What year Chevrolet Cobalt should I avoid?

The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is the year to avoid, based on NHTSA data showing 574 complaints, a complaint index of 100, and 5 recall campaigns, the worst figures among the years covered.

Is the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt reliable?

NHTSA owner complaints and recalls show the 2010 Cobalt has significantly more reported problems than other Cobalt years, led by steering issues (239 complaints, 42% of the year's total) with a median failure mileage of 56,000 miles.

Does the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt have a steering recall?

Yes, NHTSA recall 14V153000 covers steering on the 2010 Cobalt, alongside recalls for airbags (15V500000) and an electrical ignition cylinder issue (14V171000).

Which Chevrolet Cobalt year is the best?

No Cobalt model year is listed as a Best Year in this data; years other than 2010 have too few reported complaints (as low as 1 or 2) to draw a reliable comparison.

What is the most common problem on the Chevrolet Cobalt?

Across all covered years, Steering is the top problem area with 242 complaints (42% of the total), followed by Electrical System with 127 complaints (22%) and Fuel System with 123 complaints (21%).

Chevrolet Cobalt Best and Worst Years (2010–2017)

The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is the year to avoid, with 574 complaints, a complaint index of 100, 5 recalls, 46 crashes, 7 fires, and 4 deaths, dominated by steering problems. No other model year has enough complaint data to be named a Best Year.

Avoid 2010

Model years: 5; 2010–2017
NHTSA complaints: 579
Recall campaigns: 5
Crashes reported: 46
Fires reported: 7
Top problem area: Steering

Cobalt Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Chevrolet Cobalt problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	100	574	46	7	5	Steering	29	—
2011	No verdict	75	2	0	0	0	Steering	—	—
2012	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	—	—	—
2016	No verdict	25	1	0	0	0	Fuel System	—	—
2017	No verdict	50	1	0	0	0	Steering	—	—

Cobalt years to avoid: what went wrong

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Index 100 · 574 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2010 Cobalt logged 574 complaints, far more than any other model year, and carries a complaint index of 100, the highest in the lineup. Steering issues account for 239 complaints (42%), with a median failure mileage of 56,000 miles; owners describe the steering wheel locking up or the vehicle losing control. Electrical System problems add 127 complaints (22%), also at a median 56,000 miles, and Fuel System issues total 122 complaints (21%) with median mileage of 105,999. Airbags account for 77 complaints (13%) at 67,000 miles. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this year, covering airbags, electrical ignition cylinders, and steering. The year saw 46 crashes, 7 fires, 45 injuries, and 4 deaths.

2010 steering problems →2010 electrical system problems →2010 fuel system problems →

Most common Chevrolet Cobalt problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Steering242 (42%)
Electrical System127 (22%)
Fuel System123 (21%)
Airbags77 (13%)
Engine54 (9%)
Brakes38 (7%)
Other32 (6%)
Transmission & Powertrain31 (5%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires22 (4%)
Structure & Body16 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Chevrolet Cobalt should I avoid?: The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is the year to avoid, based on NHTSA data showing 574 complaints, a complaint index of 100, and 5 recall campaigns, the worst figures among the years covered.
Is the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt reliable?: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls show the 2010 Cobalt has significantly more reported problems than other Cobalt years, led by steering issues (239 complaints, 42% of the year's total) with a median failure mileage of 56,000 miles.
Does the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt have a steering recall?: Yes, NHTSA recall 14V153000 covers steering on the 2010 Cobalt, alongside recalls for airbags (15V500000) and an electrical ignition cylinder issue (14V171000).
Which Chevrolet Cobalt year is the best?: No Cobalt model year is listed as a Best Year in this data; years other than 2010 have too few reported complaints (as low as 1 or 2) to draw a reliable comparison.
What is the most common problem on the Chevrolet Cobalt?: Across all covered years, Steering is the top problem area with 242 complaints (42% of the total), followed by Electrical System with 127 complaints (22%) and Fuel System with 123 complaints (21%).