2011 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.

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Common 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt problems

The Chevrolet Cobalt, produced from 2005 to 2010, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. Here are the most frequently mentioned issues:

Check Engine Light and Misfire Due to Ignition Module/Coil Failure: The second most common issue found in 2005-2010 Cobalts is an engine misfire.

Broken Timing Chain: The main culprit for this issue has to do with a faulty timing chain tensioner, which can fail at around 108,000 miles.

Grinding Transmission When Shifting: This issue is most common in the 2008 Chevy Cobalt, with over 1,000 complaints and 5 recalls.

Power Steering Failure: The 2005 Cobalt had over 1,000 complaints, 6 recalls, and the notorious "Avoid Like the Plague" designation due to its electrical power steering system issues.

Sudden Loss of Power Steering Assist: The driver may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Key Can Be Removed from the Ignition When the Ignition Is Not in the "Off" Position: In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position, putting the vehicle at risk of rolling away if the parking brake isn't engaged.

These issues have led to recalls and fixes provided by GM, but it is essential for potential buyers to be aware of these problems before purchasing a used Chevrolet Cobalt.

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 A Chevy Cobalt A Good car?

Cobalts are decent cars but it's competitors are generally better - the Mazda3, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla should be considered as well. The Mazda3 and Honda Civic have better build quality and driving dynamics than the Cobalt (or Cavalier) - a difference that you will notice. They're more reliable, too.

Are Chevy Cobalts cheap to fix?

The annual maintenance cost of a Chevrolet Cobalt is $453. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

2011 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:

Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2011 Chevrolet Cobalt complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt.

2019-02-11

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
Components: STEERING
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING 1 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO COURTESY CHEVROLET (1233 E CAMELBACK RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85014, (602) 635-2559). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

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2012-03-14

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2012-02-16
VIN: 1G1AD5F53A7
Components: STEERING
Summary: WE BOUGHT THE 2011 COBALT USED FROM SHELOR MOTOR MILE IN CHRISTENBURG, VIRGINIA. WE NOTICED ABOUT 1 DAY LATER THAT THERE WAS A POPPING IN THE STEERING WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND EVEN TO THE LEFT. WE'VE ALREADY HAD IT CHECKED AT THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP HERE IN WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA AND WAS TOLD THE IT WAS THE INTERM SHAFT DEALING WITH THE STEERING, ($69.00), JUST TO HAVE IT CHECKED. WE'VE DONE ALOT OF CHECKING AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE'S A LOT OF COMPLANTS AND RECALLS FOR THE STEERING FOR THE COBALT. WHEN YOU'RE DRIVING AND START TO MAKE A TURN ABOUT 10 MILES AN HOUR, YOU CAN FEEL THE STEERING ACTS LIKE IT CATCHES. WE'VE ALSO CONTACTED GM ABOUT THIS AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE ISN'T ANY RECALLS FOR THE STEERING. WE FEEL THAT THIS DEFECT SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY GM AND OUR $69.00 THAT WE'VE ALREADY SPENT. WE HAVE JUST OVER 44500 MILES ON THE CAR. *TR

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt problems:

Chevrolet Cobalt Problems and Complaints - 16 Issues

https://repairpal.com/problems/chevrolet/cobalt

Top Chevrolet Cobalt Problems · Ignition Key Stuck Due to Failed Shifter · Check Engine Light and Misfire Due to Ignition Module/Coil Failure · Broken Timing Chain.

2010 Cobalt LT Electrical Issues | Chevy Cobalt Forum

https://www.yourcobalt.com/threads/2010-cobalt-lt-electrical-issues.31256/

Jan 31, 2013 ... My car stayed parked after a mishap in January 2011 for about 5 months. My post was not loose but wasn't tight either. My problem I beleive ...

Chevrolet Cobalt Transmission Issues — Car Forums at Edmunds.com

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/9401/chevrolet/cobalt/chevrolet-cobalt-transmission-issues

Jan 17, 2008 ... I see, because they didn't cover a tow you will turn towards a Japanese brand with known inferior customer service. What would you do if they ...

Loss or Power Steering/Computer Issues | Chevy Cobalt Forum

https://www.yourcobalt.com/threads/loss-or-power-steering-computer-issues.68329/

Dec 20, 2014 ... They (Newark, Ohio Chevy dealer) acted like they've never heard of this problem before and that it wasn't common!?!? After they completed this ...