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 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have owned a 2010 Chevy Cobalt since 2012. Shortly after purchasing, the check engine light turned on. The power locks erratically lock and unlock. The windows will become jammed and suddenly will not roll back up. Cruise control will randomly stop working. I had issues with the transmission which cost me over $3,000 to fix. Then, there was the ignition switch recall which the dealer fixed at no cost. But now I am having problems with the power steering. I have to turn my ignition off and on for the power steering warning message to turn off but then it turns back on a few minutes later. I am aware that there was a recall for the power steering but yet the dealer refuses to address this issue with my car because they say that recall was performed by a previous owner. The NHTSA website states bulletin 14115 regarding power steering recall began July 17, 2014. …
Problem with the transmissionwill not shift into any gears, after having a hole in transmission pan,so replace the pan and filter and gasket and put new transmission fluid in,now car will not shift into any gears. Its like it locked me out of the transmission all together. This makes the 2nd transmission that was put into my car I had it done a couple years ago and it's back to the same problem again, it's cost me 2,000 last time for a rebuilt transmission that should last at least 4-5 years only lasted for 2 years,the auto place said it had something to do with the pump solenoid and the shift solenoid,that they are riged to burn out these components. And it's parked in front of my house. It happen on highway and on city streets. Very scary, I am disabled and depen on my car to go to lung doctor. I am on a very tight fixed income and can't afford another 2,000. For this problem. …
Once car warms up, while driving, the automatic transmission does not shift past second (2nd) gear, and will allow red lining without shifting up a gear. When trying to park, the shifter will not allow shifting into park, and the vehicle will pull away under the power of its own idle if the parking brake is not applied, making leaving the vehicle unattended very dangerous. When trying to shift out of park shifter will become stuck in the parking gear. The light illuminating and indicating the gear in which the shifter is in position of goes out, making it very difficult to know if the vehicle is actually in park or reverse especially coupled with the shifter not going fully into the parking gear. …
While driving on nys I-90, my 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt ls 2010 went into "engine power reduced" and I was not able to drive over 40 MPH. I pulled off to the shoulder and waited for about 10 minutes. I started back up, check engine light remained on and car stays in limp mode. The vehicle now idles rough, accelerates slow when at red lights and stop signs and bucks when shifting gears. First at 10 MPH (hard buck) than (lighter buck) at 20 MPH, and continues lighter through acceleration. Codes that are coming up are p0107 engine (map) barometric pressure circuit - low input, p0452 engine (evaporative emission system pressure system pressure sensor - switch low input, p0532 engine ac pressure sensor a - circuit low, and p0641 engine (sensor reference voltage a) circuit/open. I was able to clear out all codes except for p0641 (permanent). Please help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle vibrated, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the electrical system failed to function. The contact also stated that the accelerator pedal failed to respond when depressed. The vehicle was taken to dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that a transmission module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. The steering wheel was hard to turn. The power steering warning light illuminated while the failure occurred. The contact also stated that when the accelerator pedal was engaged the vehicle failed to respond while the RPM dropped to zero. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge read empty, when the fuel tank was filled. The contact also stated that the tire pressure monitoring system also failed. The TPMS provided inaccurate tire pressure. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown mechanic who performed a diagnostic test but was unable to locate a failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle jerked, lunged forward, lost power, and the power train warning indicator illuminated. The contact also heard abnormal noises coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact veered to the shoulder of the road to check for leaks; however, none were found. The contact drove home at very low speeds and parked the vehicle. Mccluskey automotive (8525 reading rd, cincinnati, oh 45215, [phone]) was contacted and a diagnostic appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing various electrical failures. The check engine, power steering, and traction warning indicators were illuminated and the RPM gauge increased erratically even when the vehicle was parked. In addition, the power steering seized at any given moment. When the vehicle was restarted, the failures went away; however, the transmission shifted harshly when changing gears. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge always displayed as empty even though fuel was present. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 154,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving any speed, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle shifted gears automatically, which caused the vehicle to jerk rapidly. The contact also stated that the starter fuse blew out when starting the engine. The contact would have to shake the fuse box prior to inserting a new fuse to temporarily prevent the fuses from immediately blowing out after starting the vehicle. The contact stated that the new ground wire was added to connect to the trans control module, but the failures recurred after a few hours. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Had this vehicle only 6 months and had the fluid changed. Then went to move it and reverse was only forward and forward was forward. Had it towed to the dealer. They diagnosed and said there was no gears. They said it need a transmission. Also they said it need a new radiator, because of the back flow from the transmission. The radiator would cost about 700. Dollars. Has there been any problem with the transmission with other vehicles? Does the dealers diagnose or do they repair the item. I think the problem was the shifting pin went out with the shifting, but they put in and charged for a new transmission.
Transmission complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 5% of the model year's 583 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 6 injuries and 3 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.