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ProblemsByVin File / 2006-CHEVROLET-COBALT
2006 · chevrolet

chevrolet Cobalt problems

1 safety recall. 2,330 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.0 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
1291 reports · avg $700
critical
electrical
229 reports · avg $850
critical
fuel system
205 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
powertrain
85 reports · avg $2,500
severe
airbags
64 reports · avg $1,100
critical
engine
57 reports · avg $3,100
severe
suspension
37 reports · avg $900
critical
body
32 reports · avg $1,500
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2006 Cobalt · other
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WHEN THE DOORS WERE UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT STATED THE LATCH WAS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…
12/31/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10817156.0
2006 Cobalt · engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…
12/31/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10817222.0
2006 Cobalt · steering
I HAVE HAD ALOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR, 1ST MY RADIO WENT OUT, IT JUST WENT OUT AND IT WOULD ONLY WORK WHEN I HELD THE POWER BUTTON DOWN AND THERE WERE ALWAYS THINGS FLASHING ON THE SCREEN, SO AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF THIS HAPPENING MY CAR WOULDN'T START, I WOULD GET IT JUMPED AND…
12/31/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297658.0
2006 Cobalt · steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT NOTICED ISSUES WITH THE POWER STEERING IN HER VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WOULD FUNCTION FOR APPROXIMATELY .2 MILES AND THEN FAIL. SHE ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTART IT, BUT THE…
12/31/2008 · NHTSA ODI #10253360.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 07V014000 18/01/2007

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Common questions

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 2,330 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 1,291 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Cobalt has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 2,330 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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