247 of the 1,104 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt are about the fuel system — 22% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 100,675 miles.
247
Complaints
1
Crashes
4
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel line is leaking fuel on the drivers side near the passenger door. The leak is to the point where it is pooling under the door on the ground.
NHTSA complaint #11665285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The ignition doest work right n want release the key the car dies n stalls while driving we was almost hit by a trooper n he called we spoke to 2 people n they had a gm call us n they said that this has been a big concern of these cars n we tried n tried to get it fixed n they say sorry can't can they when something they built wrong kills me or my family my vin [XXX] 2008 CHEVY COBALT [XXX] IS MY NUMBER INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11661851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The gas lines rusted out and the fuel pump is pooring gas out of it. I just bought the car 2 weeks ago smelled gas hit u set the car it was pouring out. I was going to fix it my self then while looking up the parts I ran across the fact they recalled both parts but not for my vin . What can I do. I'm gonna catch on fire
NHTSA complaint #11613382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2008 Chevy Cobalt has become unsafe to drive as it is leaking fuel out the bottom of car
NHTSA complaint #11553564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas Line corroded near Driver rear wheel due to design of gas line bracket/shield. A bit of research finds that this is not an uncommon occurence and is solely based on the poor design of the shield. Gas leaks on driveway and smell of raw gasoline promoted the finding of this issue. It required complete replacement of gasl line and a total of over $1,000 in total cost.
NHTSA complaint #11549361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Heavy fuel leak
NHTSA complaint #11544308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel lines have developed a leak near exhaust in rear of car. The line has rusted at the part that attaches line to the under body of the car
NHTSA complaint #11537192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel lines corroded, very dangerous, had to replace at a high cost to me.
NHTSA complaint #11526569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle has a fuel leak from rear of vehicle. Smells of fuel in cabin. Found shields wet with fuel. Seems there should be some recall on this. This is the 2nd cobalt I've owned with the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11510818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have a major fuel leak in a fuel line close to the drivers side rear wheel . It's so bad that it was leaving a line of gas on the road as I drove. It smelled of gas a few days prior but I was unable to tell where it originated from.
NHTSA complaint #11501738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
The contact's son owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact's son stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, he could smell gasoline inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact’s son stated that once he had parked the vehicle, he saw fuel leaking from underneath the rear driver’s side wheel well. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel line was corroded and needed to be replaced. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE20011 (Fuel System, Other). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11497109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel on the passenger’s side in front of the rear tire. The contact stated that the fuel odor was also inside the cabin of the vehicle while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the fuel line had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11482002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On July 17,2018 I saw my 2008 Chevy Cobalt was leaking fuel in my driveway around the driver's side rear tire. I had it towed to my in-town mechanic, as I have Triple A. Paid $613.37 to replace the fuel line. On August 15th, 2022 same exact problem on my 2010 Cobalt. Another $553 to replace the fuel line. Chevrolet sent out a very confusing POSSIBLE recall letter in March 2013. But never officially told owners they would fix the problem with a recall letter. There have been many complaints on this problem on 2005-2010 Cobalts.
NHTSA complaint #11481486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel lines on this 2008 cobalt have rusted out and leaving a visible fuel leak puddle after parking. The leak occurs in front of the driver side rear wheel. This area has a heat shield over the fuel line underneath which traps moisture and road salt. This leak has caused me to park my vehicle outside as a safety precaution and not drive it. The leak is near the exhaust which is a large safety risk in my opinion. I am taking to the dealer to have them confirm and quote out repair cost.
NHTSA complaint #11477030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have to replace my fuel lines due to them rusting out over the left rear wheel well. I noticed a distinct smell of gas for a couple of rides to or from work. After a couple of rides, the smell was very strong and I happened to notice the gas dripping down under the car upon inspection. It was taken to a auto repair shop where I was told that this was a serious hazard and the gas lines would have to be replaced costing me $650. The mechanic said that the lines has rusted causing the leak. He also mentioned that this was a common problem with the 2008 chevy cobalt.
NHTSA complaint #11475495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact's sister owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or being driven, there was a fuel odor detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with Code: P2270. Additionally, there was a leak in the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.
NHTSA complaint #11455751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I can smell a gas leak inside and outside of car just bought car for girlfriend don't want it to catch fire and kill her and daughter baby in car
NHTSA complaint #11444221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel line rusted through and were leaking gas right next to the exhaust pipe! This should not happen!!! I’ve never had to replace fuel lines due to rust on any vehicle I’ve ever owned!!! Inferior metal and or poor design had to contribute to this! Thank God the car didn’t start on fire or blow up. My friend has a 2009 Cobalt and had the same problem!!! It cost me $1478.79 to repair this defect!! No warning other than the terrible gasoline odor!!! Please do something about this before someone is killed!!!
NHTSA complaint #11439429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, he noticed gasoline was leaking from underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11437150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is a fuel leak with dripping towards the back of the car. I noticed that there is a current NHTSA investigation into such leaks so wanted to let you know of another example.
NHTSA complaint #11436471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel leaking from body near left-rear wheel well.
NHTSA complaint #11435286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line leaking in front of REAR LEFT tire. Looks to be due to rust causing the leak
NHTSA complaint #11435291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, she smelled a fuel odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle to determine the origin of the odor. The contact stated the odor was coming from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated the failure had been reoccurring and the fuel was leaking underneath the vehicle while the vehicle was running. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V459000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11434867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel system has developed a small leak, for now near the left rear tire. I cannot pinpoint the exact location of the leak due to the heat shielding around the lines. My concern is the proximity of the fuel leak to the exhaust system and potential fire hazard. A dealer has not looked at my car, however I have performed maintenance on enough vehicles and aircraft to know when there is a fuel leak. There are no warning lights associated for the leak thus far, there is a tendency for the the vehicle to need to prime itself by cranking in the morning or in cold temperatures.
NHTSA complaint #11432603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Began smelling gas while i was driving, took to mechanic to get checked. fuel line was cracked at the fuel pump. had to replace whole assembly.
NHTSA complaint #11432027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
gas pump repaired in recall again leaking
NHTSA complaint #11431330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This is additional information in regards to my first reported complaint of my fuel lines leaking. Mechanic stated my car was definitely unsafe and surprisingly my car didn't catch fire. Used a full tank of gas just driving 15 miles. Lost thar much fuel due to leak.
NHTSA complaint #11431103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 08 Chevy Cobalt has major fuel leak leaving puddles by left rear wheel. Very strong smell odor, losing more gas than putting in. I lost 5 gallons of gas in a 3 mile radius. Took to a repair shop and mechanic said the fuel lines are rusted from one end to the other and Chevy(GM) does not make fuel lines for a repair. At risk for car blowing up.
NHTSA complaint #11430426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel line near rear left (driver side) is leaking where held to vehicle. Noticed smell of fuel 8/16/21 then saw fresh fuel puddle 8/17. This can be inspected if need be It is a fuel leak which is very dangerous to anyone in or near the car. No one has inspected the vehicle No warning lights indicating there a problem
NHTSA complaint #11429491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas leaking from under left side of vehicle near left rear tire. Gas line is rusted out.
NHTSA complaint #11428161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.