Chevrolet Cobalt vs Honda Civic
For 2005–2010 models, the Honda Civic has 21.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 63.7 for the Chevrolet Cobalt. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2010), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Chevrolet Cobalt
63.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.9× the Honda Civic’s rate
- Complaints
- 6,463
- Sold
- 1,014,561
- Recall campaigns
- 6
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Fewest: 2005 and 2008. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 58,068 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 82,000 mi
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 78,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Tank, lines and filler
Typically around 98,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 75,000 mi
Honda Civic
21.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
66% fewer than the Chevrolet Cobalt
- Complaints
- 3,908
- Sold
- 1,811,214
- Recall campaigns
- 16
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2006–2008. Fewest: 2005. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 83,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 40,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 41,000 mi
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 46,600 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 31,307 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Cobalt or the Honda Civic?
For 2005–2010 models, the Honda Civic has 21.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Chevrolet Cobalt has 63.7, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Chevrolet Cobalt?
The most-reported problem on the Chevrolet Cobalt is electric power steering motor and module, typically around 58,068 miles; the repair typically runs $750–$2,230.
What is the most common problem on the Honda Civic?
The most-reported problem on the Honda Civic is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 83,000 miles.
Which Chevrolet Cobalt and Honda Civic years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Honda Civic: 2006–2008.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.