7.6
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $410
- Average Mileage:
- 89,500 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 9 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (6 reports)
- manual release under steering wheel (3 reports)
I had an issue with my key getting stuck in the ignition when I turned my wheel while the car was shut off. Had to pull the ignition cover off and press a button to get key to release. Wasn't able to turn key or anything until this was done. This was in 2009, before the recall was released 2014.
- calynt, Nevada, IA, US
Who gets their keys stuck in the car while its running?! I had to unplug the battery to get the car to shut off because the key will not come back passed the acc. Position. Goes to the shop tomorrow.
- Sarah N., Hillsdale, MI, US
Key will not come out of the ignition. Had to remove small cover under the steering column to use the release button. Took car into the shop to have fixed. $402.00 later, and I still have the same problem. The key ignition only worked for approximately 2 days. Which leads me to a related issue. The gear shift does not lock. Even with the car turned off, the gear shift moves. When putting the car into gear, I do not have to press on the brakes first. Not safe...my granddaughter was climbing into the back seat, hit the gear shift with her foot, and the car started rolling.
- georgiaaz, Glendale, AZ, US
The car was running great with the exception of some brake problems. I pulled into my friends house, put it in park and could not get the key to turn to the off position. After about 20 minutes of several people trying; I had to remove a fuse to get it to stop running. The car had just hit 105,000 miles and had been serviced on a regular basis. I am with the others on this, I can not believe that there has not been a recall.
- sflynn70, Bonita Springs, FL, US
my 2007 chevy cobalt i constantly struggle with getting the key unstuck but getting it ti turn the car on the past the acc point it started out every now and then now its multiple times daily. i cant believe all the complaints and nothing is being done.
- maknklt428, Plattsburgh, NY, US
The key will not come out of the ignition, I have to press the button under the steering column. the key will not go all the way back to lock the steering wheel only enough to turn off the engine but not to take the key out of it. I am tired of this problem but I am not willing to spend on it since now I found that button under the steering column that allows me to remove the key. I do not know why there is no recall on this if many have this issue.
- dason27, San Antonio, TX, US
It happened very suddenly, no warning. I tried to turn off my car but I couldn't get the key out. I spent ten minutes shaking the wheel, making sure my tires were straight on, pushing the break, jiggling the shift - nothing. I was able to use the manual release under the steering wheel that allows me to get the key out but I hear this only works a few times til that breaks too. Every single time I try to turn off my car this happens. To find the release, look under the steering wheel for a small (about 3 inches) black panel. Somehow pry this off. The release is a while button inside towards the upper left.
My car is barely over 50,000 miles and I treat it well. No warranty is going to cover the 600 dollar bill waiting for me, which is grossly unfair considering this is clearly an issue of shoddy parts and manufacturing. First there was the recall on then fuel line, then the recall on the power steering. Now this. I can't wait to see what will break next.
If you have this problem, give the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a call. When enough people complain, the NHTSA can require a(nother) recall or put pressure on GM to make a decent American car. 1-888-327-4236. I called the Chevy Hotline too (1.800-222-1020) and gave them my issue, which they "promised" me that they would look right into. They also told me they hadn't had any complaints of this happening. One simple Google search shows that is a lie. I used to really love my Cobalt but I probably will never buy another Chevy car again. The Chevy hotline didn't even offer me the tip about the manual release - they told me to "try stepping on the break really hard". Thanks.
- fucobalt, Mankato, MN, US
Out of the blue, the key got stuck in the ignition of a 2007 Cobalt. Luckily, was able to find online how to access the panel in the steering column and find the button to push to release the key. Called Chevrolet customer service and they said it was not covered since the car is out of warranty - it has about 50,000 miles on it. They said there was not a recall for it either. That seems odd since so many are complaining about it online for several model years. They gave me another number to also call and record the complaint, which will be done as soon as it is fixed and final cost known. The estimate is about $300 right now to replace the shifter. We shall see if that fixes it. I want to know how long they guarantee the fix will last!
- melonf, N Mankato, MN, US
Key gets stuck in ignition. Happened more than once!
- aak1, Manassas, US