This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chevrolet Cobalt powertrain problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 20 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2009 Cobalts report recurring transmission shift cable problems where the cable doesn't stay engaged in its clip, causing the shift lever position to not match the actual transmission gear. This can leave vehicles rolling from Park or unable to shift into Reverse. One owner paid $210 to fix the cable, but GM refused coverage even though the part matched a known recall from campaign 09V073000.
Ignition key sticking is another complaint—keys won't turn to start the vehicle or get stuck and won't come out. At least two owners couldn't start their cars; one locksmith assessment pointed to the transmission column shift mechanism, not the ignition lock.
The reduced engine power issue crops up repeatedly. One owner had the throttle control body replaced at one dealer, then a crankshaft position sensor replaced at another, but the reduced power warning came back within days each time. Owners also report hesitation on acceleration, inability to engage Reverse, sudden deceleration, unresponsive brakes, and loss of power steering during turns.
Even after GM performed recall repairs—replacing ignition switches or other components under campaigns 14V171000 and 09V073000—vehicles continued stalling and displaying check engine lights. Clutch pedal retainers fell off from the factory. Shift linkage broke under normal driving, leaving cars stuck in gear or neutral. Transmission fluid leaks from improperly connected cooler lines caused some owners to need full transmission replacement at $2,100.
Same Chevrolet Cobalt powertrain reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shift cable/clip failure
Transmission shift cable does not stay properly engaged or slips within the clip mechanism, causing the shift lever position to not match actual transmission gear position. Can result in vehicle rolling when in Park or inability to properly select gears.
When: Variable mileage; one case cited 62,000 miles; another at 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stuck in Park or unable to select Park; Vehicle rolls when shifter is in Park position; Inability to change gears into Reverse; Shift lever and transmission gear position mismatch
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission cable replacement cost $210.24 in one case. Dealer replaced transmission cable clip mechanism. In another case, transmission replacement recommended due to cooler line disconnection from prior unauthorized repair; GM ultimately agreed to cover repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 09V073000 exists for this model year addressing transmission shift cable issues. One owner reported GM refused coverage citing a 2012 dealer inspection closure on the recalled part, despite the part being defective.
Ignition key stuck or unable to turn
Ignition key cannot be removed after being inserted, or key cannot be turned to start vehicle. Often coincides with transmission shift lever being stuck or unable to move. Locksmith assessment in one case pointed to powertrain column shift mechanism rather than ignition lock itself.
When: One case at 85,546 miles; another at 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn in ignition to start vehicle; Key stuck in ignition and cannot be removed; Vehicle will not start when key is inserted; Steering column will not respond to key turn
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs cited. One owner stated neither of their keys would work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 09V073000 (Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Lever and Linkage: Column Shift) cited in complaints. Manufacturer stated in one case that the vehicle was not included in the recall, leaving owner responsible for repair costs.
Reduced engine power and check engine light
Engine enters reduced power mode with dashboard warning message. Problem recurs repeatedly despite multiple repair attempts and part replacements at different dealerships, suggesting systemic issue rather than single component failure.
When: Occurred multiple times within 3-4 day period
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates; Reduced Engine Power message on dashboard; Throttle response loss; Problem recurs after repair
Repairs/costs cited: First dealership replaced throttle control body (which was determined defective). Second dealership replaced crankshaft position sensor. Problem recurred day after each repair. Owner notes this is reported as common problem on Cobalts.
Transmission hesitation and inability to engage Reverse
Vehicle hesitates during gear changes and is unable to shift into Reverse. Accompanied by intermittent stalling. Vehicle not included in NHTSA recalls despite experiencing failure patterns described in multiple recall campaigns.
When: Approximately 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates intermittently at any speed; Unable to change gears into Reverse; Vehicle stalls intermittently on multiple occasions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed unknown repairs. Scheduled for further diagnosis and possible additional repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner not included in NHTSA Campaign IDs 14V047000 (Electrical), 14V171000 (Electrical), or 09V073000 (Power Train) despite experiencing failure patterns described in all three recalls.
Transmission cooler line disconnection and fluid leak
Transmission cooler line that connects to radiator becomes disconnected or improperly connected, causing transmission fluid leak and requiring transmission replacement.
When: At 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates to accelerate; Unable to move backward in Reverse; Transmission fluid leakage
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer determined cooler line was not properly connected due to previous unauthorized repair facility work. Transmission replacement needed. GM eventually agreed to cover repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer agreed to fix vehicle (updated 03/14/11)
Clutch pedal retainer failure
Clutch pedal falls off or becomes inoperative due to retainers not being secured at the factory or becoming loose. Multiple retainers found missing from clutch master cylinder during service.
