Model year guide

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 129 on record.

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints1,649
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$2,126

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt recalls 6

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V171000 · 10/04/2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for ea…

Air Bags NHTSA Campaign #14V047000 · 10/02/2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicl…

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014…

Electrical System:ignition:switch NHTSA Campaign #14E021000 · 30/04/2014

UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditi…

Fix: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners r…

Steering:electric Power Assist System NHTSA Campaign #10V073000 · 03/03/2010

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 O…

Structure NHTSA Campaign #07V014000 · 18/01/2007

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.'

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #04V560000 · 22/11/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BULB SHIELDS INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMPS CAN LOOSEN DUE TO VIBRATION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 1,649 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 4-DR (Later release). Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,767

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt worth?

Low
$1,000
Typical price
$2,126
High
$3,400

From 126 comparable 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,835
Fuel only$13,835
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · LS · LT · LEV 1 - All Models · SS
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl 170 hp · 2.0L 4-cyl 205 hp

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles on record

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Base1G1AK52F557601859 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL52F457589037 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL12F957631534 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Base1G1AK52F757583297 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL54F657596889 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL52FX57586384 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Base1G1AK52F357636951 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL52F157541429 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Base1G1AK52F057666411 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL52F157583860 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL52F557519126 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL12F957645885 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL54F057519192 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Base1G1AK52F957639627 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Base1G1AK12F057629576 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL54F857551985 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Base1G1AK12F157547310 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL12F957649578 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL14F057665942 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL52F557596806 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Base1G1AK52F757559081 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LS1G1AL52FX57653601 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Base1G1AK12F157573731 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Base1G1AK52F157621946

Other Chevrolet Cobalt model years

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2003

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt?

Based on 1,649 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, steering, engine.

What is the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt at about 24 mpg combined (21 city / 29 highway).

How much is a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt worth?

Comparable 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt listings run roughly $1,000–$3,400, typically around $2,126 (from 126 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.