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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
99about this part
Share
6%of 1,649 total for the year
Median mileage
65,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 99 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, 6% of the 1,649 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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

“Recall no. N100023 - I was driving up to a stop sign and all of a sudden I couldn't turn the wheel. I was almost at a stop. The power steering was gone. A little later it turned back on. Recall no. 09041 - when I shift there is a clicking sound that is made inside where the shifter is, and then all of my sudden my car jerks. This happens when I am in motion. It jerks to the point I am physically moved.”

NHTSA complaint #11062005, filed 2018-01, 132,000 miles

“While driving home the Chevrolet Cobalt (which we've only had for two weeks) engine shut off, luckily we were in the neighborhood going slow when this happened. I started the car up again and pressed on the gas but it would not go forward, now only the reverse works.”

NHTSA complaint #10694399, filed 2015-03, 20,000 miles

“My transmission warning light on my 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is displayed on my dash and the car will gain or lose r.p.m.'s while driving and trying to maintain a constant speed (without depressing or letting up on the accelerator). This causes the car's speed to jump or drop. Please advise me on what to do.”

NHTSA complaint #10320704, filed 2010-03, 65,000 miles

“While driving the power steering goes out and the power steering light comes on. If the car is turned off and back on the power steering works fine, but will go out again while driving. This happens everytime I drive. I have been researching online and this seems to be a problem with many Cobalt, malibu and other models.”

NHTSA complaint #10297238, filed 2009-12, 61,500 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2010315%
2009294%
2008293%
2007433%
20061376%
2005996%

Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

Steering
1,143 complaintsElectrical system
323 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 31, 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