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 ↗2008 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems
critical 310 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
310
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
36crashes
4fires
23injuries
6fatalities
When does it fail?
Of the 310 steering complaints filed for the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 33% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 310 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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 service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2008 Cobalt owners describe a cascade of steering failures that occur repeatedly despite recall repairs. The most common complaint is loss of electrical power steering assist—the steering wheel goes hard, sometimes impossible to turn, accompanied by a "Power Steering" warning light and dashboard chiming. Owners report this happens at any speed, from parking lots to highway driving at 60+ mph. Restarting the engine temporarily fixes it, but the problem recurs within days, weeks, or months.
Many owners report the problem was not fixed by recall service, even though their vehicle was serviced under the power steering recall. Dealers struggle to diagnose intermittent failures and tell owners the problem cannot be replicated, then charge $200–$1,500 for steering column or motor replacement. Owners also describe electrical system cascade failures—multiple warning lights, erratic gauges, transmission shifting problems, and power steering loss all occurring together.
A second major issue is steering lockup or extreme stiffness, especially during low-speed maneuvers. The steering wheel becomes nearly impossible to turn or locks completely, making normal parking dangerous. Some owners report the steering column was replaced multiple times with no lasting fix.
Steering instability—the vehicle pulling hard left or right, or feeling loose and spongy—is another recurring complaint. Dealers often replace multiple suspension components (struts, bushings, sway bars, springs) without solving the underlying problem, and owners cite abnormal tire wear from chronic misalignment.
Several owners document near-fatal collisions or actual accidents they believe were caused by steering failure. Multiple complaints reference a young woman killed in a 2008 Cobalt rollover, with her family questioning whether power steering failure contributed.
Same Chevrolet Cobalt steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Failure — Loss of Assist
Electrical power steering motor or module loses function while driving, requiring key restart to restore assist. Owners report sudden loss of assist at various speeds, often accompanied by 'Power Steering' warning light and dashboard chiming. Some failures are temporary; others recur within days or miles despite repair or recall service.
When: Failures reported from ~28,000 miles to 159,000 miles; problem onset commonly 2–3 years of ownership; recurrence within weeks or months after repair or recall work
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning light illuminated; Loss of power steering assist requiring manual steering effort; Steering wheel becomes hard to turn or impossible to turn; Dashboard chiming sound when failure occurs; Temporary loss resolved by restarting engine; Steering wheel loose or rattling at highway speeds; Difficulty navigating turns, especially parking situations
Codes mentioned: Power steering motor fault, Transmission control module (TCM) electrical fault, Low voltage/electrical system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering motor replacement ($400–$1,200); steering column replacement ($830–$1,524); steering gear/rack and pinion replacement cited; owners report repairs fail to resolve recurring failures; dealers struggle to diagnose intermittent failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 10V073000 (electric power assist system) and power steering motor/column recalls issued; however, owners report recall repairs do not permanently fix the problem; some vehicles had recall work done but problem recurred; GM allegedly refusing warranty coverage beyond initial recall service; parts shortages delayed recall repairs for 6 weeks or longer
Electrical System Cascade Failure
Power steering loss occurs alongside multiple dashboard warning lights, erratic gauges, and intermittent transmission issues. Typically involves dashboard warning lights for engine, traction control, airbag, and transmission service illuminating simultaneously, with gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel) moving erratically. Restarting the vehicle clears symptoms temporarily, but they recur.
When: Failures at 49,000–92,000 miles; problems persist over 1–2 years; symptoms worsen over time
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights on dashboard (engine, traction, theft, transmission, airbag); Power steering warning displayed; Gauges (speedometer, fuel, tach) bouncing or stuck; Low fuel warning despite half-full tank; Transmission hesitates or shifts roughly; Door locks cycling on/own repeatedly; Electrical system flickering in and out
Codes mentioned: Transmission control module (TCM) fault, Electrical system malfunction, Ignition switch fault
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement ($200–$300) attempted by some dealers; electrical system checks and inspections documented in service history; problem persists after ignition switch recall work; owner charged for inspection with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ignition switch recall performed (some vehicles); power steering loss recall (10V073000) completed; electrical diagnostics performed but failures often cannot be replicated at dealership; owners report multiple recalls on same vehicle with no lasting fix
Steering Lockup — Steering Wheel Locked or Extremely Hard to Turn
Steering wheel locks or becomes nearly impossible to turn, especially during low-speed maneuvers or parking. Occurs both at startup and during driving. Turning off and restarting the engine may temporarily restore function, but problem recurs.
When: Reported from early ownership through 170,000+ miles; problem begins sporadically, becomes more frequent with continued driving
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes completely immobile; Steering wheel extremely stiff and difficult to turn; Difficulty parking due to steering resistance; Steering column grinding noises when failure occurs; Steering wheel jerks back after turns; Engine and ignition difficulty (key hard to turn or will not turn in ignition); 'Steering Locked' message displayed on dashboard
Codes mentioned: Steering column fault, Power steering motor failure, Ignition lock cylinder fault
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement ($830–$1,524) most common fix; ignition lock cylinder replacement ($200–$400); dealers often cannot replicate problem during inspection; some owners report steering column replaced multiple times with recurrence; parts worn or broken inside column
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ignition cylinder recall issued (owners mention receiving recall notices); steering column replacements performed under warranty or recall in some cases; GM denied repair responsibility when owner refused recommended suspension repairs; no warranty on steering column replacement in some cases
Steering Instability — Pulling, Excessive Play, or Loss of Control
Vehicle pulls strongly left or right during normal driving, steering wheel feels loose or spongy, or vehicle becomes impossible to control during turns. Often develops over time as a progressive problem and is frequently misdiagnosed by dealers.
