Owners have filed 222 complaints
about the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS with NHTSA between 2009 and 2019.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 94
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Cobalt SS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 49
9.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
82% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2009 compares with every other Chevrolet Cobalt SS
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
83.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
6532.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
7536.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2914.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
146.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
94.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
21.0%
150,000+ miles
10.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2009peak 32Feb 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE20011Opened 5 Jul 2020Closed 17 Aug 2023FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel Line Leak
On July 5, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-011 to investigate instances of metal fuel lines under the vehicle corroding and leaking fuel in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2008 through 2009 Chevrolet HHR passenger cars manufactured by General Motors (GM). The metal fuel lines are corroding and leaking fuel in the area between the front and rear wheels on the driver's side of the vehicle before the muffler. Most consumers allege a fuel odor and/or an observable fuel leak that alerts them to the condition.The subject metal fuel lines have a pro...
PE10005Opened 27 Jan 2010Closed 19 Jul 2010STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Electric Power Steering Failure
In a March 1, 2010 letter, General Motors Corporation (GM) provided a defect information report to NHTSA regarding a problem that could result in sudden loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and MY 2007 through 2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS).The letter indicates that the loss of steering assist could occur at any time while driving and that, once assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and a chime sounds to inform the driver.The letter further states that steering c...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 88,000 milesPickerington, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, REAR ENDED LADY GOING 50 MPH AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10662279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesBaltimore, MDCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DECEMBER 29, 2011, I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE EVENING IN THE COBALT WHEN MY CAR'S ENGINE SHUT OFF AND I LOST CONTROL ON A SEMI-RESIDENTIAL A FEW BLOCKS FROM HOME. DRIVING AT ABOUT 35-45 MP, DOWNHILL, I HIT A PARKED CAR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD (NARROW ROAD, CARS PARKED ON BOTH SIDES, 2-WAY STREET). I THOUGHT, "I'M GOING TO DIE". THIS IMPACT MADE THE CAR CONTINUE ON, FASTER AND MORE OUT OF CONTROL, HITTING ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STREET AND I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY HITTING THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL/BUMPER OF THE COBALT AGAINST THE A PARKED TRUCK TO AVOID DRIVING INTO AN INTERSECTION OR ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NO AIRBAGS EVER DEPLOYED. THE CAR THEN FLIPPED OVER, AND THAT'S HOW THEY FOUND AND RECOVERED ME. I AWOKE HOURS LATER IN SHOCK TRAUMA AT WASHINGTON HOSPITAL CENTER IN DC (WHERE I WORKED AT THE TIME), WITH THE CAR TOTALED AND JUST A SCRATCH ON MY HAND. I JUST HAD ACHES/PAINS, NO BROKEN BONES, BUT HAD TO TAKE SOME TIME OFF WORK. I HAD NO HEALTH INSURANCE AS I WAS A CONTRACTED EMPLOYEE. CAR INSURANCE PAID OFF THE EXPENSE OF VEHICLE. THANK GOD NOBODY WAS KILLED NOR SERIOUSLY INJURED. I HAVE ALL PAPERWORK, PHOTOS BUT I STILL DON'T DRIVE, MAYBE JUST ONCE A WEEK. THE YEAR OF THE COBALT IS FROM 2009, BUT I BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT, AS IT WAS COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10573809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesBaltimore, MDCrash1 injured
STEERING
DECEMBER 29, 2011, I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE EVENING IN THE COBALT WHEN MY CAR'S ENGINE SHUT OFF AND I LOST CONTROL ON A SEMI-RESIDENTIAL A FEW BLOCKS FROM HOME. DRIVING AT ABOUT 35-45 MP, DOWNHILL, I HIT A PARKED CAR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD (NARROW ROAD, CARS PARKED ON BOTH SIDES, 2-WAY STREET). I THOUGHT, "I'M GOING TO DIE". THIS IMPACT MADE THE CAR CONTINUE ON, FASTER AND MORE OUT OF CONTROL, HITTING ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STREET AND I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY HITTING THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL/BUMPER OF THE COBALT AGAINST THE A PARKED TRUCK TO AVOID DRIVING INTO AN INTERSECTION OR ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NO AIRBAGS EVER DEPLOYED. THE CAR THEN FLIPPED OVER, AND THAT'S HOW THEY FOUND AND RECOVERED ME. I AWOKE HOURS LATER IN SHOCK TRAUMA AT WASHINGTON HOSPITAL CENTER IN DC (WHERE I WORKED AT THE TIME), WITH THE CAR TOTALED AND JUST A SCRATCH ON MY HAND. I JUST HAD ACHES/PAINS, NO BROKEN BONES, BUT HAD TO TAKE SOME TIME OFF WORK. I HAD NO HEALTH INSURANCE AS I WAS A CONTRACTED EMPLOYEE. CAR INSURANCE PAID OFF THE EXPENSE OF VEHICLE. THANK GOD NOBODY WAS KILLED NOR SERIOUSLY INJURED. I HAVE ALL PAPERWORK, PHOTOS BUT I STILL DON'T DRIVE, MAYBE JUST ONCE A WEEK. THE YEAR OF THE COBALT IS FROM 2009, BUT I BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT, AS IT WAS COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10573809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesBaltimore, MDCrash1 injured
