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 ↗2009 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems
critical 209 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
209
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
30crashes
1fire
23injuries
2fatalities
When does it fail?
Of the 209 steering complaints filed for the 2009 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
Owners have filed 209 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.
Of the 6 model years of Chevrolet Cobalt we track for steering problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (209).
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 preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
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 service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt's steering system is plagued by electric power steering motor failures that strike without warning—at low parking speeds and at highway velocity. Owners describe sudden steering lockup, extreme heaviness requiring superhuman effort to turn the wheel, or loss of power assist that leaves drivers fighting the steering at 55 mph or higher.
The defect doesn't stop after recall 10V073000 (electric power assist system). Multiple owners say the steering failed again weeks or months after the "fix." One owner reported needing the power steering motor replaced twice, with a dealer callously refusing the $150 part recharge the second time around. Another had the steering column replaced four times since new. The steering column itself fails with clicking or rattling noises; it can lock and prevent ignition engagement.
Loss of directional control during routine maneuvers—lane changes, braking, U-turns—has sent owners into guardrails, ditches, and parked cars. Some crashes destroyed the vehicle; one owner flipped and woke in trauma hospital. One incident combined steering failure with brake stiffness and loss of engine power in heavy rain, suggesting electrical cascade failure. Dealers initially deny the problem exists, then claim it's a design feature to save fuel, or they stonewall with "parts unavailable." Insurance claims have piled up; repair bills exceed $5,000.
Same Chevrolet Cobalt steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering Motor Failure
The electric power steering motor fails intermittently or completely, causing loss of power assist. The steering wheel becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Some owners report the failure recurs even after dealer repair under recall 10V073000. Symptoms range from warning light illumination to total steering lockup at speed.
When: Varied—from early mileage (145 miles, 100 miles) to high mileage (160,000 miles); often recurs within weeks or months after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning light illumination; Steering wheel extremely difficult to turn or completely locked; Loss of power assist requiring manual steering effort; Intermittent failure—works briefly after engine restart then fails again; Failure occurs at various speeds, low-speed parking and highway speeds (55–70 mph)
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 10V073000 (Steering: Electronic Power Assist System)
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering motor replaced under recall; owners report costs around $139–$1,100 for out-of-warranty repairs. Recall repair (10V073000) did not permanently fix the issue in multiple cases; original OEM motor used in recall was apparently defective. Steering column also replaced in some cases at cost of $874–$942.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 10V073000 issued for electric power assist system; however, repair did not resolve recurrence in multiple narratives. Dealers denied additional repairs citing recall closure or out-of-warranty status. One narrative mentions dealer refusing $150 part reimbursement after second failure.
Steering Column Noise and Failure
Steering column produces clicking, rattling, or squeaking sounds, particularly during turns. In some cases, column fails to lock or unlock properly, requiring replacement. One owner reported column replaced four times since purchase; another had column lock up at very low speeds preventing maneuverability.
When: Early ownership (dashboard rattle noticed December 2009, ~8,500 miles) through later mileage; recurrent—rattle returned October 2010, March 2011, and February 2014
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking sound when turning left; Rattling noise in dashboard area; Squeaking in steering wheel area; Steering column locked or difficulty engaging ignition; Column may not unlock after recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replaced; steering rack and pinion input bearing replaced; one owner had part replaced 4 times. Repair costs included $942 for column replacement. Multiple replacements suggest defective parts or design flaw.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some dealers covered under warranty; one owner received partial reimbursement offer (denied). Manufacturer refused to acknowledge column replacement caused problem, stating recall repair was not the cause. After recall repair, one owner reported technician stated wheels must remain straight for ignition to engage.
Loss of Steering Control at Speed—Unintended Veering
Vehicle veers or pulls uncontrollably to left or right during normal driving, braking, or lane changes. Multiple incidents occurred on wet pavement or without clear triggering event. In several cases, driver unable to correct trajectory, resulting in crashes into guardrails, parked vehicles, or ditches.
When: Various speeds and conditions; notably during wet road conditions and light-speed maneuvers (lane changes at 50 mph, exiting expressway at 30 mph, highway driving at 55–70 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden uncontrolled veering to left or right; Steering wheel pulls away from hands during braking; Loss of directional control during lane changes; Extreme difficulty holding steering steady; Occurs on wet pavement; some cases on dry road with no debris
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple collision repairs documented: $5,436.85 in front-end damage from collision at 5 mph; $5,500 repair after guardrail crash; rental cars had same steering sensitivity issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for this failure mode. Dealers told owners no recalls applied (one case) or that handling is normal design feature.
Steering Wheel Seizure During Driving
Steering wheel suddenly locks up or seizes during driving, preventing driver from turning the wheel. In several cases, occurs without warning at speed. Some seizures temporary; others persist until engine restart.
When: Various mileages and speeds: 30 mph, 35 mph, 45 mph, 60 mph, 70 mph. Failure mileage ranged from 1,000 to 154,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly becomes rigid and will not turn; No warning light in some cases; power steering warning in others; Vehicle may stall simultaneously; Requires manual effort or engine restart to regain control; Recurs after engine restart in some cases
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 10V073000
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced power steering motor; dealer unable to replicate fault in another case. Repair costs not specified for most seizure events. One case involved steering column replacement after recall repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 10V073000 addressed; however, multiple owners report seizure recurred after recall repair. One manufacturer response stated recall campaign was closed and no further action available.
Simultaneous Power Steering and Brake Failure
In at least one significant incident, power steering and braking both failed simultaneously during heavy rain, suggesting possible electrical system shutdown. Owner reports engine appeared to shut off while vehicle still in motion. Recall for ignition switch was subsequently performed and may have resolved issue.
When: October 2014, during heavy rain; owner had two prior similar episodes
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering suddenly unresponsive; Brakes extremely stiff and unresponsive; Unable to increase speed; Radio and heater still functioning; Engine appears to have shut off while driving
Codes mentioned: No codes found at dealership; ignition recall (unspecified campaign) performed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership found no diagnostic codes initially. Ignition recall repair performed; owner reports issue resolved afterward. Suggests ignition switch problem may have caused steering and brake electrical failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ignition switch recall was executed; no specific steering system repair documented.
Intermittent Power Steering Failure Requiring Restart Cycle
Power steering fails intermittently; driver must turn engine off and back on to restore function. Failure recurs after brief driving period (minutes to hundreds of feet). Occurs regardless of speed or whether steering wheel is being turned.
When: Early ownership through extended use; failure pattern consistent across multiple use cycles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering light illuminates; Steering wheel becomes hard to turn or impossible to move; Failure occurs after starting, within couple hundred feet; Recurs every time vehicle operates; Engine restart temporarily restores steering but problem returns
Repairs/costs cited: One independent mechanic diagnosed faulty power steering module. Dealers offered parts unavailable, suggesting supply chain issues during recall period. Repair costs estimated $139 to $1,100 depending on whether out-of-warranty or not.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers referenced recall 10V073000 but stated parts unavailable; some told vehicles were safe to drive despite active steering failure.
Synthesized from 209 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
2009 Chevrolet cobalt was driving on a city street and power steering light came on and steering wheel became tight and hard to steer
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
Had steering trouble with your 2009 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 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?
Across the 177 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 30,000 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 115,000. 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/2009/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.