U.S. public vehicle records

2009 Chevrolet COBALT SS problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

190 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

11,900 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2009 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 174 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the most frequently named component, appearing in 133 of 190 complaints (70.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	156	82.1%
Transmission and shifting	4	2.1%
Fuel system concerns	4	2.1%
Electrical and battery issues	2	1.1%
Steering behavior	2	1.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

133

Parking Brake

Service Brakes

Air Bags

Electrical System

Fuel/Propulsion System

Service Brakes, Electric

Steering

Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 133; Parking Brake: 18; Service Brakes: 13; Air Bags: 8; Electrical System: 7; Fuel/Propulsion System: 6; Service Brakes, Electric: 6; Steering: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

133

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 133; 25,000 to 49,999: 23; 50,000 to 74,999: 9; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (133). 16 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2009: 58; 2010: 76; 2011: 20; 2012: 10; 2013: 2; 2014: 8; 2015: 6; 2016: 2; 2017: 2; 2018: 5; 2019: 1

Pattern summary

Service Brakes, Hydraulic leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 156 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10263782 · 2009-03-31 (March 31, 2009)

ON MY 09 CHEVY COBALT SS THE REAR BRAKES GOT VERY LOUD. THE FAILURE WAS THE INNER REAR BRAKE PADS WENT METAL TO METAL BY 8000 MILES FROM NEW. THE OUTER PADS WERE LIKE NEW. DEALERSHIP RESURFACED THE ROTORS AND REPLACED THE PADS. THEY HAD THE CAR 5 DAYS AND GAVE ME A RENTAL. 2000 MILES LATER AND THE BRAKES ARE GETTING LOUD AGAIN. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 8,104 miles reported. Look up ODI 10263782 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10266359 · 2009-04-22 (April 22, 2009)

MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT IS 10263782. I NOW HAVE TO HAVE THE REAR BRAKE PADS REPLACED AGAIN. WENT FROM NEW TO 3/32 IN LESS THAN 4000 MILES. IN LESS THAN 12,000 MILES THE REAR INNER PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND THE ROTORS RESURFACED ONCE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 11,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10266359 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10292027 · 2009-11-13 (November 13, 2009)

SHIFTING I THREW THE GEARS QUICKLY TO GET UP TO SPEED OF TRAFFIC. THE SHIFT LINKAGE BREAKS AND CAR IS EITHER STUCK IN GEAR OR NEUTRAL WITH NO ACCELERATION CAUSING TRAFFIC TO BREAK HEAVY OR ACCIDENT BEHIND VEHICLE. REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY WITH SIMILAR PARTS BUT STILL SAME PLASTIC ENDS AND CLIPS SHOULD ME METAL ON DRIVE LINE PARTS. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10292027 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10405788 · 2011-06-09 (June 9, 2011)

I BROUGHT MY 2009 COBALT SS INTO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, 20K MILEAGE CHECK. IT HAS A 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY REAR ROTORS WERE SCORED BADLY POSSIBLY FROM THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEING ON WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THE SURFACE WAS TOO FAR GONE TO TURN THEM. I'M THE ONLY PERSON THAT DRIVES THE CAR AND I KNOW I DON'T DRIVE WITH THE E-BRAKE ON, NOT EVEN ONCE. HOWEVER, I DO PULL THE E-BRAKE WHEN I PARK MY CAR WITH THE TRANS IN GEAR. LET ME SAY ALSO I DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR HARD LIKE RACING OR DRIFTING. I…

Owner-reported narrative. 21,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10405788 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10552628 · 2013-11-17 (November 17, 2013)

AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 4 MILES AND THEN BACK 4 MILES PARKED CAR. NOTICED GASOLINE DRIPPING IN THE DRIVEWAY. CALLED SERVICE GARAGE AND THEY SAID GET A TOW TRUCK,DANGEROUS TO EVEN TRY AND START CAR, ONE SPARK AND IT COULD EXPLODE. FOUND PROBLEM WITH FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP. HAD ONLY HAD CAR A FEW MONTHS. GARAGE REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND REPLACEMENT WAS DEFECTIVE ALSO. REPLACED IT AND PUT ON A NEW FUEL TANK. SEPT GOT A GM RECALL #12190 NOTICE. TO TAKE IT IN FOR FREE REPAIR TO A DEALER AROUND 40 MILES FROM MY HOUSE. HAD ALREADY PAID ALMOST $800 TO G…

Owner-reported narrative. 66,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10552628 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10643229 · 2014-10-08 (October 8, 2014)

WANTED TO CHANGE OIL; HAD SMELLED GASOLINE FROM TIME TO TIME; CLOSER INSPECTION SHOWED LEAK AT FUEL TANK AREA. COULD NOT DRIVE DUE TO RISK OF INJURY TO FAMILY, INCLUDING TWO-YEAR-OLD CHILD. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 65,666 miles reported. Look up ODI 10643229 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10560586 · 2014-01-19 (January 19, 2014)

