NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,143 reportsClear category filter75,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering
POWER STEERING FAILED SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST WARNING SIGN WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 BEEPS FROM THE DASH FOLLOWED BY THE WORDS "POWER STEERING" ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION DISPLAY. POWER STEERING FAILURE RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN FORCE TO STEER THE VEHICLE ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURR…
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POWER STEERING FAILED SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST WARNING SIGN WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 BEEPS FROM THE DASH FOLLOWED BY THE WORDS "POWER STEERING" ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION DISPLAY. POWER STEERING FAILURE RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN FORCE TO STEER THE VEHICLE ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED WHILE TRAVELING STRAIGHT. THIS PARTICULAR FAILURE RESULTED IN NO LOSS OF CONTROL, HOWEVER, IT EASILY COULD HAVE SHOULD I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF AND IMMEDIATELY STARTING IT AGAIN, THE POWER STEERING WORKED AS EXPECTED. THIS WAS REPEATED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER POWER STEERING FAILURE AND EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING WOULD WORK AS EXPECTED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER BEING REPAIRED. I WAS TOLD THE FAILURE WAS IN THE POWER STEERING MOTOR AND THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE. I HAVE ASKED FOR THE OLD PARTS BACK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10304675
Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2010
Steering
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY COBALT AND ASSUMED WHEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL IT WAS SIMPLY BECAUSE I HAD BOUGHT IT USED... IT COST OVER 1,000 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED... LUCKILY IT TOTALLY WENT INOPERATIVE NOT FAR FROM SCHOOL AND I MADE IT SAFELY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10304669
50,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO SWITCH LANES, HE NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. IT WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO MANEUVER TO ANOTHER LANE SO HE TRIED TO PULL OVER. WHEN HE PULLED OVER, HE TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RE-STARTED THE VEHICLE; THE FAILURE SEEMED TO C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO SWITCH LANES, HE NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. IT WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO MANEUVER TO ANOTHER LANE SO HE TRIED TO PULL OVER. WHEN HE PULLED OVER, HE TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RE-STARTED THE VEHICLE; THE FAILURE SEEMED TO CORRECT ITSELF AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RE-STARTED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FAILURE ON A DAILY BASIS. IN JUNE 2009, WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND HE HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE DEALER TOLD HIM THAT IT WAS A POSSIBLE SHORT IN THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. HE PURCHASED A MOTOR AT A JUNKYARD AND HAD A REPAIR SHOP REPLACE IT. HOWEVER, AFTER A MONTH, THE ISSUE RESURFACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED TO-DATE. HE HAD NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #10304655
98,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineSteering
OUT OF THE BLUE THE CAR BEGAN MISSING, QUITTING AND UNABLE TO STEER OR TURN THE CAR HAS A SERIOUS LOSS OF POWER. THE CAR HAS BEEN CHECKED AND RECHECKED WITH NO ANSWERS AND WITH THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS AND RECALLS THAT ARE LISTED I AM REQUESTING INFORMATION ON THE SPECIFICS TO GET THE CAR FIXED WITHOUT THE COST TO ME.*TR
NHTSA ODI #10304651
51,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering
2005 CHEVY COBALT, POWER STEERING SUDDENLY WENT OUT. VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER, ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENT WITH MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR. HAVE FOUND MANY OTHERS ON LINE WHO HAVE SUFFERED SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10304624
40,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering
THE POWER STEERING IN MY CHEVROLET COBALT REPEATEDLY GOES OUT. IT WORKS WHEN I FIRST TURN ON THE CAR, BUT THEN GOES OUT WITHIN 30 OR SO SECONDS. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY SAID THEY'D HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING MECHANISM, WHICH WOULD COST OVER A $1000 WITH LABOR. BECAUSE OF THE PRICE, I COULD…
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THE POWER STEERING IN MY CHEVROLET COBALT REPEATEDLY GOES OUT. IT WORKS WHEN I FIRST TURN ON THE CAR, BUT THEN GOES OUT WITHIN 30 OR SO SECONDS. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY SAID THEY'D HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING MECHANISM, WHICH WOULD COST OVER A $1000 WITH LABOR. BECAUSE OF THE PRICE, I COULD NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE IT; THEREFORE, I AM STILL DRIVING WITHOUT THE POWER STEERING WORKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10304617
58,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering
WHILE TURNING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, A WARNING BELL/DASH INDICATOR ALERTED ME THAT MY POWER STEERING HAD FAILED. THIS WAS VERIFIED WHILE TRYING TO TURN THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THANKFULLY, NOBODY WAS IN THE LANES NEXT TO ME, AND I WAS ABLE TO GLIDE THROUGH THE TURN AND INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT WITHOUT INCIDENT OR HARM. TH…
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WHILE TURNING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, A WARNING BELL/DASH INDICATOR ALERTED ME THAT MY POWER STEERING HAD FAILED. THIS WAS VERIFIED WHILE TRYING TO TURN THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THANKFULLY, NOBODY WAS IN THE LANES NEXT TO ME, AND I WAS ABLE TO GLIDE THROUGH THE TURN AND INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT WITHOUT INCIDENT OR HARM. THE CHEVY/GM DEALER NEARBY SAID THE ELECTRONIC MOTOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAD SHORTED OUT, AND THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. THE REPLACEMENT WAS STILL COVERED BY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY, THANKFULLY, BY A FEW THOUSAND MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10304564
93,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, SHE LOST POWER STEERING CAPABILITIES MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THEN THE POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL. SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RE-STARTED IT; THE PRO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, SHE LOST POWER STEERING CAPABILITIES MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THEN THE POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL. SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RE-STARTED IT; THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO CORRECT ITSELF AFTER SHE RE-STARTED IT. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. SHE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM. SHE HAD NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 94,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000. UPDATED 03/04/10 *BF RE-MAILED 04/20/2010 ADDED VIN. UPDATED 04/29/10/*JB UPDATED 5/6/10 *CN
NHTSA ODI #10304545
50,665 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHENEVER THE CONTACT TURNS THE VEHICLE IN ANY DIRECTION SHE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL BEGAN TO JURK FORWARD, THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED AT THE SAME TIME THE IGNITION WILL NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED AND THAT THE POWER LOCKS WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK ON THEIR OWN. THE VEHICL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHENEVER THE CONTACT TURNS THE VEHICLE IN ANY DIRECTION SHE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL BEGAN TO JURK FORWARD, THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED AT THE SAME TIME THE IGNITION WILL NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED AND THAT THE POWER LOCKS WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK ON THEIR OWN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50665.
NHTSA ODI #10304523
105,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Steering
2005 CHEVROLET COBALT POWER STEERING GOES OUT AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING. TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND POWER STEERING COMES BACK ON THEN OFF AGAIN AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10304511
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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