2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss sits mid-pack among Cobalt Ss years: 117 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 117, with no recalls and 2 closed investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 66% of all reports (77 of 117), far ahead of electrical system at 8.
117
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2008 compare to other Cobalt Ss years?
What are the most common 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 77 | 66% | new |
| Electrical System | 8 | 7% | new |
| Other | 7 | 6% | new |
| Fuel System | 7 | 6% | new |
| Engine | 6 | 5% | new |
| Airbags | 4 | 3% | new |
| Lighting | 2 | 2% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“2008 CHEVROLET COBALT SS REAR BRAKES FAULTY. REAR PADS ARE GOUGING IN TO ROTORS VERY BADLY AT THIS POINT, 11,000 MILES. I DRIVER CONSERVATIVELY. THIS GOUGING OF ROTORS ACTUALLY BECAME NOTICEABLE AT ONLY 3500 MILES. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE NEW. I RECOMMEND GM PUTS RECALL OUT ON REAR BRAKES FOR…”
“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. AND EXPLAINED TO GM THAT WHEN I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START THE CAR THE…”
“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. AND EXPLAINED TO GM THAT WHEN I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO START THE CAR THE…”
“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. I HAD TO PUT THE EMERGENCY BREAK ON FOR FEAR THAT THE CAR WOULD ROLL AWAY BECAUSE I…”
“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. I HAD TO PUT THE EMERGENCY BREAK ON FOR FEAR THAT THE CAR WOULD ROLL AWAY BECAUSE I…”
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss — common questions
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss reliable?
It is close to typical for the Cobalt Ss: 117 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.
What are the most common 2008 Cobalt Ss problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (77 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), other (7 complaints).
Does the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Chevrolet Cobalt Ss years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cobalt Ss years to avoid are 2009. The cleanest record among Cobalt Ss years belongs to 2010.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.