I WAS TRYING TO START MY CAR AND TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY AND TRIED TO TAKE THE KEY OUT, BUT IT WAS STUCK AND WOULDN'T COME OUT. I GOOGLED HOW TO TAKE IT OUT AND THAT WORKED, WE JUMPED THE CAR THINKING IT WAS THE BATTERY, BUT WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE LIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL ALLTURNED ON. THIS TELLS ME THAT THE CAR'S IGNITOR/SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN THE "ON" POSITION. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF I WERE ANYWHERE BUT HOME. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 66,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10560586 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10705282 · 2015-04-13 (April 13, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. UPDATED 5/18/15 CN UPDATED 10/05/2017*CN

Owner-reported narrative. 51,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10705282 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10365442 · 2010-11-12 (November 12, 2010)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES PULSATED WHEN THEY WERE DEPRESSED AND THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 16,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10365442 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10566235 · 2014-02-27 (February 27, 2014)

VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND DOWN SEVERAL HOURS LATER AT THE VEHICLE IMPOUND YARD AND WAS OBSERVED BY THE POLICE OFFICER AND NOTED IN HIS REPORT. ADDITIONAL. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN BELIEVED! I HAVE A 2011 HHR AND HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE…

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10566235 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

190 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

91.6%Usable mileage174 / 190 records

100.0%Valid incident date190 / 190 records

100.0%Valid filing date190 / 190 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates190 / 190 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2008	2009	2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	6467.4% ODI 10263799 · 16,000 mi PREMATURE REAR BRAKE WEAR ON INSIDE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS SCORED FROM PAD FAILURE. FAULTY EQUIPMENT. GM WOULD NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY AT ONLY 16,000MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10263799 at NHTSA ↗	13370.0% ODI 10263782 · 8,104 mi ON MY 09 CHEVY COBALT SS THE REAR BRAKES GOT VERY LOUD. THE FAILURE WAS THE INNER REAR BRAKE PADS WENT METAL TO METAL BY 8000 MILES FROM NEW. THE OUTER PADS WERE LIKE NEW. DEALERSHIP RESURFACED THE ROTORS AND REPLACED THE PADS. THEY HAD THE CAR 5 DAYS AND GAVE ME A RENTAL. 2000 MILES LATER AND THE BRAKES ARE GETTING LOUD AGAIN. *TR Look up ODI 10263782 at NHTSA ↗	222.2% ODI 10433649 · 30,230 mi I BROUGHT MY CAR (2010 CHEVROLET COBALT SS) TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP NEAR ME IN MASSACHUSETTS, AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY REAR BRAKES WERE WORN TO THE POINT JUST BEFORE A SENSOR GOING OFF. THE CAR ONLY HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT AND REAR BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE THE ONES THAT LAST LONGER THAN FRONT ONES BUT MY FRONT ARE FINE. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX THE BRAKES UNDER THE 3 YEAR 36,000 [I]UNLIMITED[/I] WARRANTY OR THE 2 YEAR 20,000 MILE MAINTENANCE WARRANTY. I HAVE BEEN READING MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE REAR BRAKES ON WEBSITES ABOUT THE REAR BRAKES… Look up ODI 10433649 at NHTSA ↗
Parking Brake	55.3% ODI 10278867 · 4,000 mi THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS ON BOTH SIDES ARE SEVERELY GROOVED ON THE INNER AND OUTER SURFACES. THE INNER BRAKE PADS ON BOTH SIDES ARE WORN NOTICEABLY MORE THAN THE OUTER PADS. THE BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE. THE PARKING BRAKE DOESN'T HOLD THE CAR IN PLACE. THIS IS AT 4K MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10278867 at NHTSA ↗	189.5% ODI 10283034 · 12,000 mi REASON FOR INSPECTION WAS DUE TO REAR BRAKE GRINDING SOUNDS. AFTER 12,000 MILES THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE COMPLETELY GONE, AND THE REAR ROTORS SEVERELY GROOVED AND WARPED. GM AGREED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE PADS AND ROTORS UNDER WARRANTY STATING THAT THEY'VE SEEN IT ON 3 OTHERS AND WERE TAKING THE SAME ACTION. *TR Look up ODI 10283034 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes	77.4% ODI 10459533 · 48,066 mi EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR BRAKES, CAUSING UNTIMELY REPLACEMENT. REAR BRAKES WEAR MORE QUICKLY THAN FRONTS CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR Look up ODI 10459533 at NHTSA ↗	136.8% ODI 10456839 · 25,000 mi BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS DID NOT LAST. MY BRAKES NEEDED REPLACING WAY EARLIER THAN THEY SHOULD. