GM Recall: Chevrolet Cobalt & Pontiac G5, Pursuit, G4 – Power Steering Failure
March 3, 2010
General Motors has quietly announced a recall of over one million compact cars, as posted in a statement dated March 2nd, 2010 on the GM website. This recall affects the power steering units in the following automobiles:
• 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
• 2007-2010 Pontiac G5
• 2005-206 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada)
• 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 (Mexico)
The automobiles referencing other countries are the locations where they were sold, not manufactured.
There were 16 complaints on record with the NHTSA for the 2009 Pontiac G5 which included two separate injuries and one reported death. All of the complaints for the 2009 G5 indicated power steering issues that caused the steering to lock up which stopped the driver’s ability to control the vehicle at intermittent and unpredictable times.
Additionally there were 51 complaints on record with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt that directly related to the “steering”. Additional complaints were found for other steering related components. One complaint (ODI# 10310842) stated that there were previous reports on the news dating back to June 13th, 2008 about the power steering failure. According to the government agency, just fewer than one million of the automobiles were under investigation since 2009.
If a power steeling pump or control fails and the power steering no longer works it can instantly become very difficult to turn an automobile, particularly at slower speeds. Accidents can become much more likely to occur with intermittent surprises for drivers such as power steering failure. Steering is largely a mechanical device that doesn’t rely as much on electronic controls like the brakes in the Toyota Prius recall.
It has not been announced if the recall will affect other GM brands such as Buick, GMC, Open, Holden and Vauxhall, but it is believed no other cars have the same power steering parts. Vice President of GM’s Quality Assurance, Jamie Hresko, stated “this is a condition that takes time to develop” and that “it tends to occur in older models out of warranty”. Many of the reports on the NHTSA website indicate various mileage occurrence rates from 2,000 to 15,000 miles.
Several GM dealership managers have stated that a check engine or equivalent warning light will come on if there is a problem with the power steering.
The two similar models of Pontiac and Chevrolet compacts appear to share the identical power steering construction using the same parts.
It is not currently known what causes the failure and General Motors has not yet developed a remedy but indicated customers would be notified when the plan is finalized. The recall is not being considered life threatening but you should contact and locate your local GM dealership or manufacturer representative to determine what additional precautions you can take.
“It is never safe to drive or operate a vehicle that poses risk of injury. A power steering failure could cause erratic driving behavior.”, according to Insurance Investigator Phillip Crimaldi at Peak Claims in Denver, CO. “Even if you feel comfortable behind the wheel, an unanticipated movement in traffic could cause another safe driver to over-react, contributing to an accident based on your reaction behind the wheel.”
Are you the owner of a Chevrolet Cobalt or Pontiac G5, or other models listed above? Let us know if you’ve experienced similar problems on Facebook or Twitter @usrecallnews
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64 Responses to “GM Recall: Chevrolet Cobalt & Pontiac G5, Pursuit, G4 – Power Steering Failure”
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I just recently had a problem with my 2009 pontiac g5. I have noticed that when driving at a low rate of speed between 10-40 mph it is hard to turn the steering wheel. Also at speeds 50-65 mph the steering wheel is easy to turn almost too easy. And less than two weeks ago late in the evening while coming home from work i parked my car in the garage. As I was walking away attempting to lock the doors with my remote it would not lock. So I walked back to my car and tried to start it because i noticed all the lights were out but it wouldn’t and the key got stuck in the ignition. It took maybe 20 minutes for the car to start and thankfully i was already home when it happened.
@ Sherrell: If you haven’t told the dealer, this does not count. Please call the corporate office and let them know, because they don’t read this.
I have seen several failures of the torque steering sensors on some of these models. The steering columns have to be replaced. Usually this sets some sort of DTC within the computer. This costs approx. $500.00.
I have had this “power steering” issue now for 3 weeks. I have a Chevy Cobalt 2005. I have called a couple GM dealers here in Fort Wayne, IN for help and been told I have to wait for a letter from GM ???? I need mine fixed like – yesterday.
Thank God.
I have a 2009 g5 with 10,000 and reported steering to the dealer number of times and they said there are no issues with the car. They kept talking in circles and said it is normal for steering to be hard to turn when your stopped or at low speeds. Damm! they must think I am stupid or something… I tell yah now. I will never by another vehicle of that lot again. An then charged 100 bucks for now issues.
