'09 W/ Bad Fuel Leak - Not Covered Under Recall

Asked by senyah123 Jan 15, 2014 at 06:31 PM about the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I recently noticed a very strong gas smell when getting out of my car after it being on.
Yesterday, I was cleaning the car while it was running and noticed the smell again and
I large puddle with gas dripping at a pretty fast pace!

After some research online I found out about the recall for gas leaks that included the
2009's. But the dealership checked my VIN and said mine was not covered...

So, before taking it to the shop I wanted to post a picture of the leaking area to check if
others have hasd the same issue. Ideally I can fix it on my own for very little.

**The leak is under the car, driver side, images attached.

Any idea what I'm looking at or what the issue is?


Thanks!

68 Answers

18,005

Check this link: http://www.cartruckinfo.com/chevy-cobalt-saturn-ion-gas-leak.html

38 people found this helpful.
110

Look at the line at the highest point where u see moisture. That's where the leak is. Cut and repair. Usually leak is from rubbing a part of the car

11 people found this helpful.
50,715

If the dealer told you it is not covered under warranty he may be correct. He'd get the money if he fixed it either from GM or you. My experience, maybe it is a really honest dealership, if it is covered, they'll do it and get the money from GM. All they want is for the mech. to get his pay check. You said it is an easy fix and you can do it. Dealing with gas and the exhaust system and cat under the car, I'd not dilly dally around. I am not sure if this is the case, but some of the older cars in the 60s and 70s had the gas line inside the frame. To replace it it wither had to be a body off the frame fix, or re-route it outside the frame. Good luck.

14 people found this helpful.
180

This is exactly the same issue i ran into today, same spot as well, not sure how you faired out but im going to see if i can get some 3/8 hose and a couple clamps and patch it.

18 people found this helpful.
50,715

Make sure the hose is strong enough to carry gasoline and the pressure. The hose should not be resting on any areas that would wear a hole in the hose. Check and see if there is a copper line that can be used and good fasteners. You may have a hot car, but we don't need one at 1200 degrees.

12 people found this helpful.
490

That picture looks as if you took it right from my car. I started to smell gas a few days ago and look under the car. Exact same spot. Same leak. How much was the cost to fix it? Or did the dealership end up covering it?

49 people found this helpful.
100

Se with mine; 2007 ion3, leaking right at the clip

10 people found this helpful.
50,715

Dave, you may consider two replacement items. A gas line hose, and new clips to attach them. Clips over time lose their ability to hold as they were designed to do when new. Gas leaks I'd say are the major cause of car fires, no matter where they happen. The cat gets extremely hot and any gas making contact with it could catch fire.

8 people found this helpful.
160

I have 07 Cobalt, it had been sitting for a while and when I was finally able to move it I noticed the gas smell and when I had parked it I had 3/4 of a tank now it's sitting on E I noticed it's leaking the same place as yours. I guess I have to fix it my self since it's not in the recall group, I think it should be as many people that are having the same problem, I would consider it to be a recall. I wonder how many accidents where the car caught on fire had this same problem.

13 people found this helpful.
390

Same with my 2009 Cobalt. In other states it is covered under the recall, but not my VIN for some reason. Did you end up getting it repaired? How did it go?

25 people found this helpful.
190

Hey I have the same problem but it's my 08 cobalt ls and it's underneath bit on the passenger side u think it could be the fuel line an is that expensive to repair n replace

19 people found this helpful.
390

Mine ended up being a rusted fuel line. Being from New England, it rusted right near the driver's side rear tire where the fuel line starts to curve upward. To replace that and the vapor line was about $260 in parts, plus labor.

14 people found this helpful.
100

I have and 08' Cobalt leaking from the tank area. It started first with an increasingly stronger odor of gasoline. As far as I know it is not covered under recall.

10 people found this helpful.
190

I am having the same problem with my 2009 Chevy Cobalt. It is not covered by a recall but according to the NHTSA website issues with cars that involve gas leakage are not safe and could be grounds for a recall. I would recommend reporting the problem on the NHTSA website so that if this is a serious issue that is grounds for a recall we can get it reported and taken care of.

