10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,335 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.

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problem #7

Oct 022022

Cobalt

  • 97,600 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the check engine light would remain illuminated and the odor of fuel was present inside the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the fuel had leaked from near the rear passenger-side wheel area. The contact discovered that the leak was due to a corroded and damaged fuel line. In addition, it was discovered that the fuel line connecting to the fuel filter was corroded and damaged. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 97,600.

- Wittenberg, WI, USA

problem #6

Jul 252013

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 93,242 miles
I took my 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 1lt sedan to the dealership from where I purchased it from today to get my vehicle inspected as required per my state. Prior to today, for about the past week or so, my check engine light came on. Went to autozone and they ran a diagnostic on it saying a cam shaft position sensor needed replacement. Replaced it and check engine light went away for about a week then came back on. (replaced both of the sensors to be safe) check engine light would turn off for days then randomly come on. Went to dealership and they stated I needed a new front right strut since mine's was leaking. Called up a few other mechanics and they have said this is a common issue with Cobalts. If you google "Cobalt strut leaking", there are many results, yet no recall. This isn't just common in my vehicle's model year but with all Cobalts. I feel there should be a recall since this is common among this make/model.

- White Haven, PA, USA

problem #5

Sep 012011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 72,000 miles
The key will not turn in the ignition cylinder. Therefore the car will not turn off. There is a special bulletin #10256 about this exact problem including only the 2009 Cobalt however as there is not an open recall the manufacturer will not repair my car because my car has a branded title and they will only repair 'open recall' items. This issue is not listed in the global database when my VIN is searched but it needs to be listed under my VIN and there needs to be an open recall on this issue because it is certainly a huge safety problem that many owners have been experiencing. The only way to turn the car off is to get under the hood and remove the fuel relay fuse. In case of a fire this would be a catastrophic safety issue which could result in serious injury or even death.

- Baytown, TX, USA

problem #4

Jun 052010

Cobalt

  • 23,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. While the contact was driving approximately 5 mph over a pothole, the engine stalled without prior warning. The engine failed to restart and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnosis where they informed the engine would need to be replaced. Currently, the engine was being replaced with a rebuilt engine. The contact was in the process of notifying the manufacturer of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #3

Aug 062010

(reported on)

Cobalt

  • miles
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt develops a rumble after it warms up and in gear. Consumer states the noise can be controlled by putting the car in neutral or by releasing the brake.

- Freeport, NY, USA

problem #2

Feb 022010

Cobalt

  • 30,500 miles
I own a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and have been experiencing a significant rumble when the car is warm and in gear. The car has been taken to an authorized Chevrolet dealership and they will not correct the problem, although my personal mechanic has been able to replicate the problem. I complained to General Motors and they refuse to handle the case. Their only response is to suggest that I trade the car in for a Ford and contact my attorney.

- Freeport, NY, USA

problem #1

Dec 272009

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact was driving approximately 30 to 35 mph on normal road conditions. Suddenly, smoke expelled from the front end of the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road to inspect underneath the hood and the engine compartment was engulfed in flames. The fire and police department were called to the scene. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to a collision center. There were no personal injuries. The cause of failure has not been determined at this time. The failure mileage was 8,000. Updated 03/01/10 updated 09/07/10

- Shirley, NY, USA