Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving 40 MPH and attempting to brake, the steering wheel became extremely loose and shook independently. The contact heard a sound of plastic breaking coming from the dashboard. The failure recurred multiple times. The contact replaced the axle, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front struts, front mounts, rear shocks, and rear springs failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired at the dealer, but the contact replaced the front shocks himself. The failure recurred. The contact spoke to the manufacturer who stated that they could not assist because the contact refused the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the stub axle was the cause of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,507.
On my way home from work in heavy traffic in indianapolis, someone in front of me hit their brakes hard. As a result, I also had to slam on my brakes. When I did so, my rear end spun out. I lost power steering. I crashed head first into the concrete median. However, the airbag did not deploy. Luckily, I escaped severe injury; although the wreck, the resulting loss of power steering, and the fact that the airbag did not deploy were directly due to the negligence of general motors.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front suspension control arm bushings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000. Updated 4/30/15
My son was driving his Chevy Cobalt home and when he tried to stop he had trouble. It felt like the back tire was going to fall off. He ended up hitting a car. Upon inspection, we found that the rear suspension on the passenger side had lost the nut and washer. It has been repaired at our expense even though it was under warranty.
Took car in to replace struts due to clunking sound while going over any surface that was not perfectly smooth. Turns out the sway bar and bearings were failing and needed to be replaced. Apparently I was very close to a possible bad accident. It was quite costly to repaint and I am finding this is a common problem GM is aware of.
Airbag : warning intermittently comes on.. Then resets on the next ignition start. Then will reappear again. Suspension: severe clunking in front end only when turning or maneuvering . This vehicle has done 46K miles total.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while making a turn at 5 MPH, the front passenger side lower control arm bushings failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the lower control arm under the warranty. Four months later while driving 30 MPH, the contact drove over a road bump and a noise was heard from the left side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who inspected the noise and noticed that the driver side control arm bushings failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 19,300 and the current mileage was 22,368. Updated 10/31/11 updated 3/30/12
Vehicle was taken to the dealership in oct 2011 at apprx 16,000 miles to check loud noise coming from front suspension area. Dealer replaced power steering motor according to recall and replaced part of steering column. However, that did not fix the issue. This is my elderly mother's car and she did not recognize the noise was not usual or that the repair did not address the problem. Vehicle now has 20,000 miles (nov 2011) and mechanic diagnosed lower control arm bushings are shot. This is apparently a common problem for this model & year. Dealer does not consider this a safety issue. I think it is--possibility of suspension components failing.
The vehicle is past the warranty mileage limits. I noticed several days ago a loud clunking noise while going over the slightest bump coming from the front end. I had the vehicle in for a oil change and tire rotation and asked to have the front end checked. The control arm bushings are worn out and I have to pay $300+ for the repair. Granted, I am outside the mileage limits of the warranty, but this vehicle is barely three years old. It appears I'm not the first to complain either. I have been a Chevrolet and GM fan for years, but with this issue plus the problems I had with my last pickup, a 2004 GMC sierra, I'm beginning to question my choices.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact was driving 65 MPH when the vehicle began to shake uncontrollable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the struts, control arm, bushings axle, cv joints, sway bar bushings, brake pads, and the rotors but to no avail. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that because the contact purchased the vehicle used, they could not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 69,700. ...updated 01/31/12 the axle seal was replaced, due to the vehicle leaking transmission fluid. There was a noise coming from the steering shaft. Updated 02/03/12
Suspension complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the suspension of the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 3% of the model year's 940 complaints. The component named most often is front (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, though it has 4 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 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to suspension 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.