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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.

2.3

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
68,597 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 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #32

Jul 022012

Cobalt

  • 99,999 miles

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

There is currently a recall on this make, model and year in the states of Arizona and Nevada for fuel tank problems (NHTSA campaign id: 09V419000). I live in Missouri where my car was issued and am currently experiencing the same problems to my car due to the extreme heat in the area. I think that all cars that fall within the make, model and year should be recalled in the midwest due to the extreme heat we've experienced.

- Festus, MO, USA

problem #31

Jul 042012

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the fuel system was leaking. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or to a private mechanic for inspection. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified who stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump). The failure mileage was 62,000 and the current mileage was 62,040 updated 8/6/12 the consumer stated the fuel port was cracked on the fuel pump. Updated 08/14/12

- Wise, VA, USA

problem #30

Mar 012012

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • miles
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. Consumer states several issues with vehicle related to recalls the consumer stated there was a smell of gasoline inside the vehicle, five sensors were bad, there was a problem with the fuel pump and fuel injection system. The RPM's jumped, when the vehicle was in cruise control mode, the cruise control would shut off for no reason. The consumer had a difficult time starting the vehicle, after she filled the tank, the vehicle would steer to the left, and there were times when the vehicle would jump out of gear.

- Ripley, WV, USA

problem #29

Jan 182012

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 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 gasoline fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that there was a leak from the fuel tank and there was gas residue on the gas tank. Further inspection revealed a hairline crack at the exit spout coming out of the top of the fuel pump. The gas didn't leak, unless the pump was running. The fuel pump was made from plastic, which over time became brittle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 100,000. Updated 04/06/12 the consumer stated the fuel pump was defective. Updated 04/26/12

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #28

Oct 152011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that she could smell a strong odor of fuel whenever the vehicle was refueled. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed that there was a crack in the fuel pump. 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 vehicle was not repaired.. updated 12/12/11 updated 12/23/11.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

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problem #27

Oct 102011

Cobalt

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

- Plymouth, MA, USA

problem #26

May 012011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 32,200 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 a fuel odor was present inside of the vehicle while driving 30 mph. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the dealer discovered a fuel leak from the fuel pump. The dealer stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified and the contact had yet to make a decision on whether or not to have the vehicle repaired under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The failure mileage was 32,200.. updated 03/23/12 updated 05/10/12

- Murfreesboro, TN, USA

problem #25

Jan 032011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 96,000 miles
I have a 2006 Chevy Cobalt that has a gas leak resulting from a defective fule pump module. There is a special coverage adjustment (#09275A), however the dealer and GM say that my car does not qualify for this coverage. I have the bulletin in hand and it identifies the bracketed VIN numbers, and my VIN number falls within the bracket. I had my vehicle into the dealer who identified my gas leak resulting from the fuel pump module, which needed to be replaced but they will not allow me coverage under this special coverage adjustment.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #24

May 012011

Cobalt

  • 63,580 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that gasoline fumes were emitted into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure but stated that the fuel pump might be cracked. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred him to the dealer to determine if it was the same failure specified on recall NHTSA campaign id number: 09V419000 (component: Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 63,580.

- Sharon , MA, USA

problem #23

May 012011

Cobalt

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated the fuel fumes were emitted into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was cracked and leaking fuel. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA recall campaign id number: 09V419000 ( fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 83,000.

- New Castle , PA, USA

problem #22

Apr 012011

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 59,000 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 a strong fuel odor was emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who performed a diagnostic and found a cracked fuel line. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer would not assist with the repair because the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump). The failure mileage was 59,000 and the current mileage was 60,624. Updated 07/08/11 updated 07/20/11

- Strongsville, OH, USA

problem #21

Sep 152010

Cobalt

  • 66,244 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. While the vehicle was parked the engine was turned on, a fuel odor was coming from the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians diagnosed the problem to be the fuel pump module which needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that there was a recall for his year, make and model but his VIN was not included (NHTSA campaign id number: 09V419000, fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The approximate failure mileage was 66,244.

- Suffolk, VA, USA

problem #20

Nov 172010

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 77,000 miles
Campaign 09V419000 states that certain VIN numbered 2006 Chevy Cobalts have a fuel pump module that may crack and break and leak gas which could cause a fire. I took my car into the dealership and now GM is saying my car doesn't fall under the VIN numbers. My car does fit between the breakpoints. I am having to pay for a new fuel pump which is very expensive. My car has been leaking gas and it was because of this exact cause and now GM won't fix it.

- Sierra Vista, AZ, USA

problem #19

Oct 192010

Cobalt

  • 40,904 miles
We experienced the same problem described in NHTSA campaign number 09V419000 on our 2006 Chevy Cobalt (VIN [xxx]). we smelled a strong fuel smell and took it to the dealer (sands Chevrolet glendale AZ) for repair under the recall. We were denied service under the recall even though the plastic supply port was cracked and leaking fuel as described in the recall. We were charged $673.48 to repair the dangerous defect plus $134.24 for another fuel filter they said we needed. Due to the potentially deadly defect we had no choice but to pay for the repair. If the dealer was telling the truth then it seems the scope of the recall needs to be expanded. Please look into this. We don't want to see drivers of the 2006 Cobalt exposed to this potentially deadly defect and fire hazard. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Alpharetta, GA, USA

problem #18

Aug 012010

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,633 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact received a recall notice for recall 09V419000 (fuel system gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump) but the vehicle had not been taken to an authorized dealer for repair. In August 2010, the contact noticed a fuel odor and replaced the fuel pump assembly himself. The contact called the manufacturer to request reimbursement, but was denied because the vehicle held a salvage title. The failure mileage was 82,633 and the current mileage was 85,147. The consumer stated the vehicle was totaled and is seeking reimbursement for the fuel pump. Updated 03/30/11

- Leesville, LA, USA

problem #17

Oct 012010

Cobalt

  • 67,520 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact was stopped at a traffic stop when the check engine warning light illuminated and the contact stated that she could smell burning fuel. The vehicle was taken to a local auto parts store where the contact was advised that the check engine light was illuminated because of the oxygen sensor. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the fuel pump modular onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was advised of NHTSA campaign id number: 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The contact was unable to confirm if the vehicle was included in the recall. The vehicle was neither diagnosed for the failure nor repaired. The manufacture was not contacted. The failure mileage was 67,520 and the current mileage was 67,695.

- Longs, SC, USA

problem #16

Sep 152010

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local repair facility for a routine oil change when the contact was informed that there was an abnormally strong gasoline fuel odor emitting from the vehicle. The mechanic discovered a fuel leak and performed a diagnostic. The mechanic advised the contact that the fuel sending unit was fractured at the top of the fuel tank. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 60,000. Updated 01/04/11 the consumer stated the same problem he experienced a recall was issued. However, his VIN was not included. Updated 01/10/11

- Stuben Hill, OH, USA

problem #15

Aug 012010

Cobalt

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. While the driving approximately 40 mph, the contact was approaching a complete stop and smelled a strong odor of fuel emitting inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they informed that the failure was contributed to the fuel pump module. The vehicle was not repaired. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump). The recall stated that the vehicle must be either originally sold or currently registered in the states indicated in the recall; however, the vehicle was not included due to those specifications mentioned. The failure mileage was 105,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Frederick , MD, USA

problem #14

Sep 012010

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 72,500 miles
Upon exiting vehicle, noticed extremely strong smell of gas on 9/1/10. Gas smell did not dissipate, and in fact got stronger over the period of one week. Noticeable inside and outside the cabin. Mileage at time of failure was approximately 72500. Spoke with dealer about problem, told that it did not fall under current recall conditions and there was nothing they could do. Had mechanic look at it, who confirmed that the fuel pump module needed replaced the lines attached to it had cracked and was leaking fuel on the top of the tank. Extreme fire hazard. Repairs were $760. Fuel pump module was replaced after diagnostics and having the tank dropped. Part available. Exact description of problem falls under the NHTSA campaign 09V419000 recall. Car is not in recall state, but issue has been indicated to be related to high heat. Heat in current state (wv) has been 90+ degrees for more than 2 months. Dealer did not look at recall, only at the vis which did not include my car's VIN, apparently. This is an extreme safety issue, and should be expanded to include all 2006 Chevy Cobalts who have similar parts in their car. The state specific recall has been indicated in numerous complaints abundant on the internet to be a false, as people are affected nationwide. GM claims that safety is their number one concern, but they do not (according to the rep I spoke with ) have an ongoing investigation into whether they should expand this recall into other states. This is appalling and needs looked into by someone who has the consumer's safety in their best interest.

- Martinsburg, WV, USA

problem #13

Aug 112010

Cobalt

  • 53,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that there was an overpowering odor of gasoline in from the rear of the vehicle. The contact later discovered that the fuel line was leaking gasoline. The contact located a recall for the failure under NHTSA campaign id number 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump) but was advised by the dealer that his VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 53,000.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

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