steering column and that area of the column are rusted and junk also, exacerbating the problem. The Recall on the P/S motor was free to fix as it should be, but the steering column was NOT part of the recall and will cost me $430 and in my opinion SHOULD be part of the recall as I've read a lot of Cobalt drivers are running into the same problem... It’s not even the issue itself that angers me, some cars will have problems, it happens. What I'm angry about is the disingenuous way GM is handling these recalls by downplaying the severity while people are DYING. Shame on you GM. I've driven mostly Chevy's for 25 years. This will more likely be the last.

[@900Yugo]

this is an example of the downsides of the electric steering system if the steering motor fails then you have no choice.

[@Mikeyssss]

i dont know about anyone else, but if i had to choose id rather not be able to steer my car than have it doing 90 in a school zone with my foot on the brake

[@monzadude]

There's a perfect example above

[@crackaddict444]

@davek98 What other makes are having tihs problem? If others were having this problem it would have been widely reported. The Cobalt is the only one that's had this problem and they've had it for over 6 years. Stop trying to deflect from GM and their crappy product

[@TheDman52]

ok if you weigh 100lbs and have trouble steering your car....walk your ass to the nearest gym!

[@kevn3621]

happen to me at power steer recall and complain bad never heard of it, basil fixed both steer column and module recall and free would cost over 1000 so free that is a serious problem, also most interference engine so also timing chain can go believe at 100-150000 miles if that happen trade vehicle or get done before cost about 3 grande for 400-800 them chain guard do go big labor to fix

[@StunnerRunner79]

I doubt this will ever get air time as did Toyotas "ghost issues"

[@rick101366]

are steering is just starting to get hard to turn in corrners . we have plans to go to the dealer tommorrow and show him the recall page we printed off the computer. I am just wondering how much hassel they will give us ,,,or will they make us pay then we have to fight someone else for are money back . or do we just go back to horse and buggy that way we can say we have a mustang . (sorry bad joke) this is serious we dont have the $1,000.00 to put out

[@Mrpl778]

hi rick could you pls send me the recall page or telll me where i can find it need to take my car in next week hope i dont have this again? And to the wise guy who picking fun at the 100 pound lady i say? have you ever had to steer a auto when the power steering was not working cause i have and it is not easy especially when it goes out suddenly

[@crackaddict444]

@Likeamojay There is no confirmed electronic throttle control problem in Toyotas, nice try though trying to point fingers at someone else while GM has had people killed in Cobalts and many accidents that they've known about since 2004. Government Motors at its finest.

[@julianbrito2318]

This happened to my sisters old cars smh

[@Likeamojay]

@crackaddict444 So you're telling me that you can attribute the majority of the nearly 100 fatal crashes in Toyotas caused by unintended acceleration due to driver error. But then if 1 person dies because they couldn't steer the vehicle after the power steering failed that's not driver error? Very hypocritical. It's not impossible to steer a vehicle without power steering. I'm not saying this is acceptable in any car. But it's a hell of a lot safer than a car speeding out of control.

[@cassandramessmear1707]

My 06 cobalt ss is doing the same thing

[@MorseCoach]

@Likeamojay Dude, I said the exact same thing. Then at 100,000km, awful malfunction, triple-barrel roll. Can I say it's crappy? Are you SO inwards looking that you won't judge the company on the basis that they didn't inform customers of a potential problem (when they knew about it) just because your experience was smooth? Come on. You were more fortunate with the timing than others (me) were is all. In Canada, the Pontiac pursuit 06' models failed universally to the tune of 4,400 accidents.

[@EagleTalons1]

@summergen You make a good point. Power steering / steering assist is just that, it helps you steer with less effert put doesn't do it for you and most people don't seem to comprehend this. If your power steering goes out don't just set in your car while driving and act like you have arms made of spaghetti, grab the steering wheel and maintain control untill you can get it to a shop or home. DON'T PANIC! Once again summergen, good point.

[@ashleygreen7433]

Iam having a problem with mines

[@MyStone88]

Dear GM, Make quality cars and trucks or you will be bankrupt the second time someday. The car business is brutal and competiton is cut throat. Cobalt is a POS

[@TeeJaay8888]

GM cars safety issues were more than the Toyota, Us striked the Japanese car market in North America just because they want improve the employment, more people worry about Toyota safty more people will buy Amrican cars

[@happyboyy8k]

of course congress don't want to do anything bad to GM because.....(we're all know it..shame on you...shame on you)

[@Zinizzle]

Simple answer! Because GM build cheap unreliable JUNK, and GM filed for bankruptcy, which means they are partially owned by the government."and then Toyota started having recalls" seems weird huh? in their spotless reputation. Along with the other Japanese manufacturers. Plus that recalled Toyota "accelerator" was a part made in the US, well isn't that weird.

[@LOVER88100]

well ,will see how are all GM's fans talk about their GM cars,trust me.....they will keep their mouth shut....that's they good about

[@rplagas]

ime a 40 yr gm mechanic and i know its all the gm cars that have the electric power steering motors!!!!! hhr chevy and others are the same get ur facts right!!!

