Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Combined, EPA 2010
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed to negative, heavily dependent on the vehicle's age, maintenance history, and specific model year.
10 problems reported (3 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentElectrical system failures
Multiple, very frequent issues including: no-start conditions with key stuck in ignition; parasitic battery drain; flickering/pulsating headlights and dash lights; complete loss of accessory power outlets, rear defrost, and remote entry; radio/head unit failures that can prevent the car from starting; front speaker failure due to water ingress; faulty ground wires causing loss of communication with transmission control module (TCM) and instrument cluster.
- Very frequentAutomatic transmission problems
Hard shifting, late shifting, loss of overdrive, slipping, jerking, and stalling when coming to a stop. Concerns about solenoid failures and general reliability.
- Very frequentSevere rust/corrosion
Particularly on the undercarriage, rocker panels, front subframes, and fuel tank straps (noted recall for tank detachment). A persistent issue across model years, exacerbated in areas using road salt.
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentOil consumption and timing chain issues
Engines, particularly the 2.4L, noted for consuming oil and having plastic timing chain guides that can fail after approximately 150,000 miles (241,000 km), requiring preventative replacement.
- RecurrentInterior component failures
Peeling interior door handles, broken front passenger seat adjusters, fallen-off shifter and sunroof switch covers, turn signal switch not self-cancelling. General use of cheap, brittle plastics.
- RecurrentPower steering issues
Electronic power steering motor/module failures causing stiff steering, lack of self-centering, and dashboard warnings.
- RecurrentFuel system problems
Leaking fuel lines and fuel tanks (subject to a recall under 160,000 miles), stalling issues, rough idle.
- RecurrentIgnition switch problems
Separate from the major safety recall, keys commonly getting stuck in the ignition, requiring a manual release procedure.
- IsolatedPoor fuel economy
Real-world mileage reported as low as 22 MPG combined, significantly below original EPA estimates for some owners.
- IsolatedSuspension component failure
Struts, lower control arms, and stabilizer bars wearing out prematurely, leading to wobble and noise.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" version. The manual transmission models are implied to be preferable due to fewer reported issues compared to the problematic automatic transmissions. The SS Turbo model (with the 2.0L LNF engine) is mentioned in passing as a performance variant shared with other GM vehicles, but no detailed ownership feedback is provided in the data.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Dodge Caliber, Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Yaris, Honda Civic and Ford Focus (pre-2010).
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed to negative, heavily dependent on the vehicle's age, maintenance history, and specific model year. The Cobalt is widely regarded as a basic, affordable transportation appliance, with some owners reporting high mileage (over 250,000 miles/400,000 km) with diligent, often self-performed, maintenance. However, the community feedback is dominated by recurrent and very frequent reports of electrical system failures, transmission problems (particularly in automatics), and premature rust/corrosion. The 2.2L and 2.4L engines are generally considered reliable if maintained, but are frequently cited for oil consumption and timing chain guide failures at higher mileages. The interior quality and overall build are consistently criticized as cheap and prone to failure of minor components. The consensus positions the Cobalt as a problematic used car that can be kept running by a dedicated owner but is prone to numerous, often frustrating, age-related failures.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as an entry-level, low-cost compact car, often purchased used as a "beater." It is frequently compared unfavorably to contemporary Japanese competitors (Toyota Yaris, Honda Civic) for long-term reliability and build quality. Within the domestic market, it is seen as a successor to the Chevrolet Cavalier, with similar cost-cutting and reliability issues. The Chevrolet Cruze is mentioned as a more reliable successor. The Dodge Caliber is cited as a direct competitor of similar poor repute, with the Cobalt SS Turbo noted as a superior performance option to the Caliber SRT4. It is generally not recommended over more reliable, similarly priced used alternatives.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is strongly implied to be more reliable than the automatic. For rust-prone climates, undercoating is recommended as preventative maintenance. Checking and performing the ignition switch recall is cited as a critical safety step before purchase. Avoiding models with severe undercarriage rust, particularly on the front subframe and fuel tank straps, is advised.
General recommendations
Suitable only for budget-conscious buyers who are mechanically inclined and prepared to perform their own repairs. May serve as a short-term (1-2 year) "beater" for low annual mileage if purchased cheaply (around $2,000 USD) and with a pre-purchase inspection focusing on rust, electrical function, and transmission health. NOT recommended as a primary, reliable daily driver for those without repair skills or access to affordable labor. A thorough inspection for the ignition switch recall status, frame/subframe rust, and test of all electrical accessories (windows, locks, radio, speakers) is essential. Expect ongoing maintenance costs averaging $300-$400 USD per year for an owner performing their own work.
Remarks
The data covers primarily the first-generation Cobalt (2005-2010). A major safety recall for the ignition switch, which could cause the car to shut off while driving, is mentioned as critical and must be verified as completed. The vehicle's reputation suffers from a combination of poor corrosion protection, a fragile electrical system, and a problematic automatic transmission. Owner satisfaction appears highest among those who perform their own repairs and have managed to address these chronic issues proactively. The high-mileage examples cited (over 250,000 miles/400,000 km) are presented as outliers achieved through significant owner intervention, not as typical reliability. Analysis based on approximately 40 substantive owner discussions and problem reports.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2010Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 583 | 6 | steering |
| 2009 | 900 | 6 | fuel/propulsion system |
| 2008 | 940 | 5 | steering |
| 2007 | 1,564 | 6 | steering |
| 2006 | 2,330 | 6 | steering |
| 2005 | 1,649 | 6 | steering |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices35 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2010 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V171000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
2010 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 14V153000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
2010 · air bagscampaign 14V047000
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
2010 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 14E021000
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
2010 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 15V500000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles manufactured January 4, 2010, to June 23, 2010. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an improperly routed Side-Impact Sensor (SIS) wiring harness in the driver side front door. The misrouted wiring harness could cause an electrical short that disables the driver side curtain air bag.
2010 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 10V073000
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.
2009 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V171000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
2009 · air bagscampaign 14V047000
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
2009 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 14E021000
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
2009 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 12V459000
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Texas. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.
2009 · power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shiftcampaign 09V073000
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".
2009 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 10V073000
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.
2008 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V171000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
2008 · air bagscampaign 14V047000
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
2008 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 14E021000
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
20 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
2.4 i 16V SS
2.4L 4-cylinder · 174 hp · FWD · manual
Built 2006–2010