2010 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems

239 complaints (42% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 56,000. 18 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 239
of this car's complaints: 42%
typical mileage: 56,000
crashes: 18
recalls: 2

Which part fails

Electric power assist system
7
Hydraulic power assist system
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Power steering loss 87 Steering lock-up 26 Steering noise 6

Related recalls

Steering: electric power assist systemReported March 31, 2014 · 1,373,177 vehicles affected

What is wrong: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, Saturn at 1‑800‑553‑6000, and Pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

Recall number 14V153000 · Recall details

Steering: electric power assist systemReported March 3, 2010 · 1,050,889 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.

Recall number 10V073000 · Recall details

What 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 30, 2025 · Steering · WV

Problem with Steering column rattle

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Steering · 54,000 miles · IL

The contact's daughter owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or inspected for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls related to the failure for the VIN. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

Filed Feb 5, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · 260,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to her parent's residence. The vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the ignition switch. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V171000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

Filed Sep 7, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · IN

UNKNOWN. My traction and ABS light keeps coming on. My steering is off some. My turning right or left is making ruff popping sounds in the steering. My ABS and Traction lite keeps coming on.

Filed Mar 4, 2022 · Steering · 71,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, she attempted to make a right turn and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to stop the vehicle, turn off the vehicle, and after restarting the vehicle, the power steering was functioning as needed. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

Filed Nov 23, 2021 · Steering · 131,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his home. The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

Filed Sep 24, 2021 · Steering · WV

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss power steering functionality without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 6, 2021 · Steering · VA

The electrical assisted power steering failed. This causes the vehicle's steering to become very difficult and dangerous not only to the driver but also other vehicles. This problem has been noted as a recall issue for this model/year vehicle but this vin number shows no recall issues. This vehicle was bought new by me and was given to our son about 3 years ago. He has taken very good care of it since he uses it to travel to work. Vehicle currently had 128,842 miles and has had no issues other than the above issue. Vehicle is available for inspection.

Filed Mar 15, 2021 · Steering · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that there were unknown recalls on the vehicle regarding the ignition switch and steering which were previously repaired however, after starting the vehicle, a message appeared on the instrument panel which stated that the power steering feature was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to bayway chevrolet (5719 broadway st, pearland, tx 77581) who diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the body control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 11, 2021 · Fuel system, Steering · 110,000 miles · MA

Fuel is leaking near left rear tire -steering wheel makes crackling noise when turning

Questions about the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt steering

Does the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt have steering problems?

Owners have filed 239 complaints about the steering of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 42% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 56,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt steering?

Yes, 2 recalls: 14V153000, 10V073000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Cobalt have bad steering?

The Chevrolet Cobalt model years with the most steering complaints are 2006 (1,299 complaints), 2005 (1,143 complaints) and 2007 (689 complaints).