CarBrief

NHTSA has 1,649 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt[1]. Steering is the biggest group, with 1,143 complaints[2].

1,649owner complaints[1]
5recalls[3]
23–25MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups in the stories we read, biggest first. - Steering. 1,143 complaints[2]. Owners describe a wheel that pulls to one side, makes grinding noises, or loses its power assist while driving. Some say the engine shut off when the column was bumped or tilted. - Electrical System. 323 complaints[5]. Owners describe sudden loss of power, dash lights coming on, and a car that stalls. Others mention small things like the horn, a brake light, or the headlights acting up. - Engine. 120 complaints[6]. Owners describe stalling, warning lights, coolant and radiator trouble, and smoke from the exhaust. - Power Train. 99 complaints[7]. Owners describe a broken shifter cable, noises when shifting, a car that will not start, and a clutch that slips. - Air Bags. 71 complaints[8]. This group has 39 crashes attached to it[8]. - Suspension. 47 complaints[9]. - Brakes. 46 complaints[10]. - Structure. 46 complaints[11].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2005 Cobalt is necessarily included.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Cobalt, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive[17] 20 / 27 / 23 $3,550
Cobalt, 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[18] 21 / 29 / 24 $2,800
Cobalt, 2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive[4] 22 / 31 / 25 $2,700

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 2 DR None[19], 4 DR None[20], 4 DR None[21].

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
COBALT LS 4DR SEDAN FWD[22] 180 in 68 in 57 in 103 in 2,868 lb
COBALT LS/SS Supercharged 2DR COUPE FWD[23] 180 in 68 in 56 in 103 in 2,809 lb
COBALT LT 4DR SEDAN FWD[24] 180 in 68 in 57 in 103 in 2,989 lb

How 2005 compares with other years

2005: 1,649 complaints, 5 recalls1,64920052006: 2,330 complaints, 5 recalls20062007: 1,564 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 940 complaints, 4 recalls20082009: 900 complaints, 5 recalls20092010: 583 complaints, 5 recalls2010
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Cobalt model year. The 2005 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20051,6495
20062,3305
20071,5645
20089404
20099005
20105835

NHTSA's counts for the Cobalt show 1,649 complaints and 5 recalls for 2005[3]. Among the 6 model years listed, 4 have fewer complaints than 2005 and 1 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2010 (583) and the most are for 2006 (2,330)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2005 Cobalt?

The 2005 Cobalt has a large pile of complaints, and steering leads it by a wide margin[2]. Electrical complaints come next at 323[5]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts. Recalls also exist for this year, so check the Recalls section on this page[3]. If you are shopping for one, test the steering carefully and ask what has already been repaired.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt?
Steering has the most complaints at 1,143[2]. Electrical System follows with 323[5] and Engine with 120[6].
Does the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt have recalls?
Yes. This model year has 5 recalls[3]. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.
How many complaints are there for the 2005 Cobalt?
NHTSA has 1,649 owner complaints on file[1]. They are unverified reports from owners.
What is the gas mileage of the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt?
See the fuel economy section on this page for the figures.
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt reliable?
The complaint record is heavy on steering[2]. Look at the problem groups above and the by-year section to judge for yourself.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Chevrolet Cobalt

Compare all model years of the Chevrolet Cobalt

Other Chevrolet models from 2005

All Chevrolet models

Similar cars from 2005: subcompact cars

All subcompact cars we cover

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,649 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt (97 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 72 injuries, 11 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 1,143 complaints name the steering component group (52 crashes, 7 fires, 34 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Cobalt model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Cobalt, 2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 323 complaints name the electrical system component group (13 crashes, 2 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,651). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 120 complaints name the engine component group (5 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 99 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 71 complaints name the air bags component group (39 crashes, 0 fires, 37 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 47 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 46 complaints name the brakes component group (9 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 46 complaints name the structure component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 14V171, filed April 10, 2014: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 14V047, filed February 10, 2014: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 10V073, filed March 3, 2010: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 07V014, filed January 18, 2007: Structure. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 04V560, filed November 22, 2004: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for Cobalt, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Cobalt, 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COBALT LS 4DR SEDAN FWD: length 180 in, width 68 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 2,868 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COBALT LS/SS Supercharged 2DR COUPE FWD: length 180 in, width 68 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 2,809 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COBALT LT 4DR SEDAN FWD: length 180 in, width 68 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 2,989 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.