ENGINE
DECEMBER 29, 2011, I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE EVENING IN THE COBALT WHEN MY CAR'S ENGINE SHUT OFF AND I LOST CONTROL ON A SEMI-RESIDENTIAL A FEW BLOCKS FROM HOME. DRIVING AT ABOUT 35-45 MP, DOWNHILL, I HIT A PARKED CAR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD (NARROW ROAD, CARS PARKED ON BOTH SIDES, 2-WAY STREET). I THOUGHT, "I'M GOING TO DIE". THIS IMPACT MADE THE CAR CONTINUE ON, FASTER AND MORE OUT OF CONTROL, HITTING ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STREET AND I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY HITTING THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL/BUMPER OF THE COBALT AGAINST THE A PARKED TRUCK TO AVOID DRIVING INTO AN INTERSECTION OR ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NO AIRBAGS EVER DEPLOYED. THE CAR THEN FLIPPED OVER, AND THAT'S HOW THEY FOUND AND RECOVERED ME. I AWOKE HOURS LATER IN SHOCK TRAUMA AT WASHINGTON HOSPITAL CENTER IN DC (WHERE I WORKED AT THE TIME), WITH THE CAR TOTALED AND JUST A SCRATCH ON MY HAND. I JUST HAD ACHES/PAINS, NO BROKEN BONES, BUT HAD TO TAKE SOME TIME OFF WORK. I HAD NO HEALTH INSURANCE AS I WAS A CONTRACTED EMPLOYEE. CAR INSURANCE PAID OFF THE EXPENSE OF VEHICLE. THANK GOD NOBODY WAS KILLED NOR SERIOUSLY INJURED. I HAVE ALL PAPERWORK, PHOTOS BUT I STILL DON'T DRIVE, MAYBE JUST ONCE A WEEK. THE YEAR OF THE COBALT IS FROM 2009, BUT I BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT, AS IT WAS COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10573809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesArmada, MICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND DOWN SEVERAL HOURS LATER AT THE VEHICLE IMPOUND YARD AND WAS OBSERVED BY THE POLICE OFFICER AND NOTED IN HIS REPORT. ADDITIONAL. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN BELIEVED! I HAVE A 2011 HHR AND HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE DROPPED THE ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN TO THE DOWN POSITION WHILE MOVING. I HAVE A HEAVY KEYRING AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT UP TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME THE KEYRING WAS THE PROBLEM. MY OTHER DAUGHTER'S 05 IMPALA HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WHEN SHE HIT A BUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10566235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesArmada, MICrash1 injured
STEERING
VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND DOWN SEVERAL HOURS LATER AT THE VEHICLE IMPOUND YARD AND WAS OBSERVED BY THE POLICE OFFICER AND NOTED IN HIS REPORT. ADDITIONAL. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN BELIEVED! I HAVE A 2011 HHR AND HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE DROPPED THE ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN TO THE DOWN POSITION WHILE MOVING. I HAVE A HEAVY KEYRING AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT UP TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME THE KEYRING WAS THE PROBLEM. MY OTHER DAUGHTER'S 05 IMPALA HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WHEN SHE HIT A BUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10566235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 76,022 milesLexington, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING THE OTHER DAY AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF MY BACK BRAKES WAS STICKING AND SO I TOOK A LOOK AT IT AND FLUID LEVEL WAS FINE AND THERE WAS NO AIR IN THE BRAKE LINE. I FEEL THE CAUSE OF THIS IS BAD CALIPERS AND SOME OTHERS I HAVE TALKED HAD THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11181202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansdale, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
FUEL LINE RUSTS THROUGH CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK OUT NEXT TO EXHAUST PIPE. HAPPENS TO EVAP LINE AS WELL. POOR DESIGN IN THE HEAT SHIELDING TRAPS MOISTURE WHICH RUSTS THROUGH THE LINE. FUEL LEAKS OUT WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING, PARKED, MOVING OR NOT. REAR BRAKE CALIPER STICKS OUT FROM USING THE PARKING BRAKE AND PAD STICKS TO ROTOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11161868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansdale, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL LINE RUSTS THROUGH CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK OUT NEXT TO EXHAUST PIPE. HAPPENS TO EVAP LINE AS WELL. POOR DESIGN IN THE HEAT SHIELDING TRAPS MOISTURE WHICH RUSTS THROUGH THE LINE. FUEL LEAKS OUT WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING, PARKED, MOVING OR NOT. REAR BRAKE CALIPER STICKS OUT FROM USING THE PARKING BRAKE AND PAD STICKS TO ROTOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11161868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesNewark, DE
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL LINES UNDER THE CAR, DRIVER SIDE REAR STARTED LEAKING FUEL. THE LINES WERE RUSTED THROUGH AND FUEL LEAKED PAST THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WHERE A POTENTIAL CAR FIRE COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF NOT NOTICED RIGHT AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND OFF WHEN I NOTICED THE STRONG SCENT OF GAS AND SAW A SMALL PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE CAR. REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED AT PORTER CHEVROLET SERVICE IN NEWARK, DELAWARE. REPAIRS CONSISTED OF REPLACING THE FEED LINE AND FILL LINE. THE ESTIMATE QUOTED WAS $800. REPAIRS ENDED UP COSTING $480.