19 people found this helpful.
40

My mother is having the same problems with her 09 Chevy Malibu....Dealership said it is not covered under recall....I will try talking to the NHTSA

4 people found this helpful.
200

I have same problem with 2008 Chevy cobalt. It is Not a recall item but has special coverage which covers the repair for free. Takes a service advisor who knows what they are doing to look it up right.

20 people found this helpful.
40

My 2008 cobalt's fuel lines are leaking. How do you find out if there is a recall. The shop wants almost 700.00 to fix it. Sure seems expensive to me.

4 people found this helpful.
50,715

Chillsbear: for a garage to quote that, must mean they intend to replace ALL you fuel lines and offer a guarantee. The price is about correct as labor is the largest factor. If it is just one line, you can hope by replacing that one, it will fix it. If one is leaking, others on an 8 year old car may not be far behind, or they never will leak. It is always a gamble. I'm personally cheap and always go the fix what is broken only. they may not offer a guarantee, but if money is the issue, go for it. If they can prove to you beyond any doubt all of them may need replacing, get two or three other shop opinions. Actually if you go to a dealer, it is normally always the highest cost. If you have a good independent auto repair garage around and they speak Cobalt, ask them to check it out. Gas leaks are not good, and you may meet some nice guys in a big red or yellow shiny truck with water hoses on them. Is the connection leaking? Or is the cable cracked. Sometimes a white tape wrap around the fitting will reseal the connection. Don't always go to the first garage unless you really trust them.

11 people found this helpful.
80

I have a 2006 chevy cobalt and I started off smelling Gas and now it's a leak, I called the dealer ship and they said it's not a recall on it but it is a special code for it like 3 of them and for me to bring it in and they take a look at it and if it's one of the code then GM will cover it... I don't understand why they just don't tell you

8 people found this helpful.
50,715

Creamy1. The codes may refer to a recall that the factory will cover the cost of repairs. If it is somewhere else, you have to pay for the repairs. It should be a quick fix. You don't have to have the dealer do it, if you have a garage that will look and fix it for less, think of using that one. Do not let the gas leak go on, as it is very flammable, and you may wind up with a really hot car. I'd see if it is under warranty or recall protection first. If you have luck like me, it isn't.

8 people found this helpful.
70

Just went to move my 2005 cobalt and when I turned on the car it chugged a bit before it started and instantly had a strong gas smell so I drove it over to another parking spot and got out and looked under the car on the drivers side infont of back wheel and there was a gas puddle about 8" in diameter and gas was still leaking..when I parked the car lastnight everything was fine so I'm not sure what happened overnight

7 people found this helpful.
50,715

DamaMB, Gasoline will evaporate overnight. You may have a leaking connection or gas line, or the gas tank has strong a leak. Gas is dripping near the exhaust and tat can spell disaster. Have it looked at immediately and prepared. It may be somethings simple like a fuel filter leaking. Make sure any repairman showed you where the leak is coming from before paying for a completer fuel line replacement. Remember, liquid will flow to the lowest point before dripping so the leak may be further away from where it drips on the ground.

8 people found this helpful.
30

I have the same problem on my 05 cobalt coupe LS. It's leaking right in front of the rear driver side wheel. I put the car up on a lift and found that it's leaking somewhere where the line is wrapped in heat tape when it crosses over the exhaust... I was going to just hack out the bad section and replace with rubber fuel line but both of the lines are extremely rusted the rest of the way to the fuel filter so I'll have to do the filter as well. A full fuel line kit (feed and breather) is $140 from rockauto.com, might just fix it myself

3 people found this helpful.
50,715

Unless you like hot cars (on fire), don't mess with cheep fixes. I got fuel lines for my Corvette when changing out the fuel system from Carb to EFI. The good fuel line cost me %5.50 a foot. Make sure it is protected from exhaust lines, bends and sharp metal areas. Doing it yourself is good, just be careful and make sure the car is cold, disconnect the battery to prevent electrical sparks, and use ventilation to remove fuel vapors. Get good connectors also. Have fun.

