Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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 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 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 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated before the vehicle lost power. The contact shifted the vehicle into park and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained normal functionality. The failure occurred a total of 4 times. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving 30 MPH, the contact was informed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that the fire was confined to the engine compartment. The contact noticed an abnormal fuel odor in the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V459000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the Service Air Bag message was intermittently displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at unknown speeds, he heard an abnormal beeping sound, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Cobalt years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (136), 2005 (120), 2007 (80), 2009 (55) and 2008 (51) model years. Engine complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Cobalt engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Chevrolet Cobalt model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Cobalt engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (30 mentions), followed by the cooling system (5).
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.