1996 Chevrolet Cobalt problems

General information about Chevrolet-Cobalt
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

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.

Social links

Common 1996 Chevrolet Cobalt problems

The Chevrolet Cobalt, produced from 2004 to 2010, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

Engine and Engine Cooling Problems: The 1996 Chevrolet Cobalt has also been known to have engine and engine cooling problems. One such issue is related to the engine control module (ECU/ECM), which may require remanufacture and return (R&R) electronic control modules.

Transmission Problems: Transmission problems have also been reported by owners of the 1996 Chevrolet Cobalt. These issues may include problems with the shift solenoids, which are located in the transmission and may require checking at a shop.

Engine Issues: Engine problems have been reported by owners of the 1996 Chevrolet Cobalt, including issues with the fuel injector becoming clogged with carbon.

It is important for owners of the 1996 Chevrolet Cobalt to be aware of these common problems and to address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicle. Regular maintenance and inspections can help to identify potential issues before they become major problems, and it is always recommended to consult with a qualified mechanic or dealership for any necessary repairs or maintenance.

What is the most common problem with the Chevy Cobalt?

What years to avoid Chevy Cobalt?

To save you time, here's a quick list of the worst Cobalt model years to avoid:

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt.
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt.
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt.

Is the Cobalt a reliable car?

The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 9% for the Chevrolet Cobalt, compared to an average of 11% for compact cars and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.

Can a Chevy Cobalt last 300000 miles?

According to getjerry.com, a typical Chevy will last 200,000-300,000 miles. This lifespan is solid, and the Chevy Cobalt barely hits the bottom portion of that range. It's definitely not the best Chevy can offer in mileage offerings, but it does hit the ideal number.

What is the most common problem with the Chevy Cobalt?

What years to avoid Chevy Cobalt?

To save you time, here's a quick list of the worst Cobalt model years to avoid:

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt.
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt.
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt.

Is the Cobalt a reliable car?

How long does a Chevy Cobalt engine last?

According to thedriveradviser.com, a good Chevy Cobalt should last 190,000-210,000 miles with proper maintenance.

1996 Chevrolet Cobalt car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Cobalt problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1996 Chevrolet Cobalt complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Chevrolet Cobalt.

2009-08-28

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-08-18
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG WAS INOPERATIVE. AS A CONSEQUENCE IN A SITUATION THAT WARRANTS THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN WHICH A TECHNICIAN ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICIAN BULLETIN THAT SPECIFIES THAT THE WIRING HARNESS SHOULD BE MODIFIED. ADDITIONALLY HE ADDED THAT BECAUSE THERE NOT AN OFFICIAL RECALL THEREFORE HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. AS OF CURRENT DATE THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Add Complaint

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1996 Chevrolet Cobalt problems:

Chevrolet Cobalt Questions - Timing chain broke I think on my 2007 ...

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t30088_ds693357

Nov 25, 2015 ... It is an interference engine so depending on how far the timing jumped, there could be valve damage. This is a fairly common problem. 26 people ...

Q&A: 1996 Chevy Silverado Brake Booster Replacement | Chevy ...

https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/3t21e-96-chevy-k1500-4x4-recently-replaced-brake.html

Jul 28, 2010 ... Usually never causes any problems! BUT!! It is known that contamination builds up inside the caliper, and then it can cause problems when pushed ...

Chevy Cobalt - Good or Bad Idea? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy

https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/a3f4cu/chevy_cobalt_good_or_bad_idea/

Dec 5, 2018 ... That's the problem with Civics (and to a lesser extent, Corollas) - they're great cars but they hold their value a little too well, and people ...

Common 2007 Chevy Cobalt Problems: Q&A on Instrument Cluster ...

https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/mb0p5-son-2007-chevy-cobalt-problem.html

Jun 24, 2023 ... My son has a 2007 Chevy cobalt. It has the same problem a lot of them have. Dash lights not working correctly, power - Answered by a ...

07 Cobalt Front End Issues | Chevy Cobalt Forum

https://www.yourcobalt.com/threads/07-cobalt-front-end-issues.16162/

Jan 16, 2010 ... almost sounds like you guys are looking at the wrong end of the car. My girl's 96 Grand Am was just in for two tires and an alignment, and has a ...