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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
- Wittenberg, WI, USA