2009 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems

Related recalls

• Recall 10V073000Mar 3, 20101,050,889 vehicles
  STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

  General motors is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 chevrolet cobalt and model year 2007-2010 pontiac g5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering. The driver may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving.

  Risk: If power steering assist is lost, it would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the electric power steering motor free of charge. Owners are being notified on a rolling basis between march 29 through november 2010. A copy of the mailing schedule is located in the recall file. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 21, 2025154,824 miINSteering

   The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle was started, and the power steering failure warning light was off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic…

   NHTSA complaint #11694845 · source
2. Filed Nov 20, 2023NCEngineSteering

   My car turned off while I was driving and almost caused me to crash into an 18 wheeler. Thank God I turned on my emergency signal and the truck swerved!. I would of died. I was stuck in the middle of the road and luckily some passersby helped me push it into a commercial parking area. I tried to start it again and it wouldn't start. But, when I turn my key into the off position, my car tried starting by itself. It was scary. It was checked by a mechanic, prior to this…

   NHTSA complaint #11555972 · source
3. Filed Jul 8, 202249,000 miMESteering

   The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist and became difficult to steer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering failure occurred at various speeds. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to…

   NHTSA complaint #11472908 · source
4. Filed Jun 19, 2022TNSteering

   While parking my 2009 Chevy Cobalt the power steering became difficult. It was like it stopped working at times. Then it began again and then it completely stopped steering and the steering locked. I turned the car off and checked the vehicles power steering fuses. They were all fine. Then turned the car back on to see if the problem still continued and it started working. I rushed home hoping it would work. Once I pulled into my driveway the power steering completely…

   NHTSA complaint #11469994 · source
5. Filed Jun 6, 202267,504 miNYSteering

   The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,504.

   NHTSA complaint #11467725 · source
6. Filed May 29, 2022NJCrashTowedSteering

   My power steering seemed very loose. I zig zag across the road.Trying not to hit a telephone pole.Slipped into a ditch. Got back on the road for a few seconds but still no control. Finally car went into the woods hit a tree and was totaled.I don't care if vin says no recalls my steering didn't exist that day.

   NHTSA complaint #11466566 · source
7. Filed Mar 10, 2022150,000 miCASteering

   The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently experienced a loss of power steering assist. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.…

   NHTSA complaint #11456214 · source
8. Filed Jan 10, 2022113,000 miNCSteering

   The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the electric power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The power steering warning message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering) that was associated with the VIN. The dealer also informed the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic…

   NHTSA complaint #11446863 · source
9. Filed Aug 21, 2021OHSteering

   whenever i would go to speed up my ecs active light would pop up, now it’s been popping up every time my wheel isn’t straight and randomly. it’s scary because it causes my car to bog down and the steering feels weird and my brakes get really rough

   NHTSA complaint #11429970 · source
10. Filed Jun 29, 2021134,000 miTXElectrical SystemSteering

    The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shake, and the vehicle would power off inadvertently. The vehicle would restart however, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11422791 · source
11. Filed Jun 21, 2021142,993 miMOSteering

    The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing the steering wheel became inoperable. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 142,993.

    NHTSA complaint #11421612 · source
12. Filed Apr 16, 2021NCSteering

    There's a whining type noise coming from the steering and a when brakes are applied going down a hill it makes a shutter clinking sound too from the steering. Also at times it will get tight for no reason. Their is also play like in the steering. I can move back and forth and you'll hear clunk/clink noise.

    NHTSA complaint #11408493 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology