Model year
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
NHTSA lists 5 recalls and 1,649 complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are STEERING (1,063), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (265), ENGINE (69). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 23–25 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,700–$3,550, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2005 1,649 complaints
- 2006 2,330 complaints
- 2007 1,564 complaints
- 2008 845 complaints
- 2009 710 complaints
- 2010 574 complaints
Recalls
14V171000 · Apr 10, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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…
14V047000 · Feb 10, 2014
AIR BAGS; 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)…
10V073000 · Mar 3, 2010
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
07V014000 · Jan 18, 2007
STRUCTURE
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.'
04V560000 · Nov 22, 2004
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Complaints
1,649 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 97, fire flag on 12, injury field 72, deaths field 11. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE10005 | Electric Power Steering Failure · STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | Jan 27, 2010 | Jul 19, 2010 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobalt · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 23 | — | — | $3,550 |
| Cobalt · 2.2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 29 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
| Cobalt · 2.2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 22 | 31 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.