general problems of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt - part 1

76 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt based on all problems reported for the 2010 Cobalt.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/27/2024

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to her parent's residence. The vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the ignition switch. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not covered under recall. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/27/2023

Unknown. My traction and abs light keeps coming on. My steering is off some. My turning right or left is making ruff popping sounds in the steering. My abs and traction lite keeps coming on.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/02/2020

Tl- the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle the warning messages had displayed indicating to check engine, power steering off, change oil etc. And all the instrument gauges were fluctuating. The owner connected a diagnostic reader to the vehicle which indicated that the control module was faulty. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 187,701. Jft.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/23/2019

Driving on hiway start to shaking. Loosing power and shuttoff. And steering wheel hard to drive often. Dash board showing iconos all time.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/15/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing various electrical failures. The check engine, power steering, and traction warning indicators were illuminated and the rpm gauge increased erratically even when the vehicle was parked. In addition, the power steering seized at any given moment. When the vehicle was restarted, the failures went away; however, the transmission shifted harshly when changing gears. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge always displayed as empty even though fuel was present. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 154,000.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/16/2019

Fuel line rusted above the driver side wheel and burst while driving down the road. Fuel pump shorted out and died while driving a few months later.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/05/2019

Once car warms up, while driving, the automatic transmission does not shift past second (2nd) gear, and will allow red lining without shifting up a gear. When trying to park, the shifter will not allow shifting into park, and the vehicle will pull away under the power of its own idle if the parking brake is not applied, making leaving the vehicle unattended very dangerous. When trying to shift out of park shifter will become stuck in the parking gear. The light illuminating and indicating the gear in which the shifter is in position of goes out, making it very difficult to know if the vehicle is actually in park or reverse especially coupled with the shifter not going fully into the parking gear. When the shifter doesn't quite move into the parking gear it causes the doors to stay locked and sometimes makes the manual locks difficult to use in order to exit the vehicle, it makes the electronic locks completely unusable. Also, why in the world would chevy not put a engine temperature gauge in the dash cluster? how are drivers supposed to know if the engine is overheating, wait until the engine blows up with the driver trapped inside???.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/26/2018

Key ignition jammed. Steering column clunking, know TSB issue.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/13/2018

When im driving to work and car is in motion all lights dim, all 4 lock flicker off and on while im driving and car is in motion on highway. Sometimes the lock open other times they don't work with the car remote. The headlights will come on by them self even after I shut the car off. The car will unlock even after I lock it either wilth remote or manually. Chevy dealership had a recall on this car and I did take it for updates. I realize this is a 2010, but this has happened to my car since 2011. Once they fixed the problem it was ok, but here we go again. I tell me husband im afraid to get into christine. I would like the dealership to fix this at their expense. I don't think I will buy another chevy when I see how many electrical problems are written online.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/07/2018

"service air bag" message shows in the driver information center. There have been numerous reports of people having the same issue. The message will display at any random time, whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion. According to general motors bulletin no. : 09-09-40-003a, "the wire on the belt tension sensor (bts), that is part of the retractor assembly, may become open or acquire a ground near the sensor. If the bts is rotated toward the rear of the vehicle, added stress is applied to the wire bundle that may cause an open or a ground path. " general motors bulletin no. : 09-09-40-003a states that the following vehicles are affected: 2006�-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt coupe 2008�-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt ss coupe 2006 pontiac pursuit coupe (canada only) 2007�-2010 pontiac g5 coupe this concern may cause airbags to not deploy when needed, which is a major safety concern. However, general motors has not issued a safety recall for the affected vehicles.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/21/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the exterior lighting and windshield wipers were activated. When the contact entered the vehicle, she noticed that the air bag warning indicator was illuminated while the key was in the ignition. The vehicle was towed to wetzel Chevrolet (4700 national rd e, richmond, in 47374), but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system) in November of 2017. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. The failure mileage was 83,000.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2017

My Cobalt illuminates the check engine light as well as the theft light and displays engine power reduced happens multiple times first time it started was in 12/2017. The car was purchased in 2011 always serviced and repaired by dealer ship. The car stalls at stop signs lights or when you pull into a parking lot. Engine light comes and goes. Lights dim and flicker the gauges jump up and down in the dash. After you shut the car off the gauges in the instrument cluster jump adn make ticking noise. When there is no engine light present the car idles rough and acts like its going to die till you start driving then its fine. The issue with the brakes are when you to press them the pedal will depress all the way but its like it dont meet with the pad, this problem is intermittent as well. Obd2 codes have been p0641 p0017 p0651 p0573 current codes stored are p0340 p0300 p0341. I've had this car at the dealer and multiple shops on multiple occasions now without resolution. It's becoming more of a problem than anything especially when your on the interstate and it dies or coming up to a stop light/ sign, a car pulls out or an animal and your brakes fail to stop you! it is a very scary situation. The car does have high miles but I have not had any problems till December of 2017 mileage is 203,602 all maintenance is performed under recommended mileage.

