10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
62,174 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt:

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

problem #22

Aug 272018

Cobalt

  • 128,000 miles
The vehicle anti theft light keeps coming on. When this occurs the vehicle jerks in drive, hard to stop, wheel will lose power steering in drive, and all needles will move. The RPM, mph, and gas needle continues to fluctuate. The gas needle will indicate low fuel when fuel is present. I can never know what speed I'm doing. The vehicle flashes power steering digitally. The car will shut off in mid drive! taken to many mechanics including dave gill Chevrolet and no one fully diagnosed the issue!

- Garfield Hts., OH, USA

problem #21

Mar 132018

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 77,000 miles
My vehicle transmission was stuck in park, it wouldn't start and would still roll when in park. We have come to the conclusion it was a faulty transmission cable clip or installed improperly. I have contacted GM about a recall and said it was closed due to a dealers inspection in 2012. I have since taken it in to get fixed and it appears it is a problem with the recalled part. GM still refuses to cover it. I am enclosing below my email to GM below with attachments and links. Any help with this is appreciated [xxx] to:customerassistance@Chevrolet.com cc:[xxx] Mar 16 at 10:54 am thank you for the information. I had taken the car in on March 14th to have the problem diagnosed and offer the invoice of what they found and fixed for your review. They said the clip was fully engaged but the cable was still slipping. I asked that they give me the old part back for my inspection. I also offer a video of my review of the cable, please see link below. The third attachment is the 1st page of the invoice my receipt of payment. Https://drive.google.com/file/D/1rrtbjhvtpipnh3lzthgbuiwj-aux190O/view?usp=drivesdk I am asking that GM reimburse me the cost of $210.24 dollars for the transmission cable replacement. It is apparent from the inspection from the technician and my own inspection that the problem lies with the clip not operating properly. Don't know what may have happened in 2012 during their inspection, but regardless it appears to be a defect in the GM design/part and should be covered. I assure you I am not trying to get something for free here, I just want businesses to back their products, especially when there are known problems with them, which I hope you will do. I appreciate all your time in this manner and look forward to your reply. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Muskego, WI, USA

problem #20

Sep 182017

Cobalt

  • 131,000 miles
ECM problem. Lost steering and all dashboard information. Vechile does not start.dealer tells me it is a bad ECM and it is $841 to repair it. Including a $250 chargere to diagnose the problem than I find out there was a huge recall on these ecms but for some reason mine was not included. GM should make good on this and replavce it at no charge since they know they have had huge issuyes with this

- East Stroudsburg, PA, USA

problem #19

Jul 252016

Cobalt

  • 64,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle moved very slowly. In addition, while the vehicle was in reverse, it accelerated forward independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000. The VIN was not provided.

- Lynn, MA, USA

problem #18

Jul 112011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 77,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. While attempting to drive, the gear shifter seized without warning. The contact stated that the air bag and check engine warning lights illuminated randomly. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that the vehicle began to overheat randomly. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. Updated 01/11/2017

- Oakdale, CA, USA

problem #17

Sep 012014

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • miles
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. Consumer writes in regards to transmission replacement with low miles. * ld the cost to replace the transmission, was $2100.

- Avalon, PA, USA

problem #16

Jun 182014

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
Between approx 45 and 60 mph vehicle sounds as if driving over rumble strips. Will stop vibrating intermittently above 60 mph. Vibration is felt from front passenger side. The steering wheel does not sway. No trouble shifting. Between 3 mechanics have been given 3 different answers: Loose body part vibrating in wind, suspension, transmission. Had balance and alignment checked with no issues. Contacted GM dealer to check recalls and other known issues, none found. No previous symptoms, vehicle drove normally until 6/18. Do not currently drive vehicle out of fear of something breaking or falling apart. Am still trying to get diagnosed.

- Wichita, KS, USA

problem #15

Aug 312014

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 69,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating and would not respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle began vibrating and the contact heard a loud whining noise coming from the undercarriage. The contact was able to drive to the dealer after keeping the vehicle parked for approximately 30 minutes. In addition, once the air conditioning was activated to level three or higher, the vehicle would stall. It was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced and the master cylinder on the brakes was faulty. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 69,000. Updated 10/23/2014 updated 4/21/2015

- Athens, GA, USA

problem #14

Aug 302014

Cobalt

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 14V171000 (electrical system), but the failure was not remedied. The dealer replaced the ignition switch and provided the contact with a new set of keys. While driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle jerked and stalled. The check engine and service traction indicators illuminated during the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

- Staten Island , NY, USA

problem #13

Mar 022013

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who was not able to replicate or diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 09/05/14

- Ronkonkoma, NY, USA

problem #12

Jun 022014

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • miles
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch and several other problems with vehicle. The consumer the vehicle was taken to the dealer, several times. Three times, for the ignition. The steering module, struts, and control arms were replace. The drive train was in the process of failing.