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD. *JS Look up ODI 10456839 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	44.2% ODI 10573016 · 51,000 mi 2 YEARS AFTER I HAD THE CHEVROLET DEALER FIX THE FIRST AIR BAG LIGHT ISSUE IT HAS COME ON AGAIN. I DID REPORT IT TO GM AND THE DEALER HOWEVER I WAS TOLD THAT IF THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND DIC STATED SERVICE AIR BAG COMES ON THEN GOES AWAY THAT THE SYSTEM DID A "SELF CHECK" AND TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS ALSO INFORMED "SHOULD" IT COME ON AGAIN TO BRING IT BACK IN. WITH THE RECALLS GOING ON NOW AND MY YEAR OF CAR IS NOT IS THIS RECALL REALLY??? $22,000 ON A SPORTS CAR WHICH BY THE WAY IS TURBO CHARGED AND I HAVE AN AIR BAG ISSUE STILL..GOOD TH… Look up ODI 10573016 at NHTSA ↗	84.2% ODI 10566235 · 50,000 mi VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND DOWN SEVERAL HOURS LATER AT THE VEHICLE IMPOUND YARD AND WAS OBSERVED BY THE POLICE OFFICER AND NOTED IN HIS REPORT. ADDITIONAL. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN BELIEVED! I HAVE A 2011 HHR AND HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE… Look up ODI 10566235 at NHTSA ↗	222.2% ODI 10820741 · 3,000 mi MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 3000 MILES ON IT. IT IS ALWAY GARAGE (ENCLOSED). DURING ITS 3000 MILES, IT HAS ONLY HAD ONE PASSENGER FOR ABOUT A 100 MILE TRIP. NO ONE HAS RIDEN IN THE BACKSEAT NOR HAS THE REAR SEAT BEEN USED FOR TRANSPORTING ITEMS. THE INTERIOR HAS NOT BEEN CLEANED (NOT NEEDED). IT IS A COLLECTOR CAR AND USED AS SUCH FOR OCCASIONAL TRIPS. LAST WEEK, THE SIR INSTRUMENT LIGHT SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED (SERVICE AIRBAG) WHILE ON A TRIP TO EXERCISE THE CAR (CAR WAS STATIONARY AND THE SIR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE AUTOMOBILE WAS STARTED). … Look up ODI 10820741 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	44.2% ODI 10313460 HELLO I HAVE A 2008 CHEVY COBALT SS AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED A BIG DEFECT WITH MY CAR, THE CAR ITSELF TURNED OFF AS IN ALL ELECTRICAL PARTS WENT OFF SUDDENLY WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION THIS WAS REPORTED TO MY DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY SINCE THIS IS A LEASED BRAND NEW CAR, THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT RESPOND TO THE COMPLAINT IN ANYWAY, THE CAR HAS BEEN FIXED BUT STILL CONTINUES TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND THE DEALERSHIP NOR THE MANUFACTURER WANT TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. *TR Look up ODI 10313460 at NHTSA ↗	73.7% ODI 10427712 · 41,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE SHUT OFF AND THE KEYS WOULD NOT REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES ADDRESSING THIS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. Look up ODI 10427712 at NHTSA ↗	333.3% ODI 10569294 · 34,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE FAILED TO TURN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE IGNITION SOLENDER WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. Look up ODI 10569294 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	55.3% ODI 10466717 · 69,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL GARAGE WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. Look up ODI 10466717 at NHTSA ↗	63.2% ODI 10643229 · 65,666 mi WANTED TO CHANGE OIL; HAD SMELLED GASOLINE FROM TIME TO TIME; CLOSER INSPECTION SHOWED LEAK AT FUEL TANK AREA. COULD NOT DRIVE DUE TO RISK OF INJURY TO FAMILY, INCLUDING TWO-YEAR-OLD CHILD. *TR Look up ODI 10643229 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine	66.3% ODI 10568897 · 90,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THE DASHBOARD AND HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER BEFORE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TR Look up ODI 10568897 at NHTSA ↗	31.6% ODI 10573809 · 38,000 mi 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/B… Look up ODI 10573809 at NHTSA ↗	111.1% ODI 10678724 · 201,000 mi VECHICAL STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT BLEW UP IN FLAMES. *TR Look up ODI 10678724 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	22.1% ODI 10295861 · 6,000 mi OWN A 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT. WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH AROUND A CURVE WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH. I CAME VERY CLOSE TO CRASHING BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY OF STEERING. PULLED OVER AT NEXT EXIT AND COULD NOT FIND A POWER STEERING RESERVOIR OR ANYTHING. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON IT WAS FINE. LOOKED THE PROBLEM UP ONLINE THIS MORNING AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM. THEY TOOK THEIR CAR TO THE DEALER TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED AND FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR HAS EL… Look up ODI 10295861 at NHTSA ↗	42.1% ODI 10313500 · 3,000 mi MAKING LEFT TURN. WHEEL TURNED ABOUT 45 DEGREES AND STUCK. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, I COULD TURN WHEEL FREELY. WHEEL OFTEN SLIPS LEFT OR RIGHT FOR NO APPARENT REASON, AS THOUGH IT NEEDS AN ALIGNMENT. ONLY THREE MONTHS AND 3,000 MILES OLD. *TR Look up ODI 10313500 at NHTSA ↗	333.3% ODI 10491634 · 45,528 mi THE STEERING GOT EXTREMELY HARD AND A WARNING CAME ON. *TR Look up ODI 10491634 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	4,875–15,000 mi	10,000 mi	124	ODI 10263782 · 8,104 mi ON MY 09 CHEVY COBALT SS THE REAR BRAKES GOT VERY LOUD. THE FAILURE WAS THE INNER REAR BRAKE PADS WENT METAL TO METAL BY 8000 MILES FROM NEW. THE OUTER PADS WERE LIKE NEW. DEALERSHIP RESURFACED THE ROTORS AND REPLACED THE PADS. THEY HAD THE CAR 5 DAYS AND GAVE ME A RENTAL. 