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2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,407 reports with mileage · 242 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 1,143 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 323 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 99 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

97 crash reports12 fire reports57 injury reports

Power Train complaints

99 reports
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7,273 miles · Mar 15, 2006
EquipmentExterior LightingPower Train

I PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT IN AUGUST OF 2005. IN DECEMBER OF 05 THE CAR WAS HAVING A PROBLEM RELATED TO THE AUTOMATIC SHIFTER AND WAS IN FOR SERVICE. THE SHIFTING UNIT WAS REPLACED, ALSO THE RADIO WAS REPROGRAMMED FOR FLASHING AN ERROR MESSAGE AT THE TIME OF SERVICE. BY FEBRUARY OF 06 THE SHIFTER WAS AGAIN VERY STIFF TO…

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I PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT IN AUGUST OF 2005. IN DECEMBER OF 05 THE CAR WAS HAVING A PROBLEM RELATED TO THE AUTOMATIC SHIFTER AND WAS IN FOR SERVICE. THE SHIFTING UNIT WAS REPLACED, ALSO THE RADIO WAS REPROGRAMMED FOR FLASHING AN ERROR MESSAGE AT THE TIME OF SERVICE. BY FEBRUARY OF 06 THE SHIFTER WAS AGAIN VERY STIFF TO MOVE AND WAS HAVING TROUBLE GETTING THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE GARAGE ADJUSTED THE SHIFTER LINKAGE AND LUBED THE CABLE ASSEMBLY, AT THIS TIME I ALSO HAD A CONCERN WITH THE OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS, CHANGING THEM FROM LOW BEAM TO HIGH BEAM. THE PROBLEM BEING THAT WHEN YOU SWITCH THE LIGHTS THEY GO OUT FOR A BRIEF TIME. THE GARAGE ORDERED A NEW MULTI-CONTROL SWITCH FOR THE CAR. A FEW DAYS AFTER HAVING THE CAR SERVICED FOR THESE PROBLEMS THE CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY AGAIN FROM THE SWITCH CAUSING THE BATTERY TO GO DEAD, AND THE SHIFTER WAS VERY STIFF. THE GARAGE ORDERED AND REPLACED THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY AND DEFECTIVE CYLINDER FOR THE KEY SWITCH. AS OF THE 7TH OF MARCH, 06, I WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE LIGHTS GOING OUT WHEN CHANGING FROM LOW TO HIGH BEAMS, THE CAR IS PRESENTLY IN THE SHOP. I HAVE CONTACTED GM ABOUT MY CONCERNS WITH THE SHIFTER AND THE LIGHTS. AFTER I DID THIS, I RECIEVED A CALL FROM THE GM REPRESENTITIVE THAT I HAD SPOKEN WITH ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER FROM THE GARAGE TOLD HIM THAT THIS IS A NORMAL CONDITION FOR THE VEHICLE AND THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10152740

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2006
Power Train

CLUTCH ON MY 2005 COBALT SS WILL NOT CLAMP DOWN AT HIGH RPMS IN SECOND GEAR. IT FEELS LIKE THE PRESSURE PLATE IS NOT GRABBING HARD ENOUGH. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10151636

11,780 miles · Feb 26, 2006
Power Train

MY PROBLEM IS WITH THE CLUTCH I HAVE 12000 MILES ON MY CAR AND CLUTCH IS SLIPPING UNDER LOAD. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10151239

4,334 miles · Feb 19, 2006
Power Train

CLUTCH WILL SLIP UNDER LOAD. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10150641

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2005
EquipmentPower Train

I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR I WENT TO MAKE A TURN ONTO A STREET AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR SHUTS OFF AND JUST COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP. I WASN'T GOING MORE THAN 5 MPH WHEN MAKING THE TURN AND I ALMOST GOT RE-ENDED BECAUSE MY CAR CAME TO A ABRUPT AND I ALMOST GOT RE-ENDED. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR PUT IT…

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I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR I WENT TO MAKE A TURN ONTO A STREET AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR SHUTS OFF AND JUST COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP. I WASN'T GOING MORE THAN 5 MPH WHEN MAKING THE TURN AND I ALMOST GOT RE-ENDED BECAUSE MY CAR CAME TO A ABRUPT AND I ALMOST GOT RE-ENDED. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR PUT IT BACK INTO PARK AND RESTART. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THIS HAPPENED ON 10/24/05, AND THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED 2 MORE TIMES AFTER FOR A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES B/C IT HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY ON 10/2/05. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10141795

