BestCarRank
Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet COBALT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2010 Chevrolet COBALT has 794 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 794. The most common issue is steering problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: 2006 cobalt steering problem vibrates and shakes. *tr. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 9 fire reports filed.

9 fire reports 63 crash reports 58 injuries

794

Total Complaints

6

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

243 complaints
31%
  • • 2006 COBALT STEERING PROBLEM VIBRATES AND SHAKES. *TR
  • • FEB 03, 2010 PURCHASED A 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT FROM PAPE CHEV. S. PORTLAND , MAINE. CAN HEAR POWER STEERING RUBBING NOISE UPON TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. MILEAGE ONLY 660. NOW I HEAR THERE IS A PENDING RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE? DOES THE DEALER HAVE TO EXCHANGE FOR ANOTHER MODEL.. *TR
  • • ON 3/5/10 AT ABOUT 4PM I WAS TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON ROUTE 280 NEAR NEWARK EXIT. I WAS IN THE FAST LANE OF A 3 LANE HIGHWAY. THE MIDDLE LANE WAS EMPTY SO I PULLED INTO MIDDLE LANE. A RED PICK UP TRUCK IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE (SLOW LANE) PULLED INTO THE MIDDLE LANE. I ASSUME I MAY HAVE BEEN IN HIS
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 18 crashes

“2006 COBALT STEERING PROBLEM VIBRATES AND SHAKES. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Chevrolet COBALT

Based on 615 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 66K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
89
30-60K
182
60-100K
199
100-150K
109
150-200K
30
200K+
6

BRAKES

Earlier than typicalmedian 47K mi · 21 reports
0-30K
8
30-60K
5
60-100K
5
100-150K
1
150-200K
1
200K+
1

SUSPENSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 12K mi · 7 reports
0-30K
4
30-60K
1
60-100K
1
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

Earlier than typicalmedian 34K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
0
60-100K
2
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

TIRES

Earlier than typicalmedian 30K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
2
30-60K
2
60-100K
1
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

STEERING

Reported earliermedian 56K mi · 213 reports
0-30K
31
30-60K
93
60-100K
63
100-150K
19
150-200K
5
200K+
2

ELECTRICAL

Reported earliermedian 56K mi · 101 reports
0-30K
22
30-60K
35
60-100K
28
100-150K
12
150-200K
3
200K+
1

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.

Recalls (6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION10/04/2014

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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Chevrolet COBALT

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,715
Per month
$143
Per mile
14.3¢
MPG
28
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,001/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,372/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

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 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, 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
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
AIR BAGS(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 794 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ☐
    STEERING: 2006 COBALT STEERING PROBLEM VIBRATES AND SHAKES. *TR

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

  • ☐
    ELECTRICAL: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MPH, THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY

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

  • ☐
    FUEL SYSTEM: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE KIT HAD MELTED AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS

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

  • ☐
    AIR BAGS: ELECTRONIC DEVICES ENGAGING PASSENGER AIRBAG AND SEATBELT NOTIFICATION. WHEN I PUT AN AC ADAPTOR (LIGHTWEIGHT), OR MOST ELECTRONIC DEVICES, SOMETIMES EVEN JUST MY IPOD, ON MY PASSENGER SEAT IT THINKS A PERSON IS SITTING THERE. IF I WERE TO CRASH THIS WOULD BE A BIG PROBLEM AIRBAGS ARE EXPENSIVE, P

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

  • ☐
    RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
  • ☐
    General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Chevrolet COBALT — Year Comparison

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

2010
794Avoid This Year
Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
794
Recalls
6
Fire reports
9
Crash reports
63
Injury reports
58
Segment avg
794

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2010 Chevrolet COBALT

Compare With

2010 Ford CROWN VICTORIA14 complaints2010 Ford E-15014 complaints2010 Ford E-25012 complaints2010 Ford E-35021 complaints