Chevrolet Cobalt Best and Worst Years (2005–2017)
Avoid the 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt: they carry the highest complaint indexes (78, 100, and 89) and are dominated by steering failures. The 2010 model year is the lone Good verdict with a complaint index of 44, while 2008-2009 fall into Caution.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 10
- 2005–2017
- NHTSA complaints
- 7,677
- Recall campaigns
- 10
- Crashes reported
- 558
- Fires reported
- 70
- 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.
Chevrolet Cobalt problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Avoid | 78 | 1,649 | 97 | 12 | 5 | Steering | 24 | — |
| 2006 | Avoid | 100 | 2,330 | 164 | 14 | 5 | Steering | 24 | — |
| 2007 | Avoid | 89 | 1,564 | 116 | 16 | 5 | Steering | 24 | — |
| 2008 | Caution | 56 | 845 | 76 | 14 | 4 | Steering | 26 | — |
| 2009 | Caution | 67 | 710 | 59 | 7 | 5 | Fuel System | 28 | — |
| 2010 | Good | 44 | 574 | 46 | 7 | 5 | Steering | 29 | — |
| 2011 | No verdict | 33 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Steering | — | — |
| 2012 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — |
| 2016 | No verdict | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Fuel System | — | — |
| 2017 | No verdict | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Steering | — | — |
Cobalt years to avoid: what went wrong
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Index 100 · 2,330 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2006 Cobalt has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100 and ranks worst overall. Steering problems account for 56% of complaints, with failures occurring at a median of about 66,785 miles; owners describe sudden veering or loss of steering control. Fuel system issues follow at 20% of complaints with a median mileage near 85,500. This year recorded 164 crashes and 196 injuries, the highest of any Cobalt year, alongside five recall campaigns including the ignition switch and electric power steering recalls.
2006 steering problems →2006 fuel system problems →2006 electrical system problems →
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Index 89 · 1,564 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2007 Cobalt has a complaint index of 89 and ranks second-worst overall. Steering complaints make up 44% of the total, with a median failure mileage of about 52,200, the lowest onset mileage among the avoid years; owners describe the power steering tightening or failing during turns. Fuel system complaints follow at 28%, with a median mileage near 86,750, and include reports of fires after crashes. Five recall campaigns apply to this year, covering steering, electrical, airbags, and a fuel pump module recall specific to 2007.
2007 steering problems →2007 fuel system problems →2007 electrical system problems →
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Index 78 · 1,649 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2005 Cobalt has a complaint index of 78 and ranks third-worst of all years. Steering complaints make up 69% of its issues, with a median failure mileage around 61,000 miles; owners describe sudden loss of power steering assist, including cases where the steering wheel became very hard to turn while driving. Electrical system problems account for another 21% of complaints, with a median mileage near 60,000. NHTSA lists five recall campaigns for this model year, covering steering, electrical, and airbag systems, including the widely reported ignition switch issue.
2005 steering problems →2005 electrical system problems →2005 engine problems →
Most common Chevy Cobalt problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Steering3,888 (51%)
- Fuel System1,580 (21%)
- Electrical System1,516 (20%)
- Airbags608 (8%)
- Engine603 (8%)
- Brakes375 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain368 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires301 (4%)
- Structure & Body246 (3%)
- Other243 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the worst Chevrolet Cobalt years to avoid?
- NHTSA data flags 2005, 2006, and 2007 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 78, 100, and 89 respectively. All three are dominated by steering complaints, which make up over 44% of reported issues in each of those years.
- What year Chevrolet Cobalt is the safest to buy?
- The 2010 Cobalt is the only year rated Good, with a complaint index of 44, the lowest among years with meaningful complaint volume.
- Does the Chevrolet Cobalt have a steering recall?
- Yes. A 2010 recall (10V073000) covers 2005-2010 Cobalts with electric power steering, addressing sudden loss of power steering assist. Steering is also the top complaint area across nearly every model year, accounting for 51% of all complaints.
- Is the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt reliable?
- The 2006 Cobalt has the highest complaint index of any Cobalt year at 100, with 2,330 complaints, 164 crashes, and 196 injuries reported to NHTSA, making it the worst year relative to other Cobalt model years.
- How many recalls does the Chevrolet Cobalt have?
- Across all model years, NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Cobalt, with individual years like 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009 each carrying five campaigns.