2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Steering Problems

Which parts fail

• Electric power assist system
  7
• Hydraulic power assist system
  1

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

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  2411%
• 25k–50k
  5325%
• 50k–75k
  8439%
• 75k–100k
  2612%
• 100k–150k
  199%
• 150k+
  73%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

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.

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.

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.

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.

The electrical assisted power steering failed. This causes the vehicle's steering to become very difficult and dangerous not only to the driver but also other vehicles. This problem has been noted as a recall issue for this model/year vehicle but this vin number shows no recall issues. This vehicle was bought new by me and was given to our son about 3 years ago. He has taken very good care of it since he uses it to travel to work. Vehicle currently had 128,842 miles and has had no issues other than the above issue. Vehicle is available for inspection.

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.

Tl* the contact owned a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a ditch and flipped over approximately four times. The air bags did not deploy. The driver was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle landed on top of the driver. The driver sustained four fractured ribs, a fractured forearm on the left arm, a puncture wound on the lower left calf, a punctured lung, and nerve damage to the hips and shoulders. Medical attention was required and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system), 14V171000 (electrical system), and 14V153000 (steering). The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

I took evasive action by swerving to avoid collision with other vehicle that abruptly changed lane and collided with my vehicle. A results, my vehicle struck a concrete barrier wall of the roadway, then burst into flames upon impact. My vehicle was completely burnt out at a total loss before fire rescue responded. The airbag never deployed. Prior to accident I was having numerous ignition related problems with my Chevy Cobalt.

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and caused the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn. The driver lost control and crashed into a pole. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 90,000.

My girlfriend and I were driving down the interstate early one morning. There was no rain or bad road conditions and prays god hardly any traffic at all. One minute everything was fine and within a split second there was a loud thud below our feet. My girlfriend lost control of the vehicle and we were thrown across the middle of the interstate and slammed into the guard cables which at that point in time the air bags deployed. The guard cables catapulted us back across the interstate were we was finally able to get the car stopped. The first question out of the arkansas state troopers and the local county officers mouths to us was,"what happened to your whole driver side wheel?". The trooper went on to explain that this was obviously not a "blowout" due to the fact there was absolutely no trash on the road or off the road the road they would be consistent with a blow out. …

Related recalls

Steering complaints in other Cobalt years