I have a 2005 Cobalt. Nothing special; just the base model with a few options (automatic, spoiler, cd player, a/c.) It has approximately 17k on it. I've had problems with it off and over the past year. Right now I'm waiting on a new shifter! Has anyone else had this problem? I will put the car into park, the car will turn off, but the key gets stuck at the "on" position. I have to slide the gear shift down and jam it back up into park to get the key out. I took it to the dealership and they informed me that they need to install a new shifter. So far... I've had it in the dealership for:

1. Engine light coming on randomly (software upgrade done; no problems since until last night... but possibly could have been the gas cap!)
2. Brake light flashing randomly (software upgrade done; no problems since.)
3. Window gets stuck on warm days (dealership could not duplicate problem.)
4. Heater motor making crazy noises (replaced; still making noises)
5. Radio locking/not accepting cd's (they did something... supposed to fix it.)
6. Gear shift and the park issue.

Anyone else had these problems? I love the car, but I'm VERY irritated.

 

i have the same locking thing, brake lights, and the heat motor thing.........

brake lights, i didnt bother
heater motor, replaced but still the same
key locking, didnt bother as well since its just once in a while and...its no big deal, just put it in and out of park and its all good...

 

i've had the key sticking problem since last june when i bought the car....dealership keeps telling me they can't duplicate the problem...finally flipped out and they are supposed to look at it again friday when i'm off...when your key gets stuck can you hear a relay clicking right underneath the key cylinder?

 

My radio likes to lock up and say "NO CD" when i know there's one in there.....dealer can't duplicate that problem as well....only trouble I've had with my 05 so far.

 

If you do switch to ford. What are you thinking of getting?

 

You Guys Have To At Lease Get The 2.4l Ss!,,because U Don't Have A Cobalt,you Have A Base Of Some Hing But No Cobalt

 

GET THE SS/SC , OR AT LEAST THE 2.4LSS

 

A piece of crap? Seriously though, I've had the same problem with the heater making noise, but just as I start getting irritated, I remember something... it's an entry-level, American-made car! It starts, gets from A to B without a problem, and the heater is nothing more than noisy (heats just fine). Sure, it'd be nice to have a car without such flaws, but even high-end cars have such problems. And yes, even Hondas and Toyotas have such problems. The only thing I'd be upset about really would be your shifter problem, but it's the first time I've heard of this.

 

Whatever you do, don't get a ford. It will give you more problems than anything you've ever seen.

As for your Cobalt, remember, its the first model made, there's going to be some bugs and such. At least most of your problems have been fixed from software upgrades. Sorry to hear that you have so many problems, though.

 

i love how people buy a first year car, and are upset when there's problems... haha

 

So far I've had really no problems in the past 10 years with about 5 fords, and almost no problems with my one chevy. I say you are fine with either brand.

 

Thats funny, cuz the last vehicle to leave me sitting on the side of a back road around midnight had a bowtie on the grille, and was still under warranty.

 

Whatever you get, make sure it isn't a first year run of the model. Always tons of problems.

 

I don't hear any clicking... the only thing I hear is myself cussing.

And as far as switching to Ford... it's just me being agitated... I'd never be able to do it... I know there are always going to be problems with cars whether they're brand new or not... just annoyed. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't the only idiot with these problems.