2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes7367.6%
- Fuel system76.5%
- Electrical65.6%
- Engine65.6%
- Airbags43.7%
- Other / unspecified32.8%
- Exterior lighting21.9%
- Driver assistance21.9%
- Steering21.9%
- Body & structure10.9%
- Seat belts10.9%
- Tires & wheels10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE PARKED THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER RELEASE BUTTON JAMMED AND I COULD NOT RELEASE THE PARKING BRAKES. THERE IS ABNORMAL NOISE HEARD IN THE REAR BREAKING SYSTEM WHEN REVERSING. ABNORMAL PREMATURE WEAR TO INSIDE REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR DISCS
REAR BRAKES WEAR THE PADS UNEVENLY AND SCRATCH THE ROTORS. COMMON PROBLEM THAT MOST 2008+ COBALT SS OWNERS EXPERIENCE. DUE TO THE FAULTY BRAKES, THE HAND BRAKE WILL OFTEN NOT WORK, WHICH IS A LARGE INCONVENIENCE IN A CAR THAT IS ONLY AVAILABLE WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THIS IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN TRYING TO PARK ON A HILL.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND I NOTICED THE ODOR OF GASOLINE. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK FOR THE SOURCE OF THE ODOR AND FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR AND ONTO THE ROAD. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION, AS I COULD NOT STOP THE FUEL FROM CONTINUING TO LEAK. I FOUND THAT THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND ENGINE RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE REAR FENDER WELL, CAUSING THE LEAK. THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION VAPOR LINE WAS RUSTED AND LEAKING AS WELL, RESULTING IN FLAMMABLE FUEL VAPORS ESCAPING.
TOOK MY CAR IN BECAUSE IT IS EXPERIENCING A LONG PERIOD OF TIME CRANKING BEFORE STARTING EACH TIME, AND I FIND OUT THAT I HAVE A FUEL LINE LEAK. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL, I FIND THAT MY YEAR AND MODEL ARE NOT INCLUDED, ALTHOUGH MANY OTHER 08 CHEVY COBALTS ARE. THIS REALLY CONCERNS ME THAT THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEFT OUT OF RECALLS THAT AFFECT THE SAFETY OF MY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. IN ADDITION, I CAN'T GET THE GEAR TO SHIFT TO PARK TO MOVE TO NEUTRAL, I'VE LOST ALL POWER TO THE CAR FROM THE LIGHTS TO BEING UNABLE TO OPEN THE TRUNK. I HAD TO PUT THE EMERGENCY BREAK ON FOR FEAR THAT THE CAR WOULD ROLL AWAY BECAUSE I COULDN'T MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT. THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE COOLANT AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 10/30/14*CN UPDATED 7/9/2015*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE AIRBAG PRETENSIONER FAILED. UPDATED 7/9/2015 *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND I NOTICED THE ODOR OF GASOLINE. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK FOR THE SOURCE OF THE ODOR AND FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR AND ONTO THE ROAD. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION, AS I COULD NOT STOP THE FUEL FROM CONTINUING TO LEAK. I FOUND THAT THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND ENGINE RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE REAR FENDER WELL, CAUSING THE LEAK. THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION VAPOR LINE WAS RUSTED AND LEAKING AS WELL, RESULTING IN FLAMMABLE FUEL VAPORS ESCAPING.
THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. IN ADDITION, I CAN'T GET THE GEAR TO SHIFT TO PARK TO MOVE TO NEUTRAL, I'VE LOST ALL POWER TO THE CAR FROM THE LIGHTS TO BEING UNABLE TO OPEN THE TRUNK. I HAD TO PUT THE EMERGENCY BREAK ON FOR FEAR THAT THE CAR WOULD ROLL AWAY BECAUSE I COULDN'T MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT. THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
UPON START OF THE VEHICLE THE SERVICE AIRBAG WARNING IS ILLUMINATED. THE AIRBAG READINESS LIGHT STAYS ON. IF I WIGGLE THE WIRES UNDERNEATH THE WARNING GOES AWAY TEMPORARILY. ALSO IF A PASSENGER SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IT WOULD INDICATE AN AIRBAG SENSOR AND THE INDICATOR WOULD SHOW IT BEING OFF ALTHOUGH A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT. I TOOK IT TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER WHO PULLED MY VIN AND INDICATED NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE VIN, BUT KNOWING OTHER 2008 CHEVROLET COBALTS ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES IS MY CONCERN EVEN IF MY VIN SHOWS NO RECALL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE COOLANT AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 10/30/14*CN UPDATED 7/9/2015*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE AIRBAG PRETENSIONER FAILED. UPDATED 7/9/2015 *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO I HAVE A 2008 CHEVY COBALT SS AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED A BIG DEFECT WITH MY CAR, THE CAR ITSELF TURNED OFF AS IN ALL ELECTRICAL PARTS WENT OFF SUDDENLY WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION THIS WAS REPORTED TO MY DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY SINCE THIS IS A LEASED BRAND NEW CAR, THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT RESPOND TO THE COMPLAINT IN ANYWAY, THE CAR HAS BEEN FIXED BUT STILL CONTINUES TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND THE DEALERSHIP NOR THE MANUFACTURER WANT TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
BACK BRAKES ON MY COBALT SS ARE SHOT AND THE ROTORS AND SCORCHED AND WORN OUT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLEAR COAT ON THE FRONT BUMPER IS COMING OFF REALLY BAD. THE PAINT SEEMS TO STAY ON THE BUMPER BUT PROGRESSIVELY FLAKES OFF MORE EVERY DAY. IT STARTS AS A SMALL SPOT THEN EXPANDS LIKE A VIRUS. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS BEGIN TO RUST AND ARE SPREADING TO THE OUTER PARTS OF THE DOORS AND BODY. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FOR THE CENTER-CONSOLE (CLIMATE CONTROL) BURN OUT FAST AND FAIL TO ILLUMINATE THE REST OF THE BUTTONS. SEAT BELTS WEAR OUT EXCESSIVELY FAST AND THE BUTTONS THAT STOP THE BELT BUCKLE FALL OUT PREMATURELY. -------- *THIS PROBLEM IS FOUND ON THE COBALT SPORT 2008 2.4L (MANUAL)
2008 COBALT LIGHTING LEVER FOR CONTUNOUS HIGH BEAMS FLICKERED LIGHTS FROM ON TO COMPLETLY OFF WHILE DRIVING THE ISSUE CAME BACK AGAIN A YEAR LATER BUT STAYED PERMANENTLY. I HAVE LOW BEAMS AND HIGH BEAMS BUT ONLY IF I HOLD LEVER BACK CAN I USE HIGH BEAMS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON 10/2013, I WAS DRIVING ON THE 105 FWY GOING EASTBOUND AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES PER HOUR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AND I NO LONGER COULD ACCELERATE. EAST BOUND TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND CHP OFFICER HAD TO PARK BEHIND ME WITH HIS LIGHTS TO AVOID ME GETTING HIT BY OTHER VEHICLES, SINCE THERE WAS NO SAFETY LANE TO PULL OVER FOR BROKEN DOWN CARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ONE OTHER PLACE BEFORE BEING TOWED TO PENSKE CHEVROLET, 18605 S STUDEBAKER RD., CERRITOS, CA 90703 THE FOLLOWING DAY. IN SHORT, I TOOK MY CAR BACK 3 DIFFERENT TIMES FROM THE FIRST TIME IT WAS TOWED THERE. THEY WOULD FIX ONE PART AND I WOULD LEAVE AND SHORTLY AFTER THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON AND I WOULD RETURN. THEN THEY STATED IT WAS SOMETHING ELSE AND THEY WOULD "FIX IT". THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON ONCE AGAIN. THE LAST AND FINAL TIME I TOOK MY CAR IN THEY REPLACED YET ANOTHER CAR PART AND IN TOTAL I PAID $500.00 DOLLARS IN FEES, NOT TO MENTION TIME LOSS AT WORK AND GAS THEY USE TO DO "LONG TEST DRIVES". TO THIS DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON FROM THE DAY I LEFT PENSKE CHEVROLET. THE MANAGER THERE "[XXX]" IN SHORT STATED THAT THE CAR IS FIXED AND THAT I WOULD JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON. HE ASSURED ME THE SECOND TO LAST VISIT THAT THIS WOULD BE FIXED AND IT NEVER WAS. THE VEHICLE IS STILL NOT WORKING AS IT DID PRIOR 10/2013. IT CUTS AND DOES NOT ACCELERATES WHEN YOU INITIALLY STEP ON THE GAS. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR LOCKS ARE ELECTRIC AND WHEN I DRIVE THEY POP UP AND DOWN ON THERE OWN. I ALSO WILL LEAVE MY CAR LOCKED AND WHEN I GET BACK THE CAR WILL BE UNLOCKED. THIS ALL BEGAN AFTER I GOT MY VEHICLE BACK FROM PENSKE CHEVROLET OF CERRITOS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