5,000 miles · Sep 15, 2005
Power Train

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2005 CHEVY COBALT SS/SC. I HAVE 5000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THE SHIFT LINKAGE HAS FAILED. THE PROBLEM LIES IN FACT THAT CHEVY/GM DOES NOT OFFER A REPLACEMENT PART FOR THIS. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR 3 DAYS AND STILL NO IDEA OF WHEN A PART WILL BE LOCATED AND IF THE PART CAN BE LOCATED. I WAS ABLE T…

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I AM THE OWNER OF A 2005 CHEVY COBALT SS/SC. I HAVE 5000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THE SHIFT LINKAGE HAS FAILED. THE PROBLEM LIES IN FACT THAT CHEVY/GM DOES NOT OFFER A REPLACEMENT PART FOR THIS. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR 3 DAYS AND STILL NO IDEA OF WHEN A PART WILL BE LOCATED AND IF THE PART CAN BE LOCATED. I WAS ABLE TO RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT SAAB USES THE EXACT TRANSMISSION SETUP. SAAB DOES OFFER THIS PART BUT THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP WILL NOT PUT OR ATTEMPT TO TRY THE SAAB PART SINCE IT DOES HAVE THE CHEVY PART NUMBER ON IT. AT THIS POINT MY BRAND NEW CAR IS SITTING IN THE STORAGE OF A DEALERSHIP THAT IS HOPING THEY CAN FIND A PART TO FIX THE CAR WITH. WHY WOULD CHEVROLET SELL A VEHICLE THAT THEY CANNOT SUPPORT WITH PARTS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10136649

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2005
Power TrainSuspension

DT: 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN CHANGING FROM PARK TO DRIVE HEARD NOISE IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY FIXED A PART ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING THE SAME NOISE. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL DIFFERENT NOISES WERE COMING FROM THE SUSPE…

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DT: 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN CHANGING FROM PARK TO DRIVE HEARD NOISE IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY FIXED A PART ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING THE SAME NOISE. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL DIFFERENT NOISES WERE COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10132443

Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2005
Power Train

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE CLUTCH PEDAL FAILED IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10124631

Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2005
Power Train

CAR WOULD NOT START AND AND AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS REVERSE LIGHTS CAME ON. PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE A BROKEN SHIFTER CABLE. SHIFTER CABLE CAME OFF SHIFT CONTROL, CAUISNG THE NEATRAL SWITCH TO TO BLOCK THE STARTING . *AK

NHTSA ODI #10107954

Official recalls

5

14V171000 · Electrical System:ignition

Apr 10, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch

Feb 10, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Electrical System:ignition:switch

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

10V073000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Mar 3, 2010

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

07V014000 · Structure

Jan 18, 2007

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.'

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

04V560000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Nov 22, 2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BULB SHIELDS INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMPS CAN LOOSEN DUE TO VIBRATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE BULB SHIELD CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. IF THIS OCCURRED ON A HEADLAMP INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE, ONCOMING DRIVERS MAY NOTICE ADDITIONAL GLARE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE10005 · Electric Power Steering Failure

Opened Jan 27, 2010 · Closed Jul 19, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System

In a March 1, 2010 letter, General Motors Corporation (GM) provided a defect information report to NHTSA regarding a problem that could result in sudden loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and MY 2007 through 2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS).The letter indicates that the loss of steering assist could occur at any time while driving and that, once assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and a chime sounds to inform the driver.The letter further states that steering control is maintained in manual mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds.In the next ignition cycle, power assist is typically regained and the DIC message is no longer displayed.GM's letter identifies the root cause of the EPS failure as the EPS motor and indicates that production of a new motor started in December 2009.GM's recall repair procedure instructs dealers to replace the EPS motor in all recalled vehicles. ODI's analysis of all information available related to sudden loss of EPS assist while driving in the MY 2005 through 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles shows current complaint and warranty rates of 323/100,000 vehicles and 0.4% respectively.In response to ODI's request for information, GM identified 81 complaints where a crash was claimed that may be related to loss of EPS assist.ODI's analysis of all crash claims was based on verifiable factors such as; whether a loss of EPS was indicated at the time of the crash by a chime or malfunction indicator lamp or if a EPS related component malfunction was identified after the crash occurred.With this method ODI identified 36 possible crashes related to EPS failure.GM assessed crash claims based on the available facts and excluded crash claims that indicated that the vehicle was travelling at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater.GM said that it believes if power assist is lost while a vehicle is moving at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater there is a small difference in steering efforts perceived in subjective evaluations at those speeds and it is unlikely to lead to loss of vehicle control. Based on GM's safety recall, this investigation is closed.