NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,299 reportsClear category filter67,649 miles · Oct 19, 2009
Steering
I OWN A 2006 CHEVY COBALT. I AM HAVING A POWER STEERING FAIL. WHILE DRIVING SPECIFICALLY WHILE MAKING A TURN THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILS. THE INFORMATION CENTER DISPLAYS POWER STEERING. IF YOU SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE IT SEEMS TO RESET THE COMPUTER AND CAUSE THE POWER STEERING TO RETURN. I HAVE HAD IT READ BY A MECHANICS COMP…
Read full complaint
I OWN A 2006 CHEVY COBALT. I AM HAVING A POWER STEERING FAIL. WHILE DRIVING SPECIFICALLY WHILE MAKING A TURN THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILS. THE INFORMATION CENTER DISPLAYS POWER STEERING. IF YOU SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE IT SEEMS TO RESET THE COMPUTER AND CAUSE THE POWER STEERING TO RETURN. I HAVE HAD IT READ BY A MECHANICS COMPUTER BUT THEY ARE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SPECIFIC ISSUE. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL HUNDRED OTHER COBALT OWNERS WITH THIS EXACT COMPLAINT. CHEVY DOES NOT CARE BECAUSE IT IS AFTER THE WARRANTY. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. IF YOU LACK EVEN A LITTLE UPPER BODY STRENGTH YOU COULD CRASH! I WAS COMING AROUND A CORNER ON THE FREEWAY STACK! PLEASE HELP US FORCE CHEVY TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288965
41,000 miles · Oct 19, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering
IN SUMMER, 2009, PROBLEMS BEGAN TO ARISE WITH STEERING AND CRUISE CONTROL ON 2006 CHEVY. COBALT. A LIGHT IN THE DASH WOULD COME ON THEN STEERING BECOMES VERY HARD, UNCONTROLLABLE AS IF THE CAR HAD NO POWER ASSIST AT ALL. THE POWER ASSIST FAILURES BECAME MORE FREQUENT SO CAR WAS TAKEN TO CHEVY. DEALER ON 9/25/09. THE SERVICE D…
Read full complaint
IN SUMMER, 2009, PROBLEMS BEGAN TO ARISE WITH STEERING AND CRUISE CONTROL ON 2006 CHEVY. COBALT. A LIGHT IN THE DASH WOULD COME ON THEN STEERING BECOMES VERY HARD, UNCONTROLLABLE AS IF THE CAR HAD NO POWER ASSIST AT ALL. THE POWER ASSIST FAILURES BECAME MORE FREQUENT SO CAR WAS TAKEN TO CHEVY. DEALER ON 9/25/09. THE SERVICE DEPT. CHARGED $181.00 AND MADE SOME CORRECTIONS BUT WERE RELUCTANT TO ADVISE THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN CORRECTED. ON 10/20/09, A COLLISION ALMOST OCCURRED DURING A RIGHT HAND TURN BEING MADE AND THE POWER STEERING FAILURE COINCIDING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288929
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2009
Steering
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT AND I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH THE STEERING, IT KEEPS GOING OUT ON ME WHILE DRIVING. WHEN U TURN IT OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON IT WORKS FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND GOES OUT AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE GARAGE AND HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288913
60,000 miles · Oct 18, 2009
Electrical SystemSteeringCrash
MY DAUGHTER JUST GOT A 2006 COBALT AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON A SHE COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL AND SHE WAS PULLING IN THE PARKING LOT TO CHEER AT HER FOOTBALL GAME AND SHE HAD A LITTLE ACCIDENT NOONE WAS HURT BUT SHE WAS VERY SCARED AND DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT WOULD DO THAT. IT IS GOING TO THE SHOP MONDAY THE 19TH AND W…
Read full complaint
MY DAUGHTER JUST GOT A 2006 COBALT AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON A SHE COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL AND SHE WAS PULLING IN THE PARKING LOT TO CHEER AT HER FOOTBALL GAME AND SHE HAD A LITTLE ACCIDENT NOONE WAS HURT BUT SHE WAS VERY SCARED AND DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT WOULD DO THAT. IT IS GOING TO THE SHOP MONDAY THE 19TH AND WHEN THEY PUT ALL NEW PARTS FOR THE POWER STEERING AND IF IT DOES IT AGAIN I WILL HAVE MY ATTORNEYS IN COURT WITH GENERAL MOTORS. I GUESS IT IS GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE GETTING KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED BEFORE SOMEONE WILL TAKE ALL OF THIS SERIOUSLY AND RECALL THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288896
80,700 miles · Oct 18, 2009
Steering
I WAS COMING DOWN A ROAD ABOUT 500 FEET BEFORE I WAS TO TURN OFF THE MAIN ROAD, THIS LIGHT POPS UP ON MY DASH SHOWING "POWER STEERING" AND WHEN I SLOWED TO TURN RIGHT, MY POWER STEERING WAS GONE! THIS IS CRAZY! I HAD SOME FRIENDS LOOK OVER IT AND THE FUSES LOOKED FINE. THEY DECIDED I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE IN THE …
Read full complaint