I just got off the phone with GM ERRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! I have a 2006 Cobalt and just spent $700 getting this problem fixed. I talked to GM before the repairs were made and they told me a recall was being investigated and if it went through I would be reimbursed for what I spent fixing the damages. GM has the worst customer service ever! I am fighting with them to get my money back and they are now trying to say my power steering problem is not the same thing as the recall after I already took my car to a CHEVY DEALERSHIP to get it properly diagnosed. I asked about the recall and they told me they had no idea when and if I will ever get my money and basically blew me off. Urgh I feel raped by corporate America…I’m getting a motorcycle
I HAVE HAD SOME PART ALREADY REPLACED IN MY 2007 G5 I BELIEVE IT WAS THE TORC, AT THE TIME I HAD THIS PART REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY I TOLD THEM ABOUT MY PROBLEM THAT MY CAR SEEMED TO BE ALL OVER THE ROAD THEY TOLD ME ( SHEARER PONTIAC IN SHELBURN VT) THAT WAS BECAUSE MY CAR NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT THE CAR ONLY HAD A LITTLE OVER 20,000 MILES THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE OF VT ROADS. I ALSO ASKED THEM ABOUT MY TIRES AS THEY WERE ALREADY WORN AGAIN THEY SAID BECAUSE IT NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. MY CAR IS MOSTLY DRIVEN ON THE INTERSTATE PRETTY EASY DRIVING.
Does anyone know if this recall is for Cobalt SS models? I have a 2007 Cobalt SS and I’m trying to sell it. If anyone knows please let me know.
Have a 2006 Cobalt and the past few months I’ve been experiencing problems with the power steering it locks up and while drving it has some kind of rattling shaking sound it just doesn’t feel safe at all and hope GM does something about this soon.
My daughter has a 2007 Cobalt with 13,000 miles. The power steering failed for the first time last week. She ws able to pull over in a safe spot and shut the motor off. When she started it back up the steering was working again. The very next day my wife was driving and the steering failed again. She said the in dash display warned her and then the steering quit. This happened before the recall news… So I did some research and found the electric motor that is attached to the steering column would get carbon dust build up on the inside and would cause the motor to shut down. I removed the motor and the motor housing ( 1 power plug and total of 4 bolts ) I cleaned the carbon brush rigging and commutator with plasic safe contact cleaner. There was a lot of carbon dust inside the motor… I then reinstalled the motor and have not had a failure but I am sure once the carbon builds up again the failure will come back. I have told here to be ready to arm strong steer it as it could fail again…
I have a 2008 Chevrolet cobalt special edition. I have had many problems with my car and after reading this am starting to feel like mine will be affected. My car has already had the broken turn signal switch replaced the broken fan motor replaced my car brakes lock after I wash my car and am unable to move my car fir often hours as the wheels will not move I have been informed by gm that I should not wash the rims on my car because that is the problem(why can’t they fix it???) my control panel paint was wearing off and the control panel light going out my stereo is going out when I drive my car at high speeds it shakes and makes me feel like a have no control over where it is going sometimes at low speeds I have struggle to turn. While some of the problems have been fixed after 2 or 3 go arounds with the dealer actually telling me that I am crazy and that I need to stop bringing in my car in I know that not only will I never buy a gm product again but neither will anyone that I know. Basically gm just like anyone else sells a product backed by it’s customer service and if the product is faulty the customer service needs to back it up in gm’s case they deffinatly have proven that after the car leaves the lot you are on your own. Sorry but not impressed and I hope ford is ready to deal with me next.
ORIGINAL LETTER OF THE 23rd INST.
I have a 2007 G5-GT currently at Pontiac Ile Perrot for Brake repairs. I expect to pay full price for the front brakes and am even willing to pay for the pads for the rear but I stop dead when I am told the Quality of the Original Pads has caused the Rear Rotors to be damaged beyond repair after only 46000Km. At $110.71 each plus tax is far too steep for me to pay for poor quality in the first place. If GM will not replace poor damaged goods due to poor quality then it is obvious that GM intends to spend more money on poorer quality to increase profits and screw the unsuspecting public. I will refuse to ever own a GM product again and make it public information. The garage Phone is: 514-425-7381 the Car claim number is # 462. The 10% discount on parts does NOT make me feel any better and the car is now officially for sale unless I get the balance of the REAR ROTORS refunded. GM Has 24 hours to respond. See the reply in next Submission>
I HAVE A 2007 COBALT RUNS GREAT WITH 22,000 MILES ON IT NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS YET.THE MODLE I HAVE IS THE LT 2 AND LIKE I SAID NO PROBLEMS RIDES NICE, NO WIND NOISE,SMOOTH,I WOULD LIKE MORE POWER BUT OVERALL THE CAR IS GREAT SO FAR.
REPLY from GM Customer Care:
Mr Willis,
Thank you for your e-mail.
We are currently investigating your concern and will contact you again once we have more information.
In the interim, should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call myself, the under-signed, at our Customer Communication Centre, toll-free, 1-800-263-3777, extension 2639, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Nancy Desjardins
Internet Correspondent
http://www.gm.ca
What transpired in a subsequent telephone conversation will only be know by GM Canada since the recorder on my office phone did not work. They ahd basically indicated to me verbally that they were not really concerned as to the safety of the vehicle nor the client experience with the vehicle, only that the bills be paid on time. I was later contacted by her boss who tried to get me to file a Client Satisfaction Survey. Which I did not! They offered a $1000 discount on my next GM product which I refused since they would need to use the money to pay a proper Customer Care Manager.
