Chevrolet Cobalt problems
The Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Cobalt replaced both the Cavalier and the Toyota-based Geo/Chevrolet Prizm as Chevrolet's compact car. The Cobalt was available as both a coupe and sedan, as well as a sport compact version dubbed the Cobalt SS. Like the Chevrolet HHR and the Saturn ION, it was based on the GM Delta platform.
A Pontiac version was sold in the United States and Mexico under the G5 name for 2007–2009. It was sold as the Pontiac G4 in Mexico for 2005–2006 and as the Pontiac G5 in Canada for its entire run (where it was briefly known as the Pontiac Pursuit and later Pontiac G5 Pursuit). The G5 replaced the Cavalier-related Pontiac Sunfire. While the Cobalt was available as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan in all markets it was offered in, the G5 was only available as a coupé in the United States while a sedan version was sold alongside the coupé in Canada and Mexico.
As with their predecessors, all Cobalts and its Pontiac equivalents were manufactured at GM's plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico and Lordstown, Ohio. The United States Environmental Protection Agency classified the Cobalt as a subcompact car.
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Chevrolet Cobalt model years
Common Chevrolet Cobalt problems
The Chevrolet Cobalt, produced from 2005 to 2010, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are the details of the most frequently reported issues:
- Ignition Key Stuck Due to Failed Shifter: This issue affects 2005-2010 Cobalts, with 302 owners reporting that their keys get intermittently stuck in the car's ignition cylinder.
- Check Engine Light and Misfire Due to Ignition Module/Coil Failure: This problem is the second most common issue found in 2005-2010 Cobalts. The car's engine cuts off randomly, sometimes when slowing down or at a stop light/sign. The reported fix for this issue is to replace the ignition coil, which could cost an average of $353 to $426.
- Broken Timing Chain: This issue has affected all Cobalt model years from 2005 to 2011. The main culprit is a faulty timing chain tensioner, which can fail around 108,000 miles. Many Cobalt owners reported spending around $1,500 to $2,000 for the fix.
- Engine Misfire: This issue can be found in 2005-2010 Cobalts and tends to crop up around 107,000 miles. Reports from owners state that the car's engine cuts off randomly, sometimes when slowing down or at a stop light/sign. The reported fix for this issue is to replace the ignition coil, which could cost an average of $353 to $426.
- Power Steering Issues: The 2005 Cobalt had over 1,000 complaints, 6 recalls, and the notorious "Avoid Like the Plague" designation. Its most prominent issue is with its electrical power steering system. According to numerous reports, drivers have lost the car's power steering, which can be a scary experience. In some cases, the steering becomes stiff and won't turn in any direction. It's such a widespread issue that GM sent a recall notice for the 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalt due to a faulty power steering motor.
- Grinding Transmission When Shifting: The 2008 Chevy Cobalt had over 1,000 complaints and 5 recalls. The most common complaint is the grinding transmission when shifting. Several causes of the transmission grinds include low fluid transmission, contaminated transmission fluid, cracked or chipped gear, and faulty synchronizer. According to the reports, the issue happens at low mileage too.
These issues have contributed to the Chevrolet Cobalt's overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from Repair Pal, but potential buyers should be aware of these common problems before purchasing a used Cobalt.
What year of Chevy Cobalt to avoid?
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
The 2007 model was better, but it's still one of the worst Chevy Cobalt years to avoid because it inherited most of the problems from 2005 and 2006. CarComplaints logged over 2,000 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls and gave the 2007 Cobalt the “Beware of the Clunker” badge.
Is the Chevy Cobalt a reliable car?
The Chevrolet Cobalt Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 5th out of 36 for compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $453 which means it has excellent ownership costs.
What is the problem with Cobalt?
Cobalt (Co) is a hard, gray metal that occurs naturally. It is found in rocks, soil, water, plants, and animals, including people. It can harm the eyes, skin, heart, and lungs. Exposure to cobalt may cause cancer.
How many miles can a Chevy Cobalt last?
