Check a VIN

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt engine complaints

Page 4 of 5: complaints 71 to 100 of 120, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Sep 4, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 74,202 miles · CA

After approach from stop sign, went to accelerate, vehicle stalled, dashboard computer lights flashing, I.e power steering, brake, MPH, and pinging. Started vehicle after multiple attempts. Difficult steering, accelerating no more than 30 MPH, and transmission jerking. This vehicle has been to shop 2 times. The trans module was replaced august 1, 2012. A day after pick up, it had the same issues I.e. Difficulty steering, unexpected stalling, rough limited acceleration, flashing computer lights on the dashboard. The auto shop employee assured me" it is safe to drive and do not be afraid.." the shop had this vehicle for three weeks. It was written on invoice, " car driven for 26 miles trouble free has possible inop issue, but is operating as designed." nine days after pickup this vehicle still remains unsafe on the road, with unexpected stalling stopping I.e stop/ go traffic, intersections, and computer lights flashing on dashboard. The TCM /ECM issue is still not resolved causing a safety issue with unexpected stalling and difficulty steering and loss of acceleration.

Filed Aug 30, 2012 · Brakes, Engine · 170,000 miles · FL

The power steering message was on and the car ran like a dog and shifted roughly and traction control light was luminated and had no power is similar to all other accounts on this year and model? I need to know if gm is going to fix it and if it happens again am I going to loose control of the car? I understand it has a recall on it but considering the miles I have on it are they going to honor the recall? I don't have money to fix it so I don't know what to do if it happens again? I never seen or had anything like this before and I have always had gm products form oldsmobile, pontiac and mostly chevys I need reliable transporting on my job please tell me gm make this right by me [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 30, 2012 · Engine · 107,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and was nearly involved in a crash. The contact was able to safely control the vehicle and maneuver off the road. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure and current mileages were 107,000.

Filed Jun 14, 2012 · Engine, Steering · 136,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 34 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated, the speed decreased to zero and the tachometer increased to 4,000 rpms. The locks on the door started going up and down and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stopped and turned the vehicle off. After the vehicle was started, the failure was resolved. The failure recurred six times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the vehicle had too many fault codes to be diagnosed properly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileage was 136,000.

Filed Apr 17, 2012 · Engine · 20,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle would completely loose power sporadically, while driving at various speeds. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repair to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 90,000. Updated 05/10/12

Filed Mar 28, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · MD

My car shut off while driving out of a parking lot a couple of days ago. Everything shut down. I couldn't even brake. I was able to put the gear in park and restart it just fine. However this is the fourth time this has happened. The last time being on the george washington bridge. The very first time was 2 months after I purchased this car. I assumed it was because I went over a speed bump that was larger than normal. The second time I went over a pothole. The third time was on the highway. So I had a mechanic look at it and he stated that I could be the alternator. This was about 2-3yrs after purchase. However my time was very limited. I live in md but I work in new york so I spend a lot of time there and leave my car at home. So I haven't had a chance to get it fixed. With this last incident I decided to search the internet and it turns out that I am not the only one with this issue. I found it funny that there were many others with the same or similar problem. I put in a search for "cobalt shutting off while driving" and found a couple of sites describing similar issues. This last incident reminded me of how dangerous this could be. I had my 4 yr old niece in the backseat and the exit of the parking lot was on a hill. Feeling the car rolling back and not being able to brake would surely be considered a safety issue. On a side note I did have my car examined for the recall I was given notice about. This was completed last year. Nothing abnormal was reported.

Filed Mar 20, 2012 · Engine · 112,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the engine power reduced light illuminated. The vehicle then decelerated to 10 MPH and began to shake violently. The contact safely stopped the vehicle and upon restarting, the vehicle operated as normal. The failure recurred intermittently and the vehicle also stalled on a few occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and several mechanics where the ignition coil pack, spark plugs and the air mass flow sensor was replaced. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 112,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2011 · Engine · 104,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. While the contact was driving approximately 5 MPH into an intersection, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted and the contact was able to resume normally. The failure recurred on a separate occasion. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The failure mileage was 104,000.

Filed Nov 21, 2011 · Engine · 50,000 miles · KS

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact was driving 65 MPH when the vehicle began to shift out fourth gear. The contact stated prior to the failure, the low fuel sensor illuminated intermittently with the traction control and the check engine warning sensors engaged. The brake and anti lock sensors illuminated but did not remain on consistently. The odometer also began to fluctuate on the control panel. The failure was corrected temporarily when the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer confirmed the body connector module gear needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 178,000.

