2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,649 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

1,402 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 63,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering949
39527
Electrical System175
714
Air Bags47
27027
Steering › Electric Power Assist System44
110
Fuel/Propulsion System33
020
Engine33
303
Engine and Engine Cooling27
010
Power Train25
100
Electrical System › Ignition22
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages21
100

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch14E021000
Filed Apr 30, 201414,529 vehiclesUci-Fram Group

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.

Remedy. UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).

Electrical System › Ignition14V171000
Filed Apr 10, 20142,191,014 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy. General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

Air Bags14V047000
Filed Feb 10, 20142,190,934 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System10V073000
Filed Mar 3, 20101,050,889 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Structure07V014000
Filed Jan 18, 200798,707 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.'

Risk. IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights04V560000
Filed Nov 22, 20041,378 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BULB SHIELDS INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMPS CAN LOOSEN DUE TO VIBRATION.

Risk. THE BULB SHIELD CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. IF THIS OCCURRED ON A HEADLAMP INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE, ONCOMING DRIVERS MAY NOTICE ADDITIONAL GLARE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Feb 12, 202690,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition. The contact had to use the key release to remove the key manually. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found, and the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to coast to the side of the road. The steering locked up after the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted while driving a short distance. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found, and the failure persisted. The check engine warning light has been illuminated since the vehicle was purchased. The exhaust system, fuel lines, brake lines, and the engine had been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Steering
Filed Jun 4, 2025200,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the desired direction. The contact stated the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 9, 2024200,000 milesWV

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the power steering assist warning illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact was able to pull off the roadway, turned off, and restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the loss of power steering assist became a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Power Steering Fluid
Filed Apr 2, 202430,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel seized and created a loss of the power steering functionality. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 2, 2023PA

.Engine wire harness/yes . Could of started a fire/ cause multiple safty problems .no professionals confirmed .multiple problems with the new trans solenoids (new) problems with gas, tcm, I fixed the wire for the speed sensor and more

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 6, 2023PA

The tcm in my 5 cobalt is not working properly I've tested and replaced everything els and had the tcm reprogrammed still getting problems aiming back to the tcm it wasn't looked at by a business

Steering
Filed Oct 23, 2023MI

Power steering was lost while driving, speedometer stopped working and will not shift from low. Other sources say there has been a recall.

Steering
Filed Aug 11, 2023WA

I started up my car and it was very hard to turn the wheel easier when I gained speed. The warning said "Power Steering"

Steering
Filed Jul 10, 2023VA

For the last several years I have been experiencing loss of the power steering and the electrical just going crazy lights flashing horn blowing. I’ve had a new computer put in and power steering still going out. I looked online and saw there was a recall for power steering motor in cobalt models 2005 through 2010 but when I put in my Vin number, it says my car has no recall. I need to know if there is a power steering motor recall on my car if someone could help me I would greatly appreciate it.

Electrical System
Filed May 16, 2023TX

Ignition switch had a previous recall, but now the ignition switch won’t turn the car on on the first 5-10 switches with any keys, or spare keys. Steering wheel shakes/wobbles when exceeding over 50mph.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed May 1, 202368,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while parked, the contact attempted to open the driver's side door; however, the door failed to open. Additionally, the window failed to operate as needed. The contact had to exit the vehicle through the passenger's side door. The contact attempted to unlock the door from the outside however, the door failed to open. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 16, 2023PA

ABS light lit, Traction light lit, power steering light lit, car jerking, not shifting. Stalling.

SteeringCrash3 injured
Filed Jun 4, 2022FL

My mother owned this 2005 chevrolet cobalt 4D (vin # stated above). The power steering seemed to have quit working, as it was very hard to turn the steering wheel. On Dec.28, 2021 she (& my 2 daughters) were turning left & her car was hit by another car on the right front (passenger side), front 1/4 panel. The car was spun around several times. My mother was temporarily knocked unconscience & then came to. Car was totalled out. (Doctor ignored to perform a head scan instead he scanned her back). My mother bled on her brain for 3 months & died. It was very devastating

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 26, 2022KY

My husband was driving and the car suddenly stopped taking gas and said reduced engine power. He got it back home as it was only a few miles but top speed was less than 10 mph. It never did run right anymore and then completely stopped a few days later. Also the key gets stuck in the car if the battery goes dead. I had to leave the key in with the window down because I was scared of getting locked out. When my husband was able to come and charge the battery some it released the key. It never had any issues like these until they suddenly started. These issues showed up in summer 2021. Codes mentioned general electrical failure, throttle control issues with pedal and tac module. High and low voltage to tac module.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 25, 2021IN

I have a fuel leak by the left rear tire possibly a corroded fuel line. I smelled gas for two days. The leak was by the exhaust. My children and I could of been killed.

Steering
Filed Apr 23, 2021160,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. INVALID VIN.

Steering
Filed Mar 9, 202195,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL DINGING SOUND PRESENT. THE TRACTION CONTROL AND POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE TRANSMISSION MADE AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SEVERAL YEARS PRIOR AND THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC GROUNDED OUT THE TRACTION CONTROL MODULE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

Suspension
Filed Mar 5, 2021MO

THE SWAY BAR, CONTROL ARMS, & BUSHINGS WERE ALL FAULTY. THE ENTIRE FRONT END WILL HAVE TO BE REBUILT DUE TO SUBPAR PARTS BEING USED IN MANUFACTURING.

Power Train
Filed Feb 19, 2021100,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT POINT FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT GEARS INCORRECTLY AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND STALL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BE DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXTRA EFFORT WAS NEEDED TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED WHILE DRIVING, PROVIDING SPEED READINGS OF 40 MPH, 20 MPH, 50 MPH INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE HOWEVER, THE REPAIR FAILED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO SEVERAL DEALERS AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 17, 2021179,000 milesPA

THE 2013 POWER ASSIST MODULE (DUE TO PROBLEMS AND RECALL) THAT WAS INSTALLED IN MY CAR BACK AT THAT TIME-THE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN 2015--WELL BEFORE I PURCHASED MYCAR WHICH WAS 2018. POWER STEERING PROBLEMS HAVE RETURNED AS I CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR DUE TO LACK OF POWER STEERING-CANNOT DRIVE EVEN IN MY DRIVEWAY.. THIS, OBVIOUSLY, IS A RECURRING PROBLEM AND ANOTHER RECALL NEEDS TO BE IMPLEMENTED ESPECIALLY WHEN THOSE OF US CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT IS THE MANUFACTURER'S AND/OR MANUFACTURERS' FAULT. PLEASE HELP!!!

20 of 1,649 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20171000Routine
20161000Routine
20121000Routine
20112000Routine
2010574674Fatalities reported
2009710675Fatalities reported
200884551413Fatalities reported
20071,5646167Fatalities reported
20062,3306148Fatalities reported
2005 — this page1,64961211Fatalities reported
20022000Routine
20001000Routine
19961000Routine

Compare every Cobalt year →

Reading this record

11 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 30, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.