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2009 Cobalt Long Term Reliability


tomj76
04-09-2018, 01:02 PM
I've owned this Cobalt (LS, 5-speed M/T) since 2012 (98,000 mi) or so. It has 180,000 mi presently. I generally like the car.

I've replace the following non-maintenance parts:

-intake variable valve timing solenoid (VVT)
-Catalytic converter (probably due to VVT failure)
-hand brake lever
-turn signal lever
-passenger seat occupancy sensor
-front door audio speakers
-ambient light sensor

***issues, not replaced
-chrome on interior door handles is peeling.
-Radio buttons have been "scratched" to disrupt the illuminated image
-Driver's floor mat has worn through (OEM new at 100,000 mi)
-heater blend door actuator (major disassembly of the dash to replace)

The normal maintenance parts that have been replaced are:
-tires
-battery
-head lamps
-wiper blades
-serpentine belt

Currently needs suspension work (knocking, possibly bushings) brakes.

Edited to add:
-I have replaced the lower control arm bushings (rear bushing set on front wheels), as both driver and passenger side bushings were "cut". However, the knock still persists. The knock stops when I remove the passenger side stabilizer link, but all links feel tight and the stabilizer bar bushings don't seem worn. I'll post more info when I isolate the cause, but I hate to throw random parts at this.

Good car, but my 1982 Honda Accord did better for most issues except corrosion (I had to junk the car after 8 years & 183,000 mi due to total conversion of the body to rust, but the engine still worked perfectly)

la1
06-13-2018, 03:45 PM
you didn't mention a timing belt, when do they need changing

tomj76
06-14-2018, 12:04 PM
My engine has a timing chain, no belt to change :D!

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