NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
1,299 reportsClear category filter40,000 miles · Feb 21, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringCrash
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LS. IT HAS BEEN GIVING ME SEVERAL PROBLEMS. I HAVE BEEN FIXING ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER ON MY CAR. MY CAR ONLY HAVE 46,000 MILES. THAT IS GOOD FOR IT BEING A 2006. I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES. I HAVE REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER. BUT THE WORST PROBLEM THAT …
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I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LS. IT HAS BEEN GIVING ME SEVERAL PROBLEMS. I HAVE BEEN FIXING ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER ON MY CAR. MY CAR ONLY HAVE 46,000 MILES. THAT IS GOOD FOR IT BEING A 2006. I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES. I HAVE REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER. BUT THE WORST PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING NOW IS THE POWER STEERING. WHEN IM DRIVING OUT OF NOWHERE THE DASH LIGHT UP SAYING POWER STEERING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN. ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE GOING AT A SLOW SPEED. I HAVE EVEN BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS. THE ONLY WAY TO GET MY POWER STEERING TO WORK NORMALLY IS TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON. AT FIRST IT WOULD WORK FINE FOR AWHILE. BUT NOW IT HAPPENS RIGHT WHEN I START TO DRIVE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT COULD COST OVER $1500 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I CAN BARELY AFFORD TO FIX THESE OTHER PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING. I CANT AFFORD TO PAY $1500 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I WAS ONLINE LOOKING TO SEE IF I CAN FIND A CHEAPER PRICE. THIS IS WHEN I SAW THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE AND STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING. THIS IS HOW I KNOW THAT IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT I HAVE DONE. WITH SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, THEY NEED TO FIX IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312562
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2010
Steering
THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY, THE WORDS "POWER STEERING" SHOWED ON THE DISPLAY AND THERE WAS A BEEPING NOISE. IMMEDIATELY MY STEERING WHEEL FELT LIKE IT LOCKED ON ME AND I HAD TO PUT FORTH AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF EFFORT TO KEEP THE CAR FROM RUNNING INTO ANOTHER CAR NEXT TO ME. SINCE THEN, IT HAS HAP…
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THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY, THE WORDS "POWER STEERING" SHOWED ON THE DISPLAY AND THERE WAS A BEEPING NOISE. IMMEDIATELY MY STEERING WHEEL FELT LIKE IT LOCKED ON ME AND I HAD TO PUT FORTH AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF EFFORT TO KEEP THE CAR FROM RUNNING INTO ANOTHER CAR NEXT TO ME. SINCE THEN, IT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT ONE PER WEEK. IT HAS GRADUALLY INCREASED TO A FEW TIMES EACH DRIVING TRIP, WITH MOST OF THOSE OCCURANCES AT DANGEROUS TIMES (WHILE MAKING A SHARP TURN, WHILE CHANGING LANES, WHILE MERGING, WHILE GOING AROUND A CURVE, WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION). RECENTLY, I ALMOST COLLIDED WITH PEDESTRIANS, INCLUDING A CHILD, WHILE IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. I ALSO HURT MY WRIST WHILE TRYING TO STEER IT WHILE IT "LOCKED." I AM GOING TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, BUT UNTIL THEN, I AM NOT DRIVING IT AS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312529
23,000 miles · Feb 21, 2010
Steering
2008 CHEVY COBALT POWER STEERING FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312478
75,000 miles · Feb 21, 2010
Steering
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT LS. WITHIN THE LAST MONTH I HAVE A WARNING BELL THAT GOES OFF FREQUENTLY AND POWER STEERING IS DISPLAYED ON THE DASH. I HAVE NOT HAD A LOSS OF STEERING AT THIS POINT, BUT I KNOW THIS PROBLEM IS BEING INVESTIGATED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312471
109,781 miles · Feb 21, 2010
Steering
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY POWER STEERING LIGHT BEEP ON A FEW SECOND LATER POWER STEERING OUT. PULL OVER TURN CAR OFF STEERING WORK FOR AWHILE THEN OUT AGAIN. HAPPENS EVERYTIME THE CAR WAS STARTED UP. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND PARTS WHERE REPLACED. OLD PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312468
