Chevrolet Cobalt vs Honda Accord
For 2005–2010 models, the Honda Accord has 17.1 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
3.7× the Honda Accord’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 Accord
17.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
73% fewer than the Chevrolet Cobalt
- Complaints
- 3,560
- Sold
- 2,082,563
- Recall campaigns
- 21
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 4
Most complaints: 2008. Fewest: 2006–2007. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 95,870 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 67,500 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 95,000 mi
-
Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration
Typically around 15,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 31,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Cobalt or the Honda Accord?
For 2005–2010 models, the Honda Accord has 17.1 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 Accord?
The most-reported problem on the Honda Accord is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 95,870 miles.
Which Chevrolet Cobalt and Honda Accord years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Honda Accord: 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.