Chevrolet Cobalt Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 7,672 consumer complaints across the 6 model years of the Chevrolet Cobalt (2005–2010) that have at least 5 complaints. 2006 has the most, with 2,330. Across all years, the part named most often is steering (3,885 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Cobalt model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 574 | 64,000 | 5 | 1,139 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 710 | 74,000 | 5 | 1,005 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 845 | 75,124 | 4 | 947 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 1,564 | 64,117 | 5 | 883 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 2,330 | 66,236 | 5 | 795 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,649 | 63,000 | 5 | 646 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Steering3,885 45%
- Fuel system1,579 18%
- Electrical system1,458 17%
- Air bags608 7.0%
- Transmission and drivetrain368 4.2%
- Engine331 3.8%
- Brakes232 2.7%
- Suspension218 2.5%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2008: “I have been noticing a gas smell for a few weeks and with further investigation I noticed that gas was leaking near the clip that holds the lines up by the driver's side rear tire. My mechanic noticed that when he cut back the heat shield that was a rusted out hole causing the leak. Both the fuel and the return line have rusted and are leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #11361525, filed 2020-09, 155,000 miles2007: “I went to turn the car on and it wouldn't start. As I tried to take the key out of the ignition it locked itself in and have not been able to remove it.I was going to attempt the car jump but I couldn't put the car in neutral to move it to a position to get a jump because the gear shift is also locked. It is impossible to move this car as is.”
NHTSA complaint #11353394, filed 2020-09, 113,000 miles2006: “The traction control light appears the car idles and shifts hard tries to shift off. The locks unlock and relock in a fast pace. The service engine soon light flashes. It does not matter my speed of the vehicle it happens even when driving 10 miles an hour. It is very scary. I am afraid to drive this car. When turning the steering wheel it is rough to turn.”
NHTSA complaint #11311998, filed 2020-02, 140,640 milesOther Chevrolet models
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8,199 complaintsChevrolet Suburban
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About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology