Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the check engine light would remain illuminated and the odor of fuel was present inside the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the fuel had leaked from near the rear passenger-side wheel area. The contact discovered that the leak was due to a corroded and damaged fuel line. In addition, it was discovered that the fuel line connecting to the fuel filter was corroded and damaged. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 97,600.
The contact's mother owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while his mother was starting the vehicle, the passenger's side air bag made clicking sounds. Additionally, the engine would rev, and the vehicle would shake while idle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, and ignition coils; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,864.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that after driving to a local store and turning off the vehicle, the contact then returned to the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the fuel level sensor circuit and cam shaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
My car turned off while I was driving and almost caused me to crash into an 18 wheeler. Thank God I turned on my emergency signal and the truck swerved!. I would of died. I was stuck in the middle of the road and luckily some passersby helped me push it into a commercial parking area. I tried to start it again and it wouldn't start. But, when I turn my key into the off position, my car tried starting by itself. It was scary. It was checked by a mechanic, prior to this happening, because the car was hard to start. The mechanic told me to find out if there is a recall. However, I did some research and there was a recall on the ignition switch and fuel pump. The ignition switch was faulty causing the car to turn off while moving and two people died as a result. I entered the VIN # and it didn't show any recalls.
The vehicle overheated and shutdown while traversing rt 287 near boonton at speeds around 65. I coasted off an exit and came to a stop at park ave and wootton st. While I was waiting for my vehicle to cool down so I could either fix/continue driving, it had become apparent that the engine compartment had started to combust. Noticeable by the sound of the fire. That left me rushing to empty out the vehicle of belongings in the middle of the road before the vehicle completely engulfed into flames. Note that prior to the engine overheating absolutely no warning lights nor indicators had turned on. When vehicle overheated the temperature light turned on and that was all until the vehicle was actually on fire and had shut itself off.
Takata recall my vehicle was hit head on I have pictures of the airbag and my head impacting top windshield insurance settle net me 3750. Lumbar 4,5 broken thumb severed from right hand in unconscious attempt to hold my self in seat obviously that thumb gave way but did more than the airbag which did not even clear the steering wheel all my ribs were broken OnStar already notified my atty isn't very Smart on this I hope the agency has some way to avoid publicity to hurt any GM but I want to be reimbursed for the time lost approx 1 years at my average earnings and future ability for rehabilitation or minor surgery
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, there was black ice on the road, which caused the vehicle to spin and crash into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. In addition, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact did not disclose whether a police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The key gets stuck in ignition when parking car and turning vehicle off pulling key out gets stuck have to wiggle it out got hit on driverside front end no airbags came out the time I got hit driver side. It was because I tried to stop and vehicle kept accelerating wouldn't stop
December 29, 2011, I was driving home one evening in the Cobalt when my car's engine shut off and I lost control on a semi-residential a few blocks from home. Driving at about 35-45 mp, downhill, I hit a parked car on the left side of the road (narrow road, cars parked on both sides, 2-way street). I thought, "I'm going to die". This impact made the car continue on, faster and more out of control, hitting another parked vehicle on the opposite side of the street and I finally was able to stop the car by hitting the passenger side front wheel/bumper of the Cobalt against the a parked truck to avoid driving into an intersection or any oncoming traffic. No airbags ever deployed. The car then flipped over, and that's how they found and recovered me. …
I have a 2009 Chevy Cobalt and since I purchased it it has been problem after problem first the key got stuck in the ignition before the recall. I had to spend all day at the dealership, then I had to take it back for the ignition switch recall. Next it was taken back for suspension problems and a cracked steering column, now I kept hearing a noise when I pressed the gas to speed up took it to two places and it was the catalytic converter which cost me $1,548 out of pocket because the warranty I had didn't cover the catalytic converter this car only has 89414 miles on it I keep up the maintenance but this car is beginning to make me not want to buy any American car ever. I initially purchased the car because it was economy car,good on gas which is still good on gas. …
Engine complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, 6% of the model year's 900 complaints. The component named most often is engine (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.