How long do Chevy Cobalts last? According to thedriveradviser.com, a good Chevy Cobalt should last 190,000-210,000 miles with proper maintenance. It's natural for a car to break at some point, but other items will also influence how long it will survive.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Cobalt years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Cobalt cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Cobalt model years:
- Chevrolet Cobalt 2006
- Chevrolet Cobalt 2005
- Chevrolet Cobalt 2007
- Chevrolet Cobalt 2008
- Chevrolet Cobalt 2009
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Cobalt model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Cobalt years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Cobalt car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Cobalt , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Air bags problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Cobalt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Cobalt model years
A total of 558 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Cobalt model years
There were a total of 73 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Cobalt model years
There were a total of 533 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Cobalt model years
There were a total of 45 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 7940 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Cobalt . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chevrolet Cobalt 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 1G1AF5F57A7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Internal mechanism of the driver-side door handle broke and the door would not open from the inside. Tne dealership confirmed that the inside door ah glue is broken. The cable retainer snapped apart and the cable cannot stay connected. This might be available for inspection. Driver must exit the vehicle by crawling over to the passenger side. The problem has been confirmed by a Chevrolet dealer. There were no warning lamps or messages. The manufacturer no longer makes this part and it could not be replaced. Service description says that the customer had an electrical concern and that the door would not unlock from the inside. This was inaccurate. It was mechanical. The door could unlock, it could not open. The dealership would not let the diagnosis proceed until the customer agreed to that statement. The dealership inaccurately recorded the mileage.
Chevrolet Cobalt 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-26
- VIN: 1G1AL15F767
- Components: STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My Power Steering is going out and then coming back in to use. Today is the second time it has happened. It went out just now, I reversed down the road to my house, and turn it off once I crank it again the steering is back. I haven’t gotten any pictures of it as I’m more worried about making it back to my house so I’m not in the road but will be more than happy to get a picture if this happens again. I’m also not sure which ADAS this connects to so I put cruise control.
Chevrolet Cobalt 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-09
- VIN: 1G1AL18F387
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The gas lines rusted out and the fuel pump is pooring gas out of it. I just bought the car 2 weeks ago smelled gas hit u set the car it was pouring out. I was going to fix it my self then while looking up the parts I ran across the fact they recalled both parts but not for my vin . What can I do. I'm gonna catch on fire
Chevrolet Cobalt 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-07
- VIN: 1G1AK15F667
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Was driving home from work on i70 through the canyon when out of no where I wasn't able to steer my car...was able to stop the car, turned it off .waited a minute then started back up that is when power steering came across my dash .nothing was wrong with my car ,drove normal then out of nowhere going the speed limit 75mph. I'm not able to steer my car. This never happened before ,scared the crap out of me with no warning almost crashed cause I could not steer my car.
Chevrolet Cobalt 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
- VIN: 1G1AT18H097
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: There is a leak in the fuel lines that is just awful. Constant while driving Many others have experienced as well. Leaves huge puddles of gas
Chevrolet Cobalt 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-09
- VIN: 1G1AK52F357
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
Chevrolet Cobalt 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-24
- VIN: 1G1AK55F167
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: The car idles very low when stopped and sputters/putters like it's going to die. It has now actually died on me twice while driving, luckily when you put it in park and turn the car off and back on it starts right back up but you can see how this is a severe safety hazard. The first time it died I was stopped in the turning lane waiting on traffic to go by so I could turn left (this is the busiest street in town) I go to start turning left the car just shuts off mid turn crossing the other lane of the street, luckily I didn't get hit by oncoming traffic and was able to coast onto the side street that I was turning on and pull over and turn the car off and back on and drive it home. I took it to the mechanic and he can't figure out what's wrong with it so he gives it a tune up and now the check engine light won't turn off...fast forward to today it dies again at a stop sign with my [XXX] in the car. It is ESPECIALLY bad if you have the AC on it seems like it effects the electrical like the car is going to shut off when I am stopped and the ac is running, so I turned off the ac and it was still sputtering when I would stop but didn't die again. There is an entire thread of people with the same issue as me: [XXX] this car needs recalled it is a death trap. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Cobalt 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-15
- VIN: 1G1AL58F987
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: My back seat belts don’t work properly. It takes 10-20 mins to try to get it to come out to buckle up. It locks up no matter how many times to let it roll up and try again. It’s happened since I’ve owned my car since 2019-2020. It’s the back seat belts only
Chevrolet Cobalt 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1AD5F56A7
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE 2007-2009 ON THE CORROSION OF THE GAS LINES ON DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO A CHEVY DEALER AND THEY SAID ITS THE SAME THING THATS HAPPENING TO MY CAR.AND THAT THEY ONLY DID THE RECALL ON 2007-2009 COLBALT MODELS .THE LAST COLBALT'S MADE WAS THE 2010 MODELS.WHY DIDNT THEY RECALL THEM ALSO.I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER CHEVY DEALER IN AMELIA AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING.THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP.ITS A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT FROM GM AND THEY KNOW IT.IF I HAVE TO I WILL GET A LAWYER AND SUE G.M. PERIOD.I CANT AFFORD TO FIX GM'S MISTAKES.THEY NEED TO COME CLEAN AND FIX THEM.IT LEAKS OUT GAS AND COULD START A FIRE OR EXPLODE WHILE I AM IN THE CAR.I DEMAND THIS TAKEN CAR OF BY GM AND STOP KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD.I WILL NOT STOP OR GIVE UP ON THIS .SENCE I WAS TOLD BY 2 DIFFRENT CHEVY DEALERSHIPS.
