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.
Sometime in early February of 2018 I noticed the smell gasoline anytime I approached the driver's side door to get in the car. I also noticed the gasoline when I exited the car after driving. I took the car to the mechanic as soon as possible and I was advised the fuel lines were leaking due to rust and corrosion. I had to have the fuel line and vapor return replaced immediately due to the danger presented by leaking fuel lines. The appointment with my mechanic when the fuel lines were replaced occurred on 2/19/2018. Why am filing a complaint now? I saw an article published by the associated press published on 7/7/2020 stating the us was looking into fuel leaks in older Chevy Cobalts and Chevy hhrs. At the time the issue with my fuel lines happened, I didn't believe I had any recourse, so I took no action. After seeing the article, I wanted the NHTSA to have this information so the investigation is as accurate as possible. I can provide a receipt showing I had the fuel lines replaced if needed.
This vehicle has only 46,134 actual miles. I am the 2nd owner and purchased this vehicle from a Chevrolet dealer as a certified pre-owned vehicle. The vehicle was being parked in my driveway and after I stopped the car, I smelled gasoline and about a pint of gas leaked out of the ground just in front of the drivers side rear wheels. Fortunately, I was parking in the open driveway and not in my garage. I immediately took the vehicle to a licensed mechanic and he was able to repair the vehicle. It is back on the road. I read in the newspaper that other Cobalt owners have been having the same problem. I encourage your department to look into this as a more serious problem than just routine maintenance. I have uploaded the bill for repairs. $952.09. Thank you, [xxx] redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Shelby Township, MI, USA
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Fuel leak at left rear wheel. Fuel line corroded and leaking fuel on ground. Fuel line had to be replaced. Fuel leak is a dangerous condition. Leak was in close proximity to hot exhaust pipe. Not safe to drive vehicle until repaired. Owner replaced fuel pipe with replacement purchased at dealer. Invoice attached.
Keep smelling fuel vapors on the rear left side of the vehicle. Checked the fuel filter and it seems to be working despite my gas mileage getting worse and worse. I've been burning a full tank of gas going less than 250 miles when I should get near 400 miles a tank.
Started last week. After parking the car, noticed a smell and upon checking, noticed a pool of gas under the rear driver side area (under passenger seat). It leaks for 10 minutes and stops. Leak starts only when the car is on and immediately after being turned off.
Car smelling like gas really bad and leaks, steering wheel feels wobboly like if its not tightened right its a little cricked. Reeks of smell of gasoline on the back right of my car by the tire and I see it leaking gasoline.
Fuel leaking in front of rear driver side tire. Fuel order can be smelled getting in and out of the car as well. Big puddles of fuel once the car is parked. My fuel gauge goes down pretty rapidly because of this issue (obviously).
The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving at 45 mph, an abnormal fuel odor entered the cabin of the vehicle through the vents. No warning light was illuminated. The contact who is a certified mechanic inspected the vehicle. The contact became aware of fuel leaking from the fuel tank. An unknown dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel leaking from driver's side in front of rear tire. This is a fire hazard and GM refuses to recall the issue and cover it, even though this same issue has impacted numerous individuals. We are coming out of our own pockets for almost a thousand dollars for each instance at certified Chevrolet dealerships. This is unacceptable. Https://www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-T33495_ds573685 if all these people are reporting the same issue, imagine how many aren't on online forums with the problem. When you see things like this, it needs to be covered. Again, completely unacceptable.
09 Cobalt has fuel leak with puddle of gas in front of driver rear tire. This is a problem noted by many owners of this car. 09 Cobalts purchased in about 6 states have been recalled for this problem. It seems that for safety reasons this recall problem would apply to all models no matter where purchased. I'm assuming the car purchased in AZ was made the same way as one purchased in pa. I noticed the leak when car was sitting in my driveway.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. When the vehicle was started, the contact noticed a fuel odor. The contact also noticed fuel underneath the fuel tank and fuel coming from the fuel pump. The contact called an unknown dealer who referred him to the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V459000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the vehicle was not officially diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 113,338.
Car has terrible start first thing in the morning. It went from Washington to gulfport Mississippi. Started about a week ago smelled gas. Looked under fuel tank and found a sizeable puddle or fuel which I assume is pressurizing as it sits and then has to pressurize the fuel system again when it starts. It's practically a bomb with wheels and my daughter sits in it. It will be fine starting for about 10 minutes if you shut it off and crank it after it will do that all over again
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Garrison, MN, USA