2010 Chevrolet Cobalt: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Oct 31, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

Fuel lines leak around fuel tank, causing a fuel smell around the vehicle and a major fire hazard

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · MO

Our daughter observed a significant puddle forming under her vehicle and noticed a strong smell of gasoline. She sent us a video, which clearly showed gasoline leaking from the driver-side rear area of the car. Due to the proximity of the fuel leak to the exhaust pipe, we had the car towed to a mechanic, as it was too dangerous to drive. The mechanic diagnosed the issue as a severely rusted-out fuel line that required immediate repair. At no point did the vehicle display any warning lights or alerts related to this issue. Alarmingly, our daughter had unknowingly driven the car while the leak was occurring, unaware of the serious fire risk this posed. We believe this is a serious safety hazard that could lead to a fire or explosion and strongly urge an investigation. This failure occurred without warning and could have resulted in a catastrophic outcome. We are fortunate this was caught in time, but others may not be as lucky.

Filed Feb 7, 2023 · Fuel system · 111,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over on the side of the road. The contact checked under the vehicle and notice that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel line was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Filed Aug 27, 2022 · Fuel system · NH

There was a very strong gas odor in the car, then noticed a puddle of gas on the ground at driver's side rear door and tire area. No warning lamps in dashboard went on. Chevy dealer service department confirmed gas line leak due to corrosion and replaced entire feed and vapor lines and filter. Charge for repair was about $1200.00.

Filed Jun 30, 2022 · Fuel system · MI

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an unknown speed, she started to smell an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed a fuel leak on the rear driver’s side of the vehicle. The contact called an unknown local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed May 24, 2022 · Fuel system · WI

Strong fuel smell and gas on the ground (creating a fire hazard). No warning messages were displayed. Puddling of the fuel is just in front of the left rear tire. Odor was detected first; then one week later the puddle occurred. Car has been repaired by GM service; fuel and EVAP lines replaced (p/n 25999914 and 15934416). Symptom and repair seem identical to HTSA Bulletin 09226C (published July 2015).

Filed May 15, 2022 · Fuel system · PA

There is a gas leak, dripping from the drivers side, back door. The car smells like gas.

Filed May 8, 2022 · Fuel system · IN

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: Noticed a gas smell in my garage for the past couple weeks and the car has been slow to start when sitting overnight. Was able to verify today a gas leak near the driver side rear wheel. Car would not start until I hit the gas pedal and got fuel to the engine, and the leak started again (was able to see drips on pavement) Car is available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Leaking fuel, fire hazard, fumes Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center: No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others: No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear: No lights or messages, but the gas smell in the garage has been going for a couple weeks.

Filed Dec 8, 2021 · Fuel system · IL

Vehicle leaks fuel from the fuel line underneath the vehicle near the left rear wheel well adjacent to the exhaust pipe and muffler in a manner in accordance with currently open USDOT/the federal safety agency investigation (PE 20-011). A substantial puddling of fuel occurs on the ground from fuel dripping through the subframe. This is currently still happening and is available for inspection. Severe risk of fire is apparent, a highly volatile fuel in substantial amount is leaking/exposed to a substantial heat source, and could be ignited. Problem can be reproduced. Situation has been brought to the attention of two local GM dealerships, and a complaint filed with GM Corporation (Case# 9-7117335295). Prior to this finding, a substantial fuel odor was present in the cabin.

Filed Sep 28, 2021 · Fuel system · MD

In past two months, I smelled some gasoline fumes inside the car when starting or/and shutting the engine and the odor became stronger over time. I have looked around and under the car but I couldn't find any evidence of gasoline leak. Then on few days before September 27, 2021, I had a bit of trouble starting the engine as I had to try twice before I got the engine running. On September 27, 2021, I then found the leaking of gasoline from a fuel line under the car next to left rear wheel well. It was dripping and left puddles of gasoline on the street. I decided not to drive it now because of potential fire from drippings. Now my car is now parked on the driveway with a piece of cardboard catching the drippings.

Filed Jun 29, 2021 · Fuel system · MN

On 6/28/2021, my wife & I took our 2010 Chevy Cobalt Sedan 4 door into down to get some dinner. When we went out to the garage we smelled strong gas fumes which we thought was odd as our garage never smelled of strong gas fumes in the past. We got in the Cobalt & turned the key & it didn't start right away, it took a little bit for it to turn over which I thought was odd as we haven't experienced that before. We put the windows down as the inside of the car had a strong gas smell. There was no warning lights on the dashboard & no prior warning before this issue. Returned home parked car in garage, went back into garage & noticed even stronger smell of gas, looked under the car & noticed liquid under back driver side door which was gas dripping down onto the garage floor, I was nervous of the fumes collecting in the garage & potential fire hazard I put the car outside & placed a bucket under the car to catch the gas to stop it from dripping on the driveway. Also noticed the silver heat shield material was spongy feeling had liquid feel to it which I assume is gas as it was dripping right next to it? Looked on Google noticed other consumers having the same issue of gas dripping from the fuel line. Going to call a Chevy dealer to see what options are as I don't feel safe driving the car knowing its dripping gas & potentially collecting in the silver heat shield material. Chevy should issue a recall to repair the issue & prevent future safety hazard waiting to happen.

Filed Feb 6, 2021 · Fuel system · 77,940 miles · MN

A strong gasoline smell was noticed after parking the car in the garage and stepping out of the car on the driver side. The drive before the gasoline smell was noticed consisted of around 5 minutes of city driving, 10 minutes of highway, followed by another 5 minutes of city. The smell does not seem to be coming from under the hood and snow melt made checking for drips under the car difficult. The cause of the gasoline smell is unknown.