2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 95 |
| 2009 | 190 |
| 2010 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
67% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 64 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
REAR ROTORS FAILURE. MASSIVE SCORING ON REAR BRAKES DUE TO GM POOR QUALITY IN BRAKES. GRINDING NOISE WHEN STOPPING. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20090415
TERRIBLE PREMATURE WEAR OF REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ON 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT SS TURBOCHARGED WITH ROUGHLY 20,000 MILES... INSIDE PAD AND INWARD FACING SIDE OF ROTORS SHOW GREAT DAMAGE. VERY DEEP GAUGES TO INWARD SIDE OF BOTH REAR ROTORS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090402
PREMATURE REAR BRAKE WEAR ON INSIDE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS SCORED FROM PAD FAILURE. FAULTY EQUIPMENT. GM WOULD NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY AT ONLY 16,000MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20090331
7% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. IN ADDITION, I CAN'T GET THE GEAR TO SHIFT TO PARK TO MOVE TO NEUTRAL, I'VE LOST ALL POWER TO THE CAR FROM THE LIGHTS TO BEING UNABLE TO OPEN THE TRUNK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171204
5% of complaints: parking brake — 5 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FUEL PUMP HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE. CONTACTED GM ABOUT 2012 RECALL THAT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT. EXPLAINED TO GM THAT THE MECHANIC THAT WORKED ON THE COBALT SAID FUEL HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE DO TO TOO MUCH POWER AT START UP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140411
TOOK MY CAR IN BECAUSE IT IS EXPERIENCING A LONG PERIOD OF TIME CRANKING BEFORE STARTING EACH TIME, AND I FIND OUT THAT I HAVE A FUEL LINE LEAK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171129
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
Electric Power Steering Failure
Fuel Line Leak
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (64 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (6 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.