• Between 2005 and 2009, the majority of complaints regarding Chevy Cobalt operation regarded power-steering failure.commute image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
  
  Chevrolet introduced the Cobalt in 2005 to replace its Cavalier model in the subcompact category. Over the next five years of production, between 2005 and 2009, the majority of complaints regarding Chevy Cobalt operation regarded power-steering failure. The problem was so significant among Cobalt owners that the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) instituted an investigation and General Motors (GM) subsequently issued a recall.
  
  

How Power Steering Works

• Power steering, more accurately called power assist steering, allows the driver to exert a minimum amount of effort to produce a maximum amount of influence over the steering of a heavy vehicle. Power steering is based on a hydraulic fluid system which transfers motion from the steering wheel to the steering rack which controls the direction of the tires assisting with the weight of car. Think of old movies where drivers would turn their steering wheel several times in order to effect a turn. In modern power steering operated cars only a quarter turn of the steering wheel is necessary to turn a corner.
  
  

NHTSA Defect Investigation #PE10005 Summary

• In March 2010 General Motors began a recall of all Chevrolet Cobalt model years 2005 through 2009 for power assist steering failure. If the electronic power steering (eps) fails while driving, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle. The NHTSA Office of Defective Investigations identified 36 out of 81 reported claims by GM where eps failure could be definitively claimed as the cause. GM reports that power steering failure would be most notable at 15 mph or less and at speeds higher than 30 mph the driver would notice little or no difference that could cause loss of vehicle control.
  
  

What Happens During Power Steering Failure

• When power steering fails drivers often describe the car as becoming heavy. The car becomes sluggish and it takes a greater effort to turn. Power steering failure may also result in a shimmy effect where the tires feel as if they are shaking. The car may be difficult to maintain on a straight course or tug hard toward the right or left.
  
  

Recall Repair

• People who have reported eps failure in the Chevy Cobalt, indicated by either an indicator light or an audible chime, also report that the eps returned to normal once the car had be shut off and restarted. The GM recall recommends a complete replacement of the electronic power assist motor.