2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 95 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, 6% of the 95 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The key is stuck in the ignition and the car will not start. In addition, I can't get the gear to shift to park to move to neutral, I've lost all power to the car from the lights to being unable to open the trunk. I had to put the emergency break on for fear that the car would roll away because I couldn't move the gear shift. The car has been parked in my driveway for the last three months.”
NHTSA complaint #11052151, filed 2017-12, 179,000 miles“As I was driving on a city street, the engine began to run rough and I noticed the odor of gasoline. I pulled over to check for the source of the odor and found fuel leaking from the bottom of the car and onto the road. This was an extremely dangerous condition, as I could not stop the fuel from continuing to leak. I found that the fuel supply line between the fuel tank and engine rusted completely through near the driver side rear fender well, causing the leak. The evaporative emission vapor line was rusted and leaking as well, resulting in flammable fuel vapors escaping.”
NHTSA complaint #11144570, filed 2018-10, 70,000 miles“Engine light came on.... Had it checked by firestone... They told me the 2nd cylinder was misfiring per the diagnostic code.. Should be 130 PSI and only registering 90 PSI....then while stopped longer than 30 seconds service traction light comes on.....asking $2300 to repair.... …”
NHTSA complaint #10692791, filed 2015-03, 68,800 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the coolant and the air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 10/30/14 updated 7/9/2015 the consumer stated the vehicle was diagnosed. The ignition switch was replaced twice. The airbag pretensioner failed. Updated 7/9/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10616356, filed 2014-07, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet cobalt. The contact stated that after starting the engine, the dashboard and headlights began to flicker before the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was later driving approximately 40 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact restarted the engine and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10568897, filed 2014-03, 90,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10082869Aug 29, 2016This informational bulletin provides additional information on how to install pistons and suggest what tools to use.
- 10082822Aug 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on how to test a battery and what is needed to warranty a battery.
- 10082814Aug 2, 2016This informational bulletin provides information to gm dealers on the correct cleaning methods when cleaning engine gasket sealing surfaces.
- 10082820Aug 1, 2016This informational bulletins provides information on the intake manifold inspection/replacement after servere internal engine damage.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
73 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology