2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 412about this part
- Share
- 18%of 2,330 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 412 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, 18% of the 2,330 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 36 of these say a crash was involved and 6 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.
“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 miles“The car isn't drivable. Electric power steering out, electric plugs and wires, won't start at all. No clicks, nothing. If you turn the key nothing happens, but a light that is a car with a lock through it. This is my daughter's only transportation. I saw there was a recall on the power steering and electrical. Thank you kathy key”
NHTSA complaint #11331423, filed 2020-06, 202,385 miles“Car stopped 01/2019, repaired ($400) 2/11/2019: still not working: check engine light on, power steering light on, key gets stuck in ignition, alternator replaced, battery replaced, codes: iso 9141, lwp2000, link error. I need this car for work and chevy dealer says my VIN not attached to recall notices. Please attach recalls to this VIN”
NHTSA complaint #11176633, filed 2019-02, 125,000 miles“I was driving on the highway and my traction control came on. I lost steering control and my car started shifting rough and eventually my power deminished. Now comes on periodically for a couple days then will go off and drive fine. Also my airbag light stays on for passenger and shows it to be off. Has done this since I bought it.”
NHTSA complaint #11100377, filed 2018-06, 119,000 miles“Yesterday was on way home from work and car just died on city street with no warning. I somehow managed to get the car to a parking lot and out of traffic. I tried to start the car and no the car wont start back up so I had to have the car towed home. Last week I lost power steering while driving on a rural road and then car started acting like it was going to die. I stopped and when I stopped the car jerked into a forward position. …”
NHTSA complaint #11338886, filed 2020-07, 200,000 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
Related service bulletins
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 11000162Apr 30, 2024The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10249535Jan 8, 2024This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or…
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10239102Jun 29, 2023The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other…
- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10222841Sep 27, 2022This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
1,299 complaintsFuel system
466 complaintsAir bags
146 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
137 complaintsEngine
93 complaintsOther or unknown
55 complaintsBrakes
51 complaintsBody and structure
51 complaintsSuspension
51 complaintsVehicle speed control
48 complaintsEngine cooling
43 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
38 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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