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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2007 Cobalt inherited most of the problems from the 2005 and 2006 model years, but toned them down (a bit). Sure, the power steering still fails and the car has a chance of going up in flames due to a cracked fuel tank, but it’s not as prevalent as the older models. At least not yet.

In 2012, the Cobalt was recalled for gas tank fires but only for owners in certain states.

Then in 2014, the 2007 Cobalt was part of a massive GM recall due to a defective ignition switch that could cause the airbags to not deploy during an accident. The problem led to 13 deaths, government investigations and multiple class-action lawsuits.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
57 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
51 / 3
Average Mileage:
67,646 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems

steering problem

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2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner Comments (Page 33 of 33)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #16

Feb 022009

Cobalt

  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving approximately 35 mph on normal road conditions, the power steering failed. The driver experienced extreme difficulty steering the vehicle, which resulted in higher effort to turn the steering wheel. The power steering warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and it remained lit until the engine was turned off. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the engine. When the vehicle was restarted, it resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing and they stated that the power steering module failed. The vehicle was repaired and the steering column was replaced. The failure mileage was 50,000 and current mileage was 50,516.

- Berry, KY, USA

problem #15

Jan 082009

Cobalt

  • 6,700 miles
My power steering keeps popping up and making the car hard to steer I turn the car off then back on it resets for a total of 1 min then it does the same thing again.

- Mooresville, NC, USA

problem #14

Jan 122009

Cobalt

  • 17,728 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving 45 mph, the contact slowed down to make a left turn, but was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle remained moving forward. The contact maneuvered the vehicle to the side of the road and the steering began working normally again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, but they could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer spoke with the dealer and stated that no compensation would be provided because the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer if the failure were to occur again. The failure mileage was 17,728 and current mileage was 18,100.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #13

Feb 012008

Cobalt

  • 5,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving 10 mph, the contact noticed that the vehicle veered to the right. The failure occurs while driving at any speed. She must hold the steering wheel steady with both hands to prevent from driving into the next lane. She took the vehicle to the dealer numerous times and they checked the alignment, but were unable to determine the cause of the failure. She retrieved a partial carfax history report and it stated that the vehicle had nine reports. Because she did not purchase the full report, she is unaware of the failures listed in the reports. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was 5,000 and current mileage was 9,900.

- Marianna, PA, USA

problem #12

Nov 152008

Cobalt

  • 38,000 miles
Power steering fails on 2007 Chevy Cobalt researched to find out what to do to fix, Chevy dealers want $2000 to replace as now I find over 275 people on a "how to repair it" website having same problem & wondering when is this going to be recalled, after so many deaths?

- Edwardsburg, MI, USA

problem #11

Mar 152008

Cobalt

  • 11,300 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. Whenever the steering wheel is turned, the contact hears a noise as if the wheel were low of steering fluid. The vehicle has electronic steering. The steering wheel hardens and makes it very difficult to completely turn the wheel and move the vehicle. The vehicle has been to the dealer over three times, but they could not determine the cause of the failure. In windy conditions, the failure worsens and it becomes very difficult to steer the vehicle or keep it under control. The failure occurs intermittently. The vehicle has not yet been repaired because the failure cannot be duplicated. The failure mileage was 11,300 and current mileage was 16,400.

- Bel Air, MD, USA

problem #10

Nov 072008

Cobalt

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Steering wheel locked and ignition key couldn't move left or right. Called dealer and was told it's a common problem. I fear that wheel will lock while I'm driving.

- Potomac, MD, USA

problem #9

Sep 292008

Cobalt

  • 44,298 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving 50 mph, the contact noticed that the message center informed her that the power steering was malfunctioning. Simultaneously, she noticed that she could no longer turn the vehicle. If the vehicle is turned off and then restarted, the steering wheel will operate for a short period of time and then malfunction. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The contact did not notice any differences beforehand. The current and failure mileages were 44,298.