Chevrolet Cobalt 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-28
- VIN: 1G1AP58XX97
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: OEM headlights had become dim and one could no longer be aimed, so I ordered these replacements through Amazon. I paid $92 to have them installed, and the mechanic let me know that the high beams could not be activated, except by holding the turn signal, making it dangerous to steer. In addition, when the headlights are on they create so much RF, the radio no longer gets most AM or FM stations. The mechanic confirmed, they are wired incorrectly, but did not wish to attempt to rewire them.
Chevrolet Cobalt 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-23
- VIN: 1G1AL58F987
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: When the driver's side window on my 2008 Chevy Cobalt is fully open/down, the "Service air bag" warning light comes on. This seems to be the exact same issue that resulted in a recall on the 2010 model (NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V500000). When I called Chevrolet corporate customer service regarding this, they explained the model years were manufactured the same, and the reason my year did not have a recall could be that there were not enough reported complaints on it. It is very concerning, since as my dealer indicated, the airbag system seems to be disabled when in this condition. I put today's date as the when the incident occurred, but it's been a condition for the last few years.
Chevrolet Cobalt 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-01
- VIN: 1G1AL15F777
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a loud noise coming from the steering wheel. After the failure, while attempting to park the vehicle, the contact became aware of a crunchy sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that due to the failure result, the steering wheel became abnormally stiff and difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Chevrolet Cobalt 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-25
- VIN: 1G1AT58HX97
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start and was jumpstarted; however, the auto theft warning light illuminated, and the key could not be removed from the ignition. The contact was able to drive the vehicle however, the locks failed to lock the doors, and there was a clicking sound when the windows failed to roll up or down. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact stated that the tank was full however, the next day the fuel tank was empty. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,595.
Chevrolet Cobalt 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-02
- VIN: 1G1AK52F457
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
Chevrolet Cobalt 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-11
- VIN: 1G1AP18P977
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Timing chain came right threw the valve cover
Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Cobalt
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 35 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Cobalt.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Chevrolet Cobalt 2010
- Report Received Date: 2015-08-10
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A disabled driver side roof-rail air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of that air bag, increasing the risk of injury to the driver.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sensor's wiring in the driver's door and make repairs as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15075.
- Model: Chevrolet Cobalt 2007
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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).
- Model: Chevrolet Cobalt 2009
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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).
- Model: Chevrolet Cobalt 2010
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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).
- Model: Chevrolet Cobalt 2006
- Report Received Date: 2014-04-30
- Manufacturer: UCI-FRAM Group
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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).
Latest negative Chevrolet Cobalt car reviews
Latest positive Chevrolet Cobalt car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2006
This is definitely one of the best sport compacts on the road. It's quick, agile, and incredibly fun to drive. And for those of you who are into aftermarket tuning, there are multitudes of parts either out or coming out soon.
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Vehicle year: 2008
I've never owned an American-made car before this one, but I absolutely love it! It rides so smoothly and quietly, and I've even gotten up to the 50s in mpg on the highway. The display screen shows me everything I need to know. I bought it with 32,000 miles on it and haven't had any issues. It's a breeze to drive, reliable, and great on gas. I highly recommend it for college students or workers who commute. It's a fantastic choice!
