2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 1%of 845 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 1% of the 845 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 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.
“Since beginning of 2011 the steering wheel starts shaking and vibrating when I start the car. In march 2011 I went to pepboys and they said it might be a problem with the motor. Beginning of april I started the car and a lot of white thick smoke came out of the exhaust emission so I drove back to pepboys. They figured it might be a problem with the gasket or even gasket head which was the following week confirmed by the GM dealer. The is only 3 years old and has only 28000 miles!”
NHTSA complaint #10395956, filed 2011-04, 28,000 miles“2008 chevy Cobalt died on the highway going 70 MPH. No warning just stopped dead. No power steering. Car was able to get to side of road. A few minutes later car started up normally. If there had been anyone behind the car the individual would have been seriously injured or worse. I know there is a recall for this same problem but it does not include the 2008 Cobalt. We have had the car fixed twice with no guarantee that it is correct. Have spent a lot of money. Please look into this issue and advise. My daughter drives this car and is terrified to go on the highway with it.”
NHTSA complaint #10567909, filed 2014-03, 14,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag indicator was illuminated and the coolant levels malfunctioned for over a week. The dealer stated that the passenger side seat belt pretensioner needed to be replaced. The coolant failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10597679, filed 2014-06, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. While the contact was driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the engine stalled and restarted. The failure occurred numerous times, and on two occasions while coming to a complete stop. The failure had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Updated 3/12/14 updated 03/21/14”
NHTSA complaint #10398132, filed 2011-04, 60,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. While the contact was driving 30 MPH she heard a popping sound followed by white smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the engine exploded and needed to be replaced. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 6000.”
NHTSA complaint #10312209, filed 2010-02, 6,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical 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…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 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.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This 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.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
309 complaintsFuel system
243 complaintsElectrical system
166 complaintsAir bags
98 complaintsEngine
36 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsSeat belts
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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