YearToAvoid

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS has a complaint index of 100, the worst of the 3 model years with data, ranking 1st out of 3. Brakes drive 86% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 11,000 miles. No recalls are on file for this year.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 3 Cobalt SS years
Verdict
No verdict
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
190
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
0
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
8
reported in complaints
Fires
2
Injuries
3
Top issue
Brakes
Best nearby year
—
no alternative with data

Top 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes164 (86%)
  2. Airbags8 (4%)
  3. Electrical System7 (4%)
  4. Fuel System7 (4%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (4%)
  6. Engine5 (3%)
  7. Steering4 (2%)
  8. Transmission & Powertrain3 (2%)
  9. Other2 (1%)
  10. Seat Belts2 (1%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Rear brakes reportedly lock up repeatedly, with owners describing multiple brake replacements within months that failed to fix the issue.
  • Owners report rear rotors developing deep grooves and scoring, producing loud grinding or screeching noises when stopping.
  • Some drivers say rear brake lockup caused them to lose control on wet or snowy roads, leading to crashes.
  • Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in crashes, including a rear-end collision at 50 mph and a rollover after a loss of vehicle control.
  • One owner described automatic door locks engaging and disengaging on their own while driving, which they said affected control of the steering column.
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS complaints: complaints filed per quarter362009 Q12010 Q22011 Q32012 Q42014 Q42016 Q42018 Q3
190 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2009 Q1 to 2019 Q1; peak 2009 Q3 (36).

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2009 compared with other Cobalt SS years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200820092010
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2008No verdict50950—
2009No verdict1001900—
2010No verdict09025

All Chevrolet Cobalt SS years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS reliable?
Compared to the 2008 and 2010 Cobalt, the 2009 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst of the 3 years with data. Brakes account for 86% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 11,000 miles.
What is the main problem with the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS?
Brakes are the top problem area, making up 164 of 190 total complaints (86%). Owners report rear brake lockup, premature wear, and grooved rotors, often before 11,000 miles.
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Cobalt SS in this data.
How does the 2009 Cobalt SS compare to other years?
The 2009 has a complaint index of 100, compared to 50 for 2008 and 0 for 2010, making 2009 the highest-complaint year among the three with data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.