2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 95 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the fuel system of the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, 7% of the 95 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Fuel pump harness caught fire. Contacted GM about 2012 recall that I was not notified about. Explained to GM that the mechanic that worked on the cobalt said fuel harness caught fire do to too much power at start up. And explained to GM that when I put the key in the ignition to start the car the wheel would lock. Gmwas very rude all the said was take other keys off ring and would not fix at the time the ignition. And wouldn't reimburse the cost of the fuel pump. …”
NHTSA complaint #10579304, filed 2014-04, 98,000 miles“I started smelling fuel in the passenger compartment and it has gotten worse. People complain about the fuel odor when they walk by. I have recently been informed by my mechanic that it is fuel leakage at the top of the tank. I have found the recall issues for the 2006 and 2007 cobalts and I believe the 2008 should be included. My car is currently registered in tx, but it is a ca vehicle. Overwhelming odor inside and outside of vehicle. Extreme fire danger!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10457685, filed 2012-05, 56,000 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“Purchased my chevy cobalt about 7 months ago with about 45000 miles. Just rolled over 50000 miles when strong gas fumes in & out of car. Had authorized mechanic.check it, he said he has seen this problem several times with this make & model. Said it is the fuel sending/return lines cracked on top of fuel pump. Researched & found this problem has been known by manufacturer back to 2005. This is a very dangerous situation, but Chevrolet co. Will not recall. What will it take for recall to be issued, a car to blow up or person to be burned to death? I'm sure law suits will follow.”
NHTSA complaint #10445766, filed 2012-01, 49,500 miles“Took my car in because it is experiencing a long period of time cranking before starting each time, and I find out that I have a fuel line leak. After doing some research to see if there is a recall, I find that my year and model are not included, although many other 08 chevy cobalts are. This really concerns me that this model of vehicle has been left out of recalls that affect the safety of my mode of transportation.”
NHTSA complaint #11051259, filed 2017-11Related service bulletins
- 11007095Aug 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles…
- 11004727Jun 29, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 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…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10241417Aug 1, 2023This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10222766Sep 16, 2022This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles…
- 10222765Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides the technician with additional information on fuels, fuel additives and fuel management.
- 10222739Sep 13, 2022This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10218873Aug 10, 2022This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10171878Jan 2, 2020This informational 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…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 7 | 4% |
| 2008 | 7 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
73 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine
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 Nov 1, 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