The best and worst Chevrolet Cobalt years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Chevrolet Cobalts old enough to judge (2005–2010), the 2005 and 2008 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. No year stands out as having far more complaints than the rest.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2010 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the fewest complaints
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt · 50.4 per 10,000 sold (0.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Electric power steering motor and module, typically around 65,000 miles.
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt · 46.2 per 10,000 sold (0.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Tank, lines and filler, typically around 97,000 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Chevrolet Cobalt year: 63.6 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Chevrolet Cobalt?
No Chevrolet Cobalt year from 2005–2010 has far more complaints per 10,000 sold than the rest.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Cobalt?
The 2008 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Chevrolet Cobalts from 2005–2010: 46.2, against 63.6 for a typical year. The 2005 is also well below typical.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.