Is the Chevrolet Cobalt reliable?

The Chevrolet Cobalt has 10,108 NHTSA complaints, or 4464.7 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is STEERING. Source: VinItel

What Chevrolet Cobalt years should I avoid?

Avoid the 2006 model year of the Chevrolet Cobalt — it has significantly more NHTSA complaints than other years. The 2006 model year alone has 3,056 complaints. Source: VinItel (vinitel.com)

What is the best year for the Chevrolet Cobalt?

Among Chevrolet Cobalt model years with enough on-road history, the most reliable years are 2002 (2 complaints), 2011 (2 complaints), 2010 (794 complaints). Source: NHTSA complaints database via VinItel.

What are common Chevrolet Cobalt problems?

The most common Chevrolet Cobalt problems reported to NHTSA are: STEERING (3,690 complaints, 6.9% crash rate); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1,284 complaints, 6.3% crash rate); FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1,105 complaints, 0.5% crash rate); AIR BAGS (570 complaints, 36.0% crash rate); FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (351 complaints, 1.4% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Chevrolet Cobalt?

Used Chevrolet Cobalt buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. The most reliable model years to look for: 2002, 2011, 2010. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Chevrolet Cobalt Reliability

10,108 NHTSA complaints (1996–2017). Complaint rate: 4464.7 per 1,000 vehicles.

Severity Score

11498.2

Complaints

10,108

Crash Rate

8.7%

Fire Rate

1.0%

Injuries

872

Fatalities

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: Avoid the 2005–2007 Chevrolet Cobalt (595 crash-related complaints). The 2011 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: STEERING.

Avoid These Years

2005–2007

~2,429/yr complaints · 595 crashes

Average

2008–2010

~937/yr complaints

Better Years

2011

~2/yr complaints

2002

~2/yr complaints

Looking at a specific Chevrolet Cobalt?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

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Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Chevrolet Cobalt — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2006 (3,056)

Common Chevrolet Cobalt Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
STEERING	3,690	6.9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1,284	6.3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	1,105	0.5%
AIR BAGS	570	36.0%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	351	1.4%
ENGINE	331	9.7%
POWER TRAIN	232	7.3%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	162	8.0%
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM	152	12.5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	142	12.7%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
2002GOOD	—	2	1	—	View →
2005AVOID	—	2,231	150	17	View →
2006AVOID	—	3,056	272	25	View →
2007AVOID	—	2,000	173	21	View →
2008	—	1,102	108	20	View →
2009	—	916	103	9	View →
2010	—	794	76	9	View →
2011GOOD	—	2	0	—	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

See also: Chevrolet Cobaltaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Chevrolet Cobalt?

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