Problems · by component

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems

311 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt cite steering, 33% of all 940 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
311
33% of all complaints
Crashes
37
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
24
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the power steering suddenly failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was turned off for a while and restarted for the power steering functionality to return. The failure was persistent. The contact stated that the power steering warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who informed the contact that it was a known failure with the power steering. The mechanic confirmed the power steering failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2025SteeringODI 11669269
“The ignition doest work right n want release the key the car dies n stalls while driving we was almost hit by a trooper n he called we spoke to 2 people n they had a gm call us n they said that this has been a big concern of these cars n we tried n tried to get it fixed n they say sorry can't can they when something they built wrong kills me or my family my vin [XXX] 2008 CHEVY COBALT [XXX] IS MY NUMBER”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 19, 2025Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11661851
“The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the message "Steering Locked" was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn; however, he drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle the following day, the steering wheel operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be taken apart to install an unknown switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,117.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 7, 2023SteeringODI 11543171
“My speedometer jumps and shows a message of POWER STEERING. It makes my fuel line jump as well. I've recently gotten my starter fixed because my car wouldn't start. My tire warning stays on and my tires are new and set at the right PSI. My ABS comes and goes ALL THE TIME and nothing needs to be fixed. My car jerks really hard when all of this is going on.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 3, 2023Steering, Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11536384
“The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving out of a parking space, the steering wheel became firm, and the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive home. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 125,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 2, 2023SteeringODI 11505155
“My Power Steering failed. I was trying to turn into my drive way and I couldn’t turn my steering wheel. Mine and my children's safety were at risk because It could have caused an accident. There are other Chevy cobalts that are recalled for the same problem as mine but for some reason my VIN is showing that my cobalt isn’t recalled for it. There were no warnings other than the dash saying “POWER STEERING” as my steering wheel stopped turning.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 14, 2022SteeringODI 11493511

Showing 6 of 311 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Steering: electric power assist system

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported Mar 3, 2010NHTSA 10V073000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.