2010 Chevrolet Cobalt — Full Specifications
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The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.2L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–35 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Chevrolet Cobalt workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.2L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 5-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 83 cu ft (2,350 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 14 cu ft (396 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 30 urban / 42 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 25 city / 35 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 190 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.2L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 29 mpg (US), or 30 to 35 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/30) | 221 | $2,700 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (24/33) | 205 | $2,500 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (25/35) | 190 | $2,300 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 83 cubic feet (about 2,350 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
Running Costs: 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Electrical system (2), Steering (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 15V500000, reported 10 August 2015. Risk: A disabled driver side roof-rail air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of that air bag, increasing the risk of injury to the driver.
- Electrical system — campaign 14E021000, reported 30 April 2014. Risk: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
- Electrical system — campaign 14V171000, reported 10 April 2014. 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…
- Steering — campaign 14V153000, reported 31 March 2014. Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 6 campaigns.
Owners have filed 583 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The most-reported areas are Steering (242), Electrical system (128), Fuel/propulsion system (101). Complaints include 46 reported crashes, 8 reported fires, 45 reported injuries, 5 reported deaths.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Steering (2 recall campaigns · 242 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Electrical system (2 recall campaigns · 128 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Fuel system (101 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns · 79 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Chevrolet models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt's 35 mpg is 6 mpg above that make average. Its 190 g/km CO₂ figure is 56 g/km lower than the 246 g/km Chevrolet average.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.2L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.2L 4-cyl with a manual 5-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 35 mpg.
How much does the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Electrical system (2), Steering (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt?
Among the 583 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Steering (242 complaints), Electrical system (128 complaints), Fuel/propulsion system (101 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 83 cubic feet (about 2,350 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.