2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 3%of 845 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 3% of the 845 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving all the light on instrument panel will all light up then the transmission will shift hard. The car will not crank at times and when this happens its a guarantee the transmission will shift hard. The evap sensor is faulting because when I put fuel in the vehicle seems like it does not want to crank. The evap problem does not seem to be related to a possible computer malfunction. We have had the fuel pump replaced by a local licensed mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #11354087, filed 2020-09, 212,000 miles“The powerstearing message appeared on my dashboard last night while, thankfully I was parked and stationery before I turnedmy car on. I had no mobility with the steering wheel and appeared to be locked up. I turned off the engine and after starting the car a short bit later the car was operational. The car runs fine for now but I fear it will happen again. To add before this happened I just finished driving 500 miles when I parked the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11032318, filed 2017-10, 500 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“My leg accidentally bumped the keychain 3 3/8 inches long (only one key on it , the ignition key) while I was driving, and the car shut off. I was in a 35 MPH area, I shifted it into neutral and was able to steer into a left turn lane, shifted it into park and started it.”
NHTSA complaint #10566822, filed 2014-03, 75,000 miles“I purchased a brand new 2008 Cobalt sport and from the first few weeks that I got it , to this day, I found that sometimes when going into third or fourth gear w/clutch fully engaged there is a vibration and noticeable grinding while engaging into gear, it is also very difficult to get into 2nd gear in very cold weather.”
NHTSA complaint #10263056, filed 2009-03, 450 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 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…
- 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…
- 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.
- 10237387May 30, 2023This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
309 complaintsFuel system
243 complaintsElectrical system
166 complaintsAir bags
98 complaintsEngine
36 complaintsBrakes
31 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 31, 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