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2017

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the key could be removed from the ignition while the engine was running. Also, the air bag indicator was illuminated. The contact called paradise Chevrolet Cadillac (27360 ynez rd, temecula, CA 92591) and was informed that there were no outstanding recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The cotnact believed that the vehicle should be included in NHTSA campaign number: 14e021000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 127,502.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/13/2017

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving, the service air bag warning indicator illuminated and the wiper blades and heat were inoperable. The contact also mentioned that the power steering seized and was recently serviced per an unknown NHTSA recall for the power steering at ken barrett Chevrolet Cadillac (229 w main st, batavia, NY 14020 (585) 300-0199). The recall information was unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was not diagnosed and was unable to be driven. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2017

My car will not go and reverse I get my oil change faithful and now I have to get a new transmission! this is a 2010 there should be a recall on this. When I come to a complete stop the car speed is really low then it picks up. It will not reverse.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/05/2016

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact was not experiencing any failures until the vehicle was serviced by a dealer for a manufacturer recall concerning the air bags. The contact noticed that the warning indicator flashed for low power. The vehicle reduced speed and stalled several times. The service engine indicator remained illuminated. The contact was uncertain if a dealer would provide a solution. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/30/2016

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle decelerated after the check engine and engine power reduced warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle stalled and the contact was only able to restart the vehicle after having a battery jump. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/16/2016

Vehicle is a 2010 chevy Cobalt 2. 2 ecotech (base model). On start up check engine light appears with message engine power reduced. Check engine code is p0641. Replaced multiple sensors, throttle body, checked for wire issues etc. Dealer replaced ecm and still having issues. Can not drive over 40mph or engine with disable. Car hesitates and bucks while driving in engine reduced mode. Car has 68,789 miles.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/04/2016

I have had my car in the shop multiple times for lights dimming within the vehicle, replacing the front head light and the radio not working. Have been told the headlights wires are melted, the car genuinely has an electrical problem but no recalls. This is incredibly unsafe to have electric wires burning out and melting.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/17/2016

The brake lights remain on everytime I drive. They are intermittent. They will stay on for long periods of time and then they will turn off only to come back again. I have gone to chevy dealers, pepboys, and local mechanics and no one has been able to fix or solve the issue permanently. They have "fixed" the brake sensors, reprogrammed the car, and have done some other things, yet no one can fix the issue. What a horrible company this problem has been happening for over 3 1/2 years.

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/10/2015

In December 2015, I pulled into a parking space and put my car in park, then turned my key back to leave the radio on but everything seemed to completely shut down. I tried to remove the key from the ignition but couldn't get it out. I tried to restart the car, but it wouldn't start. My key was stuck in the ignition. I googled the problem and read that the gearshift may appear to be in park, but is really in gear, locking the key. I couldn't move the gear forward any further but noticed the "reverse" gear was highlighted on the panel instead of "park". I saw that it was a recalled issue so I called the dealer and was told that tap hat issue had able easy been "fixed" in June 2014. I explained that my key was stuck and my gearshift appeared to be off kilter, and that it was listed as a different issue. Again, she rudely told me that had been fixed and that the problem must be something else and I'd have to pay $70. 00 for the diagnostic. The problems I have with that are if it were "fixed", isn't there a chance it wasn't fixed properly (since obviously, it wasn't built properly the first time), and that having a chevy dealer do the diagnostic and possibly find that it is the same recall issue, would they really tell me that and "fix" it again, or would they tell me it's non-related and charge me for something else? I had it towed to a mechanic and it's currently being looked at.

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/20/2015

While driving on nys I-90, my 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt LS 2010 went into "engine power reduced" and I was not able to drive over 40 mph. I pulled off to the shoulder and waited for about 10 minutes. I started back up, check engine light remained on and car stays in limp mode. The vehicle now idles rough, accelerates slow when at red lights and stop signs and bucks when shifting gears. First at 10 mph (hard buck) than (lighter buck) at 20 mph, and continues lighter through acceleration. Codes that are coming up are p0107 engine (map) barometric pressure circuit - low input, p0452 engine (evaporative emission system pressure system pressure sensor - switch low input, p0532 engine ac pressure sensor a - circuit low, and p0641 engine (sensor reference voltage a) circuit/open. I was able to clear out all codes except for p0641 (permanent). Please help.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/02/2015

Was driving at highway speeds going up a incline (hill) when my car chimed and a message read (engine power reduced) was in the outside passing lane with a semi behind me passing a slower moving car. Car power reduced to 30mph and lunged like not getting enough fuel. I barely missed a narrow escape of getting rear ended. Got over in the slow lane the highway become narrow with no shoulder to pull over so I was going to drive till I could pull over but them another chime and my dash read (engine disabled) and motor shut off. Coast to someone's driveway and set there shaking from being scared for about 15 minutes. Decided to try ignition and the car restarted and was able to limp to a pull off and call for a tow home. I realize my car is out of warranty and has 119k miles on it but nobody should be faced with a situation like I was put in. Also I contacted my local dealer months ago about my ignition recall and was told they would order the parts then call me to bring my car in and like I said that was almost 3 months ago and I have heard nothing no phone call.

