CHEVROLET COBALT · model year

2010 CHEVROLET COBALT

794 NHTSA complaints, 76 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010CHEVROLETCOBALT carries 794 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 76 crashes, 9 fires, 67 injuries, and 4 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 2010 COBALT is steering with 235 filings, followed by electrical system (113) and fuel/propulsion system (101). 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 2010 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.

794
Complaints
76
Crashes
9
Fires
67
Injuries
4
Deaths

Total Complaints

794 filings

Crashes Reported

76 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING235
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM113
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM101
AIR BAGS76
ENGINE38
POWER TRAIN29
UNKNOWN OR OTHER28
SERVICE BRAKES14
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC13
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE11
SEAT BELTS10
WHEELS10
EXTERIOR LIGHTING10

Recalls (6)

14V15300031/03/2014

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power

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

15V50000010/08/2015

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles manufactured January 4, 2010, to June 23, 2010. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an improperly routed Side-Impact Sensor (SIS) wiring harness in the driver side front door. The misrouted wiring harness c

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

20251031FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel lines leak around fuel tank, causing a fuel smell around the vehicle and a major fire hazard

20251030STEERING

Problem with Steering column rattle

20250924STEERING

The contact's daughter owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or inspected for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls related to the failure for the VIN. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

Mileage: 54,000

20250913AIR BAGS

Air bag says it needs serviced Gas gadge is all over the place hard to tell how much gas I actually have in my tank.

20250913FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Air bag says it needs serviced Gas gadge is all over the place hard to tell how much gas I actually have in my tank.

20250903CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that, while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed during an ice and rainstorm with poor visibility, a vehicle parked sideways in the middle of the roadway suddenly appeared. Unable to stop in time, the vehicle collided with the driver's side rear of the other vehicle, causing it to spin and veer onto the shoulder of the roadway before coming to a complete stop. The air bags deployed but failed to properly inflate, greatly reducing their effectiveness, which the contact held responsible for the various injuries sustained by the three occupants. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a storage facility and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. All three occupants were transported to a local hospital by EMTs. The driver was treated for facial injuries sustained from striking the steering wheel. The minor occupant, who was

20250715UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Our daughter observed a significant puddle forming under her vehicle and noticed a strong smell of gasoline. She sent us a video, which clearly showed gasoline leaking from the driver-side rear area of the car. Due to the proximity of the fuel leak to the exhaust pipe, we had the car towed to a mechanic, as it was too dangerous to drive. The mechanic diagnosed the issue as a severely rusted-out fuel line that required immediate repair. At no point did the vehicle display any warning lights or alerts related to this issue. Alarmingly, our daughter had unknowingly driven the car while the leak was occurring, unaware of the serious fire risk this posed. We believe this is a serious safety hazard that could lead to a fire or explosion and strongly urge an investigation. This failure occurred without warning and could have resulted in a catastrophic outcome. We are fortunate this was caught in time, but others may not be as lucky.

20250521CrashFireFatalPOWER TRAIN

UNKNOWN

20241025STRUCTURE:BODY

Internal mechanism of the driver-side door handle broke and the door would not open from the inside. Tne dealership confirmed that the inside door ah glue is broken. The cable retainer snapped apart and the cable cannot stay connected. This might be available for inspection. Driver must exit the vehicle by crawling over to the passenger side. The problem has been confirmed by a Chevrolet dealer. There were no warning lamps or messages. The manufacturer no longer makes this part and it could not be replaced. Service description says that the customer had an electrical concern and that the door would not unlock from the inside. This was inaccurate. It was mechanical. The door could unlock, it could not open. The dealership would not let the diagnosis proceed until the customer agreed to that statement. The dealership inaccurately recorded the mileage.

20240708FireFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE 2007-2009 ON THE CORROSION OF THE GAS LINES ON DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO A CHEVY DEALER AND THEY SAID ITS THE SAME THING THATS HAPPENING TO MY CAR.AND THAT THEY ONLY DID THE RECALL ON 2007-2009 COLBALT MODELS .THE LAST COLBALT'S MADE WAS THE 2010 MODELS.WHY DIDNT THEY RECALL THEM ALSO.I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER CHEVY DEALER IN AMELIA AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING.THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP.ITS A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT FROM GM AND THEY KNOW IT.IF I HAVE TO I WILL GET A LAWYER AND SUE G.M. PERIOD.I CANT AFFORD TO FIX GM'S MISTAKES.THEY NEED TO COME CLEAN AND FIX THEM.IT LEAKS OUT GAS AND COULD START A FIRE OR EXPLODE WHILE I AM IN THE CAR.I DEMAND THIS TAKEN CAR OF BY GM AND STOP KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD.I WILL NOT STOP OR GIVE UP ON THIS .SENCE I WAS TOLD BY 2 DIFFRENT CHEVY DEALERSHIPS.

20240205SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to her parent's residence. The vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the ignition switch. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V171000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

Mileage: 260,000

20240205STEERING

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to her parent's residence. The vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the ignition switch. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V171000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

Mileage: 260,000

20240205ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to her parent's residence. The vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the ignition switch. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V171000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

Mileage: 260,000

20240117SEAT BELTS

Seatbelts lock up and do not move. Seatbelts are front driver and passenger side. Seatbelts can't be worn because they do not work

20240117VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Seatbelts lock up and do not move. Seatbelts are front driver and passenger side. Seatbelts can't be worn because they do not work

20240108FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal odor of fuel inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the fuel line. The manufacturer was contacted and offered help with a new vehicle. The contract stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number PE20011 (Fuel System, Other, Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Mileage: 107,000

20240108FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal odor of fuel inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the fuel line. The manufacturer was contacted and offered help with a new vehicle. The contract stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number PE20011 (Fuel System, Other, Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Mileage: 107,000

20231222UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Bright LED lights when driving at night, specifically of other SUV or truck vehicles. This has affected my driving at night by blinding and giving me headaches. How can we prevent a safer road? Why is this approved? Why do headlights need to be so bright, that they are blinding to other vehicles? This is a huge safety concern and needs to be addressed. I drive a smaller car, but i shouldnt have to be punished because i drive a smaller vehicle. This isnt about specifically the make and model of the car, but solely on the bright LED headlights that are dangerous while i am driving at night.

20230907STEERING

UNKNOWN. My traction and ABS light keeps coming on. My steering is off some. My turning right or left is making ruff popping sounds in the steering. My ABS and Traction lite keeps coming on.

20230907ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

UNKNOWN. My traction and ABS light keeps coming on. My steering is off some. My turning right or left is making ruff popping sounds in the steering. My ABS and Traction lite keeps coming on.

Compare 2010CHEVROLETCOBALT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT have?
The 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT has 794 NHTSA complaints, 76 crashes, 9 fires, 67 injuries, and 4 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT?
Yes, the 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT?
The most-complained component for the 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT is STEERING with 235 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2010 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.