2000 MILES LATER AND THE BRAKES ARE GETTING LOUD AGAIN. TR Look up ODI 10263782 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10266359 · 11,700 mi MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT IS 10263782. I NOW HAVE TO HAVE THE REAR BRAKE PADS REPLACED AGAIN. WENT FROM NEW TO 3/32 IN LESS THAN 4000 MILES. IN LESS THAN 12,000 MILES THE REAR INNER PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND THE ROTORS RESURFACED ONCE. TR Look up ODI 10266359 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10272343 · 6,000 mi MY 2009 COBALT SS HAS 10,800 MILES AND AT 7K MILES, THE REAR BRAKES BEGAN TO SQUEAK. YOU CAN FEEL THAT THE ROTORS IN THE REAR ARE GROOVED TERRIBLY, AND THE INSIDE OF THE REAR PADS ARE EVEN WORSE. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALER NOW GETTING THIS FIXED AFTER I HAD ALREADY TAKEN IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND THEY WROTE IT OFF AS "WEAR AND TEAR". REAR ROTORS DO NOT GET WORN OUT IN 10K MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10272343 at NHTSA ↗
Parking Brake	9,375–16,191 mi	13,000 mi	18	ODI 10283034 · 12,000 mi REASON FOR INSPECTION WAS DUE TO REAR BRAKE GRINDING SOUNDS. AFTER 12,000 MILES THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE COMPLETELY GONE, AND THE REAR ROTORS SEVERELY GROOVED AND WARPED. GM AGREED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE PADS AND ROTORS UNDER WARRANTY STATING THAT THEY'VE SEEN IT ON 3 OTHERS AND WERE TAKING THE SAME ACTION. TR Look up ODI 10283034 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10283040 · 15,000 mi REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN DEVELOPING GROOVES BEING CUT INTO THE ROTORS. MAKES METAL SCRAPING/RUBBING/SCREECHING NOISE DURING BRAKING. TR Look up ODI 10283040 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10283358 · 5,400 mi MY COBALT WAS PURCHASED 3/5/2009, AND HAS ONLY 5400 MILES ON IT AS OF 9/8/2009. I DO NOT DRIVE AGGRESSIVELY AND THE CAR IS PRETTY MUCH JUST DAILY DRIVEN TO WORK/HOME. THE REAR BRAKES ARE ALREADY EXHIBITING WHAT I'D CONSIDER TO BE ABNORMAL WEAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMPARED TO MY OTHER VEHICLES. THE ROTORS ARE BECOMING DEEPLY SCORED AND THE INSIDE BRAKE PADS ARE WORN MUCH MORE THAN THE OUTSIDE. HAVE BEEN TOLD ME THIS IS "NORMAL" (ALONG WITH A HOST OF OTHER ISSUES, INCLUDING OIL LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE). THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDRED PEOPLE ON A NATIONA… Look up ODI 10283358 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	27,000–43,000 mi	31,050 mi	9	ODI 10456839 · 25,000 mi BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS DID NOT LAST. MY BRAKES NEEDED REPLACING WAY EARLIER THAN THEY SHOULD. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD. JS Look up ODI 10456839 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10460885 · 25,372 mi NOTICED PARKING BRAKE NOT HOLDING ANYMORE. THEN CHECKED REAR BRAKES AND FOUND REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER BRAKE PAD (NOT THE OUTER PAD) COMPLETELY WORN OUT....ALL OTHER PADS ON CAR HAVE ATLEAST 70% PAD LEFT. NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE WITH THIS LOW OF MILEAGE WITH NOT BEING DRIVEN IN ANY WINTERS. HOPE THERE IS A FIX FOR THIS! MAY BE PROPORTION VALVE DESIGN PROBLEM? JS Look up ODI 10460885 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10475549 · 40,000 mi I PURCHASED MY 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS SEDAN A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. WITHIN THE FIRST SEVERAL MONTHS, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE STARTED TO GET EXTREMELY LOOSE. IT THAN COMPLETELY STOPPED HOLDING WITHIN 6 MONTHS AND 40,000 TOTAL MILES. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS BEGAN TO PREMATURELY WEAR OUT EXTREMELY QUICKLY. SINCE THESE ARE NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY AND DEALERSHIPS REFUSE TO FIX THE ISSUE FOR FREE, IT'S VERY COSTLY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIRS. I CAN'T PARK ANYWHERE NEAR ON OR A HILL, DUE TO THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEING C… Look up ODI 10475549 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	47,000–82,000 mi	55,500 mi	8	ODI 10566235 · 50,000 mi VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND DOWN SEVERAL HOURS LATER AT THE VEHICLE IMPOUND YARD AND WAS OBSERVED BY THE POLICE OFFICER AND NOTED IN HIS REPORT. ADDITIONAL. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN BELIEVED! I HAVE A 2011 HHR AND HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE… Look up ODI 10566235 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10573809 · 38,000 mi 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/B… Look up ODI 10573809 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10662279 · 88,000 mi I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, REAR ENDED LADY GOING 50 MPH AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR Look up ODI 10662279 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	50,500–82,315 mi	66,000 mi	7	ODI 10427712 · 41,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE SHUT OFF AND THE KEYS WOULD NOT REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES ADDRESSING THIS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. Look up ODI 10427712 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10451975 · 91,630 mi EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL OPERATION JUST GOT INTO CAR MOVED IT INTO THE GARAGE AND WOULDN'T LET THE KEY COME OUT OF THE ON POSITION. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND I WAS NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM. PRIOR TO PROBLEM THERE WAS NO WARNING NO STICKING NO FEELING OF A MALFUNCTION OF ANY SORT. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL SINCE MY CAR IS A 2009 AND ONLY 3 YEARS OLD THE IGNITION GOES OUT BUT WORST OF ALL IT GOES OUT IN THE ON POSITION IT IS A VERY HAZARDOUS AND UNSAFE WAY TO FAIL. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND … Look up ODI 10451975 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10560586 · 66,000 mi I WAS TRYING TO START MY CAR AND TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY AND TRIED TO TAKE THE KEY OUT, BUT IT WAS STUCK AND WOULDN'T COME OUT. I GOOGLED HOW TO TAKE IT OUT AND THAT WORKED, WE JUMPED THE CAR THINKING IT WAS THE BATTERY, BUT WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE LIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL ALLTURNED ON. THIS TELLS ME THAT THE CAR'S IGNITOR/SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN THE "ON" POSITION. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF I WERE ANYWHERE BUT HOME. *TR Look up ODI 10560586 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	73,000–105,000 mi	77,500 mi	5	ODI 10643229 · 65,666 mi WANTED TO CHANGE OIL; HAD SMELLED GASOLINE FROM TIME TO TIME; CLOSER INSPECTION SHOWED LEAK AT FUEL TANK AREA. COULD NOT DRIVE DUE TO RISK OF INJURY TO FAMILY, INCLUDING TWO-YEAR-OLD CHILD. *TR Look up ODI 10643229 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10895010 · 77,500 mi STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM VEHICLE. FUEL DRIPPING FROM BOTTOM OF CAR NEAR FUEL TANK. FOUND FUEL LINES ROTTING AND CAUSING LEAKS ON MULTIPLE SECTIONS STARTING AT THE FUEL TANK UP TO THE ENGINE. PROTECTIVE HEAT WRAP HOLDING MOISTURE AND CAUSING LINES TO ROT. Look up ODI 10895010 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11056772 · 122,000 mi THE FUEL LINES THAT ARE WRAPPED IN THE HEAT PROTECTIVE TAPE ON THE DRIVER REAR SIDE JUST AS THEY TURN UP TO GO TO THE FUEL TANK ARE RUSTED OUT BECAUSE THE HEAT SHIELD PROTECTOR HOLDS WATER ON THE FUEL LINES AND NOW MINE ARE RUSTED OUT AND LEAKING FUEL ALL OVER THE GROUND BY MY EXHAUST. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT HASN'T BEEN ADDRESSED WITH MANY CHEVY PRODUCTS. NOW IT'S GOING TO COST ABOUT $600 TO REPLACE THE LINES. CHEVY IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY WITH THIS DEFECT AND COSTING PEOPLE MONEY AND PUTTING LIVES IN DANGER BY HAVING A LEAK PRONE LINE… Look up ODI 11056772 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Electric	5,000–25,010 mi	14,200 mi	5	ODI 10283019 · 400 mi THE REAR BRAKES ON THE 2008-9 COBALT SS ARE CAUSING ROTOR SCORING AT 400+ MILES. THE PADS ARE TOO AGGRESSIVE OR THE ROTORS ARE TOO SOFT AND THE ROTORS ARE BEING DESTROYED WHICH COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE IF NOT REPLACED. TR Look up ODI 10283019 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10288938 · 5,000 mi REAR BRAKES ARE WEARING TOO FAST. TR Look up ODI 10288938 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10356141 · 25,010 mi NORMAL DRIVING LEAD UP TO THE EXTREMELY PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE REAR ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER AND, THOUGH AT ONLY 25,000 MILES, THEY SAID I NEEDED TO REPLACE, NOT RESURFACE THE ROTORS. 25K MILES! TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, I HAD TO FIND AND PURCHASE HIGHER-QUALITY ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AND HAD TO PAY TO GET THEM INSTALLED. I BELIEVE THIS SURPRISING AND EXTRAORDINARILY EARLY FAILURE--EVEN THOUGH IT MAY FALL UNDER "MAINTENANCE"-- SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED… Look up ODI 10356141 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	Too few reports for a range	27,000 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10313500 · 3,000 mi MAKING LEFT TURN. WHEEL TURNED ABOUT 45 DEGREES AND STUCK. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, I COULD TURN WHEEL FREELY. WHEEL OFTEN SLIPS LEFT OR RIGHT FOR NO APPARENT REASON, AS THOUGH IT NEEDS AN ALIGNMENT. ONLY THREE MONTHS AND 3,000 MILES OLD. TR Look up ODI 10313500 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10365442 · 16,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES PULSATED WHEN THEY WERE DEPRESSED AND THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000. Look up ODI 10365442 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10566235 · 50,000 mi VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND DOWN SEVERAL HOURS LATER AT THE VEHICLE IMPOUND YARD AND WAS OBSERVED BY THE POLICE OFFICER AND NOTED IN HIS REPORT. ADDITIONAL. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN BELIEVED! I HAVE A 2011 HHR AND HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE… Look up ODI 10566235 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2009: 159 complaints · 2010: 2 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2009	80	137	159
2010	0	1	2

