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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2006 Cobalt continued to carry the torch first lit by the 2005 model year. To be clear, that torch is burning bright with widespread power steering issues, electrical curiosities and a dangerous ignition switch defect which led to a massive recall by GM. This isn’t a great torch to carry.

The 2006 added it’s own special flare with gas leaks due to cracks in the “return portion of the modular reservoir assembly.” A recall of 2006 Cobalts was issued to fix the problem, but only to vehicles sold in or current registered in Arizona and Nevada, leaving other owners to pay for repairs themselves.

Between this car stalling while driving, giving owners fits with power steering failure and having it be a potential tinderbox because of gas leaks, we felt we had no other option than to award it our “Avoid Like the Plague” badge.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
66,625 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.

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner Comments (Page 3 of 9)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #122

Sep 082010

Cobalt

  • 77,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel. The contact referenced NHTSA recall campaign id number: 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump) and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 77,000 and the current mileage was 83,000.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #121

Feb 012007

Cobalt

  • 126,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated the fuel gauge was defective and a providing erroneous readings. The failure occurred and the fuel gauge had been replaced four times before. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the fuel sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The remedy failed to repair the problem. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 126,000 and the current mileage was 128,000.

- Warner Robins, GA, USA

problem #120

Dec 232011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 72,000 miles
Smelled fuel in garage where car is kept and also inside of vehicle. Took to local shop and upon putting car onto the lift, they spotted fuel dripping from top of gas tank. Upon taking tank off and inspecting fuel pump, there was a very visible crack on the mra. The port was cracked and fuel was leaking from that area. I have kept the fuel pump. My local shop replaced fuel pump in December, but it was not until last week that my mechanic contacted me and stated that there was a possible recall. GM denied my recall request. Stated my VIN # didn't have this specific recall attached & since my car wasn't registered in AZ or nv I was eligible for any reimbursement. I have old fuel pump and pictures and a service ticket all upon request. Please review. This is too much of a coincidence.

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #119

Dec 012011

Cobalt

  • miles

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

Fuel pump not covered in New York why?

- Fredonia, NY, USA

problem #118

Nov 252011

Cobalt

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. While parked, the contact smelled a substantial amount of fuel inside and outside of the vehicle. There was no fuel visible on the ground. The odor would also emit throughout the vehicle when driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised that the failure could possibly be related to the fuel tank module. The contact planned to take the vehicle back to the independent mechanic for further observation and the fuel tank removal to determine the defect. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Middletown , PA, USA

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problem #117

Nov 212011

Cobalt

  • 66,236 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was emitting a fuel odor and there was a leak coming from the fuel lines. The dealer diagnosed that the fuel line was leaking. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 66,236.

- Prescott, AZ, USA

problem #116

Sep 012011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • miles

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

My Cobalt has a fuel leak which is clearly a safety issue, and being ignored by General Motors except in certain states and vehicles with certain VIN numbers. Clearly they are trying to minimize their responsibility and are being aloud to do so at the expense of their customers. Since when is a fuel leak not a safety hazard or maybe you are waiting for a fire or explosion and a loss of life before anything is done. Wonder why they stopped making Cobalts, maybe because they ran out of cheap defective parts. It is a real shame that those who purchased these vehicles are being treated like they are wanting something for free that they are not entitled to. I got the same old story from GM when I contacted them. They try to act concerned, but you can tell they are told what to say and aren't going to be of any help.

- Peekskill, NY, USA

problem #115

Nov 012011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • miles
I pulled information on a recall #: 09V419000 on certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn ion and 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt... for the following states AZ, nv, ca, fl, tx. Md should have been included because I have the same problem. Developed a crack in the fuel line, fuel started leaking from that area.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #114

Aug 192011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 106,000 miles
I experiences first a gas odor in my vehicle that was extremely uncomfortable as I was not able to drive my vehicle. I then was able to see a visible gas leak coming from the fuel tank of my vehicle. After having a mechanic look at the vehicle, it has been concluded that the cap on the fuel tank has malfunctioned. I have investigated the vehicle and the problem and I know there is a recall for my vehicle and this issue however only in specific states. Therefore, it acknowledges that there was a factory issue involving this year of Chevy Cobalt. I will likely be paying around $600 out of pocket for the repairs in order to keep my vehicle in driving condition.

- Bloomington, IN, USA

problem #113

Oct 292011

Cobalt

  • 116,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the fuel tank was leaking. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump) however, since the VIN was not indicated in the global warning system they would not be able to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 116,300 and the approximate failure mileage was 116,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Shorewood, IL, USA

problem #112

Oct 112011

Cobalt

  • 78,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that it would take numerous attempts before successfully starting the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle was emitting a strong odor of fuel. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed that the vehicle was leaking fuel. A new fuel pump was installed to remedy the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The failure mileage was 78,000.

- Idaho Falls, ID, USA

problem #111

Jul 142011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • miles
My car is putting out fuel exhaust fumes in my vents. Took it to the dealership and they only fixed the fuel pump, but its the exhaust system letting out C02 gases. They are saying the fuel pump and exhaust system is all one module. When I drive behind the wheel I feel like I'm falling asleep. I have to roll my windows down in the freezing cold. They said they will call me when [xxx] returns at the walker Chevrolet dealership in franklin, tn. Also complained at the freeland Chevrolet and they did absolutely nothing. There were several accidents I had to avoid. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #110

Sep 152011

Cobalt

  • 125,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the smell of fuel emitted inside and out of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where they confirmed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and advised that the VIN did not qualify for repairs under NHTSA campaign id number:09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 125,000 and the current mileage was 127,000.

- Hazelwood, MO, USA

problem #109

Sep 082011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • miles
Was driving my car and when I got home I smelled gas when I got out. So I got up underneath and smelled it even stronger. I took my car in to get an oil change and had them look for a gas leak. There is a gas leak coming from somewhere around my gas tank. This smell has gotten worse. This is dangerous to be driving around my car with such a problem. There have been other people reporting the issue as well. This is a safety issue that GM needs to recall everywhere not just certain states. I am a single mother and my son doesn't need to be smelling that every day when he's in my car. I do not have the money for repairs but this is something that I did not do. The car has a clean title and I have never hit anything hard to cause a leak from the top of the gas tank.

- Huber Heights, OH, USA

problem #108

Oct 112011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • miles
The plastic line in the fuel assembly is cracked. My care smells of gas and is dripping gas. There is a recall for this very problem online: October 2009 -- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn ion vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Arizona and Nevada; and model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn ion vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and Texas. The plastic supply or return port on the modular reservoir assembly may crack. If either of these ports develops a crack, fuel will leak from the area. If the crack becomes large enough, fuel may be observed dripping onto the ground and vehicle performance may be affected. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module free of charge. A special coverage will be implemented in the same time frame for model year 2006 vehicles registered in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas and model year 2007 vehicles registered in: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 09V-419.

- Brick, NJ, USA

problem #107

Oct 102011

Cobalt

  • miles
Smelled gas, fuel pump was leaking, had to be replaced.

- Plymouth, MA, USA

problem #106

Sep 302011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 57,000 miles
I was on my way home, and noticed the smell of gasoline from the outside of my vehicle. I initially thought it was from putting a couple of gallons of gas in the vehicle earlier, but the smell persisted into the inside of the vehicle while driving. When I arrived home, the smell of gasoline was stronger outside. I looked under the vehicle and saw the path that the gasoline has been traveling. I let the vehicle sit in the driveway until I was able to bring it to the dealership, for the fear of it catching on fire, or exploding while driving with my two children. It is currently at the dealership being worked on, and was told it is the fuel pump system. It has come to my attention that I am not the only one experiencing this, and it is known issue GM has had. I don't understand why my vehicle is not a part of the recall, it is not just. I dread the bill that I am about to face, due to a known safety issue. And I am certain the fumes of gasoline isn't healthy for my two children, a 6 month and a 2 year old.

- Belleville, IL, USA

problem #105

Aug 032011

Cobalt

  • 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact noticed that the vehicle was leaking fuel from the top of the fuel tank. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 09V419000 ( fuel system, gasoline: Delivery:fuel pump). The manufacturer confirmed the vehicle was not included in the recall and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The current mileage was 90,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 89,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Petersburg, VA, USA

problem #104

Sep 302011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 30,407 miles
Fuel leaking from rear of vehicle. A special coverage adjustment #09275A that addresses this problem needs to have the state of Virginia added to the list. We have several hundred of these cars and fear this may be the start of a major issue.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #103

Sep 222011

Cobalt

  • 33,197 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall moments after it was started every morning and the vehicle would emit a fuel odor. After restarting the vehicle it would operate normally. The contact also stated that the vehicle was using fuel at a very rapid rate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle was leaking fuel. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The failure mileage was 33,197.

- Manassas, VA, USA

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