CHEVROLET COBALT · model year

2005 CHEVROLET COBALT

2231 NHTSA complaints, 150 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2005CHEVROLETCOBALT carries 2231 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 150 crashes, 17 fires, 115 injuries, and 16 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 COBALT is steering with 1063 filings, followed by electrical system (265) and engine (69). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2005 COBALT, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

2231
Complaints
150
Crashes
17
Fires
115
Injuries
16
Deaths

Total Complaints

2231 filings

Crashes Reported

150 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING1063
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM265
ENGINE69
AIR BAGS65
POWER TRAIN55
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM52
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM38
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL34
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES32
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING31
UNKNOWN OR OTHER28
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION26
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION26
SUSPENSION23

Recalls (6)

14E02100030/04/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year

04V56000022/11/2004

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.

07V01400018/01/2007

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.'

14V17100010/04/2014

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 ignition when the ignitio

14V04700010/02/2014

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

10V07300003/03/2010

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.

Recent Complaints

20260212ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition. The contact had to use the key release to remove the key manually. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found, and the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to coast to the side of the road. The steering locked up after the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted while driving a short distance. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found, and the failure persisted. The check engine warning light has been illuminated since the vehicle was purchased. The exhaust system, fuel lines, brake lines, and the engine had been repl

Mileage: 90,000

20260212ENGINE

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition. The contact had to use the key release to remove the key manually. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found, and the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to coast to the side of the road. The steering locked up after the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted while driving a short distance. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found, and the failure persisted. The check engine warning light has been illuminated since the vehicle was purchased. The exhaust system, fuel lines, brake lines, and the engine had been repl

Mileage: 90,000

20250604STEERING

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the desired direction. The contact stated the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20240809STEERING

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the power steering assist warning illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact was able to pull off the roadway, turned off, and restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the loss of power steering assist became a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20240402STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel seized and created a loss of the power steering functionality. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Mileage: 30,000

20231202ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

.Engine wire harness/yes . Could of started a fire/ cause multiple safty problems .no professionals confirmed .multiple problems with the new trans solenoids (new) problems with gas, tcm, I fixed the wire for the speed sensor and more

20231106VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The tcm in my 5 cobalt is not working properly I've tested and replaced everything els and had the tcm reprogrammed still getting problems aiming back to the tcm it wasn't looked at by a business

20231106ENGINE

The tcm in my 5 cobalt is not working properly I've tested and replaced everything els and had the tcm reprogrammed still getting problems aiming back to the tcm it wasn't looked at by a business

20231106ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The tcm in my 5 cobalt is not working properly I've tested and replaced everything els and had the tcm reprogrammed still getting problems aiming back to the tcm it wasn't looked at by a business

20231023STEERING

Power steering was lost while driving, speedometer stopped working and will not shift from low. Other sources say there has been a recall.

20230811STEERING

I started up my car and it was very hard to turn the wheel easier when I gained speed. The warning said "Power Steering"

20230811ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I started up my car and it was very hard to turn the wheel easier when I gained speed. The warning said "Power Steering"

20230811UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I started up my car and it was very hard to turn the wheel easier when I gained speed. The warning said "Power Steering"

20230710STEERING

For the last several years I have been experiencing loss of the power steering and the electrical just going crazy lights flashing horn blowing. I’ve had a new computer put in and power steering still going out. I looked online and saw there was a recall for power steering motor in cobalt models 2005 through 2010 but when I put in my Vin number, it says my car has no recall. I need to know if there is a power steering motor recall on my car if someone could help me I would greatly appreciate it.

20230710ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

For the last several years I have been experiencing loss of the power steering and the electrical just going crazy lights flashing horn blowing. I’ve had a new computer put in and power steering still going out. I looked online and saw there was a recall for power steering motor in cobalt models 2005 through 2010 but when I put in my Vin number, it says my car has no recall. I need to know if there is a power steering motor recall on my car if someone could help me I would greatly appreciate it.

20230516ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ignition switch had a previous recall, but now the ignition switch won’t turn the car on on the first 5-10 switches with any keys, or spare keys. Steering wheel shakes/wobbles when exceeding over 50mph.

20230516ENGINE

Ignition switch had a previous recall, but now the ignition switch won’t turn the car on on the first 5-10 switches with any keys, or spare keys. Steering wheel shakes/wobbles when exceeding over 50mph.

20230501LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while parked, the contact attempted to open the driver's side door; however, the door failed to open. Additionally, the window failed to operate as needed. The contact had to exit the vehicle through the passenger's side door. The contact attempted to unlock the door from the outside however, the door failed to open. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Mileage: 68,000

20230116ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ABS light lit, Traction light lit, power steering light lit, car jerking, not shifting. Stalling.

20220604CrashSTEERING

My mother owned this 2005 chevrolet cobalt 4D (vin # stated above). The power steering seemed to have quit working, as it was very hard to turn the steering wheel. On Dec.28, 2021 she (& my 2 daughters) were turning left & her car was hit by another car on the right front (passenger side), front 1/4 panel. The car was spun around several times. My mother was temporarily knocked unconscience & then came to. Car was totalled out. (Doctor ignored to perform a head scan instead he scanned her back). My mother bled on her brain for 3 months & died. It was very devastating

Compare 2005CHEVROLETCOBALT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT have?
The 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT has 2231 NHTSA complaints, 150 crashes, 17 fires, 115 injuries, and 16 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT?
Yes, the 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT?
The most-complained component for the 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT is STEERING with 1063 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE.
Is the 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.