Further to my letter of the 23rd inst. (shown in red below) I have been to the Dealership “Pontiac Ile Perrot” and done some investigation of my own.
I found out that the brake pads were not the cause of the brake failure but in fact there was little if any wear on the Rotors at all. The Left Rear Brake pad had been completely destroyed and half the metal bonded backing plate eaten away by braking. The surface of the Left Rotor was pitted equal to a very rough diamond grit grindstone (about 0.015″) and was the primary cause of the brake failure.The right pads were at a normal wear level with more than 2 mm thickness on the pads and no appreciable wear on the right rotor. Note: the left rotor was capable of destroying steel without any appreciable wear to itself.
What I am seeing here is an extremely poor quality control of GM Parts allowing such inferior components to be installed in Passenger Vehicles designed to drive on crowded highways at extreme speeds of up to 100 KmPH (61 MPH) and at any time may become a death trap which cannot be stopped or may be thrown sideways due to uneven braking. I have retained the parts and will send photos to you and keep them on record as a reminder of the kind of Quality one can expect from GM in the future as profits become more important than lives.
At the same time I feel that part of the cost should be carried by Ile Perrot GM since they had falsely stated that the rotors were damaged by the brake pads while it was actually the other way around, and they have extorted money for parts that should have been replaced or repaired free due to poor quality and falsely represented GM without concern for the client. The manner in which I have been treated goes very much against the grain of how a good customer base is built. You may remember the cliche, “It takes 10 years to build a client base and 10 seconds to loose it”. If you have heard this then GM knows they have just lost at least 5 clients in the greater Montreal area.
I had offered GM a 24 hour grace period and that time is now past. The Reply from GM stated that I would have a response within 24 hours but I have not had one as yet and the 24 hours is past. I do not know what time scale you use so cannot comment only that my time scale has exceeded 24 hours. This again could be that GM are also buying sub quality clocks preventing them from being in any way timely.
It does not stop>
Last weekend, 27th bFebruary, my 2007 Pontiac G5 GT was at the garage due to erratic lights turning on and off, Bright Dim controlsswitching as I drive in bright daylight and three instances of the car failing to start or doors to lock and when the key was inserted the door locks closed, power was removed and the key froze in the Ignition. I watched the whole time the car was being worked on from the clear glass observation area. They did repair the car under warranty but with a slight twist. They informed me the problem was caused by the battery connection not being secure. How would they have guessed that or even fixed it since at no time did they open the trunk. Yes, the battery is in the trunk!
GM or their Dealerships are nothing more than a bunch of decietful money grabbers who treat all clients as morons. I have been an Electrical Engineer for 30 years and an Automotive Electrician for 20 years before that. I still repair (out of warranty) electrical parts and problems on all makes of Automiles.
My son has a 2005 Chevy Cobalt, About 5 weeks ago He turned his car off and it has not run since then. It has been at the local Dealership for the last 4 1/2 weeks. The dealer has been fustrated because the modules that have been replaced work for about a day then when it sets over night, they are back to where they started. The dealership has called GM but they cannot pinpoint the problem.
As of about a week ago the cost for repair was at 1000.00 If GM HQ could help with this issue it would be great!
I pray that the Pontiac G6 gets on this recall list ASAP. My steering has been faulty for going on a year. The dealers know its an issue and still want you to put out up to $1000 to fix it. Make it happen GMC!!!
I leased a 2005 Pontiac Pursuit for 4 years from GM. During that time, I had 2 accidents while driving very slow on a residental road (approx. 10-20kms/hr) and both times it seemed as though when trying to turn, the car did not. I assumed it to be more me or the road conditions. I have been driving for over 10 years and never had anything like this happen, maybe it had more to do with the power steering. Is there anyway to find out and is there anyway to get this off my insurance that went through the roof?
I have a Pontiac G5 coupe and notice that while driving it flashes service air bag more than once…has this happened to anyone else? Should I be worried?
Wow, after reading all these comments I am amazed at how bitter people are with GM. Its unfortunate that brake pads wear and the occassional electronic malfunction happens. I have always owned or leased GM products. You can not expect that you will ever own any vehicle and not have to spend money. Lots of it. Im greatfull that I didn’t buy a Toyota! Its the same no matter where you go….Customer Service Sucks, Everywhere! You can’t blame GM for making a poor product, because they don’t! they have crappy customer service, but that doesn’t make the product bad. I am happy that when I buy a GM product, I am supporting a company that contributed to the creation of the infastructure, instead of supporting a company that limits the trade of North American vehicles to 100 per year being sold in Japan….. But go ahead give up on GM, buy a Toyota or a Honda. Then atleast you only hear about recalls when many have died as a result of poor quality and secrecy. GO TOYOTA GO!!
I leased a 2005 Pontiac Pursuit for 4 years from GM. During that time, I had 2 accidents while driving very slow on a residental road (approx. 10-20kms/hr) and both times it seemed as though when trying to turn, the car did not. I assumed it to be more me or the road conditions. I have been driving for over 10 years and never had anything like this happen, maybe it had more to do with the power steering. Is there anyway to find out and is there anyway to get this off my insurance that went through the roof?
