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2008 Chevrolet Cobalt: engine stalls while driving

29 of the 845 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt describe engine stalls while driving.

owner complaints
29
of this car's complaints
3%
typical mileage
78,980
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 105 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine stalls while driving by model year

What owners say

Filed May 19, 2025 · Electrical, Fuel system · TN

The ignition doest work right n want release the key the car dies n stalls while driving we was almost hit by a trooper n he called we spoke to 2 people n they had a gm call us n they said that this has been a big concern of these cars n we tried n tried to get it fixed n they say sorry can't can they when something they built wrong kills me or my family my vin [XXX] 2008 CHEVY COBALT [XXX] IS MY NUMBER INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 21, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 2,731 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor in the vehicle. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. On several occasions the vehicle stalled. The cause of the failure was not determined. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,731. *bf

Filed Dec 9, 2019 · Driver assistance, Steering · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that all four windows failed to function and the radio flickered. On another occasion, while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check tire sensor warning message was illuminated. The steering wheel became difficult to turn, but the contact managed to drive home. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the warning indicator turned off. The vehicle was towed to superior chevrolet (located at 4770 covington hwy, decatur, ga 30035, (404) 284-7630), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 27, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 120,000 miles · KS

Instrument cluster malfunctioning, speedometer and warning indicators flashing, going out, resuming normal operation, then repeating the failure symptoms repeatedly. During failure symptoms the transmission and engine bog down, stall and the power steering assist fails (with engine still running) . Random electrical issues such as the check engine light, car alarm sensor, etc flash on and off then start working again totally normally. Can not get the failure to occur at the dealership or mechanics. Fails several times a week. Fails when driving on street, highway at low speeds, medium speeds or high speeds.

Filed Sep 13, 2016 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 97,000 miles · WA

While driving at low speeds (30mph) the power steering light came on. The car stalled, the wheel tightened up, the symbol with a locked car turned on. The speedometer started moving up and down crazyly. Check engine light came on as well. I moved to the side because it was really difficult to control and as I did the car just kept stalling worse and worse. Once I pulled over I turned off the car. I wasnt as freaked out as the first time this occurred since this has happened numerous of times and I've taken it to 3 different mechanics who don't know how to fix it at all. It's very scary it also happened while going at 60mph and all I do is pull over and then call the tow or drive it at low speeds home. I'm sure I fall in the category for a recall but have never gotten a recall letter. Its extremely dangerous and scary to drive with fear of this happening at anytime specially when you carry passengers. Alot of other people have the same problem as me and it's annoying hopefully gm fixes this problem for us all.

Filed Sep 8, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 200 miles · AK

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the instrument panel gauges fluctuated and the vehicle stalled without warning occasionally. While driving various speeds, the steering failed. The failures were intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, but the details could not be provided. The vehicle was serviced per the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 10v073000 (steering) and 14e021000 (electrical system), but the remedies failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle stalled and the power steering seized after the repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200.

Filed Apr 4, 2016 · Electrical · 20,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. While driving at 35 MPH, the engine stalled, the steering wheel seized, and all the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Filed Mar 29, 2016 · Engine · 78,980 miles · MI

I started my car in my driveway, it started and then stalled immediately and would not start at all. I diagnosed it along with my friend who is a certified mechanic. The cam chain guides broke at less than 79000 miles, causing slack in the cam chain which caused it to jump teeth on the intake cam, throwing it out of synchronization. This caused the intake valves to be open when the piston reached the top of its travel, which bent the valves. This is a very common issue on the 2.2 engines, but very unusual for such a low mileage vehicle. The engine has a 100,000 mile warranty but only for 5 years. I only drive on average 10,000 miles a year. The engine is well below 100,000 miles and gm will not admit that they have a design flaw on these engines and will not make this repair for me under warranty.

Filed Mar 13, 2016 · Engine, Wheels · 110,000 miles · TX

My fuel pump was leaking, so we had the fuel pump replaced and now the air conditioning/heater/defrost systems no longer work. We've had to replace the steering column, the fuel injection, and a leaking front windshield twice.also the fuel switch. Now the car somewhat stalls when trying to start.

Filed Jan 17, 2016 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 132,000 miles · ME

Some times the car will not start, reduced engine power, can not go long distance on turn pike, car will stall out. Fuel/propulsion system, has a problem also, but will not let me click on box above.

Filed Nov 3, 2015 · 110,000 miles · AZ

I have made a complaint before about my car stalling when coming to a stop or idling and the issue still hasn't been fixed. Still no one can diagnose my car, even though this seems to be a very common problem. My car has now started dying when I am driving. I'll get up to a speed and suddenly my car is off on the freeway. I still have no code being thrown on my car. I have put money into the car and nothing has made a difference.

Filed Jun 13, 2015 · Engine · 68,788 miles · PA

The service traction light comes on and then the engine light..... Shifts really hard and runs very rough and feels like it will stall. Very afraid.... Being told it is a cylinder misfire... I have read a lot about this on line and find numerous complaints related to this same issue in this same model.... Please help... I feel this is a safety matter.... Could stop in traffic or on expressway which I travel each day. Many thanks!

Questions about the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt stalling

Is engine stalls while driving a common problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt?

29 of 845 owner complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (3%) mention engine stalls while driving. The model year with the most reports is 2005.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt?

There are 0 recalls and 105 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

Fuel leak 114Power steering loss 99Fuel smell 98Fuel pump 74Steering lock-up 46Airbag light 32Engine failure 31Loss of power 31Check engine light 30No deployment 27Won't start 24Ball joint 15Grinding brakes 15Door locks 15Fire or smoke 12Headlights 11Hesitation 10Jerking 10Steering noise 8ABS 6Fuel gauge 6Harsh shifting 6Seat belt 6Pulling 5Warning lights 5

All model years of the Chevrolet Cobalt

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