When: Problems reported from 11,000 miles onward; pulling issues may develop gradually over months to years; multiple suspension/steering repairs often precede diagnosis of actual fault
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls sharply left or right unprompted; Steering wheel feels loose, spongy, or has excessive play; Difficulty maintaining lane position; Loss of steering control during turns, especially highway turns; Vehicle drifts into oncoming traffic or guardrails; Abnormal front tire wear (inner or outer edge worn faster); Shaking in steering wheel at highway speeds (40+ mph); Steering becomes impossible to turn at mid-corner
Codes mentioned: Rack and pinion (steering gear) worn, Steering column fault, Front end suspension component failure
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement ($1,524 cited); steering shaft/column replacement; stabilizer bars, bushings, bearings, sway bars, struts, shocks, and springs replaced (often multiple times without resolving pulling); owners report dealer throws parts at problem without fixing root cause; normal tire wear patterns resulting from chronic misalignment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls specifically for pulling or steering instability; dealers deny defect and claim wear-and-tear; dealer diagnostics often inconclusive; owners told nothing is wrong despite documented steering issues and prior service bulletins
Steering Column Noise and Component Wear
Tapping, rattling, or knocking sounds emanate from steering column or front suspension, occurring at specific speeds or when coasting. Sounds suggest internal column component wear or broken plastic inside the column assembly.
When: Reported from 11,000 miles to 141,000 miles; noise may be intermittent initially, then persistent
Symptoms owners cite: Tapping or rattling noise from front driver side at 50–60 mph when coasting; Knocking sound from under hood lasting weeks to months; Grinding noise from steering wheel during low-speed turns; Loud popping noise from steering wheel at various speeds; Sound of plastic breaking from inside dashboard during steering input
Codes mentioned: Steering shaft defective, Steering column internal component failure, Front suspension component noise
Repairs/costs cited: Steering shaft replacement; steering column replacement (PT#19209155 cited); dealers initially unable to replicate noise; owners required test drives with mechanic to reproduce; defect confirmed under warranty; $100 deductible charged by one owner; noise recurs after column replacement in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall for column noise; warranty coverage available on steering column replacement if identified before warranty expiration; some dealers attributed noise to worn tires despite insufficient wear
Synthesized from 310 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Driving off of express way when power steering went out as going around the turn. Was able to drive the vehicle but had a difficult time steering. Will be calling the dealer jan 2nd. *kb
Tl*the contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet cobalt. While driving approximately 30 to 35 MPH the steering wheel locked. The vehicle became very difficult to control. The contact stated that she was driving toward two parked vehicles and engaged the brakes in order to avoid a crash. She turned the vehicle off and restarted it and the vehicle started as normal. The vehicle was taken to an authorized…
"takata recall" I am buying this vehicle from a buy here pay here lot.during my experiernce driving this car. I've had trouble steering the wheel.I brought in in to tire discounters for inspection testing. The result the auto tech explained to me in writing that I have electrical issues with the car.also the tires was placed on backwards and the car needs new tires.the check engine light is on in…
The control arm bushings had to be replaced with less than 8000 miles on the car. They went so bad the car swerved and clanked and chattered when the brakes were applied. Less than 8000 miles on the car??? This is a joke. I see on the internet a lot of people with same complaints. Why no recall? *tr
Electrical power steering assist lost while driving. Required greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds to steer and turn, increasing the risk of a crash. Found recalls for 2010 Chevy cobalt for electric power assist system, but not for model year 2008, please help.
Power steering failed. Chapman Chevrolet in tempe az said that steering column needed to be replaced. Charged $970 to replace it. May 26 the power steering again failed and this time there was a recall for electric power steering motor was under recall and parts unavailable. About a month and 1/2 late repairs were made. August 2,2014 again failed and .again power steering motor was replaced.…
Electric assisted steering stops working while driving
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle the power steering malfunctioned. It was very difficult to turn and park the vehicle when the power steering malfunctioned. NHTSA recall 10v073000, steering:electric power assist system was repaired by the dealer. A week after the recall repair the power steering malfunctioned. The contact stated…
"takata recall" when going slow in drive and reverse my car began to have trouble steering. It physically go to the point where I was manually turning it my self with no help from the power steering. The dash lights have gone out, none of them are currently working....I have to drive with a flash light secured to my dash just to see my gauges. I am unable to see any thing else that comes up on…
Had steering trouble with your 2008 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 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt?
It's a serious issue. 310 complaints have been filed, including 36 reports involving a crash and 6 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 259 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 42,000 and 105,000 miles, with the median around 69,700. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 105,000. 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/2008/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.