40,090 miles · Feb 21, 2010
Steering
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT WHICH FOR THE PAST MONTH AND A HALF I HAVE HAD TWO INCIDENTS OF A POWER STEERING ISSUE. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR GOES ON IN THE DASHBOARD AND I THEN ONLY HAVE MANUAL STEERING. TODAY WAS ONE OF THE DAYS AND ABOUT A MONTH AN A HALF AGO WAS THE OTHER TIME. I AM TAKING THE CAR TO A CHEVY DEALER FOR IT …
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I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY COBALT WHICH FOR THE PAST MONTH AND A HALF I HAVE HAD TWO INCIDENTS OF A POWER STEERING ISSUE. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR GOES ON IN THE DASHBOARD AND I THEN ONLY HAVE MANUAL STEERING. TODAY WAS ONE OF THE DAYS AND ABOUT A MONTH AN A HALF AGO WAS THE OTHER TIME. I AM TAKING THE CAR TO A CHEVY DEALER FOR IT TO BE CHECKED ON MONDAY BUT PREVIOUSLY I HAD IT CHECKED BY A MECHANIC BY MY HOME. THE FIRST TIME WHEN THE MECHANIC CHECKED HE COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. THE STEERING RESET ITSELF. THIS IS DANGEROUS THOUGH BECAUSE IF YOU ARE IN A TURN WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND DO NOT REALIZE THE STEERING IS OUT YOU COULD RUN INTO SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS? I ONLY HAVE 40090 MILES ON THE CAR AND ITS A 2006. I NO LONGER HAVE A WARRANTY BECAUSE MY WARRANTY WAS FOR 36000 MILES SO I HAVE TO PAY FOR WHATEVER IS WRONG WITH IT. IS THERE SOMETHING I CAN DO TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A RECALL OR GOING TO BE ONE? I WOULD CERTAINLY THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY GM BECAUSE ITS A FACTORY DEFAULT AND NOT WEAR AND TEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312439
Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2010
Steering
PROBLEM WITH POWER STEERING. I DRIVE THE CAR AND I LOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OVER THE CAR, I HAVE TO PULL OVER IN THE 5 SECOND SPAN I GET AND TURN MY CAR OFF AND ON. THIS IS HAPPENING TO ME EVERY SINGLE TIME I START MY CAR, I LOSE CONTROL OVER THE STEERING. THIS PUTS ME AT A GREAT RISK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312401
108,000 miles · Feb 20, 2010
Steering
THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT HAS FAILED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 WEEKS. THE FIRST 2 TIMES, I WAS JUST PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 60 MILES WHEN THE STEERING FAILED. THE CAR CHIMED, THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY READ "POWER STEERING," AND THE CAR INSTANTLY BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. BOTH TIMES, THE FAILURE…
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THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2006 CHEVY COBALT HAS FAILED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 WEEKS. THE FIRST 2 TIMES, I WAS JUST PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 60 MILES WHEN THE STEERING FAILED. THE CAR CHIMED, THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY READ "POWER STEERING," AND THE CAR INSTANTLY BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. BOTH TIMES, THE FAILURE OCCURRED JUST AFTER OR DURING A SHARP TURN AFTER A LONG DRIVE. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE, TODAY, HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE, AT LOW SPEED, AFTER ONLY 20 MILES OF DRIVING. WHEN THE CAR IS RESTARTED, THE STEERING BECOMES FULLY FUNCTIONAL AGAIN. HOWEVER, I AM WORRIED THAT IT WILL FAIL AGAIN AT A CRITICAL MOMENT. I CANNOT PREDICT WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312398
34,951 miles · Feb 20, 2010
Steering
WE LOST THE POWER STEERING ON OUR CAR TWICE. THE FIRST TIME, WAS WHEN WE WERE TURNING AROUND. THE SECOND, WAS ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 70 MILES AN HOUR. AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT, WE HAD THE POWER STEERING MOTOR REPLACED. THEY INSTALLED A MOTOR KIT, PART NUMBER 1 20763801. WE DO NOT HAVE THE OLD PARTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312348
67,000 miles · Feb 19, 2010
Steering
WHILE DRIVING, MY VEHICLE BEEPED, READ "POWER STEERING" ON THE DASHBOARD, AND ALL POWER STEERING WAS LOST. ONCE THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, POWER STEERING APPEARED FINE BUT CONTINUED TO FAIL WITH NO NOTICE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10312296
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 ↗
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