The 2010 Cobalt SS with the LNF 2.0L turbo is a high-strung performance platform that demands respect and maintenance. When modded or abused, these engines grenade spectacularly; stock and well-maintained examples can be reliable, but you're always one tune or boost spike away from catastrophic failure.
Piston Ring Land Failure / Spun Bearings
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 500-1000 miles), White/blue smoke on cold start or under boost, Metallic knock or rod knock at idle, Low compression on one or more cylinders, Metal shavings in oil or on magnetic drain plug
Fix: Ring land cracks from detonation or over-boost, often taking pistons with them. Spun bearings follow if oil starvation occurs. Requires complete engine teardown, piston replacement, honing, bearing inspection/replacement, and usually a full refresh. 20-30 hours labor for a proper rebuild with machine work.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000
Timing Chain Stretch / Guide Wear
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start for first 3-5 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017), Rough idle or misfire at startup, Plastic debris in oil during oil changes
Fix: Timing chain and guides wear, especially if oil changes were neglected. Plastic guides disintegrate and chain stretches, risking valve contact. Replace chain, tensioner, guides, and both VVT solenoids while you're in there. 8-12 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid pooling under vehicle, Pink/red fluid dripping near radiator area, Harsh or delayed shifts, Transmission overheating warning
Fix: Metal cooler lines rust through or crack at fittings, dumping ATF. Frequently takes out the transmission mount bushings from fluid saturation. Replace lines, top off fluid, inspect for contamination. 2-3 hours labor if just lines; add 1-2 hours if mount is soaked and needs replacement.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Sticking
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Limp mode / reduced power message, Overboost or underboost codes (P0234, P0299), Inconsistent boost response, Turbo whistle changes pitch under load
Fix: Wastegate actuator seizes or diaphragm tears, causing uncontrolled boost. Can be rebuilt or replaced with OEM or upgraded unit. Turbo removal and reinstall required. 4-6 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
PCV System Clogging / Intake Valve Coking
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000+ mi
Symptoms: Rough idle when cold, Hesitation or stumble under light throttle, Increased oil consumption, Whistling from PCV valve area
Fix: Direct injection means no fuel wash on intake valves, and heavy blow-by clogs PCV and cakes valves with carbon. Clean valves with walnut blasting, replace PCV valve and hoses. 3-5 hours labor for proper cleaning.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Head Gasket Failure (Tuned/Modded Cars)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating under boost, Milky oil or bubbles in coolant reservoir, Misfires on adjacent cylinders
Fix: Stock gasket fails on tuned cars making over 300whp or running high boost without proper support. Requires head removal, resurfacing, ARP studs, and MLS gasket. 12-16 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500
Fuel System / HPFP Cam Follower Wear
Rare · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Hard starting when hot, Fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0089), Intermittent limp mode under WOT, Metallic ticking from top of engine
Fix: High-pressure fuel pump driven by intake cam lobe; follower can wear and cause low fuel pressure. Replace pump, follower, and inspect cam lobe for scoring. 4-6 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $900-1,400
Owner tips
Change oil every 3,000-5,000 miles with quality full synthetic (0W-40 or 5W-30) — these engines are hard on oil
Keep it STOCK if you want reliability; any tune increases detonation and bearing failure risk exponentially
Replace PCV valve and clean intake valves every 60k miles to prevent carbon buildup
Install a catch can to reduce blow-by into the intake
Monitor oil consumption religiously — any loss over 1 qt per 3k is a warning sign
If buying used, get a compression and leak-down test, and pull the oil cap to inspect for sludge
Buy one only if it's bone stock with meticulous service records, you're handy with a wrench, and you have a $3k rainy-day fund for when the engine lets go — because it probably will.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Group 48 (H6) battery; high CCA required for turbocharged engine
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Every control module on the 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt SS — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPSCM)2.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into steering column assembly, below instrument panel
🔧 Tech 2 + SPS / GDS2 + MDI
⚠️ Column-mounted electric power steering. VIN programming and steering angle sensor calibration required. Common failure point on Cobalt.
Body Control Module (BCM)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center of instrument panel, above center console, mounted to HVAC plenum bracket
🔧 Tech 2 + SPS / GDS2 + MDI
⚠️ Controls interior/exterior lighting, power windows, door locks, remote keyless entry. VIN programming and theft deterrent relearn required.
Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR)1.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.3 hr
📍 Behind center of instrument panel, near BCM, mounted to cross-car beam
🔧 Tech 2 + SPS / GDS2 + MDI
⚠️ Receives remote keyless entry signals. Programming required to pair with key fobs after replacement.
📍 Engine compartment, driver side inner fender well, mounted to bracket above wheel well
🔧 Tech 2 + SPS / GDS2 + MDI
⚠️ Integrated hydraulic unit. Configuration and automated bleed procedure required. SS models include StabiliTrak (stability control) and traction control.
📍 Integrated within BCM and ignition lock cylinder sensor
⚠️ Passlock III system. No separate module; function integrated in BCM. 10-minute relearn procedure required after BCM replacement or ignition cylinder service.
Transmission Control Module (TCM)no coding
📍 Integrated within ECM (no separate TCM)
⚠️ Transmission control integrated into ECM for F35 5-speed manual and 4T45-E automatic.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles manufactured January 4, 2010, to June 23, 2010. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an improperly routed Side-Impact Sensor (SIS) wiring harness in the driver side front door. The misrouted wiring harness could cause an electrical short that disables the driver side curtain air bag.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sensor's wiring in the driver's door and make repairs as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15075.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH · 14E021000
2014-04-30
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · 14V171000
2014-04-10
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · 14V153000
2014-03-31 · EA11014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
AIR BAGS · 14V047000
2014-02-10
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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. GMs 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 · 10V073000
2010-03-03 · PE10005
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.
Consequence: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Performance
Horsepower
260hp
Torque
260lb-ft
0–60 mph
5.4sec
Quarter mile
14.0sec
Top speed
155mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
22mpg
Highway
30mpg
Combined
25mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Curb weight
3,125lb
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Wiper blades
SS coupe variant, no rear wiper. Uses same blades as standard Cobalt coupe.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt SS 2.0L I4 Turbo and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years.