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CarComplaints.com Notes: The Cobalt was introduced to replace two of Chevy’s smaller cars, the Cavalier and Prizm. But the compact’s fresh start that Chevy was hoping for was riddled with issues, most notably widespread power steering failure.

The power steering failed so often that GM was forced to issue a recall in March, 2010. Great, but what about other problems like the key getting stuck in the ignition or all the other electrical demons this car possesses?

And, oh yes — then there’s the terribly dangerous issue where the Cobalt randomly shuts off while driving. As it turns out, that problem is related to GM’s massive 2014 recall for a dangerous ignition switch defect. A recall that eventually ballooned to 2.6 million vehicles in one of the automotive industry’s biggest scandals.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$300
Average Mileage:
80,850 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner Comments

problem #2

Jul 172014

Cobalt LS 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,708 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Well, looks like my Cobalt is on its last legs. The electrical problem happened yet again for the third time and it was in park again. So this wasn't related to the ignition recall. The ignition was replaced last week 7/9/14. This time it's not even drivable. I can't get past 10mph before the car starts acting up and the transmission starts jerking the car.

I called the dealership and they told me wait over night and sees if the computer resets. Resetting the computer again won't fix the problem. They won't even send a flatbed to pick up my car yet. I'm beyond frustrated now because it's obvious now the dealership knows the problem but doesn't know how to fix it. They also want me to pay for the repairs, even though they looked at it twice and can't figure it out. I called GM care in Detroit for help. I'm in a hard situation right now. I don't know if this car is even worth fixing, if it's fixable, worth putting money into, or even how much money I would get for this car for a trade in in its current state. I'm at a loss right now.

- Frank K., Englewood, NJ, US

problem #1

Oct 012013

Cobalt 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,954 miles

It's funny my 9 year old car has these wiring problems my 20 year old car never had. Cheap crap and I will never buy a domestic and especially a gm car ever again. They cheap out on the backs of consumers. It's really sad. I hope when they go bankrupt again the government won't bail them out again.

Update from May 15, 2014: Specific to my complaint my dash board lights were flickering then my tail lights went out one by one which wasn't the bulbs and also a short in my license plate light.

- John C., Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

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