2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 163about this part
- Share
- 86%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 163 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, 86% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving the other day and noticed that one of my back brakes was sticking and so I took a look at it and fluid level was fine and there was no air in the brake line. I feel the cause of this is bad calipers and some others I have talked had the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11181202, filed 2019-02, 76,022 miles“I have a 2009 chevy Cobalt Ss and my rear brakes have failed- at 15000 I brought the car to the dealership and they said its still within factory spec- at 26000 my rear brakes are completely shot and worn down to the metal and I had to replace my calipers as they were sticking- currently in the shop to get fixed, will see if this happens again.”
NHTSA complaint #10416297, filed 2011-07, 26,000 miles“I have a 2009 chevy Cobalt Ss. I bought it in march 09. The very first couple of days, I had a cracked turbo cooler and had to have something else major replaced. Then after 24k miles, I had to have the rear brakes and rotors replaced. Now at 31k miles, my srv brake system light is coming on. What is going on with the brakes on my car???”
NHTSA complaint #10381662, filed 2011-02, 31,420 miles“The rear brakes failed on my vehicle. After taking it to a mechanic for inspection the rear brake calipers did not have lubrication on the sliding pins which resulted in the rotors failing and the brake pads being destroyed. My rear breaks no longer work. After researching online this is a defect on all 2008-2009 chevy Cobalt Ss models.”
NHTSA complaint #10425755, filed 2011-09, 25,000 miles“2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss. Sedan. Extreme rear brake pad wear (70%) and rear brake rotor damage after only 4000 miles. Why has nothing been done about all the complaints regarding this serious issue? I do not abuse the car and do not apply hard brakes. I only engage the parking brake when the car is stopped and parked. Investigate, recall and repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10316640, filed 2010-03, 3,900 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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