Owners have filed 916 complaints
about the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt with NHTSA between 2008 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 6 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 — 27
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Cobalt. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 91
17.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 36
21% 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
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Ignition
1525.4%
Body
1118.6%
Electric Power Assist System
1016.9%
Switch
813.6%
Column
58.5%
Fuel Pump
46.8%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
35.1%
Engine
35.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
182.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
375.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
425.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
12417.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14419.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
13218.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
16823.2%
150,000+ miles
608.3%
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.
Sep 2008peak 35Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
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...
AQ10001Opened 18 Nov 2010Closed 28 Dec 2015UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this...
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...
Recalls on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14E021000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
Risk: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
14V171000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
14V047000
AIR BAGS
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
12V459000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Texas. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
10V073000
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.
Risk: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
09V073000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".
Risk: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20150101,988 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles equipped with electric power steering may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. If the power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Centre and a chime sounds to inform the driver. Steering control can be maintained, as the vehicle will revert to a manual steering mode, but will require greater driver effort. The sudden change in steering may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs as necessary. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 2014-104 for vehicles that may have received defective parts through prior servicing for recall 2010-059.
Recall 2014126367,972 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, a defect may allow the ignition key to be removed from the ignition switch when the key is not in the "Off" position. This could result in unintended vehicle movement if the transmission is not in the "park" position (automatic transmission) or not in the reverse gear with the parking brake engaged (manual transmission), and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the ignition lock cylinder and/or ignition key.
Recall 2014101132,243 units in Canada
Other
A safety defect may exist in ignition switches sold as service replacement parts. The defect could allow the ignition switch to unintentionally move from the “run” position to the “accessory” or “off” position with a corresponding reduction or loss of power. This risk may be increased if the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off road or experiences some other jarring event. The timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the airbags not deploying, increasing the potential for occupant injury in certain kinds of crashes. General Motors Canada will notify owners of all vehicles not affected by recalls 2014038 (GM number 13454) and 2014060 (GM number 14063) that could potentially have had the affected ignition switches installed during service or repair work. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for inspection and repair if required. Note: Until the inspection is performed, all items should be removed from the key ring.
Recall 2010059252,581 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles equipped with electric power steering may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. If the power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Centre and a chime sounds to inform the driver. Steering control can be maintained, as the vehicle will revert to a manual steering mode, but will require greater driver effort. The sudden change in steering may increase the risk of a crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the electric power steering motor.
Recall 200907631,458 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged. Should this occur, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. As such, the driver could move the shifter to PARK and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not actually be in the PARK position. This could allow the vehicle to roll away, possibly causing property damage and/or personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the shift cable.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Wateska, ILCrash
AIR BAGS
The air bag never deployed I bought car in 2018 from original owner with car only having 33,000 miles on it and still under warranty til car had 100,000 miles and I hit a deer head on 2 months after getting car which bought in may of 2018 hit the deer in July 2018 . The deer was hit with the front passenger side it broke my headlight n messed my hood up and smashed in the grill little and my air bags never deployed I hit deer at 50 mph , after that had happened I took it in to Chevy dealership and had them look at car cause I told them I hit that deer and air bag never deployed and that my air bag light came on once in awhile and said service air bag . The dealership said they do that sometimes and did something to make light go off that was it my air vag light still comes on and says service air bag . Also ignition switch and fuel smell foul coming from car a lot and is as I speak . My reduce engine power light comes on a lot and have no power to gas pedal n car won’t stay running . I have try to get two recalls fixed back in 2-21 I was having problems with my car back then too special reach called me in Jan of 2021 and told me that there were two recalls on my car ignition switch and fuel module so I informed dealership when I took my car in That next month in feb 21 told them I was informed on 2 active recalls on my car . When they were done with my car later that day I asked them if they fixed the recalls they said no cause it was map sensor so I then made an appt to get recalls fixed when I got there for the recalls to be fixed one of the technicians told me it shows that they were done . I called Chevy and complained about the issue I just had and never had recalls fixed but they must of put it in computer they fixed them So I’ve been really upset that I been trying to get past recalls fixed that are on my car and I get run around and told there isn’t any I know about a past recall on shift selnoid low circuit too that was a past recal
