BestCarRank
Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet COBALT SS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2010 Chevrolet COBALT SS has 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 14. The most common issue is steering problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: the steering got extremely hard and a warning came on. *tr. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports

14

Total Complaints

0

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 7)

STEERING

3 complaints
21%
  • THE STEERING GOT EXTREMELY HARD AND A WARNING CAME ON. *TR
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 8 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. A DEALER WAS CALLED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REMOVE THE FUSE AND THEN REINSERT IT. THE CONTACT DID AS SUCH HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN FIVE MINU
  • WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE POWER STEERING THING COMES ON THINKING IT NEEDED FLUID I STOPPED TO CHECK THERE WAS NONE AND IT WAS HARD TO DRIVE I MADE IT BACK HOME CHECKING THE INTERNET I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE CAR I WAS DRIVING SO I FOUND THIS SITE THAT'S WHY AM COMPLAINING. *TR
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

THE STEERING GOT EXTREMELY HARD AND A WARNING CAME ON. *TR

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Chevrolet COBALT SS

Based on 14 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 57K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
3
30-60K
4
60-100K
4
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
3

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Chevrolet COBALT SS

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,920
Per month
$160
Per mile
16.0¢
MPG
25
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,182/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,600/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Chevrolet COBALT SS

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,366
Full coverage / month
$114
Liability only / year
$611
vs US avg
-18%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age0.85x
= Full coverage estimate$1366

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet COBALT SS Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
36 months
Transmission fluid
45K mi
Engine coolant
150K mi
Spark plugs
100K mi
Cabin air filter
23K mi
Engine air filter
45K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
6 yr / 100K mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2010 COBALT SS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
AIR BAGS(~50K mi)
$500
SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 14 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • STEERING: THE STEERING GOT EXTREMELY HARD AND A WARNING CAME ON. *TR

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE FAILED TO TURN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE IGNITION SOLENDER WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLE

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: I BROUGHT MY CAR (2010 CHEVROLET COBALT SS) TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP NEAR ME IN MASSACHUSETTS, AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY REAR BRAKES WERE WORN TO THE POINT JUST BEFORE A SENSOR GOING OFF. THE CAR ONLY HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT AND REAR BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE THE ONES THAT LAST LONGER THAN FRONT ONES BUT

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • AIR BAGS: MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 3000 MILES ON IT. IT IS ALWAY GARAGE (ENCLOSED). DURING ITS 3000 MILES, IT HAS ONLY HAD ONE PASSENGER FOR ABOUT A 100 MILE TRIP. NO ONE HAS RIDEN IN THE BACKSEAT NOR HAS THE REAR SEAT BEEN USED FOR TRANSPORTING ITEMS. THE INTERIOR HAS NOT BEEN CLEANED (NOT NEEDED). IT

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Chevrolet COBALT SS — Year Comparison

How does 2010 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Fire reports
3
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
14

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2010 Chevrolet COBALT SS