2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

When the driver's side window on my 2008 Chevy Cobalt is fully open/down, the "Service air bag" warning light comes on. This seems to be the exact same issue that resulted in a recall on the 2010 model (NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V500000). When I called Chevrolet corporate customer service regarding this, they explained the model years were manufactured the same, and the reason my year did not have a recall could be that there were not enough reported complaints on it. It is very concerning, since as my dealer indicated, the airbag system seems to be disabled when in this condition. I put today's date as the when the incident occurred, but it's been a condition for the last few years.

Incident May 23, 2024

2008 Chevy Cobalt has become unsafe to drive as it is leaking fuel out the bottom of car

Incident Sep 1, 2023

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.

Incident Oct 2, 2023

Heavy fuel leak

Incident Jun 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the message "Steering Locked" was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn; however, he drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle the following day, the steering wheel operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be taken apart to install an unknown switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,117.

Incident Sep 5, 2023

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

Incident Aug 8, 2023

My speedometer jumps and shows a message of POWER STEERING. It makes my fuel line jump as well. I've recently gotten my starter fixed because my car wouldn't start. My tire warning stays on and my tires are new and set at the right PSI. My ABS comes and goes ALL THE TIME and nothing needs to be fixed. My car jerks really hard when all of this is going on.

Incident Jul 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the air bag pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

Incident Dec 15, 2022

The back right seat belt and the back left seat belt lock up so much while trying to buckle in that we can hardly use them. I have tried everything from moving to up towards the roof to pulling down , getting in the trunk to release the seats. I have had this car for almost 3 years and it always does this. Please help! My email is. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Incident Jun 2, 2023

Fuel lines corroded, very dangerous, had to replace at a high cost to me.

Incident Jun 7, 2023

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.

Incident Mar 8, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving out of a parking space, the steering wheel became firm, and the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive home. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Incident Feb 1, 2023

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.

Incident Jan 13, 2023

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.

Incident Nov 25, 2022

My Power Steering failed. I was trying to turn into my drive way and I couldn’t turn my steering wheel. Mine and my children's safety were at risk because It could have caused an accident. There are other Chevy cobalts that are recalled for the same problem as mine but for some reason my VIN is showing that my cobalt isn’t recalled for it. There were no warnings other than the dash saying “POWER STEERING” as my steering wheel stopped turning.

Incident Oct 30, 2022

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.

Incident Aug 9, 2022

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.

Incident Jul 17, 2018

I was drivein on high way in my car got hard to trun so i stoped and let my uncle drive cause he is more stronger then from that point it got harder to trun it amost locked up on me who know what would have happen but i was almost to my house so we were ablue to get it here then i called my car lot and i hade to drive it there it was so impossible to do but with the help of my uncle he got it there and im in school and stuck with out a car intell its fixed and i have to pay laber wait on part to come in thay say etc its just alot and thank god i was not alone

Incident Aug 17, 2022

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.

Incident Aug 1, 2022

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.

Incident Mar 15, 2022

Power steering is locking up while driving. Windows won’t go down.

Incident Jul 6, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle the vehicle experienced power steering failure. The contact drove the vehicle to her destination at approximately 30 MPH without a power steering assist. The contact stated that when she returned and started the vehicle the power steering had regained functionality. The contact stated that the failure had recurred twice in the past three months. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Incident Jun 5, 2022

Power steering assist goes out randomly. Looked up VIN and said does not affect this vehicle, however, it is malfunctioning.

Incident May 16, 2022

i own a 5-speed manual transmission which should roll freely while in neutral. after starting engine while on a slight incline in a parking lot, the vehicle would not roll in neutral, as if all brakes were being applied. i thought that by driving the vehicle on the road the brakes would free up, but they did not. i shut the engine off and on a few times but that did not make a difference. i could only move forward at 5-10 mph in first gear to get the vehicle home, which fortunately was just 5 blocks away. something smelled terrible like burning wires or brake pads. even after letting the vehicle sit in my driveway for a few hours it would not free up the brakes which were being applied. then i read a tip on an internet users forum: remove a fuse labeled "ABS2" and voila! it freed up the brakes! i can drive the vehicle normally but obviously without ABS capability. now my 19 yr old grandson, who turned the vehicle over to me because of this issue, states this happened to him on two different occasions *while driving on the road!* imagine having your brakes applied while at full speed: THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH

Incident Apr 29, 2022

The accelerator pedal constantly fails to activate immediately after turning it on. it used to happen on cold or rainy days. It now fails to activate all the time. Took it to an independent service center and they said it could be the wiring due to water getting in the car. My car did have a leak and it was fixed but many months after these issues started occurring. I get a check engine light with a service traction control, service esc, and code p2138 is shown.

Incident Dec 1, 2020

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.

Incident Mar 1, 2022

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

Incident Dec 17, 2021

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!!!

Incident Nov 4, 2021

The receptacle that holds the brake light gets so hot that it melts and has melted the plastic around it as well. The bulb won’t stay lit because of this therefore the brake and turn signal lights constantly burn out and it could cause an accident due to lack of signaling and could also very easily start a fire. It started about 2-3 years after we bought the car new with just having to just replace the bulbs much too often, yearly, then a couple of times a year, and now the bulbs are not even lasting a month and the components are actually melting.

Incident Oct 29, 2021

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.

Incident Oct 14, 2021

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.

Incident Sep 22, 2021

Fuel leaking from body near left-rear wheel well.

Incident Oct 3, 2021

Fuel line leaking in front of REAR LEFT tire. Looks to be due to rust causing the leak

Incident Oct 3, 2021

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.

Incident Jan 29, 2021

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.

Incident Aug 29, 2021

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 76,000.

Incident Sep 3, 2021

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.

Incident Sep 5, 2021

gas pump repaired in recall again leaking

Incident Aug 16, 2021

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.

Incident Aug 23, 2021

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.

Incident Aug 25, 2021