Problems · by component

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems

210 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt cite steering, 23% of all 900 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
210
23% of all complaints
Crashes
30
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
23
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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 or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,824.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2025SteeringODI 11694845
“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 happening, because the car was hard to start. The mechanic told me to find out if there is a recall. However, I did some research and there was a recall on the ignition switch and fuel pump. The ignition switch was faulty causing the car to turn off while moving and two people died as a result. I entered the VIN # and it didn't show any recalls.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 20, 2023Steering, EngineODI 11555972
“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 Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 8, 2022SteeringODI 11472908
“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 stopped working again. I see that there was a recall in the past but may not be available any longer but seems like they should still correct the issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2022SteeringODI 11469994
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 6, 2022SteeringODI 11467725
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2022SteeringCrash reportedODI 11466566

Showing 6 of 210 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.