10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 29 / 2
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 53 / 6
- Average Mileage:
- 52,252 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.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
I am very disappointed in GM's handling of the February 10 and April 10, 2014 recalls of 2008 Chevrolet Cobalts. I am a 2008 Cobalt owner, and I still have not received a letter nor has my uncle who is the registered owner. I bought the vehicle used but do not feel that is an adequate excuse for not being notified of this recall. I was not able to order the designated parts for repair until 3 days ago, as the dealership I contacted in regards to the problem did not get back to me. I do not feel that this recall is a situation to make light of. People are dying from this deficiency in the vehicle, and I was never even informed of the possibility of my air bags not deploying. I do not feel safe driving my car and I do not feel secure knowing that without my taking the initiative to investigate this problem, I would never have known that my car had been recalled. I also am not satisfied with the listing on the official GM letter on the NHTSA website that all ignition switches will be replaced, when the posted recall on cars.com from GM states a problem with the ignition cylinder as well. I also feel that my air bags, steering and entire electrical system should be tested and replaced if there is even the slightest chance that they have be ineffective. I lose power steering if my ignition switch fails, in addition to my air bags failing, further compromising my safety. I am very concerned about these defects on my vehicle, as I have no other form of transportation back and forth to work etc., and the length of time it is taking for it to be repaired. The dealership that ordered the parts for me told me it would be 6 weeks before the parts arrived, at which point I could make my appointment which may mean additional waiting. I, as a consumer, feel slighted and certainly disregarded. I will not recommend any GM sedan of this nature to anyone.
- Kenmore, NY, USA
Sliding on slippery road. Fishtailed, not sure if steering locked up. With the front of my car, hit another car in the side. No airbags deployed. Concerned about the recall with the Cobalt at this time.
- Middlefield, OH, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated after the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA recall campaign number: 14V171000, electrical system the air bag light illuminated sporadically and the power steering failed to function normally. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for the failures. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was 79,873.
- Lebanon, TN, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the driver was traveling 55 mph and drove over a pot hole when the vehicle suddenly stalled, causing the driver to crash into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. The force of the impact caused the vehicle to explode, causing fatal injuries to a passenger. The driver was removed from the vehicle within seconds of the explosion however, the passenger could not be rescued. A police report was filed. The driver was transported to the hospital for treatment of severe bruising, lacerations and fractures to both legs. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14V047000 ( air bags, electrical system) and stated that the recall notification was not received until after the incident. The VIN and failure mileage was not available.
- Ypsilanti, MI, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger's side of the vehicle. The force of the impact pushed the contact's vehicle across two lanes. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained unknown injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contact's residence. The contact later notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system) and notified the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle was not inspected to determine the cause of the air bag failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
- Franklinville, NC, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact received a recall notification of NHTSA campaign id number 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system) and 14V171000 (electrical system), however the parts needed were currently unavailable. The dealer was unable to provide an expected date for the remedy part to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Plainfield , IL, USA
I was driving on the everett turnpike in nh. There was a soccer net in the middle of the highway. The cars in front of me had stopped and I tried to stop, but because my power steering was out along with my anti-lock brakes. I couldn't stop. I hit the car in front of me and my airbags didn't deploy. Luckily the only damage done was psychological. If I were an inexperienced driver than I would have died.. I have already had my power steering fixed once and now it has been recalled again. The car as a whole should be recalled. I don't feel safe driving it after they fix a problem that has already happened twice.
- Woburn, MA, USA
The contact owns 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact received the recall notice related to NHTSA campaign id number 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system); however, the part needed was unavailable to perform the repair. There are no failures at this time. The manufacturer was notified and stated there was no rental vehicle available. Updated 05/28/14 MA updated 06/02/2014
- Oswego, NY, USA
Hydroplaned on freeway. Car spun around til it crashed into the guardrail hitting 3 sides of the car. None of the airbags deployed. Waiting for claims adjuster to rule if its to be totaled.
