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 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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 [redacted] 2008 CHEVY COBALT [redacted] IS MY NUMBER
Related recalls
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,…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 21, 2012.
NHTSA investigations
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).
Fuel System complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 250 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 27% of the model year's 940 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 12V-459 (fuel pump, Sep 19, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 1 injury 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.