2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 4%of 845 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,980miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 4% of the 845 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,980 miles. 3 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.
“My fuel pump was leaking, so we had the fuel pump replaced and now the air conditioning/heater/defrost systems no longer work. We've had to replace the steering column, the fuel injection, and a leaking front windshield twice.also the fuel switch. Now the car somewhat stalls when trying to start.”
NHTSA complaint #10846315, filed 2016-03, 110,000 miles“The service traction light comes on and then the engine light..... Shifts really hard and runs very rough and feels like it will stall. Very afraid.... Being told it is a cylinder misfire... I have read a lot about this on line and find numerous complaints related to this same issue in this same model.... Please help... I feel this is a safety matter.... Could stop in traffic or on expressway which I travel each day. Many thanks!”
NHTSA complaint #10725117, filed 2015-06, 68,788 miles“I had recalls fixed in 2015. And then suddenly power steering turns on and off. Never before they touched it was there an issue. It happens here and there and stops. This year is happening every day and won't go away. My power steering turns off in middle of driving. Dash board lights go off and car starts cranking. Goes super slow . I'm scared ita going to explode. I can't drive on freeway . And now besides the lock on screen coming on my engine light stays on now . Not sure what to do with it. Car shops can't help. …”
NHTSA complaint #11360824, filed 2020-09, 75,000 miles“On my way home from work in heavy traffic in indianapolis, someone in front of me hit their brakes hard. As a result, I also had to slam on my brakes. When I did so, my rear end spun out. I lost power steering. I crashed head first into the concrete median. However, the airbag did not deploy. Luckily, I escaped severe injury; although the wreck, the resulting loss of power steering, and the fact that the airbag did not deploy were directly due to the negligence of general motors.”
NHTSA complaint #10569182, filed 2014-03, 60,000 miles“I started my car in my driveway, it started and then stalled immediately and would not start at all. I diagnosed it along with my friend who is a certified mechanic. The cam chain guides broke at less than 79000 miles, causing slack in the cam chain which caused it to jump teeth on the intake cam, throwing it out of synchronization. This caused the intake valves to be open when the piston reached the top of its travel, which bent the valves. This is a very common issue on the 2.2 engines, but very unusual for such a low mileage vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10852333, filed 2016-03, 78,980 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.
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10199238May 3, 2021This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10178949Jul 28, 2020This Bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
309 complaintsFuel system
243 complaintsElectrical system
166 complaintsAir bags
98 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsSeat belts
18 complaintsElectronic stability control
17 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