When: Clutch pedal fell off at 2 days after purchase (June 10, 2009); additional retainers found missing at 8,848 miles (September 23, 2009)
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal falls off; Clutch pedal becomes inoperative; Missing retainers on clutch master cylinder
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle left factory in unsafe condition. Owner tightened locking nut temporarily but dealership found additional missing retainers.
Unintended gear shift and rollaway from Park
Vehicle can be shifted out of Park without key in ignition or by unintended interaction with shift lever, allowing vehicle to roll. Reflects the underlying shift cable/clip engagement issue affecting multiple vehicles.
When: At 62,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifted from Park into Reverse by accidental shifter strike; Vehicle rolled backward from driveway without key in ignition; Vehicle collided with another vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised they would contact owner to resolve but no follow-up documented in complaint
Sudden vehicle deceleration and loss of brake response
Vehicle suddenly decelerates on highway without driver input, accelerator does not respond to depression, and brakes become unresponsive. Steering wheel also locked abnormally during incident.
When: At approximately 46,995 miles (failure occurred within first 5 miles of that mileage)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle decelerates independently while traveling at 60 MPH; Accelerator unresponsive; Brakes unresponsive; Steering wheel locked abnormally
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not inspected or repaired
Stalling and electrical warning lights after ignition switch recall repair
Vehicle continues to stall and display warning indicators even after dealer performs NHTSA recall repair for ignition switch. Indicates recall repair did not address underlying powertrain issue.
When: At approximately 50,000 miles (after recall repair)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks and stalls while driving at 20 MPH; Check Engine light illuminates; Service Traction indicator illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced ignition switch and provided new keys per NHTSA Campaign 14V171000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V171000 (Electrical System) repair completed but failure persisted; manufacturer notified
Gear shifter seizure with overheating
Gear shifter suddenly seizes during attempted driving. Also accompanied by random air bag and check engine warning light illumination and overheating condition.
When: At approximately 77,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter seizes without warning; Air bag warning light illuminates randomly; Check Engine light illuminates randomly; Vehicle begins to overheat randomly
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer and repaired; specific repairs not detailed
Power steering failure during turns
Power steering loss occurs during sharp turns, requiring driver to apply throttle and drive straight before steering becomes responsive again. Diagnostic equipment shows no fault codes.
When: 2007 model (outside stated vehicle year range but from Cobalt family)
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assistance loss during sharp turns; Steering wheel will not turn without applying gas; Intermittent restoration of steering after driving straight
Repairs/costs cited: Computer diagnostics show no fault
Accelerator unresponsiveness and unintended acceleration after recall repair
Following recall repair, accelerator becomes unresponsive then suddenly provides excessive acceleration. Vehicle accelerated quickly and collided with parked car. Owner skeptical recall was properly fixed.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator unresponsive when depressed; Sudden excessive acceleration; Engine revved extremely high; Vehicle accelerated quickly causing collision
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle involved in collision with parked car
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall repair performed (campaign ID not specified); owner questions whether fix was proper
Transmission acceleration malfunction in Reverse
While in Reverse, vehicle accelerates forward on its own independent of driver input. Also exhibits slow response to accelerator at other speeds.
When: At approximately 64,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator depression produces very slow vehicle movement; While in Reverse, vehicle accelerates forward independently; Abnormal transmission behavior across multiple gears
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Clutch failure with sudden RPM increase
Sudden increase in engine RPM while driving, with dealer diagnosis indicating clutch replacement needed. Represents powertrain drivetrain component failure.
When: At approximately 74,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden increase in engine RPM while driving at 65 MPH
Repairs/costs cited: Technician diagnosed clutch replacement needed; repair not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but repair not performed
Shift linkage breakage
Shift linkage breaks during aggressive gear shifting, leaving vehicle stuck in a gear or in neutral with no acceleration. Plastic components and clips on drivetrain parts prone to breaking and are replaced with similar plastic materials rather than upgraded to metal.
When: Occurred after aggressive shifting for traffic acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Shift linkage breaks; Vehicle stuck in gear; Vehicle stuck in Neutral; No acceleration available; Traffic hazard created
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced under warranty with similar plastic parts and clips; owner notes parts should be metal on drivetrain components
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage provided but replacement parts identical to failed ones
Intermittent jerking
Vehicle jerks intermittently during operation. Dealer unable to replicate or diagnose the failure despite service attempt.
When: At approximately 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate or diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure
Transmission failure requiring replacement
Transmission requires complete replacement.
When: Low mileage (specific mileage not provided)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement cost $2,100
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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…
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…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
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?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 32,000 and 74,000 miles, with the median around 62,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,000; a quarter make it past 74,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Chevrolet/Cobalt.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.