NHTSA complaint #11631947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wateska, ILCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The air bag never deployed I bought car in 2018 from original owner with car only having 33,000 miles on it and still under warranty til car had 100,000 miles and I hit a deer head on 2 months after getting car which bought in may of 2018 hit the deer in July 2018 . The deer was hit with the front passenger side it broke my headlight n messed my hood up and smashed in the grill little and my air bags never deployed I hit deer at 50 mph , after that had happened I took it in to Chevy dealership and had them look at car cause I told them I hit that deer and air bag never deployed and that my air bag light came on once in awhile and said service air bag . The dealership said they do that sometimes and did something to make light go off that was it my air vag light still comes on and says service air bag . Also ignition switch and fuel smell foul coming from car a lot and is as I speak . My reduce engine power light comes on a lot and have no power to gas pedal n car won’t stay running . I have try to get two recalls fixed back in 2-21 I was having problems with my car back then too special reach called me in Jan of 2021 and told me that there were two recalls on my car ignition switch and fuel module so I informed dealership when I took my car in That next month in feb 21 told them I was informed on 2 active recalls on my car . When they were done with my car later that day I asked them if they fixed the recalls they said no cause it was map sensor so I then made an appt to get recalls fixed when I got there for the recalls to be fixed one of the technicians told me it shows that they were done . I called Chevy and complained about the issue I just had and never had recalls fixed but they must of put it in computer they fixed them So I’ve been really upset that I been trying to get past recalls fixed that are on my car and I get run around and told there isn’t any I know about a past recall on shift selnoid low circuit too that was a past recal
NHTSA complaint #11631947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wateska, ILCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The air bag never deployed I bought car in 2018 from original owner with car only having 33,000 miles on it and still under warranty til car had 100,000 miles and I hit a deer head on 2 months after getting car which bought in may of 2018 hit the deer in July 2018 . The deer was hit with the front passenger side it broke my headlight n messed my hood up and smashed in the grill little and my air bags never deployed I hit deer at 50 mph , after that had happened I took it in to Chevy dealership and had them look at car cause I told them I hit that deer and air bag never deployed and that my air bag light came on once in awhile and said service air bag . The dealership said they do that sometimes and did something to make light go off that was it my air vag light still comes on and says service air bag . Also ignition switch and fuel smell foul coming from car a lot and is as I speak . My reduce engine power light comes on a lot and have no power to gas pedal n car won’t stay running . I have try to get two recalls fixed back in 2-21 I was having problems with my car back then too special reach called me in Jan of 2021 and told me that there were two recalls on my car ignition switch and fuel module so I informed dealership when I took my car in That next month in feb 21 told them I was informed on 2 active recalls on my car . When they were done with my car later that day I asked them if they fixed the recalls they said no cause it was map sensor so I then made an appt to get recalls fixed when I got there for the recalls to be fixed one of the technicians told me it shows that they were done . I called Chevy and complained about the issue I just had and never had recalls fixed but they must of put it in computer they fixed them So I’ve been really upset that I been trying to get past recalls fixed that are on my car and I get run around and told there isn’t any I know about a past recall on shift selnoid low circuit too that was a past recal
NHTSA complaint #11631947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesWatseka, ILCrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the contact struck a deer. The air bags did not deploy. Additionally, while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact restarted the vehicle. There was an abnormal sulfur and fuel odor detected. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the MAP sensor needed to be reset. The mechanic reset the air bag light. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the air bag failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11628768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesWatseka, ILCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the contact struck a deer. The air bags did not deploy. Additionally, while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact restarted the vehicle. There was an abnormal sulfur and fuel odor detected. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the MAP sensor needed to be reset. The mechanic reset the air bag light. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the air bag failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11628768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Norris, NJCrash
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.
NHTSA complaint #11466566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 17,311 milesSouthview, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for repair; however, the mechanic found a fuel leak and an abnormal gasoline odor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,311.
NHTSA complaint #11728020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,824 milesBrazil, IN
STEERING
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle was started, and the power steering failure warning light was off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,824.
