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KLUNK
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2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt has 936 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (307 complaints) and engine (290 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Chevrolet Cobalt, consider the 2010 model year which has 37% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2010 has 37% fewer complaints

View the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt dashboard →

5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

We email you when NHTSA issues a new recall on the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. No spam, no marketing.

Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200510504529217287
2006120437383586118
20076754730050137
200830710221429023
200920417918031027
20102322514216122

By Category

Body
307
Engine
290
Electrical
214
Brakes
102
Transmission
23

By Severity

1
451
2
396
3
5
4
71
5
13

Worst Problems

Complaints

Body 2

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the power steering suddenly failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was turned off for a while and restarted for the power steering functionality to return. The failure was persistent. The contact stated that the power steering warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who informed the contact that it was a known failure with the power steering. The mechanic confirmed the power steering failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

12mo ago
Engine 1

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.

13mo ago
Engine 2

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), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

14mo ago
Electrical 2

Our vehicle has had zero accidents the airbag light showed up on dashboard stating check airbags. Then as far as electrical the headlights seem to turn on there own at times. We feel this perhaps is a recall not known yet.

15mo ago
Body 2

I have 2 recalls with the ignition and switch. I went to Regal chevrolet in Lakeland Florida and was told essentially there's nothing they could do and if they did look at it I'd be charged $200 to have it looked at plus $219 a hour based on what needed to be done. I then called Stingray Chevrolet in Plant City Florida and was told that there was no listed recall or it had already been serviced, which on the national website clearly states the opposite, and they refused to even look at it or attempt to fix it, recall or not. My key snapped in the ignition so after being told by 2 chevrolet dealerships essentially "sorry about my luck" I called out a locksmith who extracted the piece of key in ignition and attempted to code several new cut keys. Everything failed. I'm now out almost $500 based off 2 dealerships refusing to assist with a clear recall. I need this fixed and have been without a vehicle for 3 weeks. If somebody could please assist me I'd greatly appreciate it. I feel like it is wrong and somewhat cruel for Chevrolet dealerships to be as they were based off a clearly stated and documented issue.

19mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

19mo ago
Engine 2

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

22mo ago
Body 2

My back seat belts don’t work properly. It takes 10-20 mins to try to get it to come out to buckle up. It locks up no matter how many times to let it roll up and try again. It’s happened since I’ve owned my car since 2019-2020. It’s the back seat belts only

24mo ago
Electrical 1

When the driver's side window on my 2008 Chevy Cobalt is fully open/down, the "Service air bag" warning light comes on. This seems to be the exact same issue that resulted in a recall on the 2010 model (NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V500000). When I called Chevrolet corporate customer service regarding this, they explained the model years were manufactured the same, and the reason my year did not have a recall could be that there were not enough reported complaints on it. It is very concerning, since as my dealer indicated, the airbag system seems to be disabled when in this condition. I put today's date as the when the incident occurred, but it's been a condition for the last few years.

26mo ago
Engine 2

2008 Chevy Cobalt has become unsafe to drive as it is leaking fuel out the bottom of car

32mo ago
Engine 1

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.

33mo ago
Engine 1

Heavy fuel leak

34mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the message "Steering Locked" was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn; however, he drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle the following day, the steering wheel operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be taken apart to install an unknown switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,117.

34mo ago
Engine 1

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

35mo ago
Electrical 2

My speedometer jumps and shows a message of POWER STEERING. It makes my fuel line jump as well. I've recently gotten my starter fixed because my car wouldn't start. My tire warning stays on and my tires are new and set at the right PSI. My ABS comes and goes ALL THE TIME and nothing needs to be fixed. My car jerks really hard when all of this is going on.

36mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the air bag pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

37mo ago
Body 1

The back right seat belt and the back left seat belt lock up so much while trying to buckle in that we can hardly use them. I have tried everything from moving to up towards the roof to pulling down , getting in the trunk to release the seats. I have had this car for almost 3 years and it always does this. Please help! My email is. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

37mo ago
Engine 2

Fuel lines corroded, very dangerous, had to replace at a high cost to me.

37mo ago
Engine 1

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.

40mo ago
Body 2

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving out of a parking space, the steering wheel became firm, and the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive home. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 125,000.

42mo ago

936 total

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