2008 Chevrolet Cobalt fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• Recall 12V459000Sep 19, 201249,768 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

  General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Texas. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.

  Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

  Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 21, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles in for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 6, 2025PAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The fuel line is leaking fuel on the drivers side near the passenger door. The leak is to the point where it is pooling under the door on the ground.

   NHTSA complaint #11665285 · source
2. Filed May 19, 2025TNElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   The ignition doest work right n want release the key the car dies n stalls while driving we was almost hit by a trooper n he called we spoke to 2 people n they had a gm call us n they said that this has been a big concern of these cars n we tried n tried to get it fixed n they say sorry can't can they when something they built wrong kills me or my family my vin [XXX] 2008 CHEVY COBALT [XXX] IS MY NUMBER INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),…

   NHTSA complaint #11661851 · source
3. Filed Sep 9, 2024INFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The gas lines rusted out and the fuel pump is pooring gas out of it. I just bought the car 2 weeks ago smelled gas hit u set the car it was pouring out. I was going to fix it my self then while looking up the parts I ran across the fact they recalled both parts but not for my vin . What can I do. I'm gonna catch on fire

   NHTSA complaint #11613382 · source
4. Filed Oct 11, 2023PAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Gas Line corroded near Driver rear wheel due to design of gas line bracket/shield. A bit of research finds that this is not an uncommon occurence and is solely based on the poor design of the shield. Gas leaks on driveway and smell of raw gasoline promoted the finding of this issue. It required complete replacement of gasl line and a total of over $1,000 in total cost.

   NHTSA complaint #11549361 · source
5. Filed Aug 8, 2023PAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Fuel lines have developed a leak near exhaust in rear of car. The line has rusted at the part that attaches line to the under body of the car

   NHTSA complaint #11537192 · source
6. Filed Mar 8, 2023MOFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Vehicle has a fuel leak from rear of vehicle. Smells of fuel in cabin. Found shields wet with fuel. Seems there should be some recall on this. This is the 2nd cobalt I've owned with the same issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11510818 · source
7. Filed Jan 14, 2023OHFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I have a major fuel leak in a fuel line close to the drivers side rear wheel . It's so bad that it was leaving a line of gas on the road as I drove. It smelled of gas a few days prior but I was unable to tell where it originated from.

   NHTSA complaint #11501738 · source
8. Filed Dec 12, 202270,000 miMNTowedFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact's son owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact's son stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, he could smell gasoline inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact’s son stated that once he had parked the vehicle, he saw fuel leaking from underneath the rear driver’s side wheel well. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel line was corroded…

   NHTSA complaint #11497109 · source
9. Filed Aug 30, 2022170,000 miILFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel on the passenger’s side in front of the rear tire. The contact stated that the fuel odor was also inside the cabin of the vehicle while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the fuel line had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was…

   NHTSA complaint #11482002 · source
10. Filed Aug 27, 2022NJFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    On July 17,2018 I saw my 2008 Chevy Cobalt was leaking fuel in my driveway around the driver's side rear tire. I had it towed to my in-town mechanic, as I have Triple A. Paid $613.37 to replace the fuel line. On August 15th, 2022 same exact problem on my 2010 Cobalt. Another $553 to replace the fuel line. Chevrolet sent out a very confusing POSSIBLE recall letter in March 2013. But never officially told owners they would fix the problem with a recall letter. There have been…

    NHTSA complaint #11481486 · source
11. Filed Aug 1, 2022OHFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    The fuel lines on this 2008 cobalt have rusted out and leaving a visible fuel leak puddle after parking. The leak occurs in front of the driver side rear wheel. This area has a heat shield over the fuel line underneath which traps moisture and road salt. This leak has caused me to park my vehicle outside as a safety precaution and not drive it. The leak is near the exhaust which is a large safety risk in my opinion. I am taking to the dealer to have them confirm and quote…

    NHTSA complaint #11477030 · source
12. Filed Jul 23, 2022ILFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    I have to replace my fuel lines due to them rusting out over the left rear wheel well. I noticed a distinct smell of gas for a couple of rides to or from work. After a couple of rides, the smell was very strong and I happened to notice the gas dripping down under the car upon inspection. It was taken to a auto repair shop where I was told that this was a serious hazard and the gas lines would have to be replaced costing me $650. The mechanic said that the lines has rusted…

    NHTSA complaint #11475495 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology