Print this page

Clear Coat Flaking Off

CarComplaints.com Seal Of Avoid Like The Plague

CarComplaints.com Notes: The Cobalt was introduced to replace two of Chevy’s smaller cars, the Cavalier and Prizm. But the compact’s fresh start that Chevy was hoping for was riddled with issues, most notably widespread power steering failure.

The power steering failed so often that GM was forced to issue a recall in March, 2010. Great, but what about other problems like the key getting stuck in the ignition or all the other electrical demons this car possesses?

And, oh yes — then there’s the terribly dangerous issue where the Cobalt randomly shuts off while driving. As it turns out, that problem is related to GM’s massive 2014 recall for a dangerous ignition switch defect. A recall that eventually ballooned to 2.6 million vehicles in one of the automotive industry’s biggest scandals.

8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
83,500 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. chevrolet repairs the issues with the paint & clear coat (1 reports)
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt body / paint problems

body / paint problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner Comments

problem #5

Mar 222019

Cobalt LS 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Paint has been coming off my 2005 Chevy Colbalt for many years. Now the clear coat is starting to flake off. This has occurred even after taking care of car by washing & waxing regularly.

Does anyone have any suggestions how I can get Chevrolet to take at least some responsibility? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

- Kevin K., Royersford, US

Send Comment Add Complaint
problem #4

Jan 042016

Cobalt LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

This problem has continued to get even worse as time goes on. Every rain.. I watch with dismay on how much more of the sealant slides off the paint. It is embarrassing to even drive this car. I am ashamed of chevrolet for not making this good. They say its not a safety issue !! It represents their quality of visual appearance.

Update from Mar 10, 2019: what else about this car !

I have posted problems with at least 4 issues. Some very serious.

this "cosmetic" issue that isn't a safety issue as stated by GM isn't priority.. well.. I have news for them..

it makes them look even cheaper as hell with this sorry work. I have seen numerous chevy vehicles that are NEWER.. at least 2017 models that area already pealing.. but hey they get theirs fixed and ride proud.

This is embarrassing to say the least. Spend money on wash and wax to a vehicle that looks like it has some bad skin disease... its a shame.

- Edward L., Tucker, US

Send Comment Add Complaint
problem #3

Sep 282015

Cobalt LS 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,357 miles

I have a serious clear coat problem, it's lifting off. Will Chevy or did Chevy have a recall for this problem? I need to get them to resolve this problem for me. I have the car in excellent condition and have had it detailed in and out 2 times a year. I have never experienced this problem with any of the previous vehicles I've owned. will they fix it????

- James C., Pittsburgh, PA, US

Send Comment Add Complaint
problem #2

Oct 312008

Cobalt

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

I had many calls and emails into Chevrolet about the clear coat coming off. It started small right below the windows and a small speck on top of the roof. Then it spread like a cancer all over the car. The black car looks hideous. I took it to the Chevy dealer multiple times and the service adviser said nothing they could do. Also told me the car was repainted... HA! Really?? What a bum. The computer failed twice, the ignition lock cylinder failed 3 times... The engine light just came on this week... What can I say... My first and last Chevrolet. Whats more is that I drive the car once a week... I ride a motorcycle daily here in Southern California... I have put less than a thousand miles on that car this year. I really wish Chevy would fix my problematic auto paint. there is something strong with it if it failed that quickly. Shame on you Chevrolet. Especially since I helped bail your butt out with my tax dollars. the least you can do is take care of shoddy clear coat.

- marcel266, Lemon Grove, CA, US

Send Comment Add Complaint
problem #1

Nov 012010

Cobalt

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

We have a 2005 chevy cobalt ( I literally KICK myself in the arse everyday when I get in this piece of crap, for ever buying it) This car has NOT held up like it should have, NOW the clear coat is flaking ALL over the car and the outside of the car looks like CRAP. There has been some sort of problem after another with this car!. The inside of the car the door locks the paint has peeled off and the light on the drivers side is so bright it will nearly blind you at night, on the pass side the paint peeled but thankfully that BRIGHT light has burned out on that side. The speakers in the front have completely quit, they used to periodically pop on while going down the road and would almost make you have a heart attack from the sudden BOOST in volume of them coming on. The silver overlay on both doors, it used to slice up your fingers while opening the doors. This was my first and WILL BE MY LAST CHEVY!! They are not WORTH the money!!!!

- Keith G., Andalusia, AL, US

Send Comment Add Complaint

Not what you are looking for?