Chevy Cobalt Transmission Problems & Cost

Designed to replace the venerable Chevy Cavalier, the Chevrolet Cobalt rode on an entirely new platform and offered loads of style and value. There was also a high-performance Chevy Cobalt SS that has become highly sought after in the tuner community. Both versions offered the 4T45E 4-speed automatic, which was fairly reliable in its day. However, Chevy Cobalt transmission problems can occur. So let’s figure out what you can do.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Chevy Cobalt Transmission Models

Chevy Cobalt: 4T45E Transmission

Chevy Cobalt Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement 4T45E Transmission:

What are the DTC codes related to Chevy Cobalt transmission problems?

Chevy Cobalt Transmission Recalls

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Recall 09V073000 / 09041

Summary – On some 2009 Chevy Cobalt’s, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may come loose, causing the gear indicator to display the wrong gear.

Consequence – If this problem occurs, the driver could remove the ignition key and exit the vehicle thinking the transmission is in Park, even though it isn’t. This can lead to a rollaway, which can cause injury and/or property damage. A lesser consequence would be the inability to start the vehicle because the transmission is not in Park.

Remedy – This recall began on March 24, 2009, and Chevrolet dealers were instructed to inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjustment clips, free of charge. Owners can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, referring to recall # 09041. Or they can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236

Chevy Cobalt Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 05-07-30-015 – Difficultly selecting a gear / shifter jams – 2005-2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
Problem – On some vehicles, the gear selector may become inoperable.
Solution – Replace defective shifter handle.

TSB 99-07-30-031 – No third or fourth gear – 4T40E Transmission & 4T45E Transmission
1999 – 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier – 1999 – 2000 Chevrolet Malibu – 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass – 1999 – 2000 Oldsmobile Alero – 1999 – 2000 Pontiac Grand Am – 1999 – 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
Problem – Drivers may experience the complete loss of third and fourth gears
Solution – Replace direct clutch piston assembly

TSB 02-07-30-022B – Usually harsh shifts, along with multiple transmission diagnostic trouble codes – 4T40E Transmission | 4T45E Transmission | 4T65E Transmission
2000 – 2004 Buick Century – 2000 – 2004 Buick LeSabre – 2000 – 2004 Buick Park Avenue – 2000 – 2004 Buick Regal – 2003 – 2004 Buick Rendezvous – 2000 – 2001 Chevrolet Lumina – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Impala – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Malibu – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Venture – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue – 2000 – 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora – 2000 – 2004 Oldsmobile Alero – 2000 – 2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Bonneville – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Grand Am – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Montana – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Sunfire – 2001 – 2004 Pontiac Aztec
Problem – Drivers can experience unusually harsh shifts, along with the following DTC’s: P0716, P0717, P0730, P0753, P0758, P1860, P1887
Solution – Inspect, repair and/or replace the transaxle 20-way connector to the transmission wiring harness

TSB 00-06-04-037A – Harsh shifting with DTC’s P0716 and/or P0717 – 4T40E Transmission | 4T45E Transmission | 4T65E Transmission
2000 – 2002 Buick Century – 2000 – 2002 Buick LeSabre – 2000 – 2002 Buick Park Avenue – 2000 – 2002 Buick Regal – 2002 Buick Rendezvous – 2000 – 2001 Chevrolet Lumina – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Impala – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Malibu – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Venture – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Alero – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Bonneville – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Grand Am – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Montana – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Sunfire – 2001 – 2002 Pontiac Aztec
Problem – Some drivers may experience unusually harsh gear changes, accompanied by a P0716 and/or P0717 DTC
Solution – This problem can be caused by an intermittent connection of the input speed sensor circuit at the transaxle 20-way connector

Common Problems with the Chevy Cobalt Transmission

Slipping in forward or reverse gears
Problem – The vehicle may slip in-and-out of forward or reverse gears. There may also be a lack of engine braking, lubrication of the forward clutch, and the DTC P0730.
Solution – One of the oil feed tubes may have developed cracks in one of its welds

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

Depending on the nature of your Chevy Cobalt transmission problems, it may be possible to continue driving it. But putting continual strain on your transmission can cause the problem to get a lot worse/more expensive. So if you want to save yourself a lot of headaches and money, you need to have the issue diagnosed immediately.

How often does a Chevy Cobalt transmission need to be replaced?

Maintenance (changing your transmission fluid/filter, fixing the leaks etc.), and your driving style clearly play a huge part in determining how long your Chevy Cobalt transmission will last. But factory design flaws also contribute. On average, we’ve seen the Chevrolet Cobalt 4T45E last between 120,000-180,000 miles.

How are Chevy Cobalt transmission issues diagnosed?

In order to properly diagnose Chevrolet Cobalt transmission problems, a scan tool will need to be connected to the car’s OBDII port. After the diagnostic trouble codes have been analyzed, a visual inspection can be performed to verify the problem.

How is a Chevy Cobalt transmission replaced?

Although this job can be performed by a do it yourself-er, it will require a fair amount of skill, along with the right tools. Partially removing the engine may make this job easier.

Recommendations for Chevy Cobalt transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Chevy Cobalt transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Chevy Cobalt Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy Cobalt Transmission

Saving money is an important consideration for most people, so a used 4T45E transmission might be a tempting option. However, you may be spending more money in the long run because you don’t really have any way of knowing what kind of shape the internal components are in.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy Cobalt Transmission

To avoid the uncertainties of buying a used Chevy Cobalt transmission, you may consider buying a rebuilt 4T45E transmission from a mechanic or transmission repair shop. But if they use an OE master rebuild kit, the transformation will be taken back to the original factory specifications. So problems with things like the 4T45E reverse boost valve or 4T45E transmission pump slide pivot pin will eventually return. And the coverage from that rebuilt transmission warranty may be limited to the shop that built it, which means that you will have to pay for transmission repairs if you travel.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy Cobalt Transmission

To actually fix Chevy Cobalt transmission problems, the issue has to be dealt with so it does not happen again. A properly built remanufactured 4T45E transmission is designed to do to just that, by upgrading specific failure points like the TCC control valve and transmission pump. These modifications can greatly extend the service life and durability. Plus, if you can find one with a nationwide warranty, you won’t have to worry about transmission repair bills.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Chevy Cobalt Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!