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 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
"Takata recall" on 3/30/18 I was involved in a wreck. I was traveling on a busy city street when the light turned red. I stopped and the person in front of me was driving a large SUV. When the light turned green and traffic began to move I started driving. Out of nowhere with no warning, the driver just stopped and my car ran into the back of the vehicle. We both stayed in our vehicles I called 911. Officers arrived and emergency services. Even though hardly any damage was done to the SUV, my car sustained a lot of damage to the hood and bumper of my car. The airbags didn't deploy. I thought my car was totaled by looking at it. I was able to have most of my car repaired out of pocket because I had liability only at the time. The passenger in front of me after giving information to the responders was able to drive away, I was not. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving at 70 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. When the vehicle was in the park position, it rolled forward and crashed into a fence. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number:14V171000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 132,927.
You know when my son bought this car, I know he thought he had the best, this is part of your reviews. New for 2006 are ss sedan and coupe models with normally aspirated engines. These new ss models fit between the lt and ss supercharged models. Their price, power and performance and body work are all toned down from the ss supercharged coupe, but they're sporty cars and possibly the best choice in the lineup, boasting 171-horsepower engines and sports suspensions.this car was suppose to handle good. But now he is dead because of this car. Do you people at chevorlet even know how people feel or what kind of emotion a parent goes through with losing a child and how my life has changed. I will never see him get married, have children. I will never be able to talk to him, feel him, tell him I love him. Yes, I'm hurt. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while parked in a residential garage, the vehicle started rolling backwards and the driver door crashed into the wall. There were no injuries were reported. Also, the contact mentioned that she was able to remove the key out of the ignition switch while the vehicle was in park. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 93,805. Updated 10/7/14 the consumer stated the stereo has had many problems, it failed intermittently. Taking the key out of the ignition was difficult and strange noises could be heard upon attempting to do so. There were also to incidents that while driving the vehicle would lose all power. Updated 5/13/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. While parking the vehicle in the driveway, the contact forgot to place the shifter into park and removed the key from the ignition switch. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle while in gear, but it failed to start. The contact noticed the vehicle was still in gear and placed the gear shifter into park. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle, but it failed to start. All the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to estle Chevrolet (located at 1515 n clinton st, defiance, oh 43512, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
On Monday May 30 2011 I was driving home and decided to take the freeway. I entered the 215 freeway at center street in riverside, then accelerated to traffic speed then the car ahead of me slammed on there brakes so I proceeded to stop and avoid hitting them and the steering wheel locked up and my car veered over to the center divider from the slow lane and my car crashed into the wall it left me completely facing traffic on the 215 freeway! Then to avoid any further accidents I drove off the freeway and drove home. This is the first time I've noticed the steering wheel locking up. My car is currently being worked on.
Electrical warning light (t/c) reappear does not turn off through normal drive. Tempature display not obtain data for outside hear index. Power steering warning is showing during usual operation small resistance with turning of wheel not noticeable if unaware of car capabilities. Power train possible transmission failure no power going up a vertical highway height causes stoppage of momentum while excelerator is being applied to the max. Taken car to dealer for professional opinion considering the asking price being huge that number of defects are large only having the car for two years these problems are exhausting.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving 65 MPH, the instrument panel failed. The contact also stated that the check engine, power steering assist, check fuel cap, and service engine soon warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. On several occasions, the vehicle was difficult to start after several attempts. The contact also stated that the transmission module failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
First I had the control arm bushing replaced twice within the first year of owning it, the car was bought brand new. The last two years the car started to chug at stops display would read reduced power MIL light would come on I had to stop the car, disconnect the battery then it would go away and could drive it. This last year the car will now upon starting the display will read power steering, security system locked this car does not have a security system, the gauges go haywire car dings low fuel, when trying to move the car shifts very hard, brake pedal hard to push, car surges and chugs when stopped.
When my daughter exited her car she grabbed her backpack from the passenger seat. One of the straps from the backpack hooked around the shifter and moved it to neutral. We did not know the shifter did not lock when you put it in park.the car started rolling backward down our driveway with the drivers door open. The door caught one of our trees in our yard pinning it against the front fender damaging the door and front fender. She had her key in her hand so the ignition was not on. After reading on the internet several of these shifters are defective. This is a dangerous issue that GM is ignoring.
Transmission complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 137 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, 6% of the model year's 2,330 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (34 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 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 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries and 2 deaths 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.