I have an 06 cobalt and my power steering went out a couple of years ago but I continued to drive it even though it was hard to turn. Nobody liked to drive my car and there was one day that I pulled into work and tried to park and I ended up scraping another car because it was so hard to turn. I had to shell out 400 dollars to the guy so he could fix his car even though it cost 600.He said since I told him about it and didn’t drive off that he gave me a break. I finally got it fixed in january and it cost me 948 dollars to get it fixed and now they recall it after I’ve waited 2 years to fix it!
I have a 2007 pontiac g5 I recently turned of my car and it wouldnt turn off even though the key was in the off position and the key was able to come out while it was still running I havent seen something like that except in older cars but then the weird thing was I was on my way to autozone for some bikr parts and the car just shut off while I was driving down the road and kicked right back on I am worried to drive my car. can anyonetell me if this has anything to do with the new recall that just came out with steering colume.
I have a 2005 Chevy Cobalt and my power steering went out just as explained in the article written above. I would turn the car on and off and it would go back to normal. But that only lasted temporarily, now its going out within 2-5 min after starting the engine. I did not realize there was a recall on the vehicle and already paid over $500 to get it fixed. Will Chevy reimburse me for having it fixed already?
i have a 2008 cobalt sport 2.4 about three weeks ago i got into my car and it wouldnt start there was a security problem or something with my car and it wouldnt start . i got the car towed to my local dealership and when they looked at it they told me i needed a new steering column. well my car is only two years old and has extended warranty on it and it only has 72000 km on it . the dealership had told me that it wasnt going to be covered under warrenty because they insisted that “I tampered with it ” i was soo pissed off because they made me pay to fix it when my car is under warrenty and why the heck would i mess around with the steering column. anyways i payed for it bc i needed my car for work and two weeks after they come with a recall on that exact part i cant wait to give a piece of my mind
In reply to Erin D Scott, I used to own a 1991 Grand Prix 3100 and I kept it for 17 years until replacement parts became too rare to find. I would have said the same as you about GM when I had that car. You are so wrong about the Quality responsibility of GM. They design cars and have the parts manufactured by the best priced suppliers. They are totally responsible to see the money is used to get the best value for their dollar. It’s called good business. By the same token, they are totally responsible to make sure the supplier is using the correct standards for manufacture to be able to give the best results and reliability after sales. It is not utopia here, but it can be said that if a product is manufactured to the highest degree of quality there would be no need to give warranties or have recalls. It is a domino effect all the way back to the point of origin if a part fails in the field. Hope you do not build aircraft but that would show you just what quality responsibilty is.
I had brought my car in three times for the same reason. Two times they told me nothing was wrong with my car. The third time my teenage son was just learning to drive when it went out again. I took it back in and they said the fixed the problem ten months later it happened again. I called the dealership were I they had fixed it and told me it was out of warranty and they could do nothing. I then informed them I had bought the extended warranty and they wanted to charge me $100.00 up front just to look at the care. I had told them I saw in the news about the recall they said they had heard nothing from Chevy or GM and without a letter from them I had to pay to have it fixed. The dealership was rude and unhelpful. I then called another Chevy dealership and they told me I would have to pay up front to have the entire thing fixed unless I had a letter from GM that my car was in the recall. Were do I go from here. I am getting help from no one..
I have a 06 cobalt and I have had nothing but problems since I bought this car the ignition was replaced twice, the shifter was replaced, the fuel pump at least 3 times, and when I complained to Gm they tell me that it is just normal wear on the vehicle. Now I have the power steering issue and the neutral safety switch has to be disconnected so my key will come out. I have never been so disgusted by any thing in my life.
My 2005 cobalt has 51,500 miles on 3-6-10 I had my power steering go out.I found out about the recall from an auto parts store.I called Classic in Mentor Ohio on 3-7-10 told to call back 3-8-10 I did.It was a voice mail.I called again 3-8-10 they want me to miss work and they’ll check the car (would not acknowledge recall)They returned my call 3-9-10 still tell me there is no recall but they will check the car.Meanwhile I have power steering for about 10 minutes and then it goes out.
GM does not give the proper service for their faulty cheap product I am full time college student and work full time and I have never been so disappinted in anything I have ever purchased in my life and GM is guaranteed to never recieve a sale from me or anyone I know. I don’t know what’s worse a runaway Toyota or a car that continuously falls apart hmmmm can I opt for a bicycle??
I have owned both a Pontiac g6 (2007) and now currently have a g5 (2009). With both cars, when starting them, the starter would keep trying to start the car after it was already running. I took them both to the dealer, however it only did it occasionally and they couldn’t duplicate it. I could see with maybe one, but I couldn’t possibly have got the only two cars with the problem. Also, my G5 is hard to shift into reverse or first on cold mornings and when left in gear on a slight decline (very slight) it inches backward. I bet that that is normal. When I bought a brand new car, I didn’t expect the headaches. I would have just bought a used car. GM knows about it, I am sure of it. They just don’t want to fix it. The dealership is Capital City GMC/Pontiac/Kia in Montpelier VT. I wouldn’t suggest them.
