VehicleVerdict

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 2,231 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1115.5 times the median Cobalt year — the 2005 model ranks #2 of 13 Cobalt years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 16 deaths and 115 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 52% of all reports (1,154 of 2,231), far ahead of electrical system at 378.

2,231

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

150

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

115

Injuries

16

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Cobalt years?

Cobalt NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted3,056 complaints1996: 1 complaints2000: 1 complaints2002: 2 complaints2005: 2,231 complaints2006: 3,056 complaints2007: 2,001 complaints2008: 1,102 complaints2009: 916 complaints2010: 794 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 1 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 1 complaints
Cobalt NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cobalt years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1,15452%
Electrical System37817%
Engine1215%
Transmission1004%
Airbags713%
Fuel System573%
Other522%
Brakes502%
Suspension502%
Body & Structure462%
Speed Control402%
Latches & Locks352%
Lighting291%
Visibility & Wipers161%
Tires & Wheels161%
Seat Belts70%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)60%
Seats20%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14E021000Electrical SystemApril 30, 2014 · 14,529 units

Defect

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 vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.

Consequence

If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.

Remedy

UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).

14V171000Electrical SystemApril 10, 2014 · 2,191,014 units

Defect

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 ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence

If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy

General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

14V047000AirbagsFebruary 10, 2014 · 2,190,934 units

Defect

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 on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

10V073000SteeringMarch 3, 2010 · 1,050,889 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

07V014000Body & StructureJanuary 18, 2007 · 98,707 units

Defect

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.'

Consequence

IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

04V560000LightingNovember 22, 2004 · 1,378 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE BULB SHIELD CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. IF THIS OCCURRED ON A HEADLAMP INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE, ONCOMING DRIVERS MAY NOTICE ADDITIONAL GLARE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL*THE CONTACT HAS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH OUT OF A PARKING LOT THE CONTACT SUDDENTLY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS FOUND AT FAULT; ALTHOUGH, HE DOESNT AGREE SINCE THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING CAUSED THE CRASH TO OCCUR. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 22, 2010 · crash

I OWN A 2005 CHEVY COBALT 2.2 ENGINE. IT STARTED SEPT 8TH 2009 MY POWER STEERING IN MY CAR FAILED CAUSING ME TO STRAIN TO TURN THE WHEEL. I MADE IT WITH MILD DAMAGE TO MY CAR. I REPLACED MY STEERING COLUMN BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE CAR JUMPS LIKE IT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR TO SHIFT INTO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 8, 2009 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND IMMEDIATELY BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 21, 2014 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, A SECOND VEHICLE MADE CONTACT WITH THE REAR BUMPER. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 28, 2015 · crash

2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST FORM. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. DURING THE ACCIDENT,THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. ALSO, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. IT WAS CONFIRMED, THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT GM RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 14, 2014 · crash

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt — common questions

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 2,231 complaints put the 2005 model at #2 of 13 Cobalt years. It is one of the Cobalt years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Cobalt problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (1,154 complaints), electrical system (378 complaints), engine (121 complaints).

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Cobalt years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cobalt years to avoid are 2006, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among Cobalt years belongs to 2017.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.