2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 5%of 574 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 5% of the 574 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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 took my car to have the recalls fixed although I was having no problems. Putnam Chevrolet in burlingame supposedly did it. The first time I had to parallel park my steering wheel became impossible to turn and. I had to get out and find a place where I didn't have to steer very much which living in san francisco is nearly impossible. Also my gear shift marks red in d even when I am in reverse or parked.”
NHTSA complaint #10910987, filed 2016-10, 28,000 miles“While driving on nys I-90, my 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt ls 2010 went into engine power reduced and I was not able to drive over 40 MPH. I pulled off to the shoulder and waited for about 10 minutes. I started back up, check engine light remained on and car stays in limp mode. The vehicle now idles rough, accelerates slow when at red lights and stop signs and bucks when shifting gears. First at 10 MPH (hard buck) than (lighter buck) at 20 MPH, and continues lighter through acceleration. …”
NHTSA complaint #10787380, filed 2015-10, 107,225 miles“On june 6 I was traveling on the highway going to my home with my family I was going about 40 miles . When I try to make a left turn the steering wheel got tight and when I try to stop I had to pull over to the side of the road I almost had an terrible accident my wife is still in shock. Thank god I did not wreak my car. Rite now I cant drive my car. I am very scared. I received a recall mail to fix my ignition switch but still waiting.I would like my steering and ignition to be fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10596946, filed 2014-06, 49,200 miles“The little orange piece of plastic shift indicator that says what gear I'm in broke. And for a 2 year old car it should not have as its in a sealed enclosure. Gm says I'm on my own because bumper to bumper warranty is expired.”
NHTSA complaint #10472980, filed 2012-08, 54,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 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…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
239 complaintsElectrical system
125 complaintsFuel system
122 complaintsAir bags
77 complaintsEngine
38 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 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