2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Steering Problems

Which parts fail

• Electric power assist system
  10
• Column
  5
• Rack and pinion
  1

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  4323%
• 25k–50k
  4021%
• 50k–75k
  3117%
• 75k–100k
  1810%
• 100k–150k
  3820%
• 150k+
  179%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

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.

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 testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

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.

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. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Steering complaints in other Cobalt years