NHTSA complaint #11694845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamilton, OH
STEERING
Steering went out while driving
NHTSA complaint #11647813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wateska, ILCrash
AIR BAGS
The air bag never deployed I bought car in 2018 from original owner with car only having 33,000 miles on it and still under warranty til car had 100,000 miles and I hit a deer head on 2 months after getting car which bought in may of 2018 hit the deer in July 2018 . The deer was hit with the front passenger side it broke my headlight n messed my hood up and smashed in the grill little and my air bags never deployed I hit deer at 50 mph , after that had happened I took it in to Chevy dealership and had them look at car cause I told them I hit that deer and air bag never deployed and that my air bag light came on once in awhile and said service air bag . The dealership said they do that sometimes and did something to make light go off that was it my air vag light still comes on and says service air bag . Also ignition switch and fuel smell foul coming from car a lot and is as I speak . My reduce engine power light comes on a lot and have no power to gas pedal n car won’t stay running . I have try to get two recalls fixed back in 2-21 I was having problems with my car back then too special reach called me in Jan of 2021 and told me that there were two recalls on my car ignition switch and fuel module so I informed dealership when I took my car in That next month in feb 21 told them I was informed on 2 active recalls on my car . When they were done with my car later that day I asked them if they fixed the recalls they said no cause it was map sensor so I then made an appt to get recalls fixed when I got there for the recalls to be fixed one of the technicians told me it shows that they were done . I called Chevy and complained about the issue I just had and never had recalls fixed but they must of put it in computer they fixed them So I’ve been really upset that I been trying to get past recalls fixed that are on my car and I get run around and told there isn’t any I know about a past recall on shift selnoid low circuit too that was a past recal
NHTSA complaint #11631947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wateska, ILCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The air bag never deployed I bought car in 2018 from original owner with car only having 33,000 miles on it and still under warranty til car had 100,000 miles and I hit a deer head on 2 months after getting car which bought in may of 2018 hit the deer in July 2018 . The deer was hit with the front passenger side it broke my headlight n messed my hood up and smashed in the grill little and my air bags never deployed I hit deer at 50 mph , after that had happened I took it in to Chevy dealership and had them look at car cause I told them I hit that deer and air bag never deployed and that my air bag light came on once in awhile and said service air bag . The dealership said they do that sometimes and did something to make light go off that was it my air vag light still comes on and says service air bag . Also ignition switch and fuel smell foul coming from car a lot and is as I speak . My reduce engine power light comes on a lot and have no power to gas pedal n car won’t stay running . I have try to get two recalls fixed back in 2-21 I was having problems with my car back then too special reach called me in Jan of 2021 and told me that there were two recalls on my car ignition switch and fuel module so I informed dealership when I took my car in That next month in feb 21 told them I was informed on 2 active recalls on my car . When they were done with my car later that day I asked them if they fixed the recalls they said no cause it was map sensor so I then made an appt to get recalls fixed when I got there for the recalls to be fixed one of the technicians told me it shows that they were done . I called Chevy and complained about the issue I just had and never had recalls fixed but they must of put it in computer they fixed them So I’ve been really upset that I been trying to get past recalls fixed that are on my car and I get run around and told there isn’t any I know about a past recall on shift selnoid low circuit too that was a past recal
NHTSA complaint #11631947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wateska, ILCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The air bag never deployed I bought car in 2018 from original owner with car only having 33,000 miles on it and still under warranty til car had 100,000 miles and I hit a deer head on 2 months after getting car which bought in may of 2018 hit the deer in July 2018 . The deer was hit with the front passenger side it broke my headlight n messed my hood up and smashed in the grill little and my air bags never deployed I hit deer at 50 mph , after that had happened I took it in to Chevy dealership and had them look at car cause I told them I hit that deer and air bag never deployed and that my air bag light came on once in awhile and said service air bag . The dealership said they do that sometimes and did something to make light go off that was it my air vag light still comes on and says service air bag . Also ignition switch and fuel smell foul coming from car a lot and is as I speak . My reduce engine power light comes on a lot and have no power to gas pedal n car won’t stay running . I have try to get two recalls fixed back in 2-21 I was having problems with my car back then too special reach called me in Jan of 2021 and told me that there were two recalls on my car ignition switch and fuel module so I informed dealership when I took my car in That next month in feb 21 told them I was informed on 2 active recalls on my car . When they were done with my car later that day I asked them if they fixed the recalls they said no cause it was map sensor so I then made an appt to get recalls fixed when I got there for the recalls to be fixed one of the technicians told me it shows that they were done . I called Chevy and complained about the issue I just had and never had recalls fixed but they must of put it in computer they fixed them So I’ve been really upset that I been trying to get past recalls fixed that are on my car and I get run around and told there isn’t any I know about a past recall on shift selnoid low circuit too that was a past recal
NHTSA complaint #11631947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesWatseka, ILCrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the contact struck a deer. The air bags did not deploy. Additionally, while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact restarted the vehicle. There was an abnormal sulfur and fuel odor detected. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the MAP sensor needed to be reset. The mechanic reset the air bag light. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the air bag failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11628768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesWatseka, ILCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the contact struck a deer. The air bags did not deploy. Additionally, while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact restarted the vehicle. There was an abnormal sulfur and fuel odor detected. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the MAP sensor needed to be reset. The mechanic reset the air bag light. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the air bag failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11628768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is a leak in the fuel lines that is just awful. Constant while driving Many others have experienced as well. Leaves huge puddles of gas
NHTSA complaint #11609896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poplarville, MS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:BULBS
OEM headlights had become dim and one could no longer be aimed, so I ordered these replacements through Amazon. I paid $92 to have them installed, and the mechanic let me know that the high beams could not be activated, except by holding the turn signal, making it dangerous to steer. In addition, when the headlights are on they create so much RF, the radio no longer gets most AM or FM stations. The mechanic confirmed, they are wired incorrectly, but did not wish to attempt to rewire them.
