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2007 Chevrolet Cobalt

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,276 reports with mileage · 288 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 689 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 283 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 281 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

116 crash reports16 fire reports72 injury reports

What owners actually said

1,564 reports
125,000 miles · Apr 13, 2022
Steering

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125…

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The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #11460666

Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2022
Air BagsPower TrainSteering

I purchased a 2007 Chevy cobalt and was told by an independent shop that their computer was reading codes for the ignition switch and the air bag lights are on. On top of it the power steering feels like it goes in and out. I know there’s recalls on the 2007 Chevy cobalts for the exact reasoning. Faulty ignition switch and the a…

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I purchased a 2007 Chevy cobalt and was told by an independent shop that their computer was reading codes for the ignition switch and the air bag lights are on. On top of it the power steering feels like it goes in and out. I know there’s recalls on the 2007 Chevy cobalts for the exact reasoning. Faulty ignition switch and the airbags not deploying because of it. Along with like 4 other recalls GM announced. I just purchased the car not even two weeks ago so I was told to come on here and file a complaint to see if I can get the recall letter so the dealership can fix the car.

NHTSA ODI #11459346

Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2022
Steering

I do believe or at least was told that the noise sounds like the steering motor is going out. When I was trying to look for part stores that have one, the first thing that came up was a couple of images, but then the next thing was GM recalls on my year and make and the part I was looking up. I can't find it by entering my VIN…

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I do believe or at least was told that the noise sounds like the steering motor is going out. When I was trying to look for part stores that have one, the first thing that came up was a couple of images, but then the next thing was GM recalls on my year and make and the part I was looking up. I can't find it by entering my VIN# on GM website. I was told that my Chevy Cobalt was knowing to have issues with the steering.

NHTSA ODI #11457399

187,000 miles · Mar 14, 2022
Fuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present inside and outside the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that fuel was leaking from the top of the fuel tank leaving puddles of fuel on the ground. The cause of the failure was not determined. The…

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The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present inside and outside the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that fuel was leaking from the top of the fuel tank leaving puddles of fuel on the ground. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V419000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 187,000.

NHTSA ODI #11456656

107,000 miles · Jan 24, 2022
Air BagsElectrical System

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact’s mother stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall without warning. The contact stated no warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the ignition switch replaced. The vehicle was not r…

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The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact’s mother stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall without warning. The contact stated no warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the ignition switch replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ODI #11448653

Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

Around Dec. 22, 2021, I started smelling gas outside and inside of my car (particularly the right back seat near the gas tank). I took it to a local mechanic and he urged me to take it to the dealership for service and to not drive the car a lot because it could be dangerous. He said it was the gas tank pump and that there was a…

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Around Dec. 22, 2021, I started smelling gas outside and inside of my car (particularly the right back seat near the gas tank). I took it to a local mechanic and he urged me to take it to the dealership for service and to not drive the car a lot because it could be dangerous. He said it was the gas tank pump and that there was a recall that I should look into. I took my car to a local dealership for service and upon inspection, they removed and replaced the fuel pump and plastic lines - they confirmed there was an issue with the gas pumps.

NHTSA ODI #11445668

Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2021
Steering

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while reversing, there was an abnormal sound and a message was displayed "Power Steering" as the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was turned off and restarted to resume normal operation. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mecha…

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The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while reversing, there was an abnormal sound and a message was displayed "Power Steering" as the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was turned off and restarted to resume normal operation. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11443907

Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

Strong smell of gas when driving, also strong smell of gas around car in general. Underneath the car you can see gas pouring from fuel tank, looks like it’s coming from top of gas tank. Whenever I park in a parking space, in my driveway or park for any period of time I always leave a puddle of gas. I just started my car and look…

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Strong smell of gas when driving, also strong smell of gas around car in general. Underneath the car you can see gas pouring from fuel tank, looks like it’s coming from top of gas tank. Whenever I park in a parking space, in my driveway or park for any period of time I always leave a puddle of gas. I just started my car and looked underneath at gas tank, there is a steady stream of fuel coming from somewhere on gas tank.

NHTSA ODI #11443649

Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2021
Steering

The contact's father owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while her father was driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with power steering failure related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steeri…

Read full complaint

The contact's father owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while her father was driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with power steering failure related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The mechanic informed the contact that the power steering motor needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI #11441267

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2021
Electrical System

Problems with ignition had a recall on ignition got it replaced still is messing up had to buy another car cause it won't start. It cut off while going down the road

NHTSA ODI #11434575

Official recalls

5

14V171000 · Electrical System:ignition

Apr 10, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch

Feb 10, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Electrical System:ignition:switch

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

12V459000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Sep 19, 2012

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Texas. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 21, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles in for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

10V073000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Mar 3, 2010

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

09V419000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Oct 29, 2009

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, NEVADA AND TEXAS. THE PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN PORT ON THE MODULAR RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. IF EITHER OF THESE PORTS DEVELOPS A CRACK, FUEL WILL LEAK FROM THE AREA. IF THE CRACK BECOMES LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY BE OBSERVED DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL COVERAGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME FOR MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE AND TEXAS AND MODEL YEAR 2007 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN: ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE10005 · Electric Power Steering Failure

Opened Jan 27, 2010 · Closed Jul 19, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System

In a March 1, 2010 letter, General Motors Corporation (GM) provided a defect information report to NHTSA regarding a problem that could result in sudden loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and MY 2007 through 2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS).The letter indicates that the loss of steering assist could occur at any time while driving and that, once assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and a chime sounds to inform the driver.The letter further states that steering control is maintained in manual mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds.In the next ignition cycle, power assist is typically regained and the DIC message is no longer displayed.GM's letter identifies the root cause of the EPS failure as the EPS motor and indicates that production of a new motor started in December 2009.GM's recall repair procedure instructs dealers to replace the EPS motor in all recalled vehicles. ODI's analysis of all information available related to sudden loss of EPS assist while driving in the MY 2005 through 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles shows current complaint and warranty rates of 323/100,000 vehicles and 0.4% respectively.In response to ODI's request for information, GM identified 81 complaints where a crash was claimed that may be related to loss of EPS assist.ODI's analysis of all crash claims was based on verifiable factors such as; whether a loss of EPS was indicated at the time of the crash by a chime or malfunction indicator lamp or if a EPS related component malfunction was identified after the crash occurred.With this method ODI identified 36 possible crashes related to EPS failure.GM assessed crash claims based on the available facts and excluded crash claims that indicated that the vehicle was travelling at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater.GM said that it believes if power assist is lost while a vehicle is moving at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater there is a small difference in steering efforts perceived in subjective evaluations at those speeds and it is unlikely to lead to loss of vehicle control. Based on GM's safety recall, this investigation is closed.