Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The vehicle will periodically jerk/hiccup at random while driving. On January 8, 2015 while traveling on the expressway, the vehicle began to randomly sputter/jerk/hiccup. The vehicle did not loose power, or was there any indication from dash board icons of any malfunction. There was not any visible warnings signs to alert a faulty system. This has occurred previously, while traveling throughout the city at speeds of 25-45 MPH. During the most recent incident, traveling speeds varied from 50-70 MPH on the expressway. This particular instance I was driving a 60 mile trip and this jerking occurred 7-10 times. The first time this occurred was probably 1.5 years ago. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic after the first instance, without anything being detected or a diagnosis. The issue is progressively worsening. It is beginning to happen more frequently. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving at any speed, the power steering seized. The contact had to use excessive strength to turn the vehicle. The vehicle also lost fuel. The failures occurred without warning. The vehicle also hesitated and jerked violently, and "faulty power steering" and "loss of fuel" appeared on the instrument panel. In addition, the service engine indicator illuminated and the transmission made an abnormal shifting noise. The contact called anderson Chevrolet (31201 auto center dr, lake elsinore, ca 92530, [phone]) and was informed that the transmission recall was serviced in 2009; therefore, the contact would have to pay for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact noticed fuel fumes emitting from the inner part of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after some time. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the exhaust, oxygen sensor, thermostat and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure persisted as the contact noticed fuel leaking from underneath the rear of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
I got the car a few years ago only drove it for 5 months found out about the recall. I had to pay for the car to go nassau bahamas. They never ship it for me .they paid the ignition repairs never gave me a rental car. Then I called back a few months about a warranty say 60,000 miles or 5 year they tell another recall for the same thing. So I started checking come to find all kinda law suit on that type model. They want the car off the road. I asked them to pay out the car. Can't get a response. They open but the bahamas office closed from covid-19. Still have to wait on a response.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the instrument panel suddenly became dark. The contact exited the vehicle to inspect the failure further when he discovered that the rear end of the vehicle had ignited in flames. The contact stated that the fire began near the fuel tank area. The fire department was contacted to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for further inspection but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle stalled without warning, but was able to restart after a few minutes. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that there was a leak in the fuel line. The vehicle was patched but not fully repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 15,250.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. When the ignition was turned to the on position and moved 10 feet, the contact observed fuel pouring from the rear driver side of the vehicle. The contact parked the vehicle, placed her hand under the vehicle, and felt fuel pouring out. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,220.
My 2005 Chevy Cobalt with 117000 miles has a fuel leak coming from the gas tank area. My research shows that this common problem with the Cobalt. So much so that GM has a bulletin to make repairs for years 2006-2009. Why is the 2005 not covered? Its the same vehicle with the same safety issue. Gas is leaking while the car is in motion while driver is unaware.
The fuel line rust out and leaks gas. This is a very dangerous situation but apparently not covered by recall 12V459000. This gas leak should defiantly included in that recall. My car is driven by a teenager and he did not notice the leak until I saw it. The repairs were over $800.00. This happened to both of our Chevy cobalts in the same week.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle had a fuel odor and the contact noticed fuel leaking under the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. Updated 02/10/16 updated 04/30/18
Fuel System complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, 3% of the model year's 1,649 complaints. The component named most often is storage › fuel gauge system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.