[...] there have been millions of recalls at General Motors and Toyota involving millions of automobiles. If you’re an insurance claim professional [...]
I have a 2009 Chevy Cobalt LT 2 and yesterday I was driving down the highway with the cruise control set at about 60 and the whole car just shut off. The radio was stil on since it stays on until you open the driver side door. I took it back to where we got it and they checked it…get this the radio was the only thing on when it happened and the only error code was the radio lost power! Nice! Anyway, they have no idea why it did it! Anyone else have this issue?
I have a 2006 G5 and have had endless trouble..They have had to reprogramme my keyless entry twice now in the last year..back drivers side window wouldnt go up or down, the list goes on and on..Evenmy front bumper was falling off at one point. They told me the front struts were leaking and it would cost me $1100 yet I have had them checked by two other garages and they both say they arent even leaking..Recently had my front breaks and rotors replaced and the guy said that the left break was installed wrong..Now the steering wheel has excessive play in it and shakes when going down the highway for the first 15 min..As far as I am concerned the car is a piece of garbage and I wouldnt buy another GM product.
I have recently had this problem with my 2006 Saturn Ion (which is also A GM vehicle). It will steer fine for a little while then out of the blue, the power steering goes out. If Iturn off the car, it will come back on for a short while. I was quoted $1200-$1400 to repair! Insane! The car isn’t even paid for yet! Hopefully, there will be enough complaints, that Saturn will be included in the recall!
Well in feb i just got my powersterring fixed heres the thing it shouldnt matter theres a major proble with the powersterring and gm needs to take responsibilty and fix the problem i love my chevy colbalt and i understand theres problems with cars everyday but thats why we the people take a chance a choose to buy a car and hope the dealership we choose and the car we pick will make us satisfied and when a problem occurs he will be handled in a manor the the right way no attitude is needed when we find out theres a recall on a vehicle that we own nd we all ready bought the part tho get it fixed i know thats what i did i bought the part hard to go through alot to get it put in this part is not no $50 my bill came to all most $400 but i trust in my heart GM will do the right thing reimburse the people that put their hard earn money to fix the car they chose to purchase such as me, Its the right thing to do. My vehicle is the 2005 chevy colbalt
hate to say it but that’s what you get for buying gm. nothing high quality has been put out since the 80s.
What in the hell was wrong with the old power steering pumps and power racks???????
I Have 2005 colbalt that the power steering went out on me on my way home from work i have a 25mile drive to my work and then back when your steering goes out on you it becomes almost impossible to steer i might ad this was on the hiway going about 60mph in january i had no choice but to get it fixed right of way it costs me $700.00. i have contacted gm i keep getting told that they are not sending out recalls on this yet .Really what is the hold up its pretty plain to see there powersteering systems are junk! HAS ANY ONE ACTUALLY RECIEVED A RECALL YET PLEASE LET ME KNOW
I bought a used 2005 Cobalt SS/SC and haven’t had any problems from it. I wonder if the recall will include vehicles not purchased directly from GM? Will they find me through BMV records? Or will it just be one less car to fix?
Well maybe we should just say screw it and all go out and buy those amazing Toyota’s that the gas pedals are sticking on and people are dying driving. Or maybe we should buy Honda’s so the air bags deploy driving down the highway. NEWS: Honda recalls 440,000 cars for airbag risk DETROIT (Reuters) – July 31, 2009
I have a GMC Denali with over 200k miles on it, knock on wood runs good. I had a Ford Taurus with over 250k miles all we did was replace brakes and change oil. When the head gasket cracked we bought a cobalt in 2007. We have 50k on the car now and knock on wood drives good and we take good care of it.
So, it is not GM, it is not American cars, it all damn cars that are built. Save yourselves grief, take the damn bus to work and park your car. Let someone else put the wear and tear on their vehicle while you sleep on the way home and to work.
@ Wendy (3/13 2:16AM): When I first inherited a pristine 2005 Cobalt (from my father-in-law who never drove the car over 50MPH) the 1st couple of times I drove it, I noticed the car ‘stalled’ right after I started it up. The next time it repeated I noted my actions & found that it was happening when I dropped the steering column down for driving (I raise it to enter / exit). Just to verify, I raised & dropped the column again & as soon as it hit bottom – the car shut off. If I lower it slowly, it doesn’t repeat. I’ve now heard of others having the same issue when hitting potholes. Not sure if this is some kind of poorly engineered anti-theft (shock sensor) type of feature or simply an ‘unintended feature’ but GM also needs to address this.
