2009 Chevrolet Cobalt: jerking or lurching

Filed Aug 10, 2020 · Fuel system · 95,000 miles · IA

My cobalt has been experiencing a fuel leak. Up until I brought it into service, it had been having issues accelerating. It would sometimes feel as though it would get stuck into a slump, where even depressing the pedal completely would only allow me to slowly accelerate up to around 45-50mph. This would then eventually get unstuck after coming to a stop, or after shutting down and restarting the vehicle. This issue had been starting to occur over the past year. Also within the past 6 months or so, the car's acceleration started becoming rather jerky. It was not a smooth transition during the acceleration and road rather rough during my commutes into town. I had attempted to flush out the fuel system with 2-3 cans of seafoam to no avail. Here recently, the vehicle began to have issues starting. For the past 2-3 weeks it would take about 4-5 seconds to start up rather than instantly, and then within the past week it began not starting at all until I toggled the key on/off multiple times to prime the fuel. It would then usually be good to go for the entire day. I have taken it to a dealership service center down the street, and they informed me this morning that it is a fuel leak. They indicated they do not currently have more information from the mechanic on the precise location besides that it is a 'fuel leak' and they indicated they did not know of any open investigation on the matter, only active recalls. I requested that they please thoroughly document the issue so that I can provide further information on this open investigation as needed. Please let me know if you would like to contact the dealership accordingly to find out further information, or you may contact me for more information as needed.

Filed Oct 8, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · 128,000 miles · OH

The vehicle anti theft light keeps coming on. When this occurs the vehicle jerks in drive, hard to stop, wheel will lose power steering in drive, and all needles will move. The RPM, MPH, and gas needle continues to fluctuate. The gas needle will indicate low fuel when fuel is present. I can never know what speed I'm doing. The vehicle flashes power steering digitally. The car will shut off in mid drive! Taken to many mechanics including dave gill chevrolet and no one fully diagnosed the issue!

Filed Apr 9, 2018 · 21,000 miles · NY

When the car is at a stable speed, typically between 30-45 MPH, and the rpms around 1500, the car with jerk forward and the rpms will jump and drop repeatedly until you either accelerate, or let off the gas. This is a reoccurring issue that occurs during almost all commutes with this vehicle.

Filed Sep 20, 2016 · Fuel system · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet cobalt. While driving and accelerating, the vehicle would jerk. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice where it was diagnosed that sensors failed and would need to be replaced. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the fuel pump was changed, but the failure persisted. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v459000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 15, 2016 · Airbags, Electrical · 80,000 miles · TX

My 2009 cobalt began jerking when accelerating over the last few months and just 3 days ago, as I was driving down the road, my car stalls and won't turn back on. After looking at symptoms, it is very apparent that the fuel pump has gone out

Filed Feb 11, 2015 · Engine, Steering · 181,000 miles · NM

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk and the engine RPM's would increase before experiencing unintended acceleration. Also, the contact indicated that the power steering sensor light had illuminated. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 181,000.

Filed Sep 2, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 50,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system), but the failure was not remedied. The dealer replaced the ignition switch and provided the contact with a new set of keys. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle jerked and stalled. The check engine and service traction indicators illuminated during the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Jul 28, 2014 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who was not able to replicate or diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 09/05/14

Filed Mar 18, 2013 · Electrical · 54,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that as she attempted to accelerate, the check engine warning light illuminated as the vehicle jerked violently. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 54,000. Updated 4/24/13

Filed Mar 5, 2010 · Steering · 33,300 miles · MS · crash · 2 injuries

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet cobalt. While driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel started a jerking motion. There was a loss of power steering without warning. Suddenly, the vehicle steered out of control traveling through bushes and crashed into several trees. The driver and the passenger in the front seat sustained major injuries to the head, right leg and lower back. The vehicle was completely destroyed and a police report was filed. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v073000 (steering: electric power assists system). The failure and current mileages were 33,300.