Problems with 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The battery of this vehicle, and even new ones from the same manufacturer, have the battery installed in the trunk from the factory. there's a brittle plastic tube that vents the toxic fumes generated by an operating battery to the outside of the car. if this tube is damaged/broken, it allows fumes to enter the trunk, and seep into the cabin. the fumes corrode your lungs, which in some cases, such as mine, leads to hypoxia, meaning that the operator of the vehicle is dizzy & confused. this issue not only affects the owners/occupants of the vehicles with this design, but could potentially endanger unsuspecting pedestrians/motorists due to the operator of a vehicle becoming incapacitated, or they may simply black out at the wheel due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. the fumes are allowed to build up in the cabin of the car if the windows are left up and the air conditioner is on recirculate. the fumes are odorless meaning that you can go about operating the vehicle for an extended period of time without noticing that there's a problem, not that it would matter since the fumes corrode the nerve in your nose that allow you to have a sense of smell. the symptoms are flu like, which may lead a victim to ignore their symptoms. in my particular instance, the fumes that were entering the cabin of my car was sulfuric acid. this design flaw could easily lead to death, if not from the highly toxic, carcinogenic fumes that are entering the cabin of the vehicle, then the confusion/dizziness that the fumes lead to, which not only endangers the operator of the vehicle, but unsuspecting pedestrians/motorists who may be in the path of a vehicle with an operator who has blacked out, or is simply confused/dizzy due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. the part number of the tube for my specific car is 15247277. trunk batteries should be outlawed unless aftermarket.

The gauges on the dash go haywire. a subtle 'ding ding' sound is made. the engine has difficulty accelerating and will only do so in spurts. a power steering warning is displayed on the dash and the steering wheel becomes very tight and impossible to turn. car will give you about a minute, tops, to do something before shutting down completely. issue happens randomly but seems to be triggered by the car decelerating into first gear, at a stoplight for example. however, this past incident happened while on the interstate and nearly caused a collision with a semi. my particular vin is not included in the loss of power steering recall involving chevrolet cobalts, general motors recall number:10023 and nhtsa recall number: 10v073000. however, based on performance the past 6 months, i sincerely believe it should be. *tr

Takata recall i am buying this vehicle from a buy here pay here lot.during my experiernce driving this car. i've had trouble steering the wheel.i brought in in to tire discounters for inspection testing. the result the auto tech explained to me in writing that i have electrical issues with the car.also the tires was placed on backwards and the car needs new tires.the check engine light is on in the car.in motion on the street when experiencing this problem.the sensors are bad.this vechicle is programmed and needs a remote.i have to go to the dealer resolve it.time auto sales in latonia kentucky previous owner of this car.

Battery keeps dying and key is stuck in ignition. have to keep replacing battery every 8 months which are brand new 5 year battery. fuel line was replaced but still strong odor of gas and rotting fuel line again. safety hazard! this has been reported by a large number of people. why is there not a recall on this?? vehicle was stationary at the time. this happens all the time so i can only put one date in here. something is also wrong with my electrical system and the check engine light comes on all the time after diagnosing with my mechanic and having it turned off. why isn't gm doing anything to help us?

Instrument cluster malfunctioning, speedometer and warning indicators flashing, going out, resuming normal operation, then repeating the failure symptoms repeatedly. during failure symptoms the transmission and engine bog down, stall and the power steering assist fails (with engine still running) . random electrical issues such as the check engine light, car alarm sensor, etc flash on and off then start working again totally normally. can not get the failure to occur at the dealership or mechanics. fails several times a week. fails when driving on street, highway at low speeds, medium speeds or high speeds.

Ignition switch

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that the upon turning ignition key in the ignition the vehicle failed to start. there were no warning indicators. the vehicle was towed to the tim lally chevrolet dealer (440-232-2000, 24999 miles rd, warrensville heights, oh 44128) where the technician was unable to complete a diagnostic test but stated that the power control module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and promised to investigate as a case was opened. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was about 13,000.

Won't crank unless you hold key in a certain place

The dash message says power steering. as i was excellerating in the on ramp of the highway, the rpm jumped up to 6,000 all on its own and now it will not shift gears, does not read any mph, and can barely go more than 20mph. this was unexpected and had no warnings prior to. although it still functions (turns on, runs, has all power available, has reverse) it is ultimately disabled. also, the fuel lines/ fuel pump failed causing a gas leak, making it a challenge to start the vehicle. i have patched the fuel line as a temporary fix. i have already replaced the lower control arms and the timing chains at my own expense

My 2008 chevy cobalt began secreting a very strong fuel odor; it didn't matter if it was parked, or driving, the odor has been prominent 24/7. i checked for leaks and found nothing. i recently moved, so i have yet to find a new, trustworthy mechanic, so i've been driving my husbands car due to the fact that i do not feel safe driving the chevy at this point. i had however, been regularly starting the engine once a week, while trying to locate a mechanic, however now. my chevy is completely dead; it wont turn on, nor will the lock system even function vin number: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'*jb

I first had noticed my front passenger speaker would cut in and out. it didn't matter if the car was stationary or if i was driving. the following week i was driving through the parking lot of my job and the doors locks started locking and unlocking rapidly by themselves. and now they rarely ever do either when i try and push the lock buttons. so they either have to stay locked or unlocked depending the mood of the car. the following week i had a gas leak and had to have it serviced because that is very dangerous. the mechanic told me that there was a recall on that plastic piece to fuel system but only in southern states and i live in the north. and not to long after that my turn signal switch wouldn't stay on or it wouldn't shut off by it's self. also dangerous trying to hold switch on while making a turn.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver while driving various speeds. the failure recurred numerous times. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the vin was included in nhtsa campaign numbers: 10v073000 (steering), 14v047000 (electrical system:ignition:switch), and 14v171000 (electrical system). the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 52,000.

I give my car chevy cobolt to billy navarr lake charles for ignation switch recall because gm corporate told me take there and chevy delar billy navarr sold my car to some body but they are saying some body steel the car and they can do nothing

Start of the problem the gauges will go eratic, my car chimes a few dings then theft light comes on. i don't have a theft system. ls model. also effects the transmission(automatic) cause it will shift hard and jerk the car. the ac also shuts off during this issue, it will blow air but it won't be cold. seems like the issue always comes back when it's extremely hot outside. this is an on going issue for about 5 years and it comes and goes. every mechanic i went to their car reader can't read my car. also it has happened while i was driving and again when i'm parked and just started the car. and i have had all the recalls fixed that were reported.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that the vehicle dashboard leaked water and the vehicle had an abnormal fuel odor. the failure occurred when the a/c and heater was activated. the contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had a crack fuel canister. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had a cracked fuel pump. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 12v459000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the vin was not included. the failure mileage was approximately 90,140.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. while driving 55 mph, all the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact stated that the power steering failed and the speedometer, fuel gauge, and tachometer needles moved back and forth and displayed inaccurate readings. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. the contact was informed that the electronic brake control module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired, but the remedy did not resolve the issue. the contact stated that the failure continued to occur intermittently. the approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. while the vehicle was at a service center, the steering wheel failed to turn and seized. the power steering and service air bag lights illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery and passenger seat module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. while driving various speeds, the instrument panel gauges fluctuated, the power steering failed, and the transmission shifted abnormally. the security system warning indicator illuminated. the failures occurred sporadically. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, but could not be diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 138,000. updated 06/15/16*lj the consumer stated all codes read, a loss of communication. updated 06/28/16. *jb

Takata recall when going slow in drive and reverse my car began to have trouble steering. it physically go to the point where i was manually turning it my self with no help from the power steering. the dash lights have gone out, none of them are currently working....i have to drive with a flash light secured to my dash just to see my gauges. i am unable to see any thing else that comes up on my dash that has to be seen by a light. my gear shift lights do not work. i must turn on the dome light in order to see the gear i shift into. heating/ac lights are gone. tail lights also are not working. have changed the light bulbs and still no tail lights.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. while parked, the vehicle would not start. the contact stated that when the key was placed in the ignition, the vehicle would not start and the security light became illuminated. the contact attempted to remove the key, but it was locked in the ignition. the vehicle was not towed and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 115,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that wires melted near the electrical fuel pump and the fuel tank had a crack. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 12v459000 (fuel system, gasoline). the failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 mph, there was a loss of steering, which resulted in a driver side impact collision. the air bags did not deploy. the failure occurred without warning. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the vehicle was deemed destroyed. prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags , electrical system). the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. a police report was filed. there were no injuries reported that required medical attention. the failure mileage was 138,000.