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Vehicle year: 2009
You've got yourself a great, reliable car that's also fun to drive, all for a great price! Although I've encountered some minor cosmetic issues, such as the red light that shows what gear you're in being stuck and the plastic clip that you press to change gears breaking off, as well as the trunk light no longer working, it still runs great and is a joy to drive. The gas mileage is decent, but could be better. Overall, it's a great value for the price. By the way, I highly recommend getting a spare key! If your battery dies and you try to start the car, your key will be stuck in the ignition until you can jump the battery. There is a way to manually get the key out, but you would have to get into the steering column to press a tiny button which is hard to see.
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Vehicle year: 2008
I had a 2008 Cobalt Sport 2.4L for 12 years, driving it on and off as I traveled for work. It was an incredibly reliable car throughout the years, and I drove it hard - like, really hard - as it was my first new car and I was young. The only maintenance I needed during those 12 years were the usual brake replacements. In 2021, at 200,000 km, the balancer chain went and I was worried, but I ran it for another 60 km at over 130 degrees with no damage. It was a cheap and easy fix, and now it runs great again. Sadly, as I'm in Canada, the salt from the roads caused the side skirts to rust, but surprisingly, there was no wheel well rust and I never undercoated it. All in all, it was a fantastic car - reliable, cheap to fix, and fully loaded for its time. I especially loved the Panasonic stereo with the built-in 10-inch sub. It's a great car, no matter what anyone says!
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Vehicle year: 2010
This car has been great so far! It's a 2008 model with 19000 miles on it. While I agree with some of the editors' reviews that the interior is a bit cheap, the front seats are incredibly comfortable even on long trips. I have the xfe and the gas mileage is superb. I haven't had any issues with the braking, but I don't drive on a race track. The tires have performed extremely well in the snow this winter. Overall, it's a really good car that's extremely comfortable and smooth on highway trips.
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Cobalt?
Lincoln Mraz 2025-02-19
Vehicle year: 2009
I've been driving my Cobalt for the last two years without any significant problems. It's actually the first and only car I've ever had, and it's served me really well. I find it to be super comfortable, even on long car rides. And I especially love how quick it accelerates! Overall, I think the vehicle has held up really well against all my wear and tear.
Kaleb Nikolaus 2025-02-09
Vehicle year: 2005
I purchased this car for my daughter back in 2007, but unfortunately, it didn't meet our expectations. The interior was made of cheap plastic and the paint chipped off the radio buttons, which made it look unattractive. We experienced some mechanical issues initially, but unfortunately, the dealer wouldn't fix them under warranty. Perhaps they thought they could take advantage of my teenage daughter. Later on, we tried to have some recalls fixed, but the dealer refused to do so, stating that it wasn't worth the cost (the car was already six years old by then). We even reached out to Chevrolet, but they were unable to help us either. It was a disappointing experience, and it made us hesitant to purchase Chevy cars for a while. Even now, ten years later, we still chuckle when we see a Cobalt and tend to avoid Chevy's.
Noble Towne 2025-02-05
Vehicle year: 2010
I recently purchased this car brand new and unfortunately experienced an issue with the stereo volume control after only 275 miles. However, the dealership was very helpful and replaced it with a new one. It seems that this has been a common issue as the parts guy mentioned that several replacements have been ordered. As for the gas mileage, I have been getting around 19-21 MPG in the city, which is slightly lower than what was advertised. It could be due to the car still breaking in, but I am not entirely sure. During my test drive of the same model, which had 500 miles on it, the A/C was not working.
Emery Welch 2025-01-24
Vehicle year: 2009
I wanted to share my experience with owning this car for a year. Unfortunately, I have encountered some issues that have been quite frustrating. These include cylinder 4 misfire after 1000 miles, MAP Sensors failing (especially after getting the optional 'GM Stage 1 kit'), intermediate steering shaft rattles, condensation in the headlight, rear brake pads scoring the rotor, plastic charge pipe cracking due to extreme weather, and a thud when shifting into gear. I have had to take this car in for warranty work more than any other car I've owned, which has been a bit of a hassle. While I don't recommend the SS unless you are familiar with cars, I do believe that it has potential. After my warranty expires, I may consider selling it, but I am aware that this car has poor resale value. Perhaps I'll start tuning it. Thank you for listening to my experience.
Napoleon Wolf 2025-01-18
Vehicle year: 2009
I purchased a new 2009 garage-kept Cobalt LT black coupe. Unfortunately, after only 6 months, the clearcoat on the aluminum rims started bubbling and flaking. Additionally, the steering wheel/system rattles and thunks over small bumps after about 10K miles (same problem as my '06). The recall