How common are steering complaints on the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt?

NHTSA lists 239 steering complaints for the 2010 Cobalt, which makes up 42% of the 574 total complaints filed for the year.

Is there a recall for steering problems on the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt?

Yes. NHTSA recall 10V073000 covers electric power steering motor failure on 2005-2010 Cobalt and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles, and recall 14V153000 also addresses steering on the 2010 Cobalt among other GM models.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 56,000 miles at the time steering failures were reported for the 2010 Cobalt.

Have steering issues on the 2010 Cobalt led to crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records 17 crashes, 1 fire, and 15 injuries associated with steering complaints on the 2010 Cobalt.

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 239 steering complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 42% of all complaints filed for the year, linked to 17 crashes and 15 injuries. Median mileage at failure was 56,000, and two related recalls (10V073000 and 14V153000) cover electric power steering failure.

Steering complaints: 239; 42% of 574
Crashes reported: 17
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 15
Median mileage: 56,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Steering wheel suddenly locks up while driving at various speeds, making the car impossible to turn.
Power steering assist cuts out abruptly during turns or exits, causing the driver to strike a curb or barrier.
Loss of steering control leads to the vehicle veering sharply to one side despite driver correction.
Steering becomes difficult and the car fights side to side on straight roads before the driver loses control.
Power steering failure during a lane change or turn results in the vehicle crossing lanes and hitting fixed objects.

When 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt steering complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 4, 2010, latest Oct 30, 2025.

239 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2010 Q1 to 2025 Q4; peak 2013 Q3 (27).

Steering recalls for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt

NHTSA 14V153000Mar 31, 2014Steering1,373,177 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
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.
NHTSA 10V073000Mar 3, 2010Steering1,050,889 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
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.

Steering complaints by Cobalt model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2010239 (42%)
20112 (100%)
20120 (0%)
20160 (0%)
20171 (100%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering complaints on the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt?: NHTSA lists 239 steering complaints for the 2010 Cobalt, which makes up 42% of the 574 total complaints filed for the year.
Is there a recall for steering problems on the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt?: Yes. NHTSA recall 10V073000 covers electric power steering motor failure on 2005-2010 Cobalt and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles, and recall 14V153000 also addresses steering on the 2010 Cobalt among other GM models.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 56,000 miles at the time steering failures were reported for the 2010 Cobalt.
Have steering issues on the 2010 Cobalt led to crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records 17 crashes, 1 fire, and 15 injuries associated with steering complaints on the 2010 Cobalt.