This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems
critical 1,291 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
1,291
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
76crashes
4fires
131injuries
3fatalities
When does it fail?
Of the 1,291 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 10 mileage-bearing steering complaints filed against the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt by each odometer reading. Median failure: 68,000 mi.
10% have failed by36,000 mi
Half the fleet by68,000 mi
90% have failed by85,000 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Chevrolet Cobalt we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 1,291.
Steering accounts for 55% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a ″Phone Unavaila
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This engineering informational bulletin is ending the need of information from the field on vehicles with the conditon of loss of power steering assist after completing campaign 10023 or 14115 has been completed
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Cobalt's steering system is a chronic problem that affects multiple components and electrical systems. Most owners describe the electronic power steering suddenly going out—warning light flashes, an alarm sounds, and the steering wheel becomes rock-hard to turn, sometimes locking completely. This happens at any speed and any time: pulling out of a driveway, exiting a highway, going through a curve. One owner lost steering on I-95 going 55 mph; another couldn't steer out of a parking lot. Owners report the only fix is turning the engine off, waiting a minute or two, then restarting—and the problem comes back within minutes to miles.
The root cause appears electrical. Owners and mechanics report communication errors between the steering control module and the engine/transmission computer, with diagnostic codes U2107, U2100, U0100, and P0700 appearing. Some cars also lose speedometer, transmission function, and braking power simultaneously—a sign of a wiring short or grounding failure in the steering column itself. GM's recall (issued late 2009) only replaces the power steering motor, but owners say that doesn't fix the problem; the steering column must also be replaced, costing $900–$2,000 total out of pocket. Even after replacement, failures recur.
Separately, owners report the intermediate steering shaft and lower tie rods wear out prematurely (clunking, shaking, hard pulling to one side), and the ignition key sometimes gets stuck in the on position or the steering wheel locks up. Many complaints date back to 2009, yet GM resisted issuing a full recall for years and still refuses warranty coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles.
Same Chevrolet Cobalt steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic power steering system failure — loss of assist
The electric power steering motor and/or column control module fail intermittently or permanently, forcing the driver to steer manually with greatly increased effort. The steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn, making safe vehicle control difficult or impossible. Failures occur at various speeds and driving conditions, though some owners report patterns tied to driving time or temperature.
When: Typically 45,000–107,000 miles; onset varies from within first weeks of ownership to several years later. Many failures occur after 50,000–80,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn; "Power Steering" warning light and audible chime on dashboard; Loss of electrical power to steering assist motor; Hard steering intermittently or progressively worsening throughout single drive; Steering locks up completely; Problem resets temporarily by turning engine off and restarting; Occurs at highway speeds and low speeds, curves and straightaways
Codes mentioned: U2107, U2100, C0475, P0700
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering motor replacement (recall repair, ~$175–$470 for motor alone). Steering column replacement often required ($900–$2,000 total). Many owners report motor failure recurs within weeks or months of replacement; dealers cite internal short or communication error between power steering control module and engine/transmission control module.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM initiated power steering motor recall (campaign 10V073000) in late 2009–2010. Recall only covers motor replacement, not steering column. Many 2006 Cobalts were not included in initial recall despite identical failures. GM has defended recalls as addressing noise/backlash issues, not safety. TSB 070232007 and 04-03-08-006D referenced by dealers. GM repeatedly denies warranty coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles.
Electrical communication failure between body control modules
The steering system loses electrical communication with the engine control module (ECM), transmission control module (TCM), or body control module (BCM), triggering cascading failures affecting steering, transmission, braking, and dashboard displays. The root cause appears to involve wiring harness shorts or module grounding faults, though some owners report the steering column itself contains internal electrical shorts.
When: Variable; can occur from early ownership to high mileage (170,000+ miles reported). Often accompanies or precedes steering assist loss.
Symptoms owners cite: "Power Steering" message displays on dashboard with chimes/dinging; Speedometer and tachometer needles behave erratically or freeze; Transmission fails to shift or remains in low gear only (~30 mph max); Check Engine light, Traction Control light, Service Airbag light illuminate; Engine surges, jerks, or stumbles; Hard shifting or transmission clunking when changing gears; Braking loses effectiveness or becomes shaky; Vehicle loses electrical power briefly then restarts
Codes mentioned: U2107, U2100, U0100, P0700
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement attempted (~$264–$265 diagnostic fee). Body control module or transmission control module replacement quoted at $685–$900+. Resetting battery (disconnecting for 10 minutes) provides temporary relief. Dealers and independent mechanics report these repairs often do not permanently resolve the problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM provides diagnostic tests (typically $100–$150) but refuses warranty coverage outside vehicle's powertrain warranty window. Case numbers assigned (e.g., 71759207211, 71-1069830519, GM Case No. references) but manufacturer support inconsistent. Service managers have denied repair cost waivers.
Steering column mechanical wear — lower tie rods and bearings
The lower tie rods, steering column bearings, and intermediate steering shaft wear prematurely, producing clunking or thumping noises and causing the steering to feel loose or to pull strongly to one side. One complaint references excessive gear backlash in the steering column as the underlying issue. This is distinct from electronic power steering loss but affects steering feel and safety.