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/02/2015

In the fall of 2015 I noticed that there was no turn signal sound indicating the turn signal was in use. At the same time I also noticed that all of the warning indicator sounds were also not working (set belt, door open with key in, low tire pressure, ect) none of the warning sounds are now working. It seems that the left front speaker is used for the transmitting of the warning sounds thus there is no sound from the left speaker. None the less I feel that with the warning sounds not working this is a safety issue.

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/23/2015

Good afternoon, I have a few concerns about my vehicle and have contacted Chevrolet and the attorney general but they have now directed my questions/concerns to you. My vehicle is now on its sixth recall. Every time I have to bring my car in for work, I have to take time off of work and the car dealerships I’m required to bring my car into do not have loaner vehicles. However, my primary concern is this is my only vehicle and I am a single mom. These recalls are disconcerting and within the letters have openly stated that these defects, flaws or problems have caused deaths. My son is my everything and it is my job to protect him. When I contacted the company to ask how many recalls does it take to make a vehicle ineffective in regards to, do they stand behind their products? I was then directed to you. The individual I spoke to said they do not work in lemon laws but what about safety laws? what about standing behind their product? what about protecting those individuals that have bought their products and have now had multiple recalls that have the ability to make the vehicle inoperable and potentially life threatening. If I had the funds I would buy a different vehicle. I bought this vehicle because I thought it was safe and good on gas mileage. I do not have any extra funds to buy another vehicle. My concern is for the safety of my son and myself and I am appalled that a company does not seem to stand behind its product after this many recalls. Please help,.

26 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/06/2015

I noticed that there was no turn signal sound indicating the turn signal was in use. At the same time I also noticed that all of the warning indicator sounds were also not working (set belt, door open with key in, low tire pressure, ect) none of the warning sounds are now working. It seems that the left front speaker is used for the transmitting of the warning sounds thus there is no sound from the left speaker. None the less I feel that with the warning sounds not working this is a safety issue. Everytime I start my car the svc light stays on all the time , my tires are always wobbly while slowing down and driving. Same as I have heard from others. Got in a hit and run if I have side air bags they didnt geploy.

27 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2015

No warning chimes and no turn single chime. Several weeks ago I lost all warning chimes on my car. So at this time I have no chimes for 1. Seat belts not buckled. Door ajar. 3. Low or flat tire. 4. No turn single chime. In fact non of the chimes are now working.

28 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/06/2015

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving up a hill at approximately 30 mph, the engine power reduced warning light illuminated. The vehicle made a jerking motion and stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the map sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,500.

29 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/20/2015

Vechical started making a loud noise and all of a sudden it blew up in flames.

30 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2015

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. When starting the vehicle, the center instrument panel was not illuminated, there was no heat, and the defroster and radio failed to work. Occasionally, the vehicle would return to normal when the vehicle was shut off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

31 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/14/2014

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact received recall notifications for NHTSA campaign number: 14v047000 (electrical system) and NHTSA campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). The part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.

32 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/20/2014

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle received the recall repair for NHTSA campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). Months later, the vehicle stalled several times. The vehicle was taken back to an authorized dealer for further inspection to determine the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

33 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/03/2014

Tl- the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt lt. The contact stated that drain tube for the air conditioner clogged causing water to leak into the passenger side vehicle. The leak caused multiple fuses to blow and electrical failures. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed the tube needed to be cleaned and the failures be fixed. The repairs were made and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was not available. Sr.

34 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2014

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while traveling at 50 mph, the vehicle was violently jerking forward, there was a loss of power, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 14e021000 (electrical) but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,460.

35 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/04/2014

I took evasive action by swerving to avoid collision with other vehicle that abruptly changed lane and collided with my vehicle. A a results, my vehicle struck a concrete barrier wall of the roadway, then burst into flames upon impact. My vehicle was completely burnt out at a total loss before fire rescue responded. The airbag never deployed. Prior to accident I was having numerous ignition related problems with my chevy Cobalt.



Fuel Economy of Cobalt Vehicles
Cobalt Service Bulletins
Cobalt Safety Recalls
Cobalt Defect Investigations