2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 7%of 574 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,440miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the engine of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 7% of the 574 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,440 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.
“After starting the car the transmission bucks rough causing the front wheels to slip and causing the stability light to come on. Sometimes the vehicle bucks so hard and so many times it will stall out creating a very dangerous situation... My son's co-worker and friend has the same car and the same exact problem... I feel it is an issue with the transmissinon”
NHTSA complaint #10918114, filed 2016-10, 100,464 miles“I was stopped at a red light heading west on bell rd. And 43rd ave in phoenix arizona. When the light turned green I proceeded into the intersection. Then out of no where I was hit almost head on by a 1993 buick causing me head to hit the driver side window, and no airbags had deployed to prevent my head from hitting the glass.”
NHTSA complaint #10575934, filed 2014-03, 84,000 miles“I was driving home this morning and a deer jumped out in front of me. I slammed on the brakes and the engine shutoff. Making the power brakes and steering shutoff. Extremely dangerous not to mention if there is no power most likely the airbags will not deploy. A serious issue for a car that is less than 6 years old with around 80,000 miles on it. Just a disclaimer it is an automatic so there is no clutch.”
NHTSA complaint #10919062, filed 2016-10, 80,000 miles“As I was driving in the highway 70 MPH car abruptly loss engine power to almost a complete stop car would not go over 10 MPH car keeps having same safety problem I numerous times engine losses power while im driving I replaced 02 sensors battery and others car still have the same problem it is a recurrent problem in this car that no one seems to fix puts the driver in a very dangerous situation when you are in the high way and dangerously the car losses engine power all of the sudden.”
NHTSA complaint #11251995, filed 2019-08, 65,000 miles“On two occasions my Cobalt just shut off, once sitting in traffic the other while merging onto the interstate, I have also got service airbag lights blinking random during the same time frame. Dealer is telling me my car isn't included in recall, how can this be?”
NHTSA complaint #10576657, filed 2014-04, 87,440 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11008906Aug 19, 2024This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 11007115Aug 8, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007121Aug 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
239 complaintsElectrical system
125 complaintsFuel system
122 complaintsAir bags
77 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsElectronic stability control
11 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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