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CarComplaints.com Notes: The Cobalt was introduced to replace two of Chevy’s smaller cars, the Cavalier and Prizm. But the compact’s fresh start that Chevy was hoping for was riddled with issues, most notably widespread power steering failure.

The power steering failed so often that GM was forced to issue a recall in March, 2010. Great, but what about other problems like the key getting stuck in the ignition or all the other electrical demons this car possesses?

And, oh yes — then there’s the terribly dangerous issue where the Cobalt randomly shuts off while driving. As it turns out, that problem is related to GM’s massive 2014 recall for a dangerous ignition switch defect. A recall that eventually ballooned to 2.6 million vehicles in one of the automotive industry’s biggest scandals.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
85,998 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #38

Jun 232021

Cobalt

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a fuel leak by the left rear tire possibly a corroded fuel line. I smelled gas for two days. The leak was by the exhaust. My children and I could of been killed.

- Hartsville, IN, USA

problem #37

Oct 082020

Cobalt

  • miles
My 05 Chevy Cobalt started leaking fuel from the right passenger side next to the fuel tank. I have read online of recalls on the 08 Cobalts for the same issue.

- Wildomar, CA, USA

problem #36

Sep 102020

Cobalt

  • 150,000 miles
Fuel leak under the driver side, just in front of the rear wheel. Leak is near exhaust, heat shielding from factory caused fuel line to rust and leak.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #35

Oct 082020

Cobalt

  • 200,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving through an intersection car shut off. This loss of power while driving has happened several times over the last few months. I called Chevy dealership today and was notified ignition switch was already repaired previously and that I may be charged a diagnostic fee if I bring the car in for repair.

- Chillicothe, OH, USA

problem #34

Aug 162020

Cobalt

  • 60,000 miles
My 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt has developed a gasoline leak from a point roughly a foot in front of the vehicles left/driver side rear tire. The leak takes the form of gas dripping from the above mentioned point while the car's engine is on. The drip continues for several mins after the engine is turned off but then stops.

- Glen Ellyn, IL, USA

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problem #33

Jan 202020

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 89,420 miles
Fuel line leak by the left rear wheel at body mount. Similar to what is described in the recent release regarding the 2008-2010 Cobalt fuel leak issue. The investigation should be expanded to 2005 as well.

- Youngstown, OH, USA

problem #32

Sep 102019

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 15,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I got the car a few years ago only drove it for 5 months found out about the recall. I had to pay for the car to go nassau bahamas. They never ship it for me.they paid the ignition repairs never gave me a rental car. Then I called back a few months about a warranty say 60,000 miles or 5 year they tell another recall for the same thing. So I started checking come to find all kinda law suit on that type model. They want the car off the road. I asked them to pay out the car. Can't get a response. They open but the bahamas office closed from covid-19. Still have to wait on a response.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #31

Jun 162019

Cobalt

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving at any speed, the power steering seized. The contact had to use excessive strength to turn the vehicle. The vehicle also lost fuel. The failures occurred without warning. The vehicle also hesitated and jerked violently, and "faulty power steering" and "loss of fuel" appeared on the instrument panel. In addition, the service engine indicator illuminated and the transmission made an abnormal shifting noise. The contact called anderson Chevrolet (31201 auto center dr, lake elsinore, ca 92530, (951) 226-0822) and was informed that the transmission recall was serviced in 2009; therefore, the contact would have to pay for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

- Menifee, CA, USA

problem #30

Apr 012019

Cobalt

  • 109,000 miles
Fuel return line leak 108,000 miles all the sudden the clip gave out under driver's side door full tank leaked out no warning ignition spark caused fire

- Westport, CT, USA

problem #29

Nov 212018

Cobalt

  • 117,000 miles
My 2005 Chevy Cobalt with 117000 miles has a fuel leak coming from the gas tank area. My research shows that this common problem with the Cobalt. So much so that GM has a bulletin to make repairs for years 2006-2009. Why is the 2005 not covered? its the same vehicle with the same safety issue. Gas is leaking while the car is in motion while driver is unaware.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

problem #28

Apr 122018

Cobalt

  • 105,280 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car has a gas leak and a recall is in place in certain states for 2006 and 2007 but not 2005 and not in all states. My 2005 has a gas leak and uses the same parts as the 2006 so the 2005 needs recalled too in all states.

- Auburn, IN, USA

problem #27

Feb 222018

Cobalt

  • 160,000 miles
The fuel line rust out and leaks gas. This is a very dangerous situation but apparently not covered by recall 12V459000. This gas leak should defiantly included in that recall. My car is driven by a teenager and he did not notice the leak until I saw it. The repairs were over $800. This happened to both of our Chevy Cobalts in the same week.

- Greenwood, IN, USA

problem #26

Jul 012017

Cobalt

  • 112 miles
While driving the car began to smell like gas. I got our and looked and the car was leaking gas profusely. Come to find out the gas line had rusted completely out.

- Pinckney, MI, USA

problem #25

Oct 012017

Cobalt

  • 154,000 miles
Fuel odor and spotting of fuel when the vehicle is parked

- Lansdale, PA, USA

problem #24

Oct 012016

Cobalt

  • 200,000 miles
Our vehicle is leaking gasoline and is exhibiting the same symptoms as those addressed in this recall NHTSA campaign #09V419000 but Chevrolet says that it doesn't cover the 2005 model and we believe it should since it is the same problem.

- Estero, FL, USA

problem #23

Nov 162016

Cobalt

  • 105,295 miles
The check engine light come on showing the gas tank has leak in the line when checked by shop they replaced lines but check engine light still comes

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #22

Nov 082016

Cobalt

  • 40,000 miles
Lines leaking rusted with holes....should have been coated and not exposed to weather

- Greensburg, PA, USA

problem #21

Oct 042016

Cobalt

  • miles
I have notice a fuel leakage from the drivers side of my car by the exhaust between the claps its leaking fuel I took it to my mechanic he said it will cost $450 dollars to fix I don't have that type of money I looked on line and found out that these Cobalt has a recall on the fuel tanks and lines I need you to its not the its the dangerous to drive it I wouldn't drive its on the street and it drips quarter of fuel on the ground

- Lansing, IL, USA

problem #20

Aug 282016

Cobalt

  • 112,195 miles
Vehicle leaking fuel from fuel line at clamp, underneath driver side in front of back tire. Worse upon start and stopping.

- Deptford, NJ, USA

problem #19

Jun 012016

Cobalt

  • miles
Leaking fuel on driver side under back seat. This is happening while driving and when the car is in park.

- Bridgeton, NJ, USA

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