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2009	187	0	3
2010	9	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Parking Brake	Service Brakes	Air Bags	Electrical System	Fuel/Propulsion System	Service Brakes, Electric	Steering
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	—	8 ODI 10283034 · 12,000 mi REASON FOR INSPECTION WAS DUE TO REAR BRAKE GRINDING SOUNDS. AFTER 12,000 MILES THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE COMPLETELY GONE, AND THE REAR ROTORS SEVERELY GROOVED AND WARPED. GM AGREED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE PADS AND ROTORS UNDER WARRANTY STATING THAT THEY'VE SEEN IT ON 3 OTHERS AND WERE TAKING THE SAME ACTION. TR Look up ODI 10283034 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10283358 · 5,400 mi MY COBALT WAS PURCHASED 3/5/2009, AND HAS ONLY 5400 MILES ON IT AS OF 9/8/2009. I DO NOT DRIVE AGGRESSIVELY AND THE CAR IS PRETTY MUCH JUST DAILY DRIVEN TO WORK/HOME. THE REAR BRAKES ARE ALREADY EXHIBITING WHAT I'D CONSIDER TO BE ABNORMAL WEAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMPARED TO MY OTHER VEHICLES. THE ROTORS ARE BECOMING DEEPLY SCORED AND THE INSIDE BRAKE PADS ARE WORN MUCH MORE THAN THE OUTSIDE. HAVE BEEN TOLD ME THIS IS "NORMAL" (ALONG WITH A HOST OF OTHER ISSUES, INCLUDING OIL LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE). THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDRED PEOPLE ON A NATIONA… Look up ODI 10283358 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10291428 · 14,755 mi VEHICLE ROLLS FOR/AFT WHEN "PARKED"... TR Look up ODI 10291428 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10365442 · 16,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES PULSATED WHEN THEY WERE DEPRESSED AND THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000. Look up ODI 10365442 at NHTSA ↗
Parking Brake	8 ODI 10283034 · 12,000 mi REASON FOR INSPECTION WAS DUE TO REAR BRAKE GRINDING SOUNDS. AFTER 12,000 MILES THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE COMPLETELY GONE, AND THE REAR ROTORS SEVERELY GROOVED AND WARPED. GM AGREED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE PADS AND ROTORS UNDER WARRANTY STATING THAT THEY'VE SEEN IT ON 3 OTHERS AND WERE TAKING THE SAME ACTION. TR Look up ODI 10283034 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10283358 · 5,400 mi MY COBALT WAS PURCHASED 3/5/2009, AND HAS ONLY 5400 MILES ON IT AS OF 9/8/2009. I DO NOT DRIVE AGGRESSIVELY AND THE CAR IS PRETTY MUCH JUST DAILY DRIVEN TO WORK/HOME. THE REAR BRAKES ARE ALREADY EXHIBITING WHAT I'D CONSIDER TO BE ABNORMAL WEAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMPARED TO MY OTHER VEHICLES. THE ROTORS ARE BECOMING DEEPLY SCORED AND THE INSIDE BRAKE PADS ARE WORN MUCH MORE THAN THE OUTSIDE. HAVE BEEN TOLD ME THIS IS "NORMAL" (ALONG WITH A HOST OF OTHER ISSUES, INCLUDING OIL LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE). THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDRED PEOPLE ON A NATIONA… Look up ODI 10283358 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10291428 · 14,755 mi VEHICLE ROLLS FOR/AFT WHEN "PARKED"... TR Look up ODI 10291428 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10460885 · 25,372 mi NOTICED PARKING BRAKE NOT HOLDING ANYMORE. THEN CHECKED REAR BRAKES AND FOUND REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER BRAKE PAD (NOT THE OUTER PAD) COMPLETELY WORN OUT....ALL OTHER PADS ON CAR HAVE ATLEAST 70% PAD LEFT. NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE WITH THIS LOW OF MILEAGE WITH NOT BEING DRIVEN IN ANY WINTERS. HOPE THERE IS A FIX FOR THIS! MAY BE PROPORTION VALVE DESIGN PROBLEM? *JS Look up ODI 10460885 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	1 ODI 10288938 · 5,000 mi REAR BRAKES ARE WEARING TOO FAST. *TR Look up ODI 10288938 at NHTSA ↗	0
Service Brakes	0	1 ODI 10460885 · 25,372 mi NOTICED PARKING BRAKE NOT HOLDING ANYMORE. THEN CHECKED REAR BRAKES AND FOUND REAR PASSENGER SIDE INNER BRAKE PAD (NOT THE OUTER PAD) COMPLETELY WORN OUT....ALL OTHER PADS ON CAR HAVE ATLEAST 70% PAD LEFT. NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE WITH THIS LOW OF MILEAGE WITH NOT BEING DRIVEN IN ANY WINTERS. HOPE THERE IS A FIX FOR THIS! MAY BE PROPORTION VALVE DESIGN PROBLEM? *JS Look up ODI 10460885 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	1 ODI 11161868 FUEL LINE RUSTS THROUGH CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK OUT NEXT TO EXHAUST PIPE. HAPPENS TO EVAP LINE AS WELL. POOR DESIGN IN THE HEAT SHIELDING TRAPS MOISTURE WHICH RUSTS THROUGH THE LINE. FUEL LEAKS OUT WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING, PARKED, MOVING OR NOT. REAR BRAKE CALIPER STICKS OUT FROM USING THE PARKING BRAKE AND PAD STICKS TO ROTOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR. Look up ODI 11161868 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Air Bags	0	0	0	—	3 ODI 10566235 · 50,000 mi VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND DOWN SEVERAL HOURS LATER AT THE VEHICLE IMPOUND YARD AND WAS OBSERVED BY THE POLICE OFFICER AND NOTED IN HIS REPORT. ADDITIONAL. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN BELIEVED! I HAVE A 2011 HHR AND HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE… Look up ODI 10566235 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10705282 · 51,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. UPDATED 5/18/15 CN UPDATED 10/05/2017*CN Look up ODI 10705282 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10717321 · 98,000 mi I STARTED MY CAR AND WENT TO TAKE OFF AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. THERE WAS A COUPLE OF INCIDENCES WHERE I HAD A PASSENGER AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON TO SERVICE AIRBAG. I'VE READ IN MULTIPLE PLACES WHERE THIS OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED AND THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD FIX THIS. Look up ODI 10717321 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	2 ODI 10566235 · 50,000 mi VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND DOWN SEVERAL HOURS LATER AT THE VEHICLE IMPOUND YARD AND WAS OBSERVED BY THE POLICE OFFICER AND NOTED IN HIS REPORT. ADDITIONAL. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN BELIEVED! I HAVE A 2011 HHR AND HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE… Look up ODI 10566235 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10573809 · 38,000 mi 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/B… Look up ODI 10573809 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	0	0	0	3 ODI 10566235 · 50,000 mi VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND DOWN SEVERAL HOURS LATER AT THE VEHICLE IMPOUND YARD AND WAS OBSERVED BY THE POLICE OFFICER AND NOTED IN HIS REPORT. ADDITIONAL. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN BELIEVED! I HAVE A 2011 HHR AND HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE… Look up ODI 10566235 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10705282 · 51,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. UPDATED 5/18/15 CN UPDATED 10/05/2017*CN Look up ODI 10705282 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10717321 · 98,000 mi I STARTED MY CAR AND WENT TO TAKE OFF AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. THERE WAS A COUPLE OF INCIDENCES WHERE I HAD A PASSENGER AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON TO SERVICE AIRBAG. I'VE READ IN MULTIPLE PLACES WHERE THIS OCCURRENCE HAS HAPPENED AND THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD FIX THIS. Look up ODI 10717321 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	1 ODI 10566235 · 50,000 mi VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND DOWN SEVERAL HOURS LATER AT THE VEHICLE IMPOUND YARD AND WAS OBSERVED BY THE POLICE OFFICER AND NOTED IN HIS REPORT. ADDITIONAL. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN BELIEVED! I HAVE A 2011 HHR AND HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE… Look up ODI 10566235 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	0	1 ODI 11161868 FUEL LINE RUSTS THROUGH CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK OUT NEXT TO EXHAUST PIPE. HAPPENS TO EVAP LINE AS WELL. POOR DESIGN IN THE HEAT SHIELDING TRAPS MOISTURE WHICH RUSTS THROUGH THE LINE. FUEL LEAKS OUT WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING, PARKED, MOVING OR NOT. REAR BRAKE CALIPER STICKS OUT FROM USING THE PARKING BRAKE AND PAD STICKS TO ROTOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR. Look up ODI 11161868 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0
Service Brakes, Electric	0	1 ODI 10288938 · 5,000 mi REAR BRAKES ARE WEARING TOO FAST. *TR Look up ODI 10288938 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	0
Steering	1 ODI 10365442 · 16,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT SS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES PULSATED WHEN THEY WERE DEPRESSED AND THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000. Look up ODI 10365442 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	2 ODI 10566235 · 50,000 mi VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND DOWN SEVERAL HOURS LATER AT THE VEHICLE IMPOUND YARD AND WAS OBSERVED BY THE POLICE OFFICER AND NOTED IN HIS REPORT. ADDITIONAL. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN BELIEVED! I HAVE A 2011 HHR AND HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE… Look up ODI 10566235 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10573809 · 38,000 mi 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/B… Look up ODI 10573809 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10566235 · 50,000 mi VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND DOWN SEVERAL HOURS LATER AT THE VEHICLE IMPOUND YARD AND WAS OBSERVED BY THE POLICE OFFICER AND NOTED IN HIS REPORT. ADDITIONAL. THIS PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER THAN BELIEVED! I HAVE A 2011 HHR AND HAVE HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH TURN OFF WHEN I HAVE… Look up ODI 10566235 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

