2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 5%of 710 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, 5% of the 710 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Keep smelling fuel vapors on the rear left side of the vehicle. Checked the fuel filter and it seems to be working despite my gas mileage getting worse and worse. I've been burning a full tank of gas going less than 250 miles when I should get near 400 miles a tank.”
NHTSA complaint #11338017, filed 2020-07, 100,392 miles“The key gets stuck in ignition when parking car and turning vehicle off pulling key out gets stuck have to wiggle it out got hit on driverside front end no airbags came out the time I got hit driver side. It was because I tried to stop and vehicle kept accelerating wouldn't stop”
NHTSA complaint #11085186, filed 2018-04, 79,000 miles“Ecm problem. Lost steering and all dashboard information. Vechile does not start.dealer tells me it is a bad ECM and it is $841.00 to repair it. Including a $250.00 chargere to diagnose the problem than I find out there was a huge recall on these ecms but for some reason mine was not included. Gm should make good on this and replavce it at no charge since they know they have had huge issuyes with this”
NHTSA complaint #11024560, filed 2017-09, 131,000 miles“My daughter is driving a car with a fuel leak that is has a recall in some states for the problem but not in mine. Recall # 090226 , how is that possible, please help! I think I have to work as hard for my money as other states, and I am certain my car cost as much to purchase as in other states. Her car has fuel dripping between the drivers door and left rear wheel. Appears to be starting around top of tank location.”
NHTSA complaint #11074718, filed 2018-02, 80,000 miles“I bought a used 2009 chevy Cobalt 2 years ago in 2017 with 119k miles. It has been nothing but a headache with things going wrong! The biggest issue is the code p2135 that sends the car into reduced engine power and the engine shakes violently. This is very scary especiallywith 3 young boys in the car with me. I have replaced the entire throttle body, ECM, accelerator pedal assembly with new sensor, crankshaft positioning sensor, camshaft sensors, spark plugs and spark plug wires. …”
NHTSA complaint #11316325, filed 2020-03, 120,000 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 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
261 complaintsSteering
206 complaintsElectrical system
151 complaintsAir bags
72 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsWheels
12 complaintsSuspension
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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