CHEVROLET COBALT · model year

2006 CHEVROLET COBALT

3056 NHTSA complaints, 272 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006CHEVROLETCOBALT carries 3056 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 272 crashes, 25 fires, 358 injuries, and 20 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 2006 COBALT is steering with 1237 filings, followed by electrical system (365) and fuel/propulsion system (255). 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 2006 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.

3056
Complaints
272
Crashes
25
Fires
358
Injuries
20
Deaths

Total Complaints

3056 filings

Crashes Reported

272 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING1237
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM365
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM255
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE163
AIR BAGS132
ENGINE93
POWER TRAIN76
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP52
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM48
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL41
UNKNOWN OR OTHER40
SUSPENSION36
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION34
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION34
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES31

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

09V41900029/10/2009

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STAT

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

20250918ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

All of these failed again after repair, the car hes been disabled for over 2 years with the same failures. < Dealer Recalls 14115 Dec 5, 2014 Product Safety - Electric Power Steering Assist 14113C Jul 17, 2014 Product Safety - Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder and Ignition Key 14113 Jul 17, 2014 Product Safety - Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder and Ignition Key

20250918STEERING

All of these failed again after repair, the car hes been disabled for over 2 years with the same failures. < Dealer Recalls 14115 Dec 5, 2014 Product Safety - Electric Power Steering Assist 14113C Jul 17, 2014 Product Safety - Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder and Ignition Key 14113 Jul 17, 2014 Product Safety - Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder and Ignition Key

20250918UNKNOWN OR OTHER

All of these failed again after repair, the car hes been disabled for over 2 years with the same failures. < Dealer Recalls 14115 Dec 5, 2014 Product Safety - Electric Power Steering Assist 14113C Jul 17, 2014 Product Safety - Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder and Ignition Key 14113 Jul 17, 2014 Product Safety - Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder and Ignition Key

20250725FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact’s wife owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. While exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was an oil leak underneath the rear end of the vehicle, and the fuel odor was more evident. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jerking while accelerating and while driving from being stationary. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20250725ENGINE

The contact’s wife owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. While exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was an oil leak underneath the rear end of the vehicle, and the fuel odor was more evident. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jerking while accelerating and while driving from being stationary. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20250713FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel tank has an evap leak that somehow breaks on top the tank so it leaks the gas vapors and could potentially start a fire but the part that breaks is a non serviceable part so it can’t be fixed without purchasing a whole new gas tank that isn’t cheap. My other concern is the infamous grounding issue with the wires on the ground g105 I believe right next to oil filter that grounds the transmission and engine control modules well it shorts at times when driving and suddenly your car dies while driving how scary it could cause a wreak and kill somebody it’s a very scary issue that constantly comes back even after trying to re ground it needs to be recalled and fixed it’s going to kill somebody and it’s a well known issue for this make and model that should have already gotten attention to be resolved.

20250713ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The fuel tank has an evap leak that somehow breaks on top the tank so it leaks the gas vapors and could potentially start a fire but the part that breaks is a non serviceable part so it can’t be fixed without purchasing a whole new gas tank that isn’t cheap. My other concern is the infamous grounding issue with the wires on the ground g105 I believe right next to oil filter that grounds the transmission and engine control modules well it shorts at times when driving and suddenly your car dies while driving how scary it could cause a wreak and kill somebody it’s a very scary issue that constantly comes back even after trying to re ground it needs to be recalled and fixed it’s going to kill somebody and it’s a well known issue for this make and model that should have already gotten attention to be resolved.

20250619STEERING

I have been experiencing the loss of steering assist. This occurs at any time while driving and that, once assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and a chime sounds. Steering control is maintained in manual mode, but requires greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds. In the next ignition cycle, power assist is typically regained and the DIC message is no longer displayed. The occurs at speeds in excess of 60mph.

20240926STEERING

My Power Steering is going out and then coming back in to use. Today is the second time it has happened. It went out just now, I reversed down the road to my house, and turn it off once I crank it again the steering is back. I haven’t gotten any pictures of it as I’m more worried about making it back to my house so I’m not in the road but will be more than happy to get a picture if this happens again. I’m also not sure which ADAS this connects to so I put cruise control.

20240926FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

My Power Steering is going out and then coming back in to use. Today is the second time it has happened. It went out just now, I reversed down the road to my house, and turn it off once I crank it again the steering is back. I haven’t gotten any pictures of it as I’m more worried about making it back to my house so I’m not in the road but will be more than happy to get a picture if this happens again. I’m also not sure which ADAS this connects to so I put cruise control.