NHTSA complaint #11160763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesKaty, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONNECTOR FEEDING POWER TO THE A/C-HEATER BLOWER MELTED; CAUSED A CRACKLING SOUND, A SMELL, AND THE FAN TO STOP WORKING. THE CONNECTOR MELTED TOGETHER. TO GET A PICTURE OF THE PIN THAT FAILED REQUIRED ME TO BREAK THE CONNECTOR. POWER WAS PRESENT ON THE BROWN WIRE AS SOON AS THE IGNITION IS ON - THE BLOWER DID NOT NEED TO BE OPERATING TO GENERATE HEAT AT THE CONNECTOR. THE WIRE LEADING TO THE CONNECTOR WAS DISCOLORED FROM THE HEAT.
NHTSA complaint #11123986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesBrookings, SD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
LEAKING FUEL LINES ABOVE EXHAUST. WHERE THE FUEL LINE COMES DOWN OUT OF THE TANK AND RUNS FORWARD, THERE IS A HOLDER THAT WAS WEARING ON THE FUEL LINE AND CAUSED A HOLE AND A LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #11098353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,700 milesPacoima, CA
SEAT BELTS
THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT LIGHT STAY ON ALL THE TIME EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE IT MAY GO OFF BUT IT COMES BACK ON
NHTSA complaint #11061342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesJacksonville, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FUEL LINES THAT ARE WRAPPED IN THE HEAT PROTECTIVE TAPE ON THE DRIVER REAR SIDE JUST AS THEY TURN UP TO GO TO THE FUEL TANK ARE RUSTED OUT BECAUSE THE HEAT SHIELD PROTECTOR HOLDS WATER ON THE FUEL LINES AND NOW MINE ARE RUSTED OUT AND LEAKING FUEL ALL OVER THE GROUND BY MY EXHAUST. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT HASN'T BEEN ADDRESSED WITH MANY CHEVY PRODUCTS. NOW IT'S GOING TO COST ABOUT $600 TO REPLACE THE LINES. CHEVY IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY WITH THIS DEFECT AND COSTING PEOPLE MONEY AND PUTTING LIVES IN DANGER BY HAVING A LEAK PRONE LINE RIGHT BY THE HOT EXHAUST. PLEASE TAKE ACTION ON THIS. I HAD AT LEAST A GALLON SPRAY OUT WHILE DRIVING AND IT CONTINUED TO LEAK WHEN PARKED.
