2009 CHEVROLET COBALT WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND STEERING WHEEL BECAME TIGHT AND HARD TO STEER
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems
critical 209 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
THE DIC SHOWS THE READING OF EACH TIRE PRESSURE BACKWARDS, FOR EXAMPLE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL IS ACTUALLY THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL, AND LEFT FRONT IS ACTUALLY REAR FRONT. ALSO I AM UNABLE TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE LIGHTS TURNS ON BUT THE CAR DOES NOT ENGAGE IN THE SAME SPEED FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. *JS
TAKATA RECALL POWER STEERING WENT OUT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING ABILITY AND THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,041.
WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE GAS STATION, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING NO LONGER WORKED. IT HAS NOT WORKED SINCE THEN. *TR
THE STEERING LOST POWER ASSISTANCE AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED IN THE CITY. THIS PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING AND AFFECTS STEERING AT ALL SPEEDS
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt?
It's a serious issue. 209 complaints have been filed, including 30 reports involving a crash and 2 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.