- Duncan Falls, OH, USA

problem #11

Mar 012009

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • miles
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch problems. The consumer stated she experienced several incidents, with the ignition switch sticking and not being able to turn the key, including the first day she brought the vehicle home. Over the years, the switch has failed, which left her stranded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer many times, but they never replaced any components regarding the lock cylinder or switch. Updated 05/14/14. The consumer stated she was unable to shift the vehicle into gear. Updated 06/26/14 the electric power steering motor was replaced. Updated 07/10/14 updated 07/30/14 the consumer stated the vehicle was fixed. Updated 09/02/14

- Eastpointe, MI, USA

problem #10

Mar 012014

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 41,000 miles
Vehicle was being towed behind class a motorhome. Key was in the accessory position; transmission (automatic) was in the neutral position; fuse block:8 (ignition switch, pass-key III+) was removed to prevent battery drain; per vehicle manual for dinghy towing. Traveling on interstate 45; 95 miles South of dallas, tx. Nothing was hit when traveling. Both front tires blew out, subsequently ruining both front tires and wheels. There is no apparent reason why this happened. Was wondering if this may be connected with current safety recall on ignition problem on Chevrolet Cobalt. The key chain had three keys and the key fob attached.

- Lewistown, MT, USA

problem #9

Mar 022009

Cobalt

  • 15,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while traveling at any speed, the vehicle would intermittently become hesitant and was not able to change gears into reverse. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the unknown repairs were made to the vehicle. The contact had also experienced the vehicle stalling intermittently on multiple occasions. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign id numbers:14V047000 (electrical), 14V171000 (electrical) or 09V073000 (power train) but stated that he had experienced the failure described in each recall on multiple occasions. The vehicle was scheduled for diagnosis and possible repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15000.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #8

Apr 032014

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
Driving vehicle on highway when engine check light comes on and "reduced engine power" message appears on status bar of dashboard. Repaired at dealership by replacing throttle control body. Occurred twice more over next 3 days, repaired at different dealership saying first throttle control body was defective. Occurred again 2 days later, dealership replaced crankshaft position sensor. Occurred again 1 day later. Need to take in for more service. Basic internet research shows that this is common problem on Chevrolet Cobalts.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #7

Nov 162013

Cobalt

  • 154,000 miles
I just found out there was a recall on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt due to failure with the electric power steering assist motor / system. As I looked it up I found 2 additional recalls which Chevrolet was supposed to contact me on all 3. I was not contacted, and do not know if my car has had the repairs done prior to me purchasing the vehicle in January 2011. The 2 other recalls are as follows. Shifter cable problem with car not in proper gear, clip on cable, if not installed properly, Chevrolet is supposed to replace the entire cable. Also, a fuel leakage can occur, causing a fire, due to a plastic supply and/or return port breakage on the fuel pump module.

- Liberty Twp., OH, USA

problem #6

Jul 052006

Cobalt

  • 10,765 miles
Why isn't there a recall for the 2005 Cobalt? this happened shortly after I purchased the vehicle! why do you have the recall only for 2009, it should be for 2005 and all models affected, regardless of the year! just picking one year is not accurate for this type of issue. This need to be fixed asap! please and thank you! "transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect", and FMVSS 114, "theft protection and rollaway prevention". on some of these vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged. If the clip is not fully engaged, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. With this condition, the drive could move the shifter to "park" and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in "park".

- Forest, VA, USA

problem #5

Oct 112012

Cobalt

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact was able to continue driving normally after turning the ignition off and then restarting. In addition, the gear lever did not shift from drive into neutral unless the brake pedal was engaged. The failure occurred two times. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the malfunction. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

- Dresden, OH, USA

problem #4

Apr 272012

Cobalt

  • 62,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and removing the key from the ignition, a passenger haphazardly struck the automatic gear shifter into reverse. The vehicle rolled backward from the residential driveway and crashed into another vehicle. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who advised that they would contact her at a later date to resolve the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 62,000. Updated 6/12/12

- Palmyra, PA, USA

problem #3

Feb 142011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 85,564 miles
I parked the car for the night with no indications of any problems and when attempting to drive the next day, the key would not turn in the ignition. Tried moved the steering column and it would not turn to start. Talked with a locksmith and was told that it wasn't the ignition but the power train column shift since neither of the keys worked. I spoke with the Chevrolet consumer hot line (1-800-630-2438) and was told that there was not a recall on my VIN. I assured them that I have a vehicle with 85,546 miles that I can't started with the first 11 numbers of the VIN recall.

- Rougemont, NC, USA

Read the next 2 complaints »