MotorDeets

Chevrolet Cobalt problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Cobalt from 1996 to 2017: 7,681 owner complaints and 29 recalls across 13 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2006 (2330), 2005 (1649), 2007 (1564). Best fuel economy: 29 mpg combined (2010).

Chevrolet Cobalt
Photo: RL GNZLZ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Steering3890
Electrical1458
Fuel & propulsion1107
Airbags609
Fuel system478
Transmission & drivetrain368
Engine331
Suspension218

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199601–
200001–
200202–
20055164925
20065233025
20075156425
2008484527
2009571029
2010557429
201102–
201201–
201601–
201701–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Chevrolet Cobalt.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Chevrolet Cobalt?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2006 (2330), 2005 (1649), 2007 (1564).

How many recalls has the Chevrolet Cobalt had?

Across 1996–2017, NHTSA lists 29 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).