Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving 60 MPH, the front passenger side axle fractured. The contact stated that the vehicle started to vibrate excessively. The contact was unable to control the vehicle, which caused the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into a ditch. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 202,000.
We purchased two 2006 Chevy Cobalt cars. One in oct of 07 and one in May or June of 08. One month after we purchased the 2nd vehicle, my son was involved in an accident in it. While on the road (not speeding) the passenger side tie-rod broke (he heard a sudden snap) , the c-v joint came loose (or shattered?) and his entire wheel on that side broke loose throwing him into a ditch. His car was totaled. He came very close to rolling the car and could have been killed. Fortunately he remained calm and was not injured. Upon examination of the vehicle, it was discovered that the tie rod end and cv joints especially on that side were never lubricated from the factory. The stress of the parts without this lubrication caused them to snap. This has been confirmed by the auto body shop that did the inspection of the vehicle. Concerned about the 1st Cobalt that we purchased, we inspected it also. …
1) when purchasing this used vehicle from the dealer, we were informed the previous owner had broken his key in the ignition switch, hence the broken ignition lock mechanism. Lie 2) car began making a front end noise or so I thought, the next day as my daughter in law and my grandkids were driving home the power steering indicator light turned on, she applied her brakes to slow down and all the lights on the panel turned on and her steering locked. The truck behind us was forced off the road to avoid slamming in to us. After getting online to see if there was going to be an easy and inexpensive way to repair this problem I was appalled to read all the complaint regarding these same issues. I lost my oldest child to faulty seat belts on the 01 Ford ranger edge. This is indeed a safety issued that needs to be resolved immediately before someone is seriously hurt or killed.
I have a 2006 Chevy Cobalt and in the first year I've had it I had encountered numerous problems. The first problem was that the radio that was installed started flashing and was not working whatsoever, an electrical issue. The next problem was the suspension after just 3 months of having it the shocks were worn out completely and had to get that fixed. Then just 1 month later my struts, tire rods, alignment, oil pressure sensor went to complete "s**t" so now I'm struggling with bills after having to fix most things on my car I haven't fixed all the problems since I'm low on money having to keep and keep fixing this car. Then to top it off just this morning going to work the "power steering"light pops up and I cant even turn my steering wheel, I turned it off and then it worked fine but I'm very scared it will keep happening especially when going down the highway. Please help
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while turning the steering wheel a loud clanking noise was present coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehcile was taken to the local dealer mike raisor Buick GMC Cadillac located at 2912 east main st, lafayette, in 47904, who diagnosed that the front struts and suspension needed to be replaced. The struts were replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that a front wheel alignment was needed. After performing the front wheel alignment, the failure persisted. The vehcile was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the driveshaft and steering column were defective. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 92,000.
I was in the middle of parking when my vehicle was stationary and I was pausing to check my rear view mirror before proceeding to reverse into a parking spot when my vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly collapsed on the front right hand side. My spindle a factory piece was faulty if I had been on the highway when this happened me and my baby sister would have wrecked and been seriously injured. The Chevy Cobalt already has numerous recalls and manufacturers took many short cuts! That cheap metal could've costed a life!
The automobile went in for an inspection and it was found that both front lower control arms needed to be replaced which had also affected the brakes, rotors and the two front tires also being replaced. I have had cars with over two times more mileage and had no problems like this. Doing a little research on the internet this seems to be a wide spread problem, one that it seems GM is ignoring. Which resulted in a $1,300.00 repair bill..
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward and experienced violent shaking while driving 35 MPH. The power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Since this car has been purchased it has had many probles sterring tires, suspensions, ac .....so complicated but last year once an this year again the steering wheel has gotten locked completly while driving ....in May another incident happened while driving the gas/accelatertor stay down and couldnt stopp car ....have taken it to get fixed many times already
Crash car ,steering became difficult to handle. Ran off road to right hit bank and flipped car several time. Car was going a little fast, but this car should have been able to handle the speed. One guy had a injury to his arm and the other was thrown from the car leading to his death.
Suspension complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2% of the model year's 2,330 complaints. The component named most often is front (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries and 1 death to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.