4 people found this helpful.
20

Same problem with our '09 Cobalt however, after picking up a used line, same car, same year, we discovered ours doesn't have a filter so the line we just bought will not fit.

2 people found this helpful.
230

its a bad fuel pump design they leak at the pressure fittings on top of pump I know I have repaired over 100 of these its time for chevy to step up to the plate for there coustomers

23 people found this helpful.
120

They now have a special bulletin #12191 for this issue. Chevy will pay for it if the fuel module is cracked. I would call Chevy.

12 people found this helpful.
50,715

TWINTECHSOUTH, I'd suggest changing the entire pump assembly. Gas leaks not only decrease gas milage, but can cause fires. Parking in a garage, which is a closed space will have gas fumes fill the garage. All it may take is for a water heater, furnace or dryer to start and ignite the fumes, then you have big red or yellow shiny trucks outside your house spraying water on your car and house. Be safe, spend the few bucks, it far less than the deductible on your home owner's insurance policy.

4 people found this helpful.
140

Thanks, I'm smelling gas now,, but I don't see any leaks besides the tank strap is wet,, the lines are all dry,, I'm assuming the pump assembly is leaking,,where I can't see, thanks again

1 people found this helpful.
50,715

TWINTECHSOUTH , In that case, check the tank itself, the bands may of worn through the tank and there is a pin hole leak in it. Is it wear around the connection? It may be a gasket. Gas is very corrosive and gaskets may let go. This may involve the removal or losing of the straps to check for tank leaks. Best bet is to place a box fan against the front of vehicle to blow the fumes away from you as you go under to investigate. Not a bad idea to keep an extinguisher handy also. Good luck.

3 people found this helpful.
140

I'll be dropping it tomorrow, to check the top of the pump assembly, and the tank,,I was assuming the pump assembly , because it hesitates to start sometimes, until I turn the key for a second, before starting,,

3 people found this helpful.
50,715

That may indicate air in the fuel system so the leak may be a connection at the pump connectors, or the line at the connection. When you can, with a tissue, swipe the top of the pump to check for moistness, then the entire pump assembly itself. Last the gas line connections. the t may single out where the leak is. If you're really frustrated, place a lit match on it. the flames will find the leak. (Not recommended)

3 people found this helpful.
140

Thanks, I just drove around the block to see if i can see any leaks, and , for sure it's coming from the top of the tank, slight drip towards the right of the tank/strap...so I think it's the top of the pump assembly,, hopefully the seal, but after researching, it could be that stupid return line (crack), which my car is not on the recall list.....thanks again,,

1 people found this helpful.
140

I feel like it, dang car bout paid for ,, now want to give me problems, been a good car so far,, so I may wait,, on the lit match thing............for now

2 people found this helpful.

i have a 2007 chevy cobalt LT coupe & i'm having the same problem. My car was lifted up yesterday and it seems that the gas tank itself is leaking. What does this mean? The mechanic who showed me the leak didn't mention anything about the lines leaking. Would this be covered under a recall then?

50,715

mariaeircka_x You need to check with GM to see if the leaking fuel tank is under a recall. Depending where you live, (snow/ice /salt country) it may of happened due to driving conditions, which will not be covered in most cases. If the tank itself shows a leak, make sure the connection lines are checks also. Does the hole in the tank appear to of occurred due to a tank fastener or other devices around the tank itself?

1 people found this helpful.
140

Just a follow up, but I changed the whole pump assembly, they said I needed a E3782m, but I ordered a E3726m,,by accident, not sure the difference, but it fits fine, plugs fine, locking ring fine,,...the issue was the feed line was loose , and caused the gas to seep out at the top,,and run down the line to the back of the tank.....since these are two different numbers ,(not sure y), Ill post any changes, if they present itself, thanks,, p.s...dont pay anyone to do it,, I'm pretty mechanically inclined, but a good hour should do it....jack stands and a floor jack, strap bolts are (12mm). and a few cuss words, and your done...

2 people found this helpful.

