Print this page

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.

Collapse Safety Ratings

NCAP 5-Star Crash Test & Rollover Safety Ratings

Driver FrontPassenger FrontDriver SidePassenger SideRollover
2005 Cobalt 2-DR*********not tested
2005 Cobalt 4-DR (Early release)***************not tested
2005 Cobalt 4-DR (Later release)****************not tested
NCAP videos are in WMV format.
Mac users can use Flip4Mac.
Find something helpful? Spread the word.

IIHS Crash Test & Rollover Safety Ratings

Good Acceptable Marginal Poor

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2-door coupe

Moderate Overlap FrontSmall Overlap DriverSmall Overlap PassengerSideRear1Rollover
G Overall
A Structure
G Head/Neck Injury
G Chest Injury
G Left Leg Injury
A Right Leg Injury
G Restraints
Full IIHS Moderate Overlap Crash Test report »
Not tested. Not tested. Not tested. A Overall
G Geometry
A Dynamic
Full IIHS Rear Impact Crash Test report »
Not tested.

1 — Manual cloth seats.

Good Acceptable Marginal Poor

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 4-door sedan

Moderate Overlap FrontSmall Overlap DriverSmall Overlap PassengerSide1Rear2Rollover
G Overall
G Structure
G Head/Neck Injury
G Chest Injury
G Left Leg Injury
G Right Leg Injury
G Restraints
Full IIHS Moderate Overlap Crash Test report »
Not tested. Not tested. A Overall
M Structure
Driver
G Head Protection
G Head/Neck Injury
M Torso Injury
G Pelvis/Legs Injury
Rear Passenger
G Head Protection
G Head/Neck Injury
G Torso Injury
G Pelvis/Legs Injury
Full IIHS Side Impact Crash Test report »
G Overall
G Geometry
G Dynamic
Full IIHS Rear Impact Crash Test report »
Not tested.

1 — With optional side airbags. With optional side airbags

2 — All seats.

Ratings only apply to the model and body or seat type tested. The date of manufacture and optional safety equipment can affect results. For full details see www.iihs.org.

Add Your Complaint

Bump the Cobalt problem graphs up another notch. Get answers and make your voice heard!

Become a Fan & Spread the Word