Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
The 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt has significant recorded issues, with 2,330 complaints and six recall campaigns indicating recurring problems with the steering, electrical, and fuel systems. The evidence suggests you should conduct a thorough inspection before purchase, especially given the large number of steering complaints.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,329 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #14E021000 Aftermarket Replacement Ignition Switches NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V171000 Key Can Be Removed when Ignition is not Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V047000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V073000 ELECTRIC POWER STEERING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09V419000 FUEL PUMP MODULE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07V014000 FMVSS 201/HEADLINER TRIM NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 1,298 complaints
- Electrical System 412 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 255 complaints
- Fuel System, Gasoline 215 complaints
- Air Bags 146 complaints
- Power Train 137 complaints
Of the 2,329 complaints on file, 164 report a crash and 14 a fire; across all 2,329 complaints, owners report 196 injuries and 8 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Loss of power assist
How to check: Check if steering feels stiff or loses assist during turns.
Faulty ignition switch
How to check: Ensure the key remains secure in the ignition at 'Off'.
Airbag system malfunction
How to check: Inspect all airbag warning lights; check airbag recall status.
Electrical system failures
How to check: Test all electrical components for inconsistent performance.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or hard starting.
Red flag: Engine knocks or rattles
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Check engine or airbag lights on
- 03
Low-speed turns
What to check: Feel for steering resistance or noise.
Red flag: Stiff steering or grinding noise
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth engine response and acceleration.
Red flag: Lagging or misfiring on acceleration
- 05
Cruising steady speed
What to check: Monitor for steering corrections needed.
Red flag: Car veers without steering input
- 06
Post-drive inspection
What to check: Check for electrical component failures.
Red flag: Headlights or signals not working
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- What recalls have been addressed?
- Has the ignition switch been replaced?
- Are there any power steering problems?
- Have there been airbag deployments?
- Do you have service records?
- Were there any fuel system issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall repair record
- Service and maintenance records
- Title and registration details
- Accident history report
- Previous ownership history
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.