Chevrolet Cobalt Complaints (2009)

900 consumer complaints on file.

#11492834November 8, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel leaking from near top of tank/pump. Sounds similar to other recalls though my VIN is not currently included. Noticed fuel smell in garage and could see fuel from top of tank. No indicators showing a malfunction.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11488820October 11, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11488592October 10, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump leak: fuel pump line started spewing fuel over ground during engine start. Engine wouldn’t not start due to high pressure fuel leak.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11478010August 7, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Strong smell of gas inside vehicle. Gas is leaking from vehicle. Known problem of fuel leakage and vehicle recalls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11476979August 1, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle had an instance of hard starting, then I became aware of the odour of fuel in my car which quickly made me exit the vehicle as the fumes were strong. Liquid fuel was leaking out of the left rear in from of the wheel area, in proximity to the exhaust system
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11475860July 26, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the odor of fuel was present inside and outside of the vehicle. Additionally, the odor was present whether the vehicle was on or turned off. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that no visible fuel leaks were present. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V459000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11472908July 8, 2022
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist and became difficult to steer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering failure occurred at various speeds. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469994June 19, 2022
STEERING
While parking my 2009 Chevy Cobalt the power steering became difficult. It was like it stopped working at times. Then it began again and then it completely stopped steering and the steering locked. I turned the car off and checked the vehicles power steering fuses. They were all fine. Then turned the car back on to see if the problem still continued and it started working. I rushed home hoping it would work. Once I pulled into my driveway the power steering completely stopped working again. I see that there was a recall in the past but may not be available any longer but seems like they should still correct the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468544June 9, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Leak in fuel line
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11467725June 6, 2022
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,504.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11466566May 29, 2022
STEERING
My power steering seemed very loose. I zig zag across the road.Trying not to hit a telephone pole.Slipped into a ditch. Got back on the road for a few seconds but still no control. Finally car went into the woods hit a tree and was totaled.I don't care if vin says no recalls my steering didn't exist that day.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11464722May 15, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Wiring harness is located too close to the human under the driver's seat. Exposes the driver to electrical frequencies that could be avoided if the wire harness was a further distance away from the human. Also, the the fuel line rusted through after 9 years about 9 inches away from the rear axle where the metal tape ends around the fuel line. The metal tape seems to allow more moisture to become trapped around the fuel line; which promotes rust and a leak where the metal tap ends. After the metal tape, the fuel line is in good condition on this specific vehicle. The fuel leak is about 0.5 inches wide and a lot of gasoline drips / leaks after the car is started. The rust particles are located after the fuel filter; which may promote the rust particles to reach the engine via the rusted fuel line. The car has trouble starting (a delay) and needs to have the key turned twice due to the leak. The leak is very close to the muffler, so it seems like it would be at risk of catching on fire if the muffler was hot enough or if it were traveling on a long trip or going up or down a steep hill. The vehicle has been inspected by police. There were no warning lamps or lights.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11464743May 15, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Noticed gas smell inside and outside of car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11463312May 4, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have noticed when car is parked in garage that there is a gas odor present in the garage. It appears the gas odor is the strongest around the driver side, rear wheel. I do not yet see any severe drips anywhere but it is enough to cause concern about parking the car in a closed up garage. especially in winter with a heater running... I have not yet brought it into a dealer to have it checked. This car is located in a midwest climate where salt is used on roads which would cause possible issues with corrosion.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458411March 26, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line leak occurred at approximately approx. 76,700 miles requiring immediate repair as gasoline was leaking out at a continuous rate. Dealership indicated this is a common issue with the Cobalt. No warning lights other than difficulty starting vehicle and then smell of gas.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11456214March 10, 2022
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently experienced a loss of power steering assist. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451477February 11, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is gas puddling around the driver rear tire. I saw an article, which can be found here: https://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1128764_more-than-600-000-chevy-cobalt-and-hhr-models-investigated-for-fuel-leaks Gas leaking is an obvious safety problem due to the risk of fire or worse. The symptoms began yesterday - February 11, 2022. I did bring the vehicle to Bob McCosh Chevrolet in Columbia, Missouri. They reported there are no recalls on that system. But as the article link above confirms, I am certainly not alone in this problem. I believe this problem is being investigated but no recall has been issued. I will also follow up with the service manager at Bob McCosh Chevrolet in Columbia, Missouri. I will escalate to the regional service manager for Chevrolet. In the meantime, it would be very helpful if the weight of the FHTSA could get behind this problem. I can be reached at [XXX] if you have additional questions. My email is [XXX]. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11447449January 14, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I noticed the smell of fuel originating from the near the left rear well a few days ago (~1/1/2022). I took my car to a mechanic who confirmed fuel leaking out from a line located near the left rear well. The mechanic claims the leaks are caused by corroding metal fuel lines and was due to poor engineering/ design of the car. The gas line is rusted and leaking, there is a strong odor of gasoline at the rear drivers side tire of my car and I can feel/ see the fuel leaking. I have been driving my 4 month old son around in that car for months and had no idea fuel was leaking and I was putting both of our safety at risk! I called my local chevy dealership about fixing it and they said it will be at least $1300 to repair the leak and more if the gas tank needs to be replaced. I am taking the car to the dealership on 1/18/2022. There were no signs of anything wrong besides the strong smell of gas.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11447314January 13, 2022
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact's mother owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while his mother was starting the vehicle, the passenger's side air bag made clicking sounds. Additionally, the engine would rev, and the vehicle would shake while idle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, and ignition coils; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,864.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446863January 10, 2022
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the electric power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The power steering warning message was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering) that was associated with the VIN. The dealer also informed the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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