Same thing happen too my 2009 cobalt yesterday, after starting it up I noticed a puddle of gas back by the rear driver's side tire.Took a quick look and saw that the under carriage was all wet by the fuel line bracket. Need too get it up and an correct the problem or call our local dealer on any recall.

140

Mine wasn't covered for some reason , but if u can get it done for free,,,yes,,,,but again its not too bad of a job,,if u order online, they have two different part numbers ,again no real difference in pump assembly,,,,mine is doing fine since I change it no changes, same gas mileage,,

3 people found this helpful.
10

My captiva 09 has been recalled today for fuel hose pipe connection fault. Chevy have offered this as a free repair but I am disappointed they haven't offered a free service as way of an apology for inconvenience.

1 people found this helpful.

My 2008 Pontiac G5 just started leaking gas behind the drivers door. The problem was caused by a rotting heat shield rubbing on the lines, So it and both lines need to be replaced. This coming home from vacation. :-(

130

IF YOU HAVE A FUEL LEAK SUCH AS THE ONES ABOVE PLEASE JOIN ME IN A COMPLAINT TO THE NHTSA.GOV MY COMPLAINT # IS OD 11131929 PEASE READ ON THEIR WEBSITE SEEKING A RECALL THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS COMPLAINT

13 people found this helpful.
60

My 2009 Pontiac G5 (apparently this model is equivalent to the Chevy Colbolt) fuel line is also leaking in the same location (underneath,behind drivers door & in front of the rear tire) With this many complaints you would have thought there would be a recall, as gas leaks are never a good thing! I am not even able to find the GM replacement parts.

4 people found this helpful.
50

I went and bought the whole fuel pump assembly, and replaced that,,I haven't had any issues since, ...mine was similar to yours, but from the right side of the tank,,...if u drop the tank you will see exactly where the leak is,,,,but to save troubleshooting the lines just change the whole assembly,. ..trust me ,,alot cheaper than the the dealer,,my pump was only ,$58 and a hour of my day,,,... The lines on top of the tank tends to leak in time for some reason,,, since they are pretty much pressed against the frame,, .. I have a 09 G5 also,,

4 people found this helpful.
30

My 2008 Cobalt rusted out the fuel pressure line. That was the only rust under the car. Dealership wanted $828.20 to replace lines, plus $106.00 to replace fuel filter. I refuse the work. fixed myself foe less than $100.00

3 people found this helpful.
90

I have a 2006 Chevy Cobalt with the same fuel line leak behind driver's side door. This develped overnight. I decided not to waste time driving a potential fire bomb as gas was dripping quickly. I will report this to our lazy government. Why must someone be killed, hurt or maimed (if this hasn't already happened) before action is taken? :(

4 people found this helpful.
90

Oh, I meant to add the fuel line cost me $360.00 for parts & labor at a local trusted mechanic shop. I will definitely report to NHTSA.

5 people found this helpful.
70

Dealer ships are dodging this issure I would like to see the recall list everyone I have spoken with got same response from them

7 people found this helpful.
70

yea i just had all lines replaced due to rusting through at the dealer $694.00

1 people found this helpful.
60

I too had to replace the lines due to the rust- about $925 through the dealer!

2 people found this helpful.
20

I just started having this issue. I noticed a gas smell and friend noticed my lines were dripping under the left rear tire. Is this part recalled? And if not where is the leak coming from so i can fix it myself

2 people found this helpful.
70

call the dealer with your vin # and they can lookit up.it was recalled in 5 states.it is a bunch of bullshit.mine wasnt covered.it is comming from the main fuel line comming out of the tank.it rusts out up behind the left rear wheel where the exhaust pipe curves over.thats nice isnt it near exhaust pipe.it is the main line that comes out of the tank to the engine.i filed a complaint with the NTSB on line.it cost me $700.00 to have it replaced at dealer.every one withthis problem should file a complaint with the NTSB.YOU TYPE IN FILE COMPLAINT WITH NTSB AND GO FROM THERE IT IS CLOSE TO THE EXHUST SYSTEM IT SHOULD BE A RECALL.