I WAS COMING DOWN A ROAD ABOUT 500 FEET BEFORE I WAS TO TURN OFF THE MAIN ROAD, THIS LIGHT POPS UP ON MY DASH SHOWING "POWER STEERING" AND WHEN I SLOWED TO TURN RIGHT, MY POWER STEERING WAS GONE! THIS IS CRAZY! I HAD SOME FRIENDS LOOK OVER IT AND THE FUSES LOOKED FINE. THEY DECIDED I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE IN THE OWNERS MANUAL UNDER POWER STEERING, IF THE LIGHT COMES ON, IT STATES, RETURN TO DEALER. NOTHING ELSE. LATER WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR TO GO HOME, THE POWER STEERING WORKED FINE. THIS IS CRAZY. (THIS IS ON A SATURDAY EVENING) SUNDAY EVENING, I AM HEADING TO CHURCH, THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AGAIN!!! THE GUYS AT WORK CHECK IT OUT, THEY SWITCHED UP THE RELAY SWITCHES, THE ONE FOR THE POWER STEERING IS DEAD! THEY PICK A NEW ONE AT AUTO ZONE AND REPLACE IT. POWER STEERING AGAIN, YEA!!! I DIDN'T GET A HALF A MILE FROM THE CHURCH AND THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AGAIN!! AND YOU CANNOT TURN ON A DIME EITHER!! VERY DANGEROUS!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288892
33,000 miles · Oct 18, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering
2006 CHEVROLET COBALT, WILL NOT START. POWER STEERING COMES ON DASHBOARD. THIS OCCURS AT RANDOM TIMES, LEAVING ME WITHOUT A CAR SOMETIMES FOR DAYS. ALREADY TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP, SAID IT WAS A WIRE, THEY REPLACED IT, IT STILL CONTINUES WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288811
56,000 miles · Oct 17, 2009
Steering
THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT AND THEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I COULD BARELY KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD! I PULLED OVER, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF BUT NOW THE POWER STEERING GOES OFF RANDOMLY ALL THE TIME. I FEEL LIKE IT WILL DEFINITELY MAKE ME HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND IT IS SO DANGEROU…
Read full complaint
THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT AND THEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I COULD BARELY KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD! I PULLED OVER, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF BUT NOW THE POWER STEERING GOES OFF RANDOMLY ALL THE TIME. I FEEL LIKE IT WILL DEFINITELY MAKE ME HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND IT IS SO DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288781
76,427 miles · Oct 17, 2009
Steering
POWERSTEERING LIGHT COMES ON WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND THEN THE CAR GETS HARD TO STEER, WHICH IS VERY UNSAFE BECAUSE IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO WRECK. ONCE YOU SHUT OFF THE CAR, IT RESETS AND THEN IT WILL DO IT AGAIN A WHILE LATER. I CHECKED ONLINE AND THE EASIEST FIX IS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN AND THIS COSTS …
Read full complaint
POWERSTEERING LIGHT COMES ON WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND THEN THE CAR GETS HARD TO STEER, WHICH IS VERY UNSAFE BECAUSE IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO WRECK. ONCE YOU SHUT OFF THE CAR, IT RESETS AND THEN IT WILL DO IT AGAIN A WHILE LATER. I CHECKED ONLINE AND THE EASIEST FIX IS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN AND THIS COSTS JUST UNDER 1,000$. I'VE LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HOW CAN THIS BE? IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288777
Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2009
SteeringCrash
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT WITH ONLY 40,000 MILES AND THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE APPEARS AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND CAUSED ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD RIGHT AFTER I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR HEAD ON THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE SOMEONE TO BE HURT OR EVEN KILLED . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288724
46,000 miles · Oct 16, 2009
Steering
2006 CHEVY COBALT LT POWER STEERING GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY. MUST TURN OFF CAR AND RESTART TO REGAIN POWER STEERING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288657
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.
Oct 29, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, NEVADA AND TEXAS. THE PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN PORT ON THE MODULAR RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. IF EITHER OF THESE PORTS DEVELOPS A CRACK, FUEL WILL LEAK FROM THE AREA. IF THE CRACK BECOMES LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY BE OBSERVED DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL COVERAGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME FOR MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE AND TEXAS AND MODEL YEAR 2007 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN: ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
Illustration