- Holly Lake Ranch, TX, USA
On February 21th, 2011, I was driving on the I-95 expressway. Suddenly, I lost the control of my car which was hit by another car driven by [xxx] (case # [xxx]). on June seventh, 2010, my wife had similar accident with her 2006 Chevy Cobalt. The fact that both crashes were so similar made dubious about our responsibility on them. I asked to inspect my vehicle twice (3/25/11 and 4/9/11), but inspectors said that my car was ok. On December 12, 2011 I presented a complaint to F. H.S. M. V. D. M. S. (complaint #[xxx]), on December 16, 2011 its answer was; your complaints do not fall within its jurisdiction. Dejected, I did not forward any more action. I have just received from GM a warning about a defect which relates to motor vehicles safety exists in 2005-2007 model year (my) Chevrolet Cobalt, then I read on tv news, and internet, that GM issued that it's possible that the air bags might not deploy if there is an accident. In this moment we realized that both the 2006 and 2008 Chevy Cobalt air bags did not deploy, regardless both vehicles crashes were on front bumper allstate insurance paid the amount of $6440.58 to repair my car. We have received a significant amount of letters from lawyers and allstate insurance dealing with injures damages and monetary compensation. Allstate paid to Mr. Sentmanat the sum of $10 000, consequently our allstate insurance premium was raised substantially. This entire situation had caused stress, economic problems and lack of confidence in both my wife I. because both crashes happened in the afternoon rush hour, I-95 traffic was crowded and slow, but in other conditions and as consequence of air bag malfunction my wife and might have died. For the reasons explaining above I, the writer, demand from GM a monetary compensation for the psychological, legal, and monetary problems caused by my car malfunction. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- North Miami Beach, FL, USA
Ignition switch jams; air bag light stays on; cruise control stopped working; airconditioner stopped working; tire light stays on; engine light stays on; and now heater is barely working.
- Bartlesville, OK, USA
On my way home from work in heavy traffic in indianapolis, someone in front of me hit their brakes hard. As a result, I also had to slam on my brakes. When I did so, my rear end spun out. I lost power steering. I crashed head first into the concrete median. However, the airbag did not deploy. Luckily, I escaped severe injury; although the wreck, the resulting loss of power steering, and the fact that the airbag did not deploy were directly due to the negligence of General Motors.
- New Palestine, IN, USA
I do not remember the exact dates and mileage, but I have seen recently the recalls on Cobalt. I purchased a 2008 Cobalt in 2008. Had 5 miles on it when I bought it. By, 2010 the ignition switch had been replaced 3 times, due to failure. 2 times the ignition would not start. Once, the car would not turn off. I had to drive immediately to the dealership that time. I contacted the dealership, GM, and interstate commerce dept. No one would help me. The only thing GM said they would do is give me $2500 towards the purchase of a brand new vehicle. I had just had my daughter and stuck on the side of the road with her the last time. After no help, I just had let them repo the vehicle. I know the recall only goes to 2007 models, but you may want to investigate the 2008 models as well.
- Maryville, TN, USA
I was driving on a 3 lane highway in the middle lane attempting to pass a vehicle by entering the far left lane when I noticed a car in my blind spot. I overcorrected when attempting to navigate back into my original lane of travel. My car began fishtailing, I spun around 2 times while crossing over 2 lanes of traffic and hit the right side guard rail almost head on at 40 mph. I went back into traffic and hit another vehicle on the side panel and came to rest with my car northbound in the southbound traffic the air bags did not deploy in the crash, which I found concerning with the amount of front end damage the vehicle sustained. The vehicle was deemed a total loss.
- Langhorne, PA, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the driver front air bag suddenly deployed causing the contact to crash into a ditch. The contact sustained broken ribs and a semi-severed finger. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000....updated 05/22/13
- Meraux, LA, USA
Air bag light come on service immediately may not be protected in accident kept coming on had to take to tech codeboo13/0012 clockspring it scary for a car thats five years old. To find out its in steering area. ## VIN failed ##
- Evansville, IN, USA
On Tuesday morning I went to pick up my mail and I notice something hanging from my car ceiling inside the car when I went to take a look, it look like my airbag from the passenger side from front all the way back are deployed. There was no accident nor anyone attempt to steel the car. I'm 70 years old imagine if this thing deployed while I'm driving, for sure there will be someone dead. I contacted GMC to help me out so far they keep saying they will send an inspector to take a look but this will not happen for another week or so. So I can't drive the car for safety issues and they will not give me a rental car. What if there is an emergency and I do need a car what then? I'm not happy with the service that they providing me. This issue should not be taken lightly, if it happen to someone else for sure there will be a fidelity.
- Garland, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the key became lodged in the ignition and he was unable to remove it. Also, the contact stated that on a separate occasion while driving 45 mph the steering wheel seized and the air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer six times who diagnose that the ignition module, steering wheel column and driver side air bag module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 82,600.
- Viola, WI, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph and attempting O decelerate, the brake failed to engage and the contact proceeded to crash into a stop sign. The front driver side air bag failed to deploy. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was towed to a local body shop for further investigation of the failure. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 39,000.
- Zapata , TX, USA
- Utica, NY, USA