Chevrolet · Known Issues

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Problems: 5 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2006 model year · 5,323+ owner reports · Updated June 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,323+ owner reports, the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure ($0-$0 repair) and Electric Power Steering Motor Sudden Failure ($0-$800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure with 4,503 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $200 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 5 Known Issues

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Community Reported

500 owners

On the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, the Cobalt equipped with electric power steering (EPS) is subject to a recall for sudden loss of power steering assist while driving. The EPS motor can fail without warning at any speed, requiring significantly more effort to steer the vehicle. The 2005 model year alone has 128 complaints for power steering failure. GM issued a recall in March 2010, but some owners report the issue recurring even after the recall repair.

This issue also affects: Cadillac CT6, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Malibu

Common Symptoms

Sudden loss of power steering assist
Steering becomes very heavy without warning
Power steering warning light illuminated
Steering effort increases in cold weather
Intermittent power steering that cuts in and out

How to Fix

Check VIN for recall eligibility. Dealers replace the electric power steering motor free of charge under the recall. If power steering fails while driving, pull over safely - the vehicle can still be steered but requires much more physical effort. Report recurring failures to NHTSA.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 500+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteLoss of power steering at highway speeds is extremely dangerous. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov immediately. If you experience intermittent power steering failures, do not wait for a complete failure - get to a dealer. The recall replacement is free
UpgradeComplete strut and shock absorber set for full suspension refresh (KYB Excel-G Strut/Shock Set)
View on Amazon
UpgradeFour-wheel alignment kit with cam bolts for proper tire wear correction (Moog Alignment Cam Bolt Kit)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$0 - $800

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500+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence500 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, front wheel hub bearings commonly fail prematurely, sometimes as early as 50,000 miles. The sealed bearing units develop excessive play and noise due to poor sealing that allows water intrusion. Road salt environments accelerate failure dramatically.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Avalanche, Chrysler 300, Ford Transit Connect

Common Symptoms

Humming noise that changes with speed
Noise changes pitch on turns
ABS warning light on
Steering wheel vibration at highway speed

How to Fix

Replace the front hub bearing assembly. This is a bolt-on unit that does not require a press. Torque the axle nut to 159 ft-lbs. Inspect the ABS tone ring on the new hub before installing. Replace in pairs if high mileage.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeQuality wheel bearing/hub assembly for noise-free and safe wheel rotation (Timken Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly)
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Typical repair cost:$200 - $400

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0+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Community Reported

4,503 owners

On the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, the Chevrolet Cobalt was at the center of the largest safety scandal in GM history. Defective ignition switches could turn from "Run" to "Accessory" or "Off" position while driving, triggered by heavy keychains, road vibrations, or knee contact. When the ignition turns off, the engine shuts down, power steering and power brakes are lost, and critically, airbags are disabled. GM knew about the defect as early as 2005 but did not issue a recall until February 2014. The defect is linked to 124 compensated deaths and hundreds of injuries.

Common Symptoms

Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving
Loss of power steering and power brakes simultaneously
Airbag warning light illuminated
Key can be removed from ignition while not in OFF position
Vehicle stalls when key is bumped by knee or heavy keychain

How to Fix

Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for recall eligibility. The recall remedy is ignition switch replacement, free of charge. Until repaired, remove all items from keychain and use only the ignition key alone. Never hang heavy items from the key. If the engine shuts off while driving, shift to Neutral and steer to safety.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 4,503+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteThis is one of the most serious automotive recalls in history, linked to 124 deaths. If you own a Cobalt that has not had the ignition switch replaced, get it done IMMEDIATELY at any GM dealer for free. Use only the ignition key with nothing else on the keychain until repaired
UpgradeDorman clock spring — restores airbag and horn function (Dorman Clock Spring)
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TipCheck NHTSA.gov for active recalls — repairs are performed free at authorized dealers

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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4,503+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence4,503 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

320 owners

On the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, the 2.2L and 2.0L Ecotec engines in the Cobalt develop timing chain stretch and timing chain guide deterioration. The plastic timing chain guides wear over time, causing the chain to become slack and noisy. If left unaddressed, the timing chain can skip teeth, causing valve timing misalignment and potential engine damage. The issue typically develops between 80,000-150,000 miles. The water pump is driven by the timing chain on these engines, so both should be addressed together.

