NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,143 reportsClear category filter61,882 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Seat BeltsSteeringStructure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 15-20 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. A CHIME SOUNDED INSIDE THE VEHICLE; FOLLOWED BY THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATION. IMMEDIATELY, THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 15-20 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. A CHIME SOUNDED INSIDE THE VEHICLE; FOLLOWED BY THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATION. IMMEDIATELY, THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF FIVE SECONDS. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR CAUSED AN EXTREMELY INTENSE ELECTRICAL SHOCK WHENEVER ACCESSING THE DOOR. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRENCES WERE WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WITHOUT A SERVICE CHARGE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED FOR THE FAILURE OR REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,882.
NHTSA ODI #10315456
52,000 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Steering
THE POWER STEERING IS FAILING ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. I WILL BE DRIVING, A CHIME SOUNDS, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND I HAVE NO POWER STEERING. I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF, THEN BACK ON TO RESET IT. I WILL THEN HAVE POWER STEERING FOR A SHORT DISTANCE BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315448
123,319 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Steering
POWER STEERING STARTED TO GO OUT OCCASIONALLY. IT WOULD COME BACK ON IF I TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE CAR. QUICKLY BECAME MORE FREQUENT. TOOK CAR IN AND GOT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR COMPONENT REPLACED, THEY KEPT THE OLD MOTOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315303
70,000 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THEN THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER, SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN RESTART IT IN ORDER FOR THE POWER STEERING TO WORK PROPERLY. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE INNER POWER ST…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THEN THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER, SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN RESTART IT IN ORDER FOR THE POWER STEERING TO WORK PROPERLY. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE INNER POWER STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAS NOT HAD THE INNER POWER STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AT THIS TIME. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT IF THE POWER STEERING FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH TO OCCUR. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10315289
49,500 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Steering
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT, ON MARCH 1, 2010, Y CAR'S MESSAGE CENTER "DINGED" AND THE MESSAGE "POWER STEERING " WAS BEING DISPLAYED. THE TACHOMETER, AND SPEEDOMETER BOTH STARTED JUMPING UP AND DOWN, THAT SEEMED TO STOP AFTER A COUPLE OF SECONDS, MY STEERING SEEMED A LITTLE STIFFER BUT NOTHING REALLY NOTICEABLE, A FEW MINUTES LAT…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT, ON MARCH 1, 2010, Y CAR'S MESSAGE CENTER "DINGED" AND THE MESSAGE "POWER STEERING " WAS BEING DISPLAYED. THE TACHOMETER, AND SPEEDOMETER BOTH STARTED JUMPING UP AND DOWN, THAT SEEMED TO STOP AFTER A COUPLE OF SECONDS, MY STEERING SEEMED A LITTLE STIFFER BUT NOTHING REALLY NOTICEABLE, A FEW MINUTES LATER, PULLING UP TO A STOP LIGHT IT STARTED JERKING LIKE SOMEONE WAS SHIFTING GEARS HARD IN A STANDARD, OR LIKE THE CLUTCH WAS POPPING. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, NOT TO MENTION IT SCARED ME HALF TO DEATH, I DRIVE 400 MILES TO MY PARENTS EVERY WEEKEND, AND I TRANSPORT MY YOUNGER SIBLINGS ALL THE TIME. THIS IS DANGEROUS! AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315238
105,000 miles · Mar 1, 2010
SteeringCrash
MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, AND MY WIFE NARROWLY AVOIDED A HEAD ON COLLISION. RATHER THAN HEAD INTO ON-COMING TRAFFIC, SHE SWERVED TOWARD THE SHOULDER HITTING A MAILBOX. I WISH A GM ENGINEER WAS STANDING THERE INSTEAD OF THE MAILBOX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315215
27,500 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Steering
2005 CHEVY COBALT ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING FAILURE. A COUPLE OF BEEPS AND POWER STEERING IS NOTED ON THE DASHBOARD AND AT THE SAME TIME YOU LOOSE COMPLETE POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. HAS HAPPEN TWICE IN THE LAST TWO DAYS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315209
70,000 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Steering
MY 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT HAS A POWER STEERING PROBLEM. THE POWER STEERING RANDOMLY GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING AND THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT. IT NOW OCCURS WITHIN MINUTES EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. THIS CAR HAS AN ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO LOSE POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING, MAKING …
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MY 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT HAS A POWER STEERING PROBLEM. THE POWER STEERING RANDOMLY GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING AND THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT. IT NOW OCCURS WITHIN MINUTES EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. THIS CAR HAS AN ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO LOSE POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING, MAKING TURNS, PARKING, ETC. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER CONSUMERS REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND I REALLY HOPE THAT GM ISSUES A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR AND AT THIS POINT I AM NERVOUS TO DRIVE IT AT ALL. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THIS INTO CONSIDERATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315103
69,000 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Steering
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) THIS IS THE SECOND TIME MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON ME IN THE PAST YEAR. THE FIRST TIME I HAD THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AND IT COST ME 400.00 FOR A USED PART AND LABOR (A NEW PART WAS WAY TOO EXPENSIVE). THA…
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INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) THIS IS THE SECOND TIME MY 2005 CHEVY COBALT POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON ME IN THE PAST YEAR. THE FIRST TIME I HAD THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AND IT COST ME 400.00 FOR A USED PART AND LABOR (A NEW PART WAS WAY TOO EXPENSIVE). THAT WAS APRIL 2009. THIS PAST WEEK IT HAS GONE OUT AGAIN, AND I DO NOT HAVE THE EXTRA MONEY TO GET REPAIRED AT THE TIME. WHEN I START MY CAR THE POWER STEERING IS FINE UNTIL I DRIVE ABOUT A BLOCK OR TWO THEN THE "POWER STEERING" ALERT COMES UP ON THE DASH BOARD AND IT WILL NOT FIX UNLESS I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND START ALL OVER AGAIN. BUT THIS ONLY CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR ANOTHER BLOCK OR TWO. [XXX] *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315058
Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2010
SteeringCrashFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 35 MPH INTO A CURVE ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE STEERED UNCONTROLLABLY OUT OF THE LANE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THERE WAS A LOSS POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THE POLICE, FIRE DEPARTMENT AND AMBUL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 35 MPH INTO A CURVE ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE STEERED UNCONTROLLABLY OUT OF THE LANE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THERE WAS A LOSS POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THE POLICE, FIRE DEPARTMENT AND AMBULANCE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10315052
Official recalls
5Apr 10, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Feb 10, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Electrical System:ignition:switch
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Mar 3, 2010
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Jan 18, 2007
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.'
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Nov 22, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BULB SHIELDS INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMPS CAN LOOSEN DUE TO VIBRATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BULB SHIELD CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. IF THIS OCCURRED ON A HEADLAMP INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE, ONCOMING DRIVERS MAY NOTICE ADDITIONAL GLARE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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