Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 while driving 60 MPH, the anti-theft warning light illuminated. Additionally, the low fuel warning light was illuminated; however, there was fuel in the tank. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became firm. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and waited for the vehicle to cool down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 155,000.
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.
The power steering light came on when I was driving my vehicle on the highway. The speedometer stoped working, my car wouldn't shift past first gear. My door locks started locking and unlocking uncontrollably by themselves. My steering wheel was harder to turn. I immediately got off the highway and chose a safer route to return home. I have a 1 year old daughter who is always with my wherever I go. I've researched and found the same issues with the same make year and model car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle started going in reverse independently. The second time it had an opposite effect. The contact was in reverse and the vehicle went forward. The contact slightly crashed the side of the vehicle into the curb but did not sustain any injuries and a police report was not filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000. Kmj
2-3 weeks ago I got in my car to go somewhere. From the time I pulled out of my driveway my car was in limp mode. At the same time my check engine light, air bag light, power steering light, service traction light and theft light all came on. I got my car back to the house and when I shut it off it would not start back. I hooked it up to the obd2 scanner and the codes that came back were p1682( faulty ignition switch) and code u0101(transmission control module).
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving at approximately 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the speedometer remained on 0 MPH. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to numerous dealers, who confirmed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Automatic 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. GM sent me a letter about the power steering recall. Went to dealership to get the problem fixed September 1, 2010. September 24, 2010 I was involved in a car accident where my Cobalt hydroplaned and completely lost control as described in the investigations done by GM, on this issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving unknown speeds, the gear shifter failed to move. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 110,386.
The power steering of my 2007 Chevy Cobalt went out nov 27, 2009, late at nite on I-95 - freaked me out and caused me to be stranded! No dealerships service dept. Open on weekends, so I gave up and drove it back to florida on Sunday (took 10 hours). Anyway, called local dealership, Chevy corporate and filed a complaint with NHTSA... Unfortunately I had no choice but to take it to dealer for diagnostics and then call corporate back where they said they "might be able to assist with repairs but wouldn't know until diagnostics were done..." dealership informed me that they "believe" the problem could be solved by replacing the power steering motor if I would only pay $350 for labor (they would generously donate the motor...) I declined (for now anyway) as we will try to repair it ourselves... I cannot afford to pay for this and shouldn't have to as the car isn't that old. …
Purchased vehicle brand new in 2007 and no problems till now. 22 year old daughter driving vehicle, she is a college student. She drives in major city daily and driving home from school gauge cluster went crazy and power steering went out. Scaring her, she parked the car in a church lot and I sent the car to a dealer the next day. I had found on the internet that there was a recall on the power steering assist motor and informed the dealership of such when the work was to be done. They replaced the motor under the recall but also charged me $780.00 to replace the steering column which they said was bad. I have found 1000 + complaints on the internet of people saying their steering columns were supposedly bad as well with 1 person having theirs replaced 3 times now. She picked the car up and 2 weeks later the same thing occurs again. …
Transmission complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, 3% of the model year's 1,564 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.