Filed May 6, 2011 · Engine · 58,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns 2005 chevrolet cobalt. While driving approximately 25 MPH the vehicle stalled. The contact placed the vehicle in park and turned the ignition off. The contact restarted the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

Filed Mar 21, 2011 · Engine · 80,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the engine disabled warning light was illuminated. After waiting a couple of minutes the contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The failure recurred approximately four times in the same day and continued to recur intermittently. The vehicle was later towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was awaiting a diagnosis of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 80,000. Updated 04/07/11 *bf updated 04/08/11

Filed Mar 9, 2011 · Engine · 84,000 miles · DE

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. While traveling at any speed, the contact stated that the vehicle would suddenly stall intermittently without warning. The dealer made three attempts to duplicate the failure. The contact was awaiting a response from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 87,000 and the failure mileage was 84,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2011 · Engine · 64,000 miles · DC

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly stall. The warning engine power reduced light would illuminate on the instrumental panel. The failure occurred on a intermittent basis for three weeks. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised her to take it to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. Updated 03/16/11 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle is operating correctly, after suggestions were made by the dealer. Updated 11/04/11

Filed Jan 26, 2011 · Engine · 138,000 miles · WI

I was driving on the highway at 75-80 MPH when the engine suddenly stopped. "reduced engine speed" and "engine disabled" warnings scrolled across the illuminated on the instrument control panel. After pulling over to the shoulder, I was able to restart the car and continue driving without further incident. Prior to this, I noticed that the vehicle's rpms dropping and then nearly stalling when slowing down at traffic lights or stop signs. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the throttle body and ECM. The car ran fine for a couple of weeks and has just recently started again with the early symptoms of nearly stalling at stop signs and traffic lights. I have not yet taken the car back to the dealer, but when I called them they said they probably wouldn't be able to tell anything without some kind of error message.

Filed Jan 23, 2011 · Engine · 75,000 miles · 00

Engine stops while driving - cannot steer nor brake so controlling the car to a safe stop is very dangerous occurred 3 times over the last 3 months without any warning. Luckily the car restarts after a couple of minutes.

Filed Jul 14, 2010 · Engine · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. When restarting, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure persisted intermittently. The dealer advised there was an open, unrelated recall on the vehicle and made unknown repairs under the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v073000 (steering: electric power assist system). The failure persisted and the vehicle was not diagnosed for the stalling failure. There were no further repairs. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 69,003.

Filed Jul 14, 2010 · Engine · 80,000 miles · OH

Car stalls while driving down the road, pulling out, sitting still. Has been doing it alot I have 95,000 miles I took it to be put on the scoop at the dealership and it didn't read anything. Had it to numerous shops and no one know what the problem is. It is very dangerous and I have children. Chevy should be made to recall them. All I have read on the internet is the same problems as im having and nothing is being done about it. I also have another complaint I took in for a recall on the power steering but they only fixed the motor on the power steering and said I had to fix the module which was 700.00 if I took it there to have the recall done on the power steering all of it should have been fixed. Chevy cobalt 2005.

Filed Jun 4, 2010 · Engine · 91,763 miles · VA

2005 chevy cobalt, while my daughter was driving this car, she lost power, motor was revving, RPM going up, then engine light came on. Took to 2 chevy dealerships, 12 codes came up, but was told none would make it do "that"... Help!! What if she is on highway and loses power, someone can be killed...

Filed Apr 15, 2010 · Engine · 135,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated while approaching a traffic stop and depressing the brakes, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle ahd not been taken to the dealer for a diagnosis of the failure. The contact confirmed the failure would occur intermittently whenever depressing the brake pedal. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000 and the approximate current mileage was 136,000.

Filed Mar 3, 2010 · Engine, Fuel system · 33,000 miles · TX · fire

2005 chevy cobalt caught fire when the ignition key tried to start the engine. This car was parked during the work day at the hospital covered parking lot.

Filed Mar 2, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 20,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. She stated that while driving at speeds of 40 MPH over a railroad track, the vehicle stalled without warning. Within a few seconds, the power steering warning light illuminated and flashed across the instrument panel. She was able to restart the vehicle moments later and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer replaced the power steering column due to electrical failures. The repairs were covered by her factory warranty. The repairs did not correct the failure and the problem persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they replaced the power steering column a second time. The failure occurred again and the power steering column was replaced a third time. She also stated that most of the electrical components on the vehicle had failed; upon opening the driver's door, the horn would blow. The power locks would not operate, the electrical trunk release would not operate and the catalytic converter also failed. The catalytic converter was replaced under warranty. There were no additional power steering failures after the third repair, however the steering wheel would feel hard at times. There were no recalls for any of the failures. The failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 79,000.