Multiple times (not only today) my vehicle did not let me open the doors, the passenger door handle had too much give and did not allow my passenger to open their (passenger) door. i had to walk around the car and try to open it from the outside, which did not work, either. after a few minutes of trying i banged my fist next to the lock, which allowed the car to open. this has also happened to me on the driver's side door. luckily, there was not an emergency, but if there were, if we were in an accident or the car was on fire, we might have been trapped in the vehicle. another issue the car is having is stereo problems and speaker malfunction. my front speakers do not work at all and the front left (driver speaker) is the one warning chimes come out of, including the blinker. i have researched this problem and it is a very common malfunction. it is not dangerous per se, but a blinker left on unknowingly could easily result in an accident. i have researched both of the issues online, especially the latter is very common for cobalt owners. i have contacted gm, and was told i need to get the vehicle diagnosed for my own money, even though it clearly is a malfunction by the parts/flaw in design to get gm customers to pay premiums for fixing parts that should not go wrong.

Purchased this vehicle off a used car lot feb/2015 within a month of use the transmission fluid lines broke. got back on the road, several months later the check engine light comes on and the power steering sensor as well. the car immediately started to become harder to handle. i'm scared that it will cut out on my wife and infant.

The air bag switched turned on and does not cut off and now the car hesitates to start up. all my recalls have been due to either electrical, steering and ignition problems. now their is an issue witj the air bag and ignition. it chokes them starts after turning the key all the way to the right but it hesitates to start. this dudnt not happen unitl the air bags light started to stay on.

Some times the car will not start, reduced engine power, can not go long distance on turn pike, car will stall out. fuel/propulsion system, has a problem also, but will not let me click on box above.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that the key failed to release from the ignition switch. the contact mentioned that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system); however, the remedy failed to correct the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 65,000.

Service esc dash warning came on. both "traction control and esc" dash lights were lit. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. while parked, the contact noticed a strong smell of fuel and also noticed a small puddle of fuel on the ground. the vehicle hesitated before it would start. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it could not be diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 80,000.

Power steering went out while i was driving at a speed of 45 mph. i checked fuse and it was blown. i then but new fuse in and started car. the second i started the car the fuse blew again. the strang thing was that even tho the fues had blown the power steering continued to work until the car was shut off. also my radio started changing stations by itself and airbag warning came across the dash then a couple days after that started i went to start the car and it wouldn't. radio, outside lights and blinkers, interior lights, and dash lights would all still work, but it seemed that no power was getting to the starter nor the fule pump. at this time the car still won't start

Once my ignition switch was repaired per the recall, i began smelling gas inside and outside of the vehicle. no check engine light has come on but the smell has been getting worse and worse. when the car sits for a long or short period of time it has difficulty starting; also since the ignition switch was replaced an electrical issue began. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that after the push button starter was deactivated, the front driver and passenger side doors failed to unlock. the contact activated the remote key fob to exit from the front driver's side door. in addition, both turn signals became inoperable. the air bag on indicator and tire pressure monitoring system failed to function. the failures occurred after the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 10v073000 (steering). the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure was mileage 65,306.

My car shut down while driving for the second time since june 25, 2014. this time it restarted and i was told to take it to the gm dealership which fixed it before. the engine control module was replaced in july and now the problem was the module connectors. both of which i had to pay for the costly repairs. gm doesn't care unless there is a death with these cars shutting down while you are driving them. i was told gm would not stand behind any of the repair costs because i had a high mileage vehicle. at what mileage should you expect a gm car to start shutting down while you are driving? i wasn't given that information when i bought the vehicle new. the 59 cent ignition switch is not the only problem shutting down gm vehicles. i have had to pay over $500.00 to repair the other parts that they say are shutting my vehicle down while driving. i have incurred too much money to fix a vehicle that is not safe to drive and has electrical problems. i will also loose money when trading it because of this history of the vehicle. make gm do something about these unsafe vehicles. *tr

The electrical system drains the battery causing the keys to get stuck in the ignition i need to get a jump to start it and this is a new battery six months old. *tr

Car rolled down slight hill after turning off and exiting vehicle, transmission shifter appeared to be in park but obviously not as car rolled after leaving alone on slight slope. after accident, i placed key in ignition, started car but will not back up or change position of gear from neutral or drive. will not go back into park. key will not come out of ignition now. bumper and radiator are damaged after crash. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. while driving approximately 20 mph, a clicking sound emitted from the dashboard and the key became lodged in the ignition switch. the failure recurred multiple times. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the battery post needed to be tightened. the vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. in addition, the contact received a notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) and nhtsa campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). however, the parts needed were unavailable to perform the repairs. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

electrical/electronics problem. symptoms: dash warning lights (ie: engine, traction, theft) came on. digital display warning: low fuel (over 1/2 tank of gas) power steering (which stopped operating) and transmission service (transmission stopped shifting smoothly). gauges (speed, fuel and tach) operated erratically, not at all or combination of the two conditions. this condition started with a few of the listed symptoms which initially cleared them selves. later as more showed at same time, i was able to clear them or sometime they cleared themselves . this happened over a years time. when all symptoms showed and would not clear, i took the vehicle to trusted mechanic. he could not locate problem but due to outstanding ignition switch recall, suggest that repair may fix the problem. vehicle was taken to dealership and recall service preformed and no other outstanding recalls were found. vehicle operated without a problem for almost a month before the listed symptoms reappeared. was able to clear the fault codes but symptoms returned within the day and won't clear. a check of recalls found that a recall for power steering loss as described was issued and done at approx. 49,000 miles. several electrical system checks were found in maintenance history (done after power steering recall) and preformed before i purchased the vehicle. the issue describe has become worse over time and has effected the safety of not only those operating the vehicle but any one else on the road when this problem manifest itself. given that the ignition was replaced and the problems persist, i can't believe it was the ignition causing these problems. i will contact gm to see what my options are. given that gm is paying 900 million to the government in fines, maybe uncle sam could held those of us with gm engineered lemons replace them with something that is safe to drive on the road.

I was just wondering if after the dealerships fixed the defective key slots of cobalts and other cars, many people had their wiring system mess up only to take it back to the dealership and have them charge you for fixing up the wiring that led from the key slot ( where you insert the key to start the car) down to wherever it goes. this is what happened to me. about a month to two months later ( i would have to go back and check) after they fixed the key slot my car just went dead and the dealership told me it was the wiring from the key slot from the ignition to wherever it leads and that they had to change it and when i tried to talk to the manager about it i never got through to him on his phone, he never answered his cell phone and wasn't at the office and i just gave up on it. so my question is did others have the same problem as i did where they had to pay for wiring that i think was part of the same thing that they supposedly had recalled to fix. in case you don't know what i am talking about; there was a recall on the ignition keys, that could accidentally just turn your car off and you would have trouble steering the car's steering wheel as the car was off. sorry, if i am not being specific enough, i was just wondering if others had the same problem i had about having to fix the wiring and pay for it themselves as i believe it was their negligence of handling the wiring system. i am not sure on the dates as i am not looking up the information, i am just approximating and i am not sure how to send this information as i am not computer literate.

This evening when i pulled into the garage, i put the car in park and proceeded to turn off and remove the key from the ignition. after several attempts to turn key forward and then back, i could not get the key out. i tried putting the car in gear and then putting it in park again. the key still would not come free. i didn't want to burn the 1/2 tank of fuel so i removed the fuel pump fuse, which stopped the car and then had to disconnect the battery so as not to drain the battery as the key is stuck in the "on' position. different than other stories i have read about the key being stuck on, is that i am still able to turn it forward a bit. hopefully, i can put the fuse back in, connect the battery and start it so that i can drive it to a dealership in the morning. *tr

The recall of ignition was done but yet the ignitions still are failing,if u turn key it sticks on the on position and keeps starter goining..obviously the garages dont listen...sooner than later this will turn into a accident. *tr

2008 chevrolet cobalt. consumer requests reimbursement for defective ignition switch recall repairs. *smd