This issue also affects: Acura MDX, Audi A4, Audi A5

Common Symptoms

Rattling or slapping noise on cold start
Chain noise that worsens over time
Check engine light with timing-related codes
Rough idle or hesitation on acceleration
Reduced engine power if timing has jumped

How to Fix

Replace the timing chain, tensioner, guides, and water pump as a kit when chain noise develops. DIY timing chain kit with water pump runs $200-$400 for parts. Labor at a shop runs $600-$1,200 due to the front-of-engine teardown required. Do not ignore chain rattle on cold start - it will worsen and can cause catastrophic engine damage.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 320+ owners who fixed this issue

TipAlways replace the water pump when doing the timing chain on a Cobalt Ecotec. The water pump is driven by the timing chain and requires the same labor to access. A timing chain kit with water pump is $200-$400 for parts. Doing both at once saves $500+ in duplicate labor costs
TipUse full synthetic oil and change every 5,000 miles to maximize timing chain life. The plastic chain guides wear faster with dirty or old oil. Early Ecotec engines had a design fault in the chain tensioner oil feed - GM released revised tensioners that should be used in any repair
UpgradeComplete timing chain kit includes chains, guides, and tensioners (Cloyes Timing Chain Kit)
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UpgradeHigh-quality engine oil is critical after timing service (Castrol Edge Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
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Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,500

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320+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence320 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, the in-tank fuel pump assembly is prone to failure, often due to deteriorating fuel pump wiring harness connections or internal pump motor wear. Symptoms appear gradually with intermittent stalling before complete failure. Hot weather exacerbates the problem as heat-soaked pumps lose pressure.

This issue also affects: Acura MDX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Common Symptoms

Engine stalls at highway speed
Hard starting when engine is hot
Sputtering under acceleration
Fuel pressure below 50 PSI

How to Fix

Replace the fuel pump module assembly. Use an OEM-equivalent pump with updated wiring harness connector. Drop the fuel tank for access — the Cobalt has no trunk access panel. Run the tank low before removal for safety.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeDelphi fuel pump module — OE-quality direct replacement (Delphi Fuel Pump Module)
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UpgradeBosch fuel pump — reliable OEM alternative (Bosch Fuel Pump)
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Typical repair cost:$400 - $700

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0+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Cobalt problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,323+ owner reports, the 2006-2006 Chevrolet Cobalt has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure, Electric Power Steering Motor Sudden Failure, Ecotec Engine Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Cobalt reliable?

The 2006-2006 Chevrolet Cobalt has 5 known issues documented across 5,323+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure and Electric Power Steering Motor Sudden Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Cobalt problems?

Repair costs for known Chevrolet Cobalt issues range from $0 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure?

The Chevrolet Cobalt was at the center of the largest safety scandal in GM history. Defective ignition switches could turn from "Run" to "Accessory" or "Off" position while driving, triggered by heavy keychains, road vibrations, or knee contact. When the ignition turns off, the e… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Electric Power Steering Motor Sudden Failure?

The Cobalt equipped with electric power steering (EPS) is subject to a recall for sudden loss of power steering assist while driving. The EPS motor can fail without warning at any speed, requiring significantly more effort to steer the vehicle. The 2005 model year alone has 128 c… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Ecotec Engine Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear?

The 2.2L and 2.0L Ecotec engines in the Cobalt develop timing chain stretch and timing chain guide deterioration. The plastic timing chain guides wear over time, causing the chain to become slack and noisy. If left unaddressed, the timing chain can skip teeth, causing valve timin… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Premature Front Wheel Hub Bearing Failure?

Front wheel hub bearings commonly fail prematurely, sometimes as early as 50,000 miles. The sealed bearing units develop excessive play and noise due to poor sealing that allows water intrusion. Road salt environments accelerate failure dramatically. Repairs typically run $200-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Fuel Pump Module Failure Causing Stalling and No-Start?

The in-tank fuel pump assembly is prone to failure, often due to deteriorating fuel pump wiring harness connections or internal pump motor wear. Symptoms appear gradually with intermittent stalling before complete failure. Hot weather exacerbates the problem as heat-soaked pumps… Repairs typically run $400-$700. Severity: medium.

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Problems: 5 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 5 Known Issues

2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt: Electric Power Steering Motor Sudden Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt: Premature Front Wheel Hub Bearing Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt: Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt: Ecotec Engine Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt: Fuel Pump Module Failure Causing Stalling and No-Start#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Chevrolet Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Cobalt problems?

Is the Chevrolet Cobalt reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Cobalt problems?

What is the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Defective Ignition Switch Causing Engine Shutoff and Airbag Failure?

What is the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Electric Power Steering Motor Sudden Failure?

What is the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Ecotec Engine Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear?

What is the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Premature Front Wheel Hub Bearing Failure?

What is the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Fuel Pump Module Failure Causing Stalling and No-Start?