2008 CHEVROLET COBALT — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

1,102

Owner Complaints

108 Crashes 20 Fires 21 Deaths

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

16

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT

The 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT has received a total of 1,102 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH. 16 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (296 complaints), Fuelpropulsion System (202 complaints), and Electrical System (152 complaints).

Recalls for the 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT, potentially affecting up to 7,688,068 vehicles.

Recall 14V171000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 2,191,014 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary,...

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Recall 14V047000 — AIR BAGS

| 2,190,934 vehicles affected

Defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model...

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and...

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Recall 14V047000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

| 2,190,934 vehicles affected

Defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model...

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and...

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Recall 14E021000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

| 14,529 vehicles affected

Defect: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring...

Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.

Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at...

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Recall 12V459000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

| 49,768 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold,...

Consequence: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 21, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles in for repair until January 2013. Owners may...

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Recall 10V073000 — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

| 1,050,889 vehicles affected

Defect: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.

Consequence: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT...

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Owner Complaints for the 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT

1,102 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Steering
Complaints: 296 35 Crashes 4 Fires 23 Injuries 5 Deaths
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 202 4 Fires
Electrical System
Complaints: 152 6 Crashes 4 Fires 3 Injuries 2 Deaths
Air Bags
Complaints: 89 29 Crashes 2 Fires 53 Injuries 6 Deaths
Engine
Complaints: 36 3 Crashes 2 Fires 2 Injuries 1 Death
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 33 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspension
Complaints: 22 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 21 4 Crashes 1 Injury
Power Train
Complaints: 20 2 Crashes
Seat Belts
Complaints: 18 1 Crash 1 Injury
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 18 1 Crash
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 17 1 Crash
Service Brakes
Complaints: 17 6 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury 1 Death
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 16 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 12 1 Crash
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes 1 Injury 2 Deaths
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 1 Death
Wheels
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 6 4 Crashes 6 Injuries 2 Deaths
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 6
Structurebody
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 5
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 5
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes 6 Injuries 1 Death
Equipment
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 4
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 4 1 Injury
Tires
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Traction Control System
Complaints: 4
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 2
Structure
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 2
Back Over Prevention Warnings
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Dieseldeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11669269 | STEERING | | N/A miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the power steering suddenly failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was turned off for a while and restarted for the power steering functionality to return. The failure was persistent. The contact stated that the power steering warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who informed the contact that it was a known failure with the power steering. The mechanic confirmed the power steering failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11665285 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
The fuel line is leaking fuel on the drivers side near the passenger door. The leak is to the point where it is pooling under the door on the ground.
#11661851 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
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)
#11661851 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
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)
#11661851 | STEERING | | N/A miles
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)

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Safety Rating for the 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT

General Motors, LLC has issued 16 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

RFI20210316_919- — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

This SKU is a Fuel Line Kit. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to rework the end connections. If the end connecors are not fixed, the customer will be unable to install the product. This issue does not affect on-vehicle performance, only install.

PIP4739A — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN ON THE STEPS TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE CONCERN OF AN OIL LEAK IN THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AREA.

PIE0351A — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from the field on vehicles that have the condition of loss of power steering assist after campaign 10023 or 14115 has been performed

PIE0351 — STEERING

This preliminary informational bulletin requests information on vehicles with a condtion of Loss of Power Steering Assist After Campaign 10023 or 14115 Has Been Performed

15-08-73-001 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

This informational bulletin provides information on communication with OnStar® module after Canadian cellular upgrade.

12190A — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

09-07-30-018D — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

This informational bulletin provides a revision for 09-07-30-018C to add the 2014 model year and update the Labor Operation.

PIC4310H — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.

12190 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Recall- Fuel Odor or Spotting on Ground ? Inspect Fuel Pump Module

PI-0817 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

CHEVROLET/PONTIAC/SATURN: ENGINE FAILS TO START AFTER ENGINE CRANKS DUE TO FUEL PUMP WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR NEEDS REPLACING, WITHOUT REPLACING FUEL PUMP COVER ASSEMBLY (FUEL PUMP FLANGE). MODEL 2007-2010 COBALT, G5, ION. *PE

Showing 10 of 16 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET COBALT

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Other CHEVROLET Models

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