[@Mrpl778]

forunately for me steering never locked up car just ran like crap and bucked and slipped like break was on

[@Diesel2590]

You can still steer perfectly fine without power steering, how do u think they drove cars before power steering

[@Trevrz1]

@toyota4life94 GM is an American corporation. You wanna argue!

[@Trevrz1]

@toyota4life94 No, I agree. It's shameful. GM has been a big disappointment in so many ways. Only now are they starting to pay attention- after we bailed them out. That ticks me off to know end.

[@davidparsons5918]

I am having the same problem with my cobalt.

[@mernaalx9528]

David Parsons same here GM says they csnt do anything for me I have an 07 chevy cobalt. where r u located?

[@davidparsons5918]

Maine tell them you will fail a claim in federal court and see what they say then.

[@mernaalx9528]

David Parsons now im thinking my gas tank is cracked as well. I out gas sunday night and had half a tank. By monday night i had a little over a qtr tank. and i didnt drive it much either!!!

[@davidparsons5918]

The gas tank that are made out of China metals the cars now a day's are cheep made.

[@paulchamberlin3724]

The RACK and i-shaft fails as well too easily... fixing mine with 87miles on it garage parked nightly... since new never winter driven my 2005 pontiac pursuit gt sedan is mint.. but rack and i-shaft have been failing for a while but now it rattles/CLUNKS etc.. to hell downtown... but did little upgrad changed struts from FE3 sport ones too FE5's sport+ ones from the TURBO Cobalt SS edition 08+'s not 05-07 Cobalt SS ones but.... i thought at first my struts were blown that i put on from amazon like other ones that just came off but turns/ed out rack is just totally toast now and maybe i-shaft which just gonna do as well anyhows.. since its old hell too and pretty beat lol but these cars are junk but with a FEW cheap brand new acdelco oe parts replaced.. there good cars if you've or get a MINT one... GT.. 2.4 N/A Sedans and SS.. lines, are nice ones.

[@Trevrz1]

@toyota4life94 This an American car produced by an American company. Your Toyota might be made in America but it's a Japanese company. GM is American- it doesn't take a genius to figure that out.

[@sullivanocean]

I feel for any family who has had a tragedy regarding this issue. However we are not talking about a complete loss of steering. At speed any power steering issue would be hardly noticeable, and if you are going slow enough to not be able to turn the wheel at all then it should only take you a split second to stop. This isn't exactly a big heavy car. Nice job getting you recall though.

[@Likeamojay]

Besides anyone who knows the first thing about cars knows that EPS just makes the steering easier. Once upon a time, cars didn't have power steering. Again, I'm not trying to deny the problem, you can't compare that to Toyota. The electronic throttle malfunctioning and causing a car to speed out of control is a HELL of a lot more dangerous than losing your power steering. Not to mention it took Toyota nearly 6 years to acknowledge the problem.

[@Mikeyssss]

@renegadepast yes exactly! agree with you 100%

[@pcooney08]

hey you did a good thing man

[@everydaybree]

It does not completely Go out, its just hard to steer only under 15 mph, and it is still controllable. The Key thing when you experience this, DON'T FREAKING PANIC. That's the reason for those accidents, they become incapacitated to think when the steering requires excessive effort.

[@gravityhammer25]

Im getting a honda

[@deeznutz6582]

Same thing with my 06 Chevy HHR. Fuck General Motors!

[@jere.nurkka]

Start lifting weights people

[@teslacarfan]

I'm still not sure why anyone would buy a cobalt in the first place.. almost all American cars these days are garbage.

[@ryanperson6307]

Every model of every make is considered junk by someone somewhere

[@drfaticus]

its alot better than Garbage Motors.

[@jaimemerino8176]

When you get this problem, just stop the car, turn it off right away and then turn it back on again.

[@gabeulrickson2496]

People just don't know how to steer without power steering

[@grider9724]

i drove a 300zx with no power steering for a year it’s not hard at all to me it’s easier

[@monzadude]

Nature has just announced a huge recall. 1 million humans are to recieve new brains and slightly better set of arms. To avoid being too much of a ninny to handle a Cobalt without comfort assist for the steering system. Wow, what did people do 30 + years ago with no power steering and those bias ply tires! ?!

[@mervyntufts]

Still don't do anything for u in Canada don't buy one of this cars

[@roscoeelcocko1863]

I won't buy a ford, chevy or dodge ever again. The older 90s models are cool, but these newer American made cars are garbage. Toyota and Honda are too main stream. Buy a Kia or Hyundai.

[@DustonDiekmann]

how is it, everyone would drive cars without power steering for years! that all of a sudden, if its lost...there is no controling the car. I think people need to be able to handel a car, instead of just drive it...If power brake go out, are people going to just not try and stop cause its too hard to push the pedal? I do agree that its not cool it goes out, but how is it any different from a mechanical power steering pump blowing a line? Not recall worthy, but warning worthy...Learn to drive

[@drfaticus]

Garbage Motors