Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The first time it happened, was at interstate speeds.(60 to 70mph) the second, was in city stop and go traffic. The third was backing out of my driveway after a 5 minute idle. The fourth was when my last mechanic was test driving it because he thought he'd fixed it. Dash lights blink on and off, all warning lights come on, engine cooling fans stop operating, transmission hunts for what gear it should be in; resulting in the transmission self destructing. Engine management, other than the cooling fans, seems to be unaffected. I've replaced 4 TCM's so far; as all mechanics say that is the problem. It works for a few days or a week, then the same problem manifest. This seems to be a problem with quite a few GM vehicles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the shifter independently moved and the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering. The traction control and check engine warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 10V073000 (steering) in 2010. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
I know about the recall for 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, my can has turned off while driving & I have had problems starting my vehicle., the steering wheel ignition system 'is the problem' my vehicle does not start anymore at all !! Please schedual an appointment at the nearest dealer that can repair the recalled parts? Near 95838 sacramento, ca. I believe that my life has been endangered several times because of the defective recalled parts !! " yes" I am very upset" !! My vehicle has stopped running on both city & freeways.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. After the vehicle was started, the enhance traction system, check engine, and power steering warning light illuminated intermittently. In addition, when the vehicle was switched into the reverse position, there was an abnormal sound coming from the gear shift. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,377. Updated 03/11/16
Vehicle loses power steering use after driving for a few minutes causing steering to become very difficult especially at lower speeds causing the possibility of a vehicle collision which is very unsafe and Chevrolet nor general motors wants to do anything about it, I urge you please do not purchase a general motors vehicle as once again they have shown they do not care about the lives of there customers
I was driving down the road and for no reason my Chevy Cobalt theft lock came on (ABS) light started flashing and tractions control light came on indicating that the traction control was off then in my dash board it said power steering failure then it was rough idling and fuel goes up and down then it gives rough gears this is the second time it has happened driving down the road this is not safe
The traction control system light on my Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 stays on and does not turn off until I shut off the engine. The check engine light also stays on as well at the same time the traction control system light is on, so not sure if these two issues are related. I also notice that the vehicle jerks periodically when I am on the road and there is rough shifting of gears.
I own a 2005 Chevy Cobalt 2.2 engine. It started sept 8th 2009 my power steering in my car failed causing me to strain to turn the wheel. I made it with mild damage to my car. I replaced my steering column but the problem still exists. The car jumps like it doesn't know what gear to shift into causing the car to jump and be almost impossible to turn.
While driving home the Chevrolet Cobalt (which we've only had for two weeks) engine shut off, luckily we were in the neighborhood going slow when this happened. I started the car up again and pressed on the gas but it would not go forward, now only the reverse works.
Made left turn and my airbag went off. Mechanic said that the clock spring shorted out internally in the coil and deployed the airbag. GM has not contacted me over this matter and have been trying to get them to reimburse me for since 2010.
Traction Control complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, 3% of the model year's 1,649 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to stability & traction control problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.