2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 222 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Cobalt Ss year — the 2009 model ranks #1 of 3 Cobalt Ss years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 78% of all reports (173 of 222), far ahead of electrical system at 9.
222
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other Cobalt Ss years?
What are the most common 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 173 | 78% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 9 | 4% | — flat |
| Airbags | 8 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 7 | 3% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 1% | new |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 0% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 0% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 0% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 0% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. I TAKE MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND TELL THEM THE REAR BRAKES ARE LOCKING UP AND THEY RESPOND WITH "THIS IS CAUSED BY DRIVER ABUSE, YOU HAVE BEEN POWERSLIDING IT" I HAVE HAD IT TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS. THE REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3…”
“VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND…”
“VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN, POSSIBLY LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN AS VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A CURVE. CAUSED DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL GO INTO DITCH, BOUNCE OUT OF DITCH AND LOG ROLL THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL GOING UP AND…”
“FUEL LINE RUSTS THROUGH CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK OUT NEXT TO EXHAUST PIPE. HAPPENS TO EVAP LINE AS WELL. POOR DESIGN IN THE HEAT SHIELDING TRAPS MOISTURE WHICH RUSTS THROUGH THE LINE. FUEL LEAKS OUT WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING, PARKED, MOVING OR NOT. REAR BRAKE CALIPER STICKS OUT FROM USING THE PARKING…”
“WHEN I DRIVE THE AIR BAG WARNING GOES ON,AND THE TIRE STRESS GOES ON(WHICH MAKE ME SLOW DOWN WORRIED ! ). I REPLACED THE TIRES COUPLE OF TIMES BUT I STILL GET THOSE WARNING(TIRES STRESS AND AIR BAG). LATELY I ALSO RAN TO PROBLEM WITH MY ENGINE. I TOOK IT TO PEP BOYS WERE THEY SAID I SHOULD REPLACE…”
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss — common questions
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 222 complaints put the 2009 model at #1 of 3 Cobalt Ss years. It is one of the Cobalt Ss years to avoid.
What are the most common 2009 Cobalt Ss problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (173 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), airbags (8 complaints).
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Ss.
Is the 2009 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.