This page covers 2 recalls, 573 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt.
27–29 mpg combined
8.1–8.7 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
Steering is by far the dominant complaint pattern for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, with owners frequently reporting sudden loss of electric power steering assist while driving. The failure typically occurs without any warning light, leaving drivers with significantly heavier steering effort needed to control the vehicle. The fuel system draws the second-largest share of complaints, with owners describing fuel leaks originating near the rear of the vehicle, often accompanied by a strong gasoline smell. Several of these reports note that the leak occurs close to exhaust components. Electrical complaints round out the top three, with owners mentioning erratic fuel gauge readings and airbag warning lights requiring service. The fuel gauge issue appears in multiple reports, with owners describing the gauge moving unpredictably and making it difficult to gauge actual tank level.
573
Total Complaints
46
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
26
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt has two recalls, the more serious being a misrouted wiring harness in the driver's door that can disable the driver-side curtain airbag, leaving it unable to deploy in a crash.
The electric power steering system can also suddenly lose its assist while driving, requiring noticeably more physical effort to turn the wheel, particularly at low speeds where steering loads are highest.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring harness for the driver-side impact sensor is routed incorrectly in the driver's door, which can cause an electrical short and disable the driver-side curtain air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the sensor wiring in the driver's door as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering motor can fail suddenly at any time while driving, causing a complete loss of power steering assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the electric power steering motor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
