Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt has multiple recalls and a significant number of complaints, primarily surrounding steering, electrical systems, and airbag issues. While these issues are concerning, a thorough inspection and verification of recall completion could make it a feasible purchase. Due to the high number of steering and electrical complaints, these should be priority checks.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 574 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #15V500000 Improperly Routed Side Impact Wire Harness NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14E021000 Aftermarket Replacement Ignition Switches NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V171000 Key Can Be Removed when Ignition is not Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V153000 Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V047000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V073000 ELECTRIC POWER STEERING NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 239 complaints
- Electrical System 125 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 101 complaints
- Air Bags 77 complaints
- Engine 38 complaints
- Power Train 31 complaints
Of the 574 complaints on file, 46 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 574 complaints, owners report 45 injuries and 5 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Loss of power steering
How to check: Test power steering at various speeds and settings.
Ignition switch may turn off randomly
How to check: Inspect ignition switch; test by jiggling key gently.
Airbag system functionality
How to check: Verify airbag warning light functions with ignition.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Watch for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent airbag light.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Knocking or ticking sounds.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test steering responsiveness and power.
Red flag: Stiff or erratic steering.
- 04
Straight road
What to check: Check if car pulls to one side.
Red flag: Consistent pulling or drifting.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth gear shifts and acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough shifting.
- 06
Hard braking
What to check: Monitor for vibrations or odd noises.
Red flag: Braking shudder or squeal.
- 07
Parking maneuver
What to check: Steering tightness while turning.
Red flag: Increased effort needed to steer.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recall repairs been completed?
- Is there a history of steering issues?
- Any persistent warning lights on dash?
- Has the ignition switch been replaced?
- Are there any airbag-related problems?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Vehicle maintenance logs
- Title and registration documents
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2010 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.