Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, a 12-point buck jumped into the roadway, causing the contact to abruptly depress the brake pedal; however, the vehicle skidded and crashed into the buck. No air bags deployed. The vehicle was drivable; however, the vehicle was towed to the residence due to the radiator being damaged. The contact stated that he sustained injuries to his left knee, and his fianc e, who was seated in the front passenger side, sustained injuries to her left knee. The contact stated this morning that he noticed his knee was swollen. No medical attention was sought as of yet. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,265.
The contact owned a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while the son was driving at approximately 52 MPH, the vehicle crashed head-on into a second vehicle. During the crash, no air bags had deployed, and the driver sustained fatal injuries. Also, during the crash, the ignition key broke off inside the ignition switch, and the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was towed to a police inbound lot and later towed to the home. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the Service Air Bag message was intermittently displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The driver of the Cobalt lost control and swerved into the path of a tractor-trailer and collided head-on with the tractor-trailer. The airbag in the Cobalt did not deploy despite significant frontal damage to the Cobalt. A download of the ACU in the Cobalt revealed that the Cobalt's ignition switch was in the accessory position at the time of the crash. The ignition switch recall work had been performed on the Cobalt prior to the crash.
I was in a crash on 9/19/25 and at the incident none of my airbags deployed. My daily driver for my children and I. I was lucky I was the only passenger at the time. I never expected my airbags not to deploy in a head on crash. The car still sits in my driveway and I have and identical one just like it that I drive! I'd like them evaluated.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the key was difficult to remove from the ignition. The failure recurred multiple times. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system) however, the failure recurred. While driving approximately 20 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle stalled and the contact crashed into a curb. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. While at a red light, the contact's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle. The contact sustained a concussion, whiplash, and back injuries that required medical attention. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed. After the crash, the contact smelled fuel fumes. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced, but it was not related to the previous crash. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. While making a right turn, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and caused the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn. The vehicle crashed into a utility pole. The air bags deployed approximately 5 minutes after impact and the steering column caught fire. The driver suffered left knee, back, neck, and hand injuries that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000.
Related recalls
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.
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.
Airbag complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 144 complaints about the air bags of the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, 9% of the model year's 1,564 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-047 (air bags, Feb 10, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 48 crashes, 1 fire and 50 injuries and 2 deaths to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.