Took car to dealer on gm ignition switch recall; there was nothing wrong with the car mechanically when they took possession. they had the car for about 6 weeks , they moved it around on their lot by their own admission, did a req oil change and when we went to pick up they had lost the keys. when they agreed to make new keys, they could not get the automatic door lock to work and after now 6 months of discussions they still wont take responsibility although a second dealership has looked at it and says "they must have shorted out the system changing the ignition or programming the keys" .. i need help getting them to fix the locks. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact was included in nhtsa campaign id number: 14e021000 (electrical). an authorized dealer repaired the vehicle and the failure recurred. the contact attempted to start the vehicle and the key would not turn from an off to an on position in order to start the vehicle. the key was unable to be removed. the failure was not remedied when the recall repair was performed. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 41,000. updated 09/15/14*lj updated 02/15/2015 *js

Tl * the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. shortly after the vehicle was repaired according to nhtsa campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system), the failure specified in the recall notice occurred. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the contact would have to pay for the repairs. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 79,499. updated 09/15/14*lj the consumer stated that the key was unable to be released from the ignition. the dealership suggested that the consumer put her finger into a small door by the steering wheel to access a switch that would release the key. the consumer refused for fear of being electrocuted. updated 1/13/2015 8js

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact received a notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 14v171000( electrical system) and stated that the part was unavailable to service the vehicle under the recall. the dealer was uncertain when the part would be available. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. the contact stated that after starting the engine, all four doors locks would independently lock and unlock. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,000.

Chevrolet dealership took possession of car beginning of june with nothing wrong to appearance or mechanically ; july 18 they call saying the car is ready to be picked up from the work on the recall issue for ignition switches. first they only wanted to give us one single key when we gave them two with the elec remotes; hour later they produce 2 key/ 2 remotes and apologize that they apparently lost the keys as they had moved the car around multiple time over last 2 months....then when key will only start the car and the remotes don't work and door locks cannot be locked or unlocked; they told us to schedule to bring it back to pay to have it repaired! the recall was on the ignition which we were told required they replace it / make new keys and program them to the car and the doors.....they did not: dealership was very rude saying car is old andmust have been something else wrong with it..there was not ! and that someone had "screwed with and taken off a panel on the column"..we never work on our own cars. this car was previously worked on by another chevrolet dealership several years ago and they switched out the ignition switch because our service rep there had heard of a lot of problems and suggested it; this latest repair, we were told to have it done again as they didn't know if the right parts were used when it was worked on before. i exp all that to the dealership and service manager adv them they could call or go on their sites etc and see what work was done on this car. this car is not safe if they leave it where the doors cannot be locked. my daughter is one who drives this and is 4 hours away from home at college in washington dc. i've contacted chevy customer service over a week ago and still no response. am i supposed to get an attorney at my expense, call my congressman, or what ? *tr

I have had my car shut off while driving 3 times in the past few months. when i originally contacted someone at dealer, was told my year not affected. i never received notification that i was affected but contacted gm after hearing on the news otherwise. i was told they contacted dealer on my behalf and didn't get expected "fix" date. i contacted again a few days later and told them of my situation- i need to move out of state to colorado on august 11th and this is my only car. i have been going back and forth with them because i need a vehicle i feel safe to drive and do not feel safe in this car, because it has shut off due to ignition switch 3 times, luckily on residential streets. finally, someone said that i could have a rental because there was no way the car could be deemed safe to drive 20 hours on highway with this history, but they still want me to pay the cost to ship fixed car and all rental expenses until shipped car arrives, which i do not feel is fair, as these are costs incurred to me that would not otherwise incurred if i didn't have this defective switch. i do not know if i have enough money to cover this shipping cost, which is why i am driving to denver in first place to start a new job, and may have to pass offer for rental and chance driving. can someone please help me? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet cobalt. after the ignition switch had been repaired, the contact experienced difficulty starting the vehicle after it had been parked for short periods of time. the contact smelled fuel vapors inside and outside the vehicle. an independent mechanic discovered that the fuel pump assembly was leaking on top of the tank. the manufacturer stated that the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign number: 12v459000 (fuel system, gasoline). the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 147,000.

Letter from senator graham on behalf of constituent re gm vehicle recall. *smd the consumer stated the ignition switch was replaced on july 1, 2014. the consumer stated he is now having problems with the replacement ignition switch. gm and the dealer, informed the consumer, he would have to pay $ 125 to diagnose the problem. *jb