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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt engine problems

51 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
51
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
85,000
crashes
4
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine
    3
  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    1
  • Exhaust system
    1
  • Cooling system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Cobalt engine problems in other years

200520062007200820092010

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 38Engine failure 25Check engine light 23Loss of power 22Won't start 21Overheating 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 20, 2023 · Engine, Steering · NC

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.

Filed Oct 4, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · 153,000 miles · NC

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.

Filed Oct 11, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · 97,600 miles · WI

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.

Filed Jan 13, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · 106,864 miles · MO

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.

Filed Nov 8, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

Fuel leak from fuel line in the rear on vehicle. Corrosion to fuel line. Leaks badly when running! Long engine crank after sitting a short time. Leaves puddle of fuel under vehicle. Fuel smell all the time.

Filed Jul 7, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 100,392 miles · MI

Keep smelling fuel vapors on the rear left side of the vehicle. Checked the fuel filter and it seems to be working despite my gas mileage getting worse and worse. I've been burning a full tank of gas going less than 250 miles when I should get near 400 miles a tank.

Filed Jun 3, 2020 · Engine · 140,000 miles · NJ · fire

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.

Filed Mar 5, 2020 · Acceleration, Electrical · 120,000 miles · ID

I bought a used 2009 chevy cobalt 2 years ago in 2017 with 119k miles. It has been nothing but a headache with things going wrong! The biggest issue is the code p2135 that sends the car into reduced engine power and the engine shakes violently. This is very scary especiallywith 3 young boys in the car with me. I have replaced the entire throttle body, ECM, accelerator pedal assembly with new sensor, crankshaft positioning sensor, camshaft sensors, spark plugs and spark plug wires. After all these things I am out of ideas onwhy this keeps happening in but all those new parts have not fixed the problem that keeps occurring. Please tell me there is a recall or you can at least tell me what the problem is. I have read many forums about people with this same issue.

Filed Feb 24, 2020 · Engine · 109,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated while approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed however the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to independent mechanic and was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure was experienced on 4 separate occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 74,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet cobalt. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact smelled a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The contact read an article that mentioned that the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump could detach and potentially cause a fire. The failure could occur to the vehicle in high humidity climates. Upon further investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v459000 (fuel system, gasoline), which was the same failure the contact experienced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 74,000.

Questions about the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt engine

Does the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt have engine problems?

Owners have filed 51 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Cobalt have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Cobalt model years with the most engine complaints are 2006 (136 complaints), 2005 (120 complaints) and 2007 (80 complaints).

Other 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt problems

Fuel system 261Steering 206Electrical 151Airbags 72Transmission 29Brakes 20Body 15Acceleration 14Wheels 12Driver assistance 11Suspension 10Lights 9Locks 6Tires 5Visibility 5Seat belts 1

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