NHTSA complaint #11056772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGreer, SC
SEATS
MY AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED RANDOMLY GOING ON AND OFF. I NOTICED THAT IT OFTEN OCCURRED WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE INDICATOR OFTEN INDICATED THAT NO ONE WAS SITTING THERE. THEN AFTER ABOUT A WEEK OF THIS OCCURRING, THE LIGHT AIRBAG REMAINED ON AT ALL TIMES AND THE INDICATOR STATED THAT NO ONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT EVEN WHEN SOMEONE WAS. I THEN TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADVISED THAT IT WAS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG PRESENCE SENSOR AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ADVISED THAT IT WOULD COST OVER $1,000. SO OBVIOUSLY I TOLD THEM THAT I COULD NOT AFFORD IT AT THIS TIME. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL. I HAVE SEEN AND READ HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE ON TWO DIFFERENT COBALT FORUMS, THE NHTSA WEBSITE, AND ON VARIOUS OTHER WEB SITES THAT I ACCESSED THROUGH GOOGLE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM AND IT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF CHEVROLET. I AM OBVIOUSLY GOING TO GET THIS FIXED WHEN I GET THE MONEY EVEN WITH OUT A RECALL, BUT I THING THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND I AM WILLING TO LET WHOM EVER USE/LOOK AT MY VEHICLE AS A STARTING POINT. NHTSA OR CHEVROLET PLEASE CONTACT ME SO WE CAN GET THIS PROCESS STARTED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. IM NOT SURE ON THE MILEAGE WHEN THIS PROBLEM ORIGINATED A FEW MONTHS AGO BUT, I BELIEVE IT WAS AROUND 80,000
NHTSA complaint #10985462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGreer, SC
SEAT BELTS
MY AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED RANDOMLY GOING ON AND OFF. I NOTICED THAT IT OFTEN OCCURRED WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE INDICATOR OFTEN INDICATED THAT NO ONE WAS SITTING THERE. THEN AFTER ABOUT A WEEK OF THIS OCCURRING, THE LIGHT AIRBAG REMAINED ON AT ALL TIMES AND THE INDICATOR STATED THAT NO ONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT EVEN WHEN SOMEONE WAS. I THEN TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADVISED THAT IT WAS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG PRESENCE SENSOR AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ADVISED THAT IT WOULD COST OVER $1,000. SO OBVIOUSLY I TOLD THEM THAT I COULD NOT AFFORD IT AT THIS TIME. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL. I HAVE SEEN AND READ HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE ON TWO DIFFERENT COBALT FORUMS, THE NHTSA WEBSITE, AND ON VARIOUS OTHER WEB SITES THAT I ACCESSED THROUGH GOOGLE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM AND IT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF CHEVROLET. I AM OBVIOUSLY GOING TO GET THIS FIXED WHEN I GET THE MONEY EVEN WITH OUT A RECALL, BUT I THING THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND I AM WILLING TO LET WHOM EVER USE/LOOK AT MY VEHICLE AS A STARTING POINT. NHTSA OR CHEVROLET PLEASE CONTACT ME SO WE CAN GET THIS PROCESS STARTED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. IM NOT SURE ON THE MILEAGE WHEN THIS PROBLEM ORIGINATED A FEW MONTHS AGO BUT, I BELIEVE IT WAS AROUND 80,000
NHTSA complaint #10985462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGreer, SC
AIR BAGS
MY AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED RANDOMLY GOING ON AND OFF. I NOTICED THAT IT OFTEN OCCURRED WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE INDICATOR OFTEN INDICATED THAT NO ONE WAS SITTING THERE. THEN AFTER ABOUT A WEEK OF THIS OCCURRING, THE LIGHT AIRBAG REMAINED ON AT ALL TIMES AND THE INDICATOR STATED THAT NO ONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT EVEN WHEN SOMEONE WAS. I THEN TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADVISED THAT IT WAS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG PRESENCE SENSOR AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ADVISED THAT IT WOULD COST OVER $1,000. SO OBVIOUSLY I TOLD THEM THAT I COULD NOT AFFORD IT AT THIS TIME. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL. I HAVE SEEN AND READ HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE ON TWO DIFFERENT COBALT FORUMS, THE NHTSA WEBSITE, AND ON VARIOUS OTHER WEB SITES THAT I ACCESSED THROUGH GOOGLE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURERS PROBLEM AND IT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF CHEVROLET. I AM OBVIOUSLY GOING TO GET THIS FIXED WHEN I GET THE MONEY EVEN WITH OUT A RECALL, BUT I THING THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND I AM WILLING TO LET WHOM EVER USE/LOOK AT MY VEHICLE AS A STARTING POINT. NHTSA OR CHEVROLET PLEASE CONTACT ME SO WE CAN GET THIS PROCESS STARTED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. IM NOT SURE ON THE MILEAGE WHEN THIS PROBLEM ORIGINATED A FEW MONTHS AGO BUT, I BELIEVE IT WAS AROUND 80,000
NHTSA complaint #10985462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesLE Mars, IA
TIRES
MICHELIN PILOT SPORT A/S PLUS TIRES ARE "CHUNKING" AND HAVE DRY ROT/CRACKING ON THE TREAD. THE TIRES ARE 3 YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 20K MILES. THEY HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ROTATED EVERY 6K MILES. MICHELIN WILL NOT ACCEPT A WARRANTY CLAIM, AS THE TIRES WERE INSTALLED BY THE VEHICLE'S PREVIOUS OWNER.
