Problems · by component

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems

242 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt cite steering, 42% of all 583 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
242
42% of all complaints
Crashes
17
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
15
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact's daughter owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or inspected for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls related to the failure for the VIN. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2025SteeringODI 11689350
“The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to her parent's residence. The vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the ignition switch. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V171000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 5, 2024Steering, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11569973
“UNKNOWN. My traction and ABS light keeps coming on. My steering is off some. My turning right or left is making ruff popping sounds in the steering. My ABS and Traction lite keeps coming on.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 7, 2023Steering, Electrical systemODI 11543273
“The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, she attempted to make a right turn and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to stop the vehicle, turn off the vehicle, and after restarting the vehicle, the power steering was functioning as needed. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2022SteeringODI 11455230
“The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his home. The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 23, 2021SteeringODI 11441465
“The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss power steering functionality without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2021SteeringODI 11434210

Showing 6 of 242 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Steering: electric power assist system

Remedy pending

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

SteeringReported Mar 31, 2014NHTSA 14V153000

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 9, 2026

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