With regard to the steering – the front end of the car made a loud ‘clunking’ noise when I got it (kind of sounds like something you’d hear on an older vehicle with a loose hub) on just about any bump I hit. Eventually, the front end / steering started to creek when I’d turn it – especially when maneuvering through a tight S-turn (or turning 90 degrees – left or right doesn’t matter) at a decent rate of speed. The steering literally reminded me of an old wooden ship creaking in rough seas. Within the past 2 weeks or so, I’ve also noticed more & more excessive play in the steering wheel – but it’s odd because you don’t feel it the same because of the electric steering / motor assembly. Basically, the steering ‘wheel’ has always felt ‘tight’ (even more so at low speeds when the power steering feels like it’s completely gone – yet I’m not seeing any ‘power steering’ indication nor hearing the ‘chime’) but that’s because the steering shaft first enters the power steering motor assembly – so it’s tight at least to that point – but somewhere between the power steering assembly & where the pinion meets the rack – something has really gotten bad – I have to turn the wheel now 90 degrees or more to compensate for the slop. In other words, in normal driving with a slight breeze blowing from my right side, I have the wheel turned 35-45 degrees to the right (from the straight / center position) just to feel where I’m now slightly turning the front wheels into the breeze to compensate – when that breeze shifts to the left – I now have to turn the wheel 80-90 degrees to the left (35-45 degrees to the left of center / straight) before I can feel that I’m actually turning the front wheels back the other way. Also, the other way to verify this steering slop is by noting that when you are actually turning the front wheels they tend to want to turn back to center – but in the slop area the wheel stays pointed in whatever direction you put it (within that 90 degrees). Finally, I know it’s not alignment as I’ve been having no excessive tire wear & my fuel mileage has not increased (an alignment bad enough to produce this kind of steering issue would typically cause tire wear to increase dramatically as well as lower fuel mileage). Now just tonight as I was maneuvering in & out of parking spaces at relatively slow speeds the steering was making loud ‘cracking’ noises as I turned the steering wheel. The whole steering assy on this car seems like a real piece of crap – but I probably won’t even qualify for the recall as I’ve never had the light come on (to record the error code / DTC) even though I’ve had all (& worse) symptoms… >:(
How often are struts suppose to be replaced on a cobalt?
I have had my 2008 G5 for 2 years now with 39,000 miles. It has been in the shop well over 10 times for a rattling noise in the front end. They will replace a part and it is ok for a month then it makes the noise again. Going back in the shop this Thursday. I have noticed when they replace a part the steering is very controllable and then after a month or so the steering is very loose and hard to control. Never had any issues with loss of power steering.
Just wanted to update everyone about the status of the excess play / slop in my steering I wrote about just a couple of days ago (see previous post)…
As of 3/29 while I was backing into a parking space (and thank God not while I was traveling down the road – or highway!) the steering wheel COMPLETELY BROKE FREE – it didn’t actually come off the column & land in my lap, but it might as well have! When I turned left to straighten out, the wheel just spun at least 3 times (breaking the wire for the airbag – which thankfully didn’t deploy). So I was stuck with a POS car that would only go forward & backward, but wouldn’t turn anymore as the steering wheel just spun. I’m sure if this happened while I was on the highway, I would have died.
FYI – this car has only been mine for just over 1 month, my father-in-law bought it new & meticulously maintained up until the time he sold it to me. Every service performed was logged – right down to calculating the MPG at every refueling. This car was in pristine condition. This is NOT something that anyone could dare even call a normal ‘wear and tear’ event. I’m extremely frustrated, but glad this happened when it did, as there could easily have been a horrific accident.
UPDATE: The dealer said I have a broken steering rack. When I asked him to be more specific (such as how could a Rockwell hardened tooth break off the rack – or was he saying the pinion / worm gear was made of soft metal) he couldn’t – he could only tell me that the rack was moving freely & then told me it would be $825 for the repair (steering rack + alignment + airbag connection that broke when the steering wheel spun). Since I NEED the car, I reluctantly told him fine, but that my trunk was lined with cardboard & I didn’t care if they needed to fold the rear seats forward, but I want the old rack put in my car (my state requires the old parts to be made available to the customer) as I was going to take it apart & see where it failed. He came back with “Well you’re right this really isn’t a common thing at all, tell you what – let me ‘talk to GM’ and see if we can get you any assistance with this.” About 20 minutes later the service manager calls me back & says “Well GM won’t cover the entire cost of the repair but they will go 50-50 with you – but as per the restrictions of the program, you wouldn’t be able to keep the part.” Anyone else smelling a cover-up? Either the dealer misdiagnosed the car in the 1st place & then got scared when I wanted to see evidence – or there’s such a serious design flaw with the steering on this car that they’re trying to keep it under wraps… Oh – and the ‘new’ price he quoted me for the repair is $340 – quite a bit less than the 50% he said it would be – pretty much ‘buying me off’. I wish I could call David Horowitz…
THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!