NHTSA complaint #11591166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,595 milesLong Beach, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start and was jumpstarted; however, the auto theft warning light illuminated, and the key could not be removed from the ignition. The contact was able to drive the vehicle however, the locks failed to lock the doors, and there was a clicking sound when the windows failed to roll up or down. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact stated that the tank was full however, the next day the fuel tank was empty. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,595.
NHTSA complaint #11585314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,595 milesLong Beach, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start and was jumpstarted; however, the auto theft warning light illuminated, and the key could not be removed from the ignition. The contact was able to drive the vehicle however, the locks failed to lock the doors, and there was a clicking sound when the windows failed to roll up or down. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact stated that the tank was full however, the next day the fuel tank was empty. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,595.
NHTSA complaint #11585314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
York, PA
STEERING
Loosing power steering
NHTSA complaint #11568329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, NC
STEERING
My car turned off while I was driving and almost caused me to crash into an 18 wheeler. Thank God I turned on my emergency signal and the truck swerved!. I would of died. I was stuck in the middle of the road and luckily some passersby helped me push it into a commercial parking area. I tried to start it again and it wouldn't start. But, when I turn my key into the off position, my car tried starting by itself. It was scary. It was checked by a mechanic, prior to this happening, because the car was hard to start. The mechanic told me to find out if there is a recall. However, I did some research and there was a recall on the ignition switch and fuel pump. The ignition switch was faulty causing the car to turn off while moving and two people died as a result. I entered the VIN # and it didn't show any recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11555972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, NC
ENGINE
My car turned off while I was driving and almost caused me to crash into an 18 wheeler. Thank God I turned on my emergency signal and the truck swerved!. I would of died. I was stuck in the middle of the road and luckily some passersby helped me push it into a commercial parking area. I tried to start it again and it wouldn't start. But, when I turn my key into the off position, my car tried starting by itself. It was scary. It was checked by a mechanic, prior to this happening, because the car was hard to start. The mechanic told me to find out if there is a recall. However, I did some research and there was a recall on the ignition switch and fuel pump. The ignition switch was faulty causing the car to turn off while moving and two people died as a result. I entered the VIN # and it didn't show any recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11555972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesFayetteville, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that after driving to a local store and turning off the vehicle, the contact then returned to the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the fuel level sensor circuit and cam shaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
NHTSA complaint #11548298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesFayetteville, NC
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that after driving to a local store and turning off the vehicle, the contact then returned to the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the fuel level sensor circuit and cam shaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
NHTSA complaint #11548298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stamford, CT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My Cobalt 2009 has gas leaking in front of the back driver's side wheel. This has been report it seems by several people online that I have found. Why can not GM cover this repair in a recall? I've tried to call around for pricing but most garage's won't give me a quote over the phone. The best I got was that this would cost around 2000-3000 for replacement. But it seemed like a shot in the dark on the pricing. I called the local dealership near me in Darian Connecticut, and was told that this was not covered under any recall. Corrosion protection coverage expired in 2019 from GMs site. But why would a fuel line be made of a metal that rust and is near the hot exhaust requiring a heatshield on the pipes? Aftermarket repairs seems to be either Braided Stainless Steel around Nylon, or Some Nickel/Copper Piping using compression fittings that plumbers use.
NHTSA complaint #11533270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prescott, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel leak very strong gas smell
NHTSA complaint #11530524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesSaint Louis, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated after arriving at his residence, he became aware of a puddle of fuel underneath the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
NHTSA complaint #11529392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,816 milesPrescott, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle while driving and while the vehicle was parked. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was a fuel leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,816.
NHTSA complaint #11529147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hodgenville, KY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There is a gas leak an after reviewing online there are several complaints of chevy colbalt 09 owners whos car forms a gas leak on the driver side of the car near back seat. There is a very strong smell of gasoline and seems to be a repeated issue
NHTSA complaint #11528202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Terre Haute, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that she smelled an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fuel lines were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V459000 (Fuel System Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11524835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Forks, ND
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle is leaking fuel from rusted fuel line near drivers side rear tire. Apparently a common issue with this model with no recall.
NHTSA complaint #11519198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansing, MI
STEERING
steering is going out. when turning slowly it’s hard to turn it back straight.
NHTSA complaint #11516458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.