6 people found this helpful.
50

You could go through the Bs ,the dealers will say, or just buy a new fuel pump assembly,,,and change it yourself,, maybe an hour of your time,,,,,,I'm saying all this, if it's fuel line coming from the top of the fuel pump as was mine,,,,if it's the aluminum lines then , yes I would take a different approach in fixing it,, I'm more of a fix right now guy, so waiting for the stealership to fix it ,is not a option,,,,,so my question is, is it leaking from the aluminum lines or from the top of the tank?? Here to help

1 people found this helpful.
10

This problem with the leaking gas from fuel lines has happened to so many people, it is amazing this is not a recall. I will report my fuel leak and hopefully somebody will realize this is an emergency!!!!

1 people found this helpful.
30

I have owned a 2006 and now a 2010 cobalt and both have had this issue. I guess it is a pretty common thing that Chevy just likes to incorporate into all cobalts. Otherwise great little cars!

3 people found this helpful.
20

I had the exact same issue in the same spot. I found that the leak developed underneath a foil covered fiberglass shield. I believe this is a design flaw because the sheath traps moisture and salt which significantly concentrated line corrosion to that spot. This location was right next to the exhaust pipe so danger level was extreme, especially considering the sheath was soaked with a lot of gas. The rest of the line was in good shape. I repaired both the fuel and vapor lines myself with 3/8 inch tubing, a pipe bender, and compression fittings. Total cost was 30 bucks but it was difficult due to poor access to the area. I think this problem should have been recalled.

2 people found this helpful.
10

My neighbor fixed my leak for $40 bucks. Dealer wanted $800. Oh and by the way my power steering locked up on me last week !!! This car is a piece of junk!!!!!

10

 Yesterday after completing my 1 hr drive to work, I experienced the same exact issue in the same spot on my 2009 Chevy Cobalt LS XFE Coupe. I also found that the leak developed underneath a foil covered fiberglass shield. I believe this is a design flaw because the sheath traps moisture and salt which significantly concentrated line corrosion to that spot. This location was right next to the exhaust pipe so danger level was extreme, especially considering the sheath was soaked with a lot of gas. The rest of the line was in good shape. I am still considering repairing both the fuel and vapor lines myself with 3/8 inch tubing, a pipe bender, and compression fittings. I know this will be a difficult repair due to poor work access to this area. I think this problem should have been recalled.

1 people found this helpful.
10

Chevy recall? Shit look at the ignition key and tumbler problem that went on for 10 years! And chevy/General Mistake wanted to blame the consumer that bought their Peices Of SHIT! When it was their SHITTY IGNITION TUMBLERS THEY USED! What a joke! I learned about 20 years ago when i owned General Mistakes! They are junk! Never own thise crap cars ever again! HELL FORD AND CHRYSLER AT LEAST RECALLS THEIR MUCK-UPS!

1 people found this helpful.
40

I have the exact same issue with my 2010 Chevy Cobalt fuel leaking near rear drivers side tire. I wrote a complaint to the NHTSA.

4 people found this helpful.
20

Have the same problem with my 2010 Cobalt. Two fuel leaks. Will cost me $ 800.00 to get it fixed by the dealer. This is the only problem I've had with this car. Otherwise no complaints.

2 people found this helpful.
10

I replaced it myself. Do I HAVE to have the insulation back on it, leak was near exhaust under rear driver tire. 06 chevy cobalt

1 people found this helpful.

BR 2010 Cobalt LT Same spot drivers side,this should be covered. Obvious safety issue. I will be cutting the bad section out my self and repairing it with steel line and proper fittings. Rubber hose and screw type clamps are not the best to use on a high pressure line. Compression fittings may work,however if I'm replacing it myself,and I have the tools then I'm going to do it so I only do it once. definitely in a terrible spot. Zero fun

I took my car in because of some noises that had developed. I went to the Chevrolet dealership in my town. They are super reputable, so maybe I got a different response then some dealership's would give. I was told I had some kind of fuel leakage (but I'm not sure if she said pump or tank). Anyway, my 2007 Cobalt is under some kind of special policy, so I get mine fixed for free.

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