My son has a 2005 Cobalt that he bought new, June 5, 09 he took in 6/5/09 because power steering kept going out. The car only had 28065 miles, but he has had the car for 4 years. So out of warranty!! He paid 774. for new steering column. We asked dealership today about it, and they no nothing about any recall. Said news takes over and things get all blown up. So we’re going to go to another dealership and see what they say. I’m sure they won’t want to reimburse him ,even though they should, there is definitely a problem with them.
Why is the 2005 Pontiac G6 not a part of this recall? I have had the same problem. The power steering light keeps coming up on the dash and the dealership says it will be $1,044 to fix it (the car’s blue book value is only $7,400). The dealer says the electronic power steering is at risk of going out so it is not safe to drive it without fixing it. I have come across hundreds of complaints on the internet for this exact same issue. Why would it not be part of the recall?
2008 g5 by pontiac .. anyone have this problem, my signals work ok but the clicking noise has disappeared. wondering if this is the beginning of a big electrical problem.
to greg on march 4th where did you research to learn about the powere steering on the colbalt…I wonder if the replacement motors have benn fixed so the same problem doesnt happen again down the road.. is that thing hard to get at???
reply to “jo” about service airbag, i have the same problem it’s covered under warrenty thou, I have a 2005 and has been in 5-6 times for it, then it’s fine untill I use my horn again. then they take your car for a couple of day’s to fix it lol, and I agree the steering sucks at low speeds, but the dealerships might belive us now with the recall out.
Like EUGENE WESLEY said I own a 2007 Cobalt LT and I just got this notice in the mail. Like Eugene, I’ve had no problems with my car I actually really like it.
2007 LS COBALT 50,000 WHEN STOPING THE CAR WANTS TO DIE THE RPM, SPEEDOMETER GUAGES START JUMPING,AND RADIO CUTS IN AND OUT. THEN TAKING OFF IT WILL DIE IF I DONT FLOOR IT. CHANGED FUEL FILTER AND PLUGS AND GAS.STILL HAVING PROBLEMS.HELP
I wanna know about this recall and on the chevy colbalt my power steering went out as i was driving the car because its the only vehicle i own, I was disturbed on the matter with fixing it because it was not on my warranty so i was screwd but tax time came and had it fixed i found out word of mouth that this is a big matter and as i was checking web sites i nwas reading some comments that were so disappointing to me because these people have the same problem and nothing is done then finally gm comes out and says about the reacall but its like how long is this goin to take this recall should be first priority to then=m and get the problem resolved quickly and make their customers happy. I have no regret on my purchase with my colbalt but i really would like GM come thru for me and reimburse me for what i spent on this matter.
Will they reimburse me for the part of the power steerig that i had to buy someone please get back to me. Let me know.
My car is currently in the shop. Because of a similar problem. I have a 05 colbalt. Can someone give me a number or something so I can contact the someone. The dealership is going to charge me a little over 800 dollars go fix this.
For anyone who has paid out of pocket to have the recalled power steering problem fixed, do not count on GM reimbursing you. The power steering went out on our 2005 Cobalt in January 2009 with the exact problems described in the recall (power steering light came on and power steering went out completely, but would come back on briefly when the car was turned off and restarted). My husband researched on the internet at the time and saw that others were having the exact same problem, but that there was no recall for the problem. We took the car to a non-dealership auto shop to begin with, and the mechanic advised us to take the car to a GM dealership to have it repaired in case a recall was ever issued on it. We paid almost $900 to have the power steering fixed. Then in April 2010 we received the recall information and sent all of our documentation to GM for reimbursement of the repairs. I made sure to include all the needed paperwork, but when GM received the information they called to say we were missing half of the needed items. Then when my husband insisted that we had sent everything, they miraculously found the missing items. Then today we received a letter from GM stating that they were not going to reimburse for the repairs, because they were not covered under the recall. So to make a long story short, don’t hold your breath on getting any money back from them if you have already paid to have your vehicle repaired.
I have a pontiac G5 that has given me problems since day 1. The key sticks in the ignation, will not start, drain the battery. Am on my third time of car not starting or issue with it. How many times does a person have to go through before you can get rid of the car. I have always paid my loan on time, have been loyal and now have car I hate. I can not trade it or I will lose my 2.9% fiancing I have. I am losing my interest in GM vehicles. What can a person due. I would love to get rid of this car but can not..
@Jason
The car shutting off when you drop the column is due to the crappy spring tension in the ignition lock cylinder. My car shut off a few times randomly and the dealership replaced the spring with a different one so that it wasn’t so ‘touchy’. Don’t know if the replacement was a GM fix or just really good mechanics, but there is a TSB on the issue. For $20 (a ridiculous amount I think for what you get) at your GM parts department you can buy a spacer that snaps into your key to keep the ring centered. This takes all the weight of a heavy keyring and stops it from applying any kind of rotational force that could lead to turning the key backwards and shutting off the car. I haven’t had any more issues with this ‘defect’ for 118,000 miles now. Yeah, that’s not a typo….