HELLO I HAVE A 2008 CHEVY COBALT SS AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED A BIG DEFECT WITH MY CAR, THE CAR ITSELF TURNED OFF AS IN ALL ELECTRICAL PARTS WENT OFF SUDDENLY WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION THIS WAS REPORTED TO MY DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY SINCE THIS IS A LEASED BRAND NEW CAR, THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT RESPOND TO THE COMPLAINT IN ANYWAY, THE CAR HAS BEEN FIXED BUT STILL CONTINUES TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND THE DEALERSHIP NOR THE MANUFACTURER WANT TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO I HAVE A 2008 CHEVY COBALT SS AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED A BIG DEFECT WITH MY CAR, THE CAR ITSELF TURNED OFF AS IN ALL ELECTRICAL PARTS WENT OFF SUDDENLY WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION THIS WAS REPORTED TO MY DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY SINCE THIS IS A LEASED BRAND NEW CAR, THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT RESPOND TO THE COMPLAINT IN ANYWAY, THE CAR HAS BEEN FIXED BUT STILL CONTINUES TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND THE DEALERSHIP NOR THE MANUFACTURER WANT TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
OWN A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT. WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH AROUND A CURVE WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. I CAME VERY CLOSE TO CRASHING BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY OF STEERING. PULLED OVER AT NEXT EXIT AND COULD NOT FIND A POWER STEERING RESERVOIR OR ANYTHING. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON IT WAS FINE. LOOKED THE PROBLEM UP ONLINE THIS MORNING AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM. THEY TOOK THEIR CAR TO THE DEALER TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED AND FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR HAS ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING AND THAT IT GOES BAD. MY DEALER SAID THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING UNLESS THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING WHEN I BRING IT IN. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. IF THIS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE SHE MIGHT NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH TO TURN THE WHEEL AND PANIC NOT KNOWING WHAT IS GOING ON. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLEAR COAT ON THE FRONT BUMPER IS COMING OFF REALLY BAD. THE PAINT SEEMS TO STAY ON THE BUMPER BUT PROGRESSIVELY FLAKES OFF MORE EVERY DAY. IT STARTS AS A SMALL SPOT THEN EXPANDS LIKE A VIRUS. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS BEGIN TO RUST AND ARE SPREADING TO THE OUTER PARTS OF THE DOORS AND BODY. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FOR THE CENTER-CONSOLE (CLIMATE CONTROL) BURN OUT FAST AND FAIL TO ILLUMINATE THE REST OF THE BUTTONS. SEAT BELTS WEAR OUT EXCESSIVELY FAST AND THE BUTTONS THAT STOP THE BELT BUCKLE FALL OUT PREMATURELY. -------- *THIS PROBLEM IS FOUND ON THE COBALT SPORT 2008 2.4L (MANUAL)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
CLEAR COAT ON THE FRONT BUMPER IS COMING OFF REALLY BAD. THE PAINT SEEMS TO STAY ON THE BUMPER BUT PROGRESSIVELY FLAKES OFF MORE EVERY DAY. IT STARTS AS A SMALL SPOT THEN EXPANDS LIKE A VIRUS. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS BEGIN TO RUST AND ARE SPREADING TO THE OUTER PARTS OF THE DOORS AND BODY. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FOR THE CENTER-CONSOLE (CLIMATE CONTROL) BURN OUT FAST AND FAIL TO ILLUMINATE THE REST OF THE BUTTONS. SEAT BELTS WEAR OUT EXCESSIVELY FAST AND THE BUTTONS THAT STOP THE BELT BUCKLE FALL OUT PREMATURELY. -------- *THIS PROBLEM IS FOUND ON THE COBALT SPORT 2008 2.4L (MANUAL)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN JULY 2008 WE PURCHASED A NEW CHEVY COBALT SS FROM C.WEAVER CHEVROLET IN YORKVILLE, NY. WE WERE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH A NOISE IN THE REAR AND BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE AT 12,400 MILES. WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS IN NEED OF REAR BRAKES AND ALSO THAT THE FRONT TIRES WERE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. THE FRONT TIRES WERE REMOVED IN THE WINTER FOR SNOW TIRES AND HAVE ONLY BEEN ON THE CAR FOR ABOUT 7,00 MILES. IT WAS OUR OPINION THAT THERE WERE DEFECTS WITH THE TIRES AND BRAKES BUT THE DEALERSHIP, (CARBONE GMC,PONTIAC, BUICK), IN YORKVILLE, NY REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY CITING DRIVERS USE AS THE REASON FOR THE WEAR ON THE BRAKES AND TIRES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .