Chevrolet Cobalt vs Nissan Altima
For 2005–2010 models, the Nissan Altima has 32.5 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
2.0× the Nissan Altima’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
Nissan Altima
32.5 complaints per 10,000 sold
49% fewer than the Chevrolet Cobalt
- Complaints
- 4,802
- Sold
- 1,477,089
- Recall campaigns
- 2
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2009. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 32,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 60,200 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 68,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 70,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 72,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Cobalt or the Nissan Altima?
For 2005–2010 models, the Nissan Altima has 32.5 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 Nissan Altima?
The most-reported problem on the Nissan Altima is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 32,000 miles.
Which Chevrolet Cobalt and Nissan Altima years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Nissan Altima: 2008–2009.
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.