Ihave a chev colbalt 07 was driving the other day low speed, my brakes complete, locked up i could not stop hit the car in front of me, the air bags did not go, off,also i had just had inspection on it, only has 13,000 miles the brakes have always seemed, liked they were worn even the first year, also have problem with streering, iam not very please now my car got a big crack in front, ive taken really good care of it, iam just not very happy its the first brand new car i ever had, my daughter was going to get a colbalt i told her no, for the price its not worth the money?
i bought an 2005 cobalt in 2006 with only 20,000 miles on it.Apprx the 2 nd week i began to have steering difficulties i took it to a dealer and they said they had repaired it but in a couple days it went out again.took the car back in they say tehy have no idea what is wrong with it the machine shows nothing even though it was apparant to them that the steering was out.i did n tloose steering for a few minutes as some have described on here it was out for a week then once it was out for apprx 6 months.back in again to a repair shop where they changed the steering column it went out on the way home from the shop i had no choice but to drive this car 88 miles every day while paying a payment on a car i hated.well guess what i took it in on june 01 2010 for the recall today june 03 2010 it went out again. i can not explain what i have been thru with this car ,i ve always bought chevys well unless gm steps up and does something for me my friends,family and myself will never ever purchase a chevy again it has been a night mare for me.
I had more of a question. I got this recall letter as well, but my Cobalt is fine. The steering is smooth, but I fear that maybe it’s just because I just got it about a year ago. Can I still take the car to a GM dealer so they could check it out, or should I wait for symptoms? I’m just scared that this might happen when I am driving, I think I’d totally get freaked!
I have a pontiac pursuit 2006, the engine light came on recently and its starting to stall out on me when I’m at stop lights. This happen twice so far, I am going to be contacting the dealership to see if they can fix this problem. We should not have to pay for these faults in a car. I am too scared this might happen.
I had 2006 Persuit recieved recall notice for power steering in April took car in may to have tires installed asked about recall technician checked computer said your car is not scheduled until October he said the part was in and it would take about 10 min.to fix .This ment i would have to drive another 5 months with this problem which i considered a safety hazzard and i do alot of driving so i decided that was enough i bought another car took this one back it was leased which by the way my lease would be up in October when recall work was scheduled .When i leased the car i purchased 24000extra kilometers and when i returned it i had 89000 onit the base limit was 95000 so i was under that .I was told when i bought these kilometers if i did not use them i would get refund .Well i have been calling every department at G.,M.A.C and after 3 weeks or more still fighting and waiting for phone calls to be returned .I planned on keeping this car i kept my part as to keeping all the appointments for service pertaining to lease but when i was told i would have to drive with faulty steering i figure they broke the leasing agreementand i expect my money back ,Also when i returned this cae i was told it could not be inspected at that time so i waited expecting to get notified when this would be done but was not ,I recieved 2 bills about 1 month laterv telling me my car had been sold and they wanted 120.00 for 1 tire because 1 back tire was worn out i called and asked why they would put 1 new tire on a car and that i had just had my summer tires installed 2 weeks before i had returned this car and if 1 tire was not able to pass safety i would have been told she replied well we did not buy new tire just replaced one with another that is when i explained this car was fine when it was dropped off and it sat on a back car lot for almost 3 weeks so i could not be held responsible for any damage to this car during this time .I have been told that the time limit allowed is 24 hrs. for inspection and i should have signed off on this car which i never did .I was also charged for excess wear of kilometers and i was not even over my base allowed .I am being brushed off by G.M.A.C as far as i am concerned but i will keep hounding them maybe i get to someone as i said i have contacted my Dealer ,G M.A.C and General MotorsCustomer Service.If these companies would stop and think that we as customers all have contacts and word gets around and also maybe i may decide to buy another G.M someday and treat us like they did when we were buying our cars do not shut the door on us after we buy there product .
I just bought a pontiac G5 2009. It has 47,000 miles on it and it seems to be doing good though i only had it for 4 days. So i was wondering,Does the power steering problem happen within a few months are will it take a few years? Is GM working on the problem now or are they just letting it go since the car is discontinued? i will be pretty mad if it goes out on me while i’m driving i don’t want to get hurt or hurt anyone else
2008 my Daughter wanted a new car, she found a Colbalt she liked. we made the deal and all seemed well. at lest till Dec 21st 2009, as she went to her mothers house and was on her way to her house, something went totaly wrong, i recieved the phone call from her boyfriend that there had been a bad crash. my daughter Steph has healed fine, or should i say is well on her way… the big question is that she told ne from the day of the wreck that the steerinr wheel just wouldn’t work. It caused her to leave the road, which took her airborn, then rolled at least 1 and a half times, the roof ended up almost to the floor in the center, in a V shape, and i’m not really sure how she fit in the area that was left inside the car. she had multiable fractors in the upper back, and neck area. I can’t blame this steering thing yet, just know GM i still have the car! and yes i’m putting it back together. its probably not worth the effort, But I for one will know WTF happened, oh yeah, I’ll tell everyone that will listen!!!!!!!
STEVE