2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 323about this part
- Share
- 20%of 1,649 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 323 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, 20% of the 1,649 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 13 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving through an intersection car shut off. This loss of power while driving has happened several times over the last few months. I called chevy dealership today and was notified ignition switch was already repaired previously and that I may be charged a diagnostic fee if I bring the car in for repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11363362, filed 2020-10, 200,000 miles“I went to crank my vehicle then proceeded to put it into drive to take off, but I had no power nothing. Turned my key over to recrank and it crank with no problem. This time allowing me to take off and drive. Now if I have the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position it sputters for atleast 50 to 60 secs before cranking.”
NHTSA complaint #10573491, filed 2014-03, 151,894 miles“When I unlock the driver door with the fob, the door would not open. I was driving one day and the relay electrical wiring started burning. When I took it back to the car dealer they told me there was nothing wrong. Myself and four other people smelled the burning. I gave the car back and nothing was done to satisfy the situation. I was told by an auto zone mechanic to park the car before it catches on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10810142, filed 2015-12, 12,800 miles“The power steering light, traction control light and a bell chimes. While I am in traffic the car slows down and begins to jerk. It has happen twice this week march 14 and the 16 in 5:00 pm traffic. I was going 40 when it happened. I called my used car dealer and he stated no warranty and to take it to get checked out. I have only had this car 5 months.”
NHTSA complaint #10390436, filed 2011-03, 82,200 miles“I was getting off an exit off the highway and my car just shut off. Sometimes also when I'm driving the key if touched turns the car off while driving. No accident because people avoided me had there been an accident I would have been seriously hurt and I am afraid everytime I drive. Also to take out the key everytime I have to stick my finger in the hole under the steering wheel otherwise it stays stuck.”
NHTSA complaint #10568639, filed 2014-03, 118,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V171000Apr 10, 2014General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice…Covers: Chevrolet Cobalt 2005–2010, HHR 2006–2011, Saturn Ion 2003–2007 +3 more
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- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
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- 10198890May 25, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
1,143 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
99 complaintsAir bags
71 complaintsEngine
69 complaintsFuel system
56 complaintsEngine cooling
51 complaintsBrakes
49 complaintsSuspension
47 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsBody and structure
46 complaintsVehicle speed control
40 complaintsEquipment
35 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology