2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt was a compact car offered in coupe and sedan body styles. Engine options included a 2.2L Inline-4 (155 hp, 150 lb-ft torque), a 2.4L Inline-4 (171 hp, 167 lb-ft torque) available on the SS, and a 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (260 hp, 260 lb-ft torque) also available on the SS. Transmission choices were a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often praise the Cobalt for its fuel economy and affordability. Common complaints include issues with the electrical system, particularly the power steering, and concerns about interior quality.
Engine
2.2L Inline-4 (L61)
- Engine Stalling
- Description/Symptoms: The engine may stall, especially at idle or when decelerating. This can be intermittent and may or may not trigger a check engine light.
- Solution: Cleaning the throttle body is often the first step. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, inspect the mass airflow sensor (MAF) and replace if necessary. In some cases, a faulty crankshaft position sensor can cause stalling.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Failed Catalytic Converter
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light with codes indicating catalytic converter inefficiency (e.g., P0420). Reduced fuel economy and potential for failed emissions test.
- Solution: Replace the catalytic converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
2.4L Inline-4 (LE5)
- Failed Timing Chain Tensioner
- Description/Symptoms: Engine noise on startup, particularly a rattling or chain-slapping sound. Can lead to eventual timing chain failure if not addressed.
- Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (LNF)
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or grinding noises from the turbocharger, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+
- Recalls: None Found
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Long crank times, hesitation during acceleration, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the HPFP.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic (4T45E)
- Erratic Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts, slipping between gears, or failure to shift. Can be more pronounced when the transmission is cold.
- Solution: Fluid flush and filter change may help in mild cases. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild/replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (flush) - $2500+ (rebuild/replace)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds or during light acceleration. May also experience difficulty shifting or stalling.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter. Often done in conjunction with a transmission rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
5-Speed Manual (F23)
- Difficulty Shifting into Gears
- Description/Symptoms: Grinding or resistance when attempting to shift into certain gears, especially first or reverse.
- Solution: Check and adjust the clutch cable. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, inspect the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing. Replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Rear Suspension Sag/Weakness
- Description/Symptoms: The rear of the car sits lower than normal, especially when carrying passengers or cargo. Ride quality may be bouncy or uncomfortable.
- Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers or coil springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Power Steering Failure (EPS)
- Description/Symptoms: Sudden loss of power steering assist, making the steering wheel very difficult to turn. This is a well-documented issue with the Cobalt.
- Solution: The most common fix is to replace the EPS motor. In some cases, the entire steering column may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: Recall #10V073000 regarding power steering assist loss.
- Ignition Switch Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The ignition switch can fail, causing the engine to stall or the electrical system to shut down.
- Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
- Recalls: Recall #14V047000 addressing unintended ignition key rotation.
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door locks may fail to lock or unlock, or may function intermittently.
- Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per door
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings, reducing visibility.
- Solution: Remove the headlight assembly and dry it out. Check and reseal the housing for any cracks or gaps. Some owners drill a small drain hole.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $100 (DIY or resealing)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracking on the dashboard, especially in hot climates.
- Solution: Dashboard replacement is the only permanent fix, though expensive. Dashboard covers can be used to hide the damage.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (cover) - $1000+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Loose or Broken Sun Visors
- Description/Symptoms: Sun visors that droop down or break easily.
- Solution: Replace the sun visors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 per visor
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt has several common issues. The power steering failure and ignition switch problems, addressed by recalls, are significant concerns. Engine and transmission issues vary depending on the specific configuration. Electrical problems are prevalent, as are some interior issues. The severity of these problems can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs varying accordingly. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and check for recall completion and signs of these problems during inspection.