When: Reported as early as 3 years into ownership; can affect vehicles with relatively modest mileage (32,000–80,000+ miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Loud thumping, clunking, or popping noises from front end when turning; Steering wheel shakes violently at highway speeds; Steering wheel shakes violently when braking; Steering pulls hard to one side (typically right); Steering feels loose or unresponsive; Excessive noise and vibration when adjusting tilt wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Lower tie rod and bearing replacement on both sides (~$1,000 combined labor and parts). Front-end alignment required after repair. Steering column and rack-and-pinion replacement ($900–$1,500 in some cases). Many shops report the intermediate steering shaft (Part# 10394225, 15800140) is the source; TSB 04-03-08-006D addresses this. Owners report repeated failures even after replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has stated this is not a safety issue and has not issued a recall, despite hundreds of owner reports on online forums. Dealers refer to Technical Service Bulletin 04-03-08-006D but do not cover repair under warranty.
Steering wheel or ignition lock — key stuck or steering locks up after recall repair
The steering wheel locks up or becomes impossible to turn, or the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed. In some cases, these issues persist or worsen after the ignition switch recall is performed. One complaint describes a rod in the steering column that should depress a button to allow key removal but fails to do so.
When: Can occur at any mileage; some instances reported immediately after ignition switch recall (November 2014 incident cited). Affects vehicles with and without prior repairs.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locked or extremely hard to turn at startup; Ignition key cannot turn to OFF position; Ignition key cannot be removed from the ignition; Key slips slightly from ON position (may not fully switch off); Steering locks while driving, requiring engine restart; Humming or whining noise from steering column before lock-up
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement performed under recall (no cost to consumer under warranty). Lock cylinder or steering column rod repositioning may be required ($unknown); some owners performed DIY fix by removing steering column cover and reattaching rod, though this is temporary. Full steering column replacement sometimes necessary.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ignition switch recall (campaign 13454) distributed, but complaints show recall repair does not resolve related steering column lock-up issues. Dealers state this is not a recall issue and have denied further assistance or cost waiver.
Synthesized from 1,291 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 11 most recent
I have had alot of problems with my car, 1st my radio went out, it just went out and it would only work when I held the power button down and there were always things flashing on the screen, so after a few weeks of this happening my car wouldn't start, I would get it jumped and the other person wouldn't even have to start their car to jump mine it only took a second. After having to replace my…
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet cobalt. The contact noticed issues with the power steering in her vehicle. While driving 20 MPH, the power steering would function for approximately .2 miles and then fail. She attempted to turn off the vehicle and restart it, but the failure continued. The failure recurred frequently. She took the vehicle to a dealer and they stated that there was no…
2006 Chevy cobalt loses power steering while driving. I had just gotten off the highway and my car lost all power steering. Took it to a shop the next day and they said there was a bulletin out that these electric motors can overheat if you car sits idle for too long or you are stopped and the wheel is turned a certain way. It was a very snowy day and the roads were very icy. There would have…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet cobalt. While driving 30 MPH the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel, and then there was a loss of power steering. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership. The current and failure mileages were 85000.
The power steering light in my 06 Chevy cobalt comes on and shuts off my power steering. This locks up my steering wheel and makes it almost impossible to drive with. I have been on sites with many people having the same problem as me and there is no recall for this car. Someone is going to get in a horrible accident because of this defect in the cobalts. The only way to stop this problem…
The power steering unit locks up when I am driving. I can only slow the vehicle down and hope I don't have to turn while it is locked. I hit a curb and busted my rim on one occasion. It does it frequently and I can't afford to get it fixed. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet cobalt. While driving approximately 25 MPH the "power steering" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, and then there was a loss of power steering. The driver exerted greater effort to turn the steering wheel and continued normal vehicle operation. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle has not been inspected at this time. The…
I have a 06 Chevy cobalt and the power steering goes out after a couple of minutes of driving. Since the Chevy cobalt has an all electrical power steering system it is very expensive to fix the problem. There have several cases where this same problem has occurred in the same make and model. I feel its a factory defect. It is very unsafe to drive with your power steering out. I had a close in…
I was driving on the highway in tampa when my car started to make a "dinging" noise. I then realized that the steering wheel started to get hard to turn. I looked at the information screen on my dashboard and it said 'power steering'. I wasn't sure what to do so I restarted my car and the problem seemed to go away. About an hour later while driving it happened again. I took it into the nearest…
I have a 2006 Chevy cobalt and I am recently having problems with the power steering light coming on, my rpms go up and down by themselves causing the car to move even when I let off the gas and the power steering goes out completely. It has only happened a few times so far, but I almost hit someone when the car's rpms where fluttering. This is a serious problem and should be recalled to ensure…
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt?
It's a serious issue. 1291 complaints have been filed, including 76 reports involving a crash and 3 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 1113 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 45,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 60,900. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/Cobalt.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.