- Gainesville, GA, USA

problem #8

Sep 242008

Cobalt

  • 47,685 miles
My 2007 Chevy cobolt was driving fine then about 4 weeks ago it started driving weird, now the power steering went out while my 17 year old daughter was driving it in a parking lot practicing for her license!!!! she was so upset when she came home that it took me almost a week to get her to drive my truck!!!!!!!! we changed one of the fuses and it started working again for about a week and today it went out again as I was taking one of my kids to work.. we were almost hit from behind as I was trying to make a right hand turn into her work!!!!

- Peoria, AZ, USA

problem #7

Sep 242007

Cobalt

  • 1,800 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. While the vehicle was parked in the driveway in a rainstorm, the contact noticed that the passenger side front floor panel was drenched with four inches of water. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired. In addition, when pressure was applied to the accelerator pedal, it would constantly stick. The contact had to make several attempts before the pedal would release. There was also a malfunction with the steering rod. On four separate occasions, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for identical failures, but with no resolutions. The contact was concerned of the safety risks involved. The failure mileage was 1,800 and current mileage was 14,000.

- Ferrrum, VA, USA

problem #6

Aug 112008

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • 31,207 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt lt VIN# [xxx] with 31209 miles on it just had major complete loss of power steering. I checked this out on the internet and come to find out that this has been a big problem with the Chevrolet Cobalt since 2005. I have read that dealerships can't repair the problem even though they replace complete steering controls and ECM's. so here I am not knowing what to do and afraid to drive vehicle. I notice you have the question "number of persons injures:" Below on this form. Well not physical but mental: So I am listing 2. please tell me what to do? information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Mayfield, UT, USA

problem #5

Jun 102008

Cobalt

  • 44,350 miles
Power steering cuts out intermittently. It happens even when steering wheel is straight, or when it is being turned. At highway speeds, it is difficult to control, but not impossible. At low speeds, the car is nearly impossible to turn unless on loose gravel. Nearly hit a car in the other lane. Had computer checked at Chevy dealership near new paltz, NY and was told the entire steering column had to be replaced. GM informed us that there is nothing they can do, yet internet forums show many complaints of the same sort, many of which have been reported to GM as well. (website of forums - www.topix.com/forum/autos/Chevrolet-Cobalt/T8fmsuqb7V2dth5jh) we have not replaced the steering column due to the fact that this is obviously a part defect. This issue of power steering cutting out continues to get worse over time.

- Seneca Falls, NY, USA

problem #4

Oct 212007

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,100 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving approximately 5-10 mph, the steering wheel completely locked. The contact could not place the vehicle in gear and almost caused a crash. She took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The dealer informed her that the steering wheel will only lock when the vehicle has minimal movement. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 13,100.

- East Orange, NJ, USA

problem #3

May 202007

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,777 miles
Popping or knocking noise when turning, when turning at times the steering doesn't return and has to be pulled back, feels like it is locked or something, shutters at times.

- Spiro, OK, USA

problem #2

May 242007

Cobalt

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,833 miles
While driving E. on highway 60 in AZ, I noticed my steering wheel sticking once in a while. After driving thru devel's canyon the steering kept pulling to the right a little then it would stop pulling, over and over. When I was on flat road again the steering pulled real sharp to the right and would not turn left, after a second of this the steering finally freed itself again but making the steering very touchy, when this happened the car started sweerving side to side and ended up hitting the guard rail on the East bound side of the highway. I was going aprox. 52 mph in a 55 mph area. When I hit the guard rail the car hit almost head on and the air bags never went off.

- Globe, AZ, USA

problem #1

Sep 022006

Cobalt 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Purchased new Cobalt 2007 in August of 2006. Began noticing hydroplaning and control problems. Now that it is winter, the car will not steer, it pulls and the traction is terrible. I have been stuck several times. I no longer permit my wife to drive on the interstate for fear of a collision or worse. We have parked the vehicle and contacted our dealer with several complaints only to fall on deaf ears. The proper channels to report this has been followed but tp no avail has anything been done to replace the tires (safety first) and we feel something should be done before a serious injury or death occurs. We have searched and found numerous problems with the touring contact as tire and believe that ours has some very serious problems. We need help now.

- Brookville, PA, USA

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