2006 Chevrolet Cobalt

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.

Class
Subcompact Cars
Body styles
Ls / Lt 4dr Sedan FWD, Ls/Lt 2dr Coupe FWD, Ltz / SS 4dr Sedan FWD, SS 2dr Coupe FWD
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
Length
180.3 in
Curb weight
2,734–2,926 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2006 subcompact car (21.2 MPG).

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints465 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 52 for similar models — most often about the steering.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (2.2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 180 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,789 lb (Ls / Lt 4dr Sedan FWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 18% better than the 2006 subcompact car average of 21.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 465 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2006

  • Engine added: 2.4L 4-cyl

Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Cobalt →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Ls / Lt 4dr Sedan FWD180.3 in68.1 in57.1 in103.1 in58.7 / 58.3 in2,789 lb59/41
Ls/Lt 2dr Coupe FWD180.3 in68.1 in55.9 in103.1 in57.9 / 58.7 in2,734 lb60/40
Ltz / SS 4dr Sedan FWD180.3 in68.1 in57.1 in103.1 in58.7 / 58.3 in2,888 lb59/41
SS 2dr Coupe FWD180.3 in68.1 in55.9 in103.1 in57.9 / 58.7 in2,815 lb60/40
SS Supercharged 2dr Coupe FWD180.3 in68.1 in55.9 in103.1 in57.9 / 58.7 in2,926 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cobalt2.2L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25+18%$2,700355
Cobalt2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25+18%$3,300355
Cobalt2.2L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+13%$2,800370
Cobalt2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+13%$3,400370
Cobalt2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+8%$3,550386
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.2 MPG2006 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2006 subcompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (this car)25 MPGNot rated3
2006 Toyota Corolla31 MPGNot rated8
2006 Honda Civic42 MPGNot rated7
2006 Honda Accord26 MPGNot rated9
2006 Toyota Camry25 MPGNot rated4
2006 Toyota Prius46 MPGNot rated3
2006 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport22 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (3)

Electrical System › Ignition · Apr 10, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V171000 · 2,191,014 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
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 each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Air Bags · Feb 10, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V047000 · 2,190,934 vehicles

Problem
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 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Mar 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V073000 · 1,050,889 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

465Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
21Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
12Injuries reported
120,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering230
Fuel/Propulsion System125
Electrical System91
Engine43
Air Bags34
Unknown Or Other28
Power Train19
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)18
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/06: 221/09: 421/10: 621/11: 222/01: 122/02: 222/03: 122/04: 122/06: 122/07: 122/08: 322/09: 223/02: 123/04: 123/05: 123/06: 123/07: 223/08: 124/02: 124/07: 124/09: 225/06: 125/07: 225/09: 121/0621/1122/0322/0723/0223/0624/0225/06max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 230 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Fuel/Propulsion System — 125 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  4. Electrical System — 91 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 120,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Cobalt years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2010 Cobalt30180.3 inNot rated5278
2009 Cobalt30180.3 inNot rated4410
2008 Cobalt29180.3 inNot rated4408
2007 Cobalt25180.3 inNot rated4423
2005 Cobalt25180.3 inNot rated3236

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →