TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN SHE ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. LATER, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE BACKWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANS COOLER LINE…
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt powertrain problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I PARKED THE CAR FOR THE NIGHT WITH NO INDICATIONS OF ANY PROBLEMS AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE NEXT DAY, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. TRIED MOVED THE STEERING COLUMN AND IT WOULD NOT TURN TO START. TALKED WITH A LOCKSMITH AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WASN'T THE IGNITION BUT THE POWER TRAIN COLUMN SHIFT SINCE NEITHER OF THE KEYS WORKED. I SPOKE WITH THE CHEVROLET CONSUMER HOT LINE (1-800…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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