2008 Chevrolet Cobalt problems
Owners have filed 1,104 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 28.2% of them — the clear leader, ahead of fuel/propulsion system at 18.3%.
Complaints1,104
Crashes110
Fires20
Injuries107
Deaths21
What owners report breaking
Steering 28.2% · 311
Fuel/propulsion system 18.3% · 202
Electrical system 15.4% · 170
Air bags 9.1% · 101
Fuel system, gasoline 3.9% · 43
Engine 3.3% · 36
Power train 2.6% · 29
Suspension 2.4% · 27
Severity
Of those complaints, 110 describe a crash, 20 describe a fire, 107 report an injury and 21 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Chevrolet Cobalt in this data, 2008 draws comparatively few complaints; 2006 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 15 in the last three years against 71 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 75,248 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel seized while the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 10v073000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000. Updated 03/15/16*lj Steering · reported at 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact was driving approximately 45 mph when the contact lost control of the steering wheel. The vehicle rolled over approximately two times. The driver was injured and transported to the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was notified and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 14,000. Steering · reported at 14,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph the power steering failed and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The vehicle was pulled over and stopped. Upon restart, the vehicle continued to drive as normal. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. Steering · reported at 67,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…