Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. While the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, a second vehicle made contact with the rear bumper. As a result, the contact's vehicle rolled down a hill and crashed into a tree. The vehicle was destroyed. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in NHTSA campaign number: 09V073000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the transmission failed. The contact stated that the transmission shift point failed and caused the vehicle to shift gears incorrectly and causes the vehicle to jerk and stall. The contact also stated that the power steering warning light illuminated and caused the steering wheel to be difficult to turn. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle speedometer failed to operate as designed while driving, providing speed readings of 40 MPH, 20 MPH, 50 MPH intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic replaced the transmission control module however, the repair failed to correct the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Vehicle wouldn't start. Like the battery was dead, wouldn't even try to turn over. Go to turn the key off and pop my trunk where the battery is located and I can not get my key to turn all the way back to the off position, as a result I cannot remove my key. The speedometer read 30mph even though the vehicle never started and wasn't moving. Non of the electronics were working so I was unable to pop my trunk. This has happened several times before and eventually the vehicle will start and when it does the battery light stays on and the dash reads; engine performance low. The transmission will surge as I am driving and I cannot go faster than 30mph. I have even had the car shut off completly while I was driving down the road. After anywhere between a few hours to a few weeks the vehicle will stop acting up and drive normal for a while. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle's doors constantly locked independently. The contact had to crawl in and out of the vehicle through the window. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the power steering and check engine indicators illuminated and remained lit. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and powered off. The vehicle was later restarted and driven to the contact's residence. The contact called harry green Chevrolet at [phone] (1858 e pike st, clarksburg, wv 26301) and was informed that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there were no recalls for the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact about NHTSA campaign number: 07V014000 (structure). The contact had not received a recall notice. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving at any speed, the power steering seized. The contact had to use excessive strength to turn the vehicle. The vehicle also lost fuel. The failures occurred without warning. The vehicle also hesitated and jerked violently, and "faulty power steering" and "loss of fuel" appeared on the instrument panel. In addition, the service engine indicator illuminated and the transmission made an abnormal shifting noise. The contact called anderson Chevrolet (31201 auto center dr, lake elsinore, ca 92530, [phone]) and was informed that the transmission recall was serviced in 2009; therefore, the contact would have to pay for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
About once a month "power steering" appears on display, sometime power assist is gone, most times it is still there but transmission shifts very hard and stalls engine when stopped for red light. If power steering comes on right away after starting vehicle, shut off, smack pass side of center console, then start, usually off then, but if vehicle is hot from sitting in sun, or very cold in winter, you have to drive it and either heat it up or cool it off before pulling over parking and shut off for 15 minutes, then hit it then start it. Told dealer of this before p/s recall work was done they said it was not related, when I went to pick it up they ask if we were having trouble with the power steering and transmission, I said yes, they said oh have a nice day.
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.
I purchased a Chevy Cobalt brand new in 2005. From the moment it left dealership I have had one recall issue after another. The main issue is stalling while driving caused by the ignition switch. This had been fixed at schumacer Chevrolet several times. My vehicle continues to stall and I am terrified of causing an accident due to this recall which GM refuses to fix. I feel I was sold a lemon and all I get from GM and the local dealers is nothing. My vehicle is worse with the stalling. I don't know where to turn to. Please help. I don't want monetary compensation from GM if I or any passenger in my vehicle dies in an accident due to a malfunction due to GM.
My car has been stalling out as it gets to lower speeds and shifting very hard. There is a clicking in the dash somewhere and the speed odometer was fluctuating. It hesitates and tries to shut off at every stop. Loosing power and speed even down hill. The power steering reading has been coming on. And the display for gas mileage will now go to all lines no numbers. I am starting to be afraid to drive my car. That its going to get me rear ended when I am turning and it shuts off. I fear for my safety and the safety of my children. I went so far as to this morning recording the dash as it was acting up so I can show my husband.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to steer. The power steering and a yellow padlock warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering motor failed. The dealer diagnosed that the power train control module needed to replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V073000 (steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000. Updated 10/04/16
Transmission complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 99 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, 6% of the model year's 1,649 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.