4 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

15 mentions · 7.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 19,183 mi (13 usable records).

ODI 10283019 · 400 mi

THE REAR BRAKES ON THE 2008-9 COBALT SS ARE CAUSING ROTOR SCORING AT 400+ MILES. THE PADS ARE TOO AGGRESSIVE OR THE ROTORS ARE TOO SOFT AND THE ROTORS ARE BEING DESTROYED WHICH COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE IF NOT REPLACED. *TR

Look up ODI 10283019 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10284967 · 23,000 mi

REAR BRAKES FAILING FAR TO QUICKLY, LESS THAN 23,000KM, RESULTS IN VERY LOUD SCREECHING/GRINDING NOISE. *TR

Look up ODI 10284967 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10300133 · 20,800 mi

WELL, I PUT IN A COMPLAINT A WHILE AGO ABOUT THE REAR ROTORS WEARING FAIRLY QUICK. NOW THE ROTORS NEED TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. THE INSIDE PART OF THE ROTOR IS EXTREMELY DAMAGED AND NOW BRAKING DISTANCE IS NEARLY 1.5 TIMES GREATER THAN BEFORE. ITS DANGEROUS. *TR

Look up ODI 10300133 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 105,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11160763 · 105,000 mi

FUEL LINES UNDER THE CAR, DRIVER SIDE REAR STARTED LEAKING FUEL. THE LINES WERE RUSTED THROUGH AND FUEL LEAKED PAST THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WHERE A POTENTIAL CAR FIRE COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF NOT NOTICED RIGHT AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND OFF WHEN I NOTICED THE STRONG SCENT OF GAS AND SAW A SMALL PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE CAR. REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED AT PORTER CHEVROLET SERVICE IN NEWARK, DELAWARE. REPAIRS CONSISTED OF REPLACING THE FEED LINE AND FILL LINE. THE ESTIMATE QUOTED WAS $800. REPAIRS ENDED UP COSTING $480.

Look up ODI 11160763 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11161868

FUEL LINE RUSTS THROUGH CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK OUT NEXT TO EXHAUST PIPE. HAPPENS TO EVAP LINE AS WELL. POOR DESIGN IN THE HEAT SHIELDING TRAPS MOISTURE WHICH RUSTS THROUGH THE LINE. FUEL LEAKS OUT WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING, PARKED, MOVING OR NOT. REAR BRAKE CALIPER STICKS OUT FROM USING THE PARKING BRAKE AND PAD STICKS TO ROTOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR.

Look up ODI 11161868 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 38,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10573809 · 38,000 mi

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/B…

Look up ODI 10573809 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 51,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10705282 · 51,000 mi

Look up ODI 10705282 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b