20240907STEERING

Was driving home from work on i70 through the canyon when out of no where I wasn't able to steer my car...was able to stop the car, turned it off .waited a minute then started back up that is when power steering came across my dash .nothing was wrong with my car ,drove normal then out of nowhere going the speed limit 75mph. I'm not able to steer my car. This never happened before ,scared the crap out of me with no warning almost crashed cause I could not steer my car.

20240724ENGINE

The car idles very low when stopped and sputters/putters like it's going to die. It has now actually died on me twice while driving, luckily when you put it in park and turn the car off and back on it starts right back up but you can see how this is a severe safety hazard. The first time it died I was stopped in the turning lane waiting on traffic to go by so I could turn left (this is the busiest street in town) I go to start turning left the car just shuts off mid turn crossing the other lane of the street, luckily I didn't get hit by oncoming traffic and was able to coast onto the side street that I was turning on and pull over and turn the car off and back on and drive it home. I took it to the mechanic and he can't figure out what's wrong with it so he gives it a tune up and now the check engine light won't turn off...fast forward to today it dies again at a stop sign with my [XXX] in the car. It is ESPECIALLY bad if you have the AC on it seems like it effects the electrical like

20240724UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The car idles very low when stopped and sputters/putters like it's going to die. It has now actually died on me twice while driving, luckily when you put it in park and turn the car off and back on it starts right back up but you can see how this is a severe safety hazard. The first time it died I was stopped in the turning lane waiting on traffic to go by so I could turn left (this is the busiest street in town) I go to start turning left the car just shuts off mid turn crossing the other lane of the street, luckily I didn't get hit by oncoming traffic and was able to coast onto the side street that I was turning on and pull over and turn the car off and back on and drive it home. I took it to the mechanic and he can't figure out what's wrong with it so he gives it a tune up and now the check engine light won't turn off...fast forward to today it dies again at a stop sign with my [XXX] in the car. It is ESPECIALLY bad if you have the AC on it seems like it effects the electrical like

20240222FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

strong smell of fuel affraid to drive the igntion get stuck and locks so you cant turn the car on

20240222STEERING

strong smell of fuel affraid to drive the igntion get stuck and locks so you cant turn the car on

20230831UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I took the vehicle in for a recall repair to the ignition. After the repair, my key did not open my trunk. This is a huge problem because the battery is located in the trunk. You need power to open the trunk without a key. If your battery fails, you have no way to access it for repairs. I e-mailed the dealer who responded by advising me to contact the service manager. I did this. The service manager told me they only rekey the ignition to the original key during a recall. If this is true, they key should unlock the trunk. We were able to unlock the trunk before the recall repairs. The service manager told me there was nothing he could do. I have e-mailed the dealer again but have recieved no answer.

20230721ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving the car, it will suddenly stall w the engine running but won’t react the use of the brakes, steering or gear shifter. It’ll suddenly jerk and the following lights will appear on dash :ABS, Power steering, no brake fluid warning, low fuel warning and check engine. All of the areas have been check and have all their fluids so this doesn’t make sense. We bought this car for our 16 year old daughter and the first time she drive it, a truck almost wrecked into her

20230721STEERING

While driving the car, it will suddenly stall w the engine running but won’t react the use of the brakes, steering or gear shifter. It’ll suddenly jerk and the following lights will appear on dash :ABS, Power steering, no brake fluid warning, low fuel warning and check engine. All of the areas have been check and have all their fluids so this doesn’t make sense. We bought this car for our 16 year old daughter and the first time she drive it, a truck almost wrecked into her

20230721SERVICE BRAKES

While driving the car, it will suddenly stall w the engine running but won’t react the use of the brakes, steering or gear shifter. It’ll suddenly jerk and the following lights will appear on dash :ABS, Power steering, no brake fluid warning, low fuel warning and check engine. All of the areas have been check and have all their fluids so this doesn’t make sense. We bought this car for our 16 year old daughter and the first time she drive it, a truck almost wrecked into her

20230720FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The vehicle is leaking from the fuel tank

Compare 2006CHEVROLETCOBALT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT have?
The 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT has 3056 NHTSA complaints, 272 crashes, 25 fires, 358 injuries, and 20 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT?
Yes, the 2006 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 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT?
The most-complained component for the 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT is STEERING with 1237 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2006 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.