Filed Feb 3, 2010 · Engine, Steering · 36,233 miles · OH

Tl* he contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. The contact was driving 50 MPH on normal road conditions. There was a loss of power steering, followed by an engine stall. The failures occurred without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated the failure was contributed to a shortage in the electronic control module (ECM) and PCM. The components were replaced and reprogrammed. The failure mileage was 36,233.

Filed Feb 3, 2010 · Engine, Steering · 36,233 miles · OH

My daughter drives a 2005 cobalt. On 8-10-2009 she was driving on a two lane road with a speed limit of 55 MPH when her car shutoff and she lost steering ability. She crossed the oncoming lane on a blind curve and stopped in a driveway. If there had been a car coming toward her in the oncoming lane she would have been severely injured at a minimum. The chevrolet dealer said he had never had never seen that happen. The dealer replaced the ECM and put the PCM caused a short.

Filed Jan 21, 2010 · Engine, Steering · 45,000 miles · PA

I own a 2005 chevy cobalt and as I was driving it began to act almost like it was going to stall out on me as in driving on a major highway! My power steering is shot and needs to replaced I haven't had it that long got in aug 2008!

Filed Jan 12, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 64,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. When the contact started the vehicle he noticed that the it began to stall and suddenly shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that gasoline was pouring into the engine and that the ignition control module needed to be replaced. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 64000.

Filed Jan 8, 2010 · Engine, Steering · 45,000 miles · FL

Bought a new 2005 chevy cobalt. The car had serious air conditioning leaking problems right away that took over a year to solve. We were about to go lemon law on the car when chevy came out with a service notice and got the leak solved. The car then had a headlight that would fill up with water and short out the head light. The dealer told me to drill a hole in the bottom of the headlight case and the water would leak out. The dealer told me to do this!!! The car recently started to have problems with the odometer jumping around while your driving. While that's happening the power steering locks up as the car is being driven. It happened the first time with my 22 year old daughter driving the car to school doing 65 on i95. Scared her and she had to try get the car over three lanes to the side of the road. She was able to do it and after restarting the car, the steering was working again. It took two weeks for it to happen again, this time on a side road as she is not allowed to drive it on the highway anymore. She is a student and needs to get to college. We have contacted chevy and they tell us it's not under recall and it's going to cost between $600- $1200 dollars. It could either be the powersteering motor or the steering column. They won't know until they get in to the work. I looked on line and found a lot of other people with the same problem in the 05-06 model. This car needs to be recalled as the problem is going to kill someone on the road. The expense is both unnecessary and a burden in these tough times. My child is a student and does not need to shoulder this burden because of the bad engineering by chevy. I know they are bankrupt and this is a burden we should not have to take. Some one is going to die!

Filed Dec 14, 2009 · Engine · 103,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. While driving 55 MPH the "reduced engine speed" and "engine disabled" warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel, and then the vehicle stalled. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership. The current and failure mileages were 103000.

Filed Sep 17, 2009 · Engine, Steering · 80,000 miles · OH

2005 chevy cobalt--power steering goes out suddenly on car.

Filed Feb 15, 2009 · Electrical, Engine · 35,000 miles · MD

While traveling at highway speeds (~65 MPH) the car has shut off 4 times. Each time car behaved the same way, as if the key had been removed: the engine stopped, instrument panel dials went to 0, lights turned off. Radio stayed on (as it would if the car was turned off). The shut offs were sudden: there were no warnings (lights, sounds, vibrations) before shut off. I was able to coast/brake and pull to the side of the road, shift to park and restart the car each time. The first incident was in july 2008 approximately 100 miles into a trip. The second three incidents happened in about a 30 minute time span on the same trip in mid october. I took the car to the chevy dealership after the october incidents and they could not reproduce the problem. They performed a computer update. I had them check the wiring in january 2009 and they could not find any problems. The clock radio resets to 12:00 (when I turn on the car, not during driving) about once every 3 months since I bought the car in 2005 - I'm not sure if this problem is related. The car is an automatic 2005 cobalt, 4 doors with about 35000 miles.

Filed Jan 26, 2009 · Acceleration, Engine · 80,000 miles · MN

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cobalt. While driving 70 MPH on the freeway, the "reduce engine speed" indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle shifted into low gear and the contact could not accelerate beyond 40 MPH, which she considered very dangerous on a highway allowing 70 MPH speeds. The vehicle began operating normally. Prior to the failure, she noticed that the vehicle began stalling when she would slow down at traffic lights or stop signs. Occasionally, the contact would have to shift the vehicle into neutral so that it could perform correctly. On three occasions, a mechanic stated that multiple codes were present after diagnosing the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that there was no relevant recall to-date. The current mileage was approximately 82,000 and failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Updated 4/23/09 *cn updated 04/27/09

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history