Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 10.9× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
1,649Complaints
6Recalls
97Crashes
12Fires
72Injured
11Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Steering (64.5% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Steering complaints here are 10.9× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Steering
1,063 · 64.5%
Recalled
Recall 10V073000
Electrical System
265 · 16.1%
Recalled
Recall 14V171000 · Recall 14E021000
Engine
69 · 4.2%
No official action
—
Air Bags
65 · 3.9%
Recalled
Recall 14V047000
Power Train
55 · 3.3%
No official action
—
Steering:electric Power Assist System
52 · 3.2%
Recalled
Recall 10V073000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 1,649 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING LOCKED UP UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE…”NHTSA complaint 10172468 — filed 11/02/2006 · STEERING
“: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED, ALL DASH BOARD INDICATORS BLACKED OUT AND THERE WAS NO…”NHTSA complaint 10171928 — filed 10/26/2006 · STEERING
“: THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED TWICE DUE TO A RATTLING NOISE HEARD WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE STEERING…”NHTSA complaint 10165968 — filed 08/18/2006 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt?
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 1,063 of 1,649 NHTSA complaints (64.5%), followed by electrical system (265), engine (69), air bags (65). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt have?
1,649 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 97 involved a crash, 12 involved a fire, and 72 reported injuries. 11 deaths were reported.
Does the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V171000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt's reported problems?
4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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