NHTSA complaint #10917193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,500 milesWaretown, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM VEHICLE. FUEL DRIPPING FROM BOTTOM OF CAR NEAR FUEL TANK. FOUND FUEL LINES ROTTING AND CAUSING LEAKS ON MULTIPLE SECTIONS STARTING AT THE FUEL TANK UP TO THE ENGINE. PROTECTIVE HEAT WRAP HOLDING MOISTURE AND CAUSING LINES TO ROT.
NHTSA complaint #10895010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corona, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
REAR BRAKES WEAR OUT WAY TOO QUICKLY
NHTSA complaint #10787557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesWest DES Moines, IA
AIR BAGS
MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON FOR MY PASSENGER SEAT. I HAVE TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE SPECIFIC CODE IS NOT COVERED BY A RECALL. THEY SAID MY PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE NEEDS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10781209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesWooster, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
ABOUT THE THIRD TIME THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKES WITH IN LESS THAN 30000 MILES. THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD THE CAR. THE PADS WEAR UNEVEN, ONLY THE INTERIOR PAD IS BEING WORN. GM DEALERSHIP CONTINUES TO STATE THAT THIS IS NORMAL WEAR, WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. AND BRAKING PERFORMANCE IS COMPROMISED BY THIS UNEVEN AND PREMATURE WEAR OF THE REAR BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #10735636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesStockton, CA
AIR BAGS
I STARTED MY CAR AND WENT TO TAKE OFF AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. THERE WAS A COUPLE OF INCIDENCES WHERE I HAD A PASSENGER AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON TO SERVICE AIRBAG. I'VE READ IN MULTIPLE PLACES WHERE THIS OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED AND THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD FIX THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10717321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesStockton, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I STARTED MY CAR AND WENT TO TAKE OFF AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. THERE WAS A COUPLE OF INCIDENCES WHERE I HAD A PASSENGER AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON TO SERVICE AIRBAG. I'VE READ IN MULTIPLE PLACES WHERE THIS OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED AND THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD FIX THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10717321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesPalos Hills, IL
AIR BAGS
WHEN I DRIVE THE AIR BAG WARNING GOES ON,AND THE TIRE STRESS GOES ON(WHICH MAKE ME SLOW DOWN WORRIED ! ). I REPLACED THE TIRES COUPLE OF TIMES BUT I STILL GET THOSE WARNING(TIRES STRESS AND AIR BAG). LATELY I ALSO RAN TO PROBLEM WITH MY ENGINE. I TOOK IT TO PEP BOYS WERE THEY SAID I SHOULD REPLACE IT FOR 5700$.
NHTSA complaint #10711938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesPalos Hills, IL
WHEELS
WHEN I DRIVE THE AIR BAG WARNING GOES ON,AND THE TIRE STRESS GOES ON(WHICH MAKE ME SLOW DOWN WORRIED ! ). I REPLACED THE TIRES COUPLE OF TIMES BUT I STILL GET THOSE WARNING(TIRES STRESS AND AIR BAG). LATELY I ALSO RAN TO PROBLEM WITH MY ENGINE. I TOOK IT TO PEP BOYS WERE THEY SAID I SHOULD REPLACE IT FOR 5700$.
NHTSA complaint #10711938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesPalos Hills, IL
ENGINE
WHEN I DRIVE THE AIR BAG WARNING GOES ON,AND THE TIRE STRESS GOES ON(WHICH MAKE ME SLOW DOWN WORRIED ! ). I REPLACED THE TIRES COUPLE OF TIMES BUT I STILL GET THOSE WARNING(TIRES STRESS AND AIR BAG). LATELY I ALSO RAN TO PROBLEM WITH MY ENGINE. I TOOK IT TO PEP BOYS WERE THEY SAID I SHOULD REPLACE IT FOR 5700$.
NHTSA complaint #10711938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesMancelona, MI
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. UPDATED 5/18/15 CN UPDATED 10/05/2017
NHTSA complaint #10705282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesMancelona, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. UPDATED 5/18/15 CN UPDATED 10/05/2017
NHTSA complaint #10705282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesPickerington, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, REAR ENDED LADY GOING 50 MPH AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10662279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,666 milesAnacoco, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WANTED TO CHANGE OIL; HAD SMELLED GASOLINE FROM TIME TO TIME; CLOSER INSPECTION SHOWED LEAK AT FUEL TANK AREA. COULD NOT DRIVE DUE TO RISK OF INJURY TO FAMILY, INCLUDING TWO-YEAR-OLD CHILD.
NHTSA complaint #10643229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.