Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the power steering and brakes became inoperable. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to her parent's residence. The vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the ignition switch. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V171000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.
Starting in 12/15, the traction control light was coming on intermittently, then also the ABS light. Per mechanic advice, I had a wheel bearing replaced. After that, lights were off, then began again several days later. My mechanic said I should replace the opposite bearing to even out the traction sensor. 1/21/16 I was driving down a hill, tapped the brake, felt something lock up in the front end and careened across the road into some trees. I asked my insurance co about this, and notified Chevy too. Nobody seemed interested in pursuing the cause of the accident- totaled the car. Thank god I wasn't hurt badly and nobody else was involved. I know they don't want to bother with me because I am small potatoes. I feel I should at very least be reimbursed for the repairs I had done and pay for my new (used) vehicle for my trouble. …
Tl contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle and crashed in the rear of another vehicle. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
My Cobalt illuminates the check engine light as well as the theft light and displays engine power reduced happens multiple times first time it started was in 12/2017. The car was purchased in 2011 always serviced and repaired by dealer ship. The car stalls at stop signs lights or when you pull into a parking lot. Engine light comes and goes. Lights dim and flicker the gauges jump up and down in the dash. After you shut the car off the gauges in the instrument cluster jump adn make ticking noise. When there is no engine light present the car idles rough and acts like its going to die till you start driving then its fine. The issue with the brakes are when you to press them the pedal will depress all the way but its like it dont meet with the pad, this problem is intermittent as well. Obd2 codes have been p0641 p0017 p0651 p0573 current codes stored are p0340 p0300 p0341. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle power steering failed while driving approximately 35 MPH. The vehicle independently traveled across both lanes, crashed into a curb and then into an embankment before stalling. The air bags failed to deploy and the vehicle was destroyed. The contact sustained injuries to the left side of the body and a police report was filed of the incident. The manufacturer inspected the vehicle and determined that the anti-lock brakes had failed however, did not provide a reason as to why the vehicle stalled. The approximate failure mileage was 45,744.
Vehicle became hard to steer and lost power and the brakes would not work. Nothing on the car would work and finally I was unable to fight the wheel anymore and the car flipped. None of the airbags deployed. I think than an investigation for the newer models of the Cobalt be done as well. From the description that was given for the suit that is now ongoing with the GM ignition problem, my car did the exact same thing. We could have been killed in this accident,. I have photos of the vehicle. It was horrible.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle started to jerk. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Jeff drennen Cadillac Chevrolet Buick GMC (3625 maple ave, zanesville, oh 43701, [phone]) was contact and informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
I was driving home this morning and a deer jumped out in front of me. I slammed on the brakes and the engine shutoff. Making the power brakes and steering shutoff. Extremely dangerous not to mention if there is no power most likely the airbags will not deploy. A serious issue for a car that is less than 6 years old with around 80,000 miles on it. Just a disclaimer it is an automatic so there is no clutch.
Vicenza, italy. Roads were clear and it was 12 am, not many cars were on the road. I was headed to work and as I was coming into a small traffic circle, the car began drifting, I let go of everything and the whole thing shut off: engine and lights. Another car was coming in but noticed I was drifting so they slowed down. I was headed into a ramp and tried to stop with my brakes which didn't work. I tried restarting the car but the key was stuck. I tried turning the wheel, but that was stuck. I finally got the car to somewhat slow down with the emergency brake, and barely missed the ramp. I had recently had an oil change and my brakes checked, so I know my car was fine. It later happened again a few months later. Very similar situations. I have new tires and had my axles inspected, I know there is something wrong with my car and it is not safe. …
I brought my car (2010 Chevrolet Cobalt ss) to the local dealership near me in massachusetts, and I was told that my rear brakes were worn to the point just before a sensor going off. The car only has 30,000 miles on it and rear brakes are supposed to be the ones that last longer than front ones but my front are fine. The dealership refused to fix the brakes under the 3 year 36,000 [I]unlimited[/I] warranty or the 2 year 20,000 mile maintenance warranty. I have been reading many complaints about the rear brakes on websites about the rear brakes on my model car and they need to have something done about it, because if this many people are having the same problem, then its not a user problem its a part problem.
Brake complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the brakes of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 5% of the model year's 583 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › abs warning light (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2010 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 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to brakes 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.