Chevrolet Cobalt Engine Problems
Owners have filed 331 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Chevrolet Cobalt across 6 model years. The 2006 model year has the most (93). The words owners use most often: “engine power” (7% of reports).
- 331engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 32mention a crash
- 18mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 36%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine power: mentioned in 24 of 331 complaints (7%)
- Stalled without: mentioned in 22 of 331 complaints (7%)
- Ignition switch: mentioned in 20 of 331 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 267 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 331 complaints, 32 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 18 an injury.
Chevrolet Cobalt engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Cobalt | 38 | 7% | 87,440 |
| 2009 Cobalt | 39 | 5% | 90,000 |
| 2008 Cobalt | 36 | 4% | 78,980 |
| 2007 Cobalt | 56 | 4% | 100,100 |
| 2006 Cobalt | 93 | 4% | 101,000 |
| 2005 Cobalt | 69 | 4% | 107,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists engine for the Chevrolet Cobalt. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
The contactâs 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…
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…
Timing chain came right threw the valve cover
My car turned off while I was driving and almost caused me to crash into an 18 wheeler. Thank God I turned on my emergency signal and the truck swerved!. I would of died. I was stuck in the middle of the road and luckily some passersby helped me push it into a commercial parking area. I tried to…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Cobalts have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 331 owner complaints about engine for the Chevrolet Cobalt. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Cobalt engine?
No recall currently lists engine for this vehicle.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Chevrolet Cobalt?
The most frequent phrase is “engine power”, in 24 of 331 complaints, followed by “stalled without” (22).
Other Chevrolet Cobalt problems
- Steering problems (3,890)
- Electrical System problems (1,458)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (1,107)
- Air Bags problems (609)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (478)
- Power Train problems (368)
- Suspension problems (218)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (157)
See all Chevrolet Cobalt problems.