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 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH the fuel indicator began to drop rapidly. The contact stated that he did not notice any warning lights. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence and smelled the odor of fuel and noticed a long streak of fuel, and a puddle of fuel underneath the driver's side door by the rear driver's side tire. The contact observed that the fuel line located under the driver's side of the vehicle had ruptured. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that his son called and stated he detected an abnormal odor of fuel inside the vehicle. The driver looked around the vehicle and noticed liquid emerging near the driver's side rear tire. The driver stated that the vehicle was hard to start. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the fuel lines were rusted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where two sections of rusted fuel lines were replaced. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,933.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal odor of fuel inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the fuel line. The manufacturer was contacted and offered help with a new vehicle. The contract stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number PE20011 (Fuel System, Other, Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle would not immediately start as needed, and the odor of fuel was present inside and outside of the vehicle. After parking the vehicle, the contact discovered fuel leaking from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The contact indicated that the vehicle had exhibited the failure listed in the NHTSA Investigation: PE20011. The failure mileage was 59,980.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over on the side of the road. The contact checked under the vehicle and notice that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel line was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 111,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the fuel lines near the rear wheel well. There was an abnormal odor of fuel detected. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The contact mentioned NHTSA Action Number: PE20011 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER). The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that fuel was leaking nearby the passenger's side door. There was no warning light illuminated. There was an abnormal odor of fuel inside and outside the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: PE20011 (Fuel System, Other) open investigation. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
I was at a gas station and there was gas leaking behind my driver side door I looked underneath and it was the fuel line leaking some idiot threw a cigarette on the ground and set a little bit of gas on fire I put it out really quick and I had to pull it out of the gas Lane and then I was able to get it home where I would had to put some rubber hose in its place because the lines were all rusted out the vehicle is not safe to drive
On 6/28/2021, my wife & I took our 2010 Chevy Cobalt Sedan 4 door into down to get some dinner. When we went out to the garage we smelled strong gas fumes which we thought was odd as our garage never smelled of strong gas fumes in the past. We got in the Cobalt & turned the key & it didn't start right away, it took a little bit for it to turn over which I thought was odd as we haven't experienced that before. We put the windows down as the inside of the car had a strong gas smell. There was no warning lights on the dashboard & no prior warning before this issue. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: Noticed a gas smell in my garage for the past couple weeks and the car has been slow to start when sitting overnight. Was able to verify today a gas leak near the driver side rear wheel. Car would not start until I hit the gas pedal and got fuel to the engine, and the leak started again (was able to see drips on pavement) Car is available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Leaking fuel, fire hazard, fumes Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center: No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others: No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear: No lights or messages, …
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 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 122 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 21% of the model year's 583 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2010 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 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 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.