Chevrolet Cobalt problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 577 owner complaints and 6 recalls on file for the Chevrolet Cobalt (2005–2010). The 2010 Cobalt has the most serious complaints, most often about fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion.

Complaints
577
Recalls
6
Model years
6
Worst year
2010

Complaints by model year

372005832006952007109200813320091202010
NHTSA complaints per Chevrolet Cobalt model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Chevrolet Cobalt years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt — 120 complaints, 3 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
  2. 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt — 95 complaints, 7 crashes; top problem: Steering
  3. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt — 133 complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
  4. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt — 109 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
  5. 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt — 83 complaints, 1 crash, 1 fire; top problem: Steering

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2005 (37 complaints).

Every Chevrolet Cobalt model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2010 Cobalt1203395Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2009 Cobalt1334104Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2008 Cobalt1093014Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2007 Cobalt957044Steering
2006 Cobalt831113Steering
2005 Cobalt371043Steering

Most common Chevrolet Cobalt problem areas (all years)

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    319 complaints
  • Steering
    179 complaints
  • Electrical System
    65 complaints
  • Airbags
    48 complaints
  • Engine
    44 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    14 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    11 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    10 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    7 complaints
  • Brakes
    6 complaints

Complaint trend

202020212022202320242026
Complaints about the Chevrolet Cobalt received by NHTSA each month.

Chevrolet Cobalt recalls

  • Recall 15V500000Aug 10, 201559,474 vehiclesModel years 2010

    Risk: A disabled driver side roof-rail air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of that air bag, increasing the risk of injury to the driver.

  • Recall 14V171000Apr 10, 20142,191,014 vehiclesModel years 2005–2010

    Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

  • Recall 14V153000Mar 31, 20141,373,177 vehiclesModel years 2010

    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.

  • Recall 14V047000Feb 10, 20142,190,934 vehiclesModel years 2005–2010

    Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 12V459000Sep 19, 201249,768 vehiclesModel years 2007–2009

    Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

  • Recall 10V073000Mar 3, 20101,050,889 vehiclesModel years 2005–2010

    Risk: If power steering assist is lost, it would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Chevrolet models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology