Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Takata recall: my air bag sign probably in the beginning of January had appeared, and obviously they have not been working. I had gotten into an accident on January 31st and they did not deploy. I am not positive if this is a part of the recall situation, but it happened out of no where, I just turned my car on one day and it stopped working. Also in the accident my car was sitting at a red light and hit between the range of 35-40 MPH
On November 13th I felt something wrong when driving home. I stopped at sam's club and asked them to check the tire pressure. They stated it was at 40-42. The attendant let the air out to 29. He said the tires looked OK and suggested have the alignment checking. While on the freeway home, the tread separated from the tire. I thought I had hit something, pulled over and kicked each tire for damage (it was dark). There was air in all tires so I decided to go the last 5 miles home. Immediately driving a few feet I realized something was wrong. I called a tow and the operator said the tread separated. We had the car dropped off at garrett motors. The next morning we told them what happened. Later they called saying it would not be covered because the tire was underinflated and that was why it became separated. …
I bought my 2007 Cobalt in July 2008, used only as a rental car with enterprise, with 34K miles. Within 2 months, my rotors were warped and had to be replaced. Milwaukee has a terrible problem w/ potholes so I've had to put 4 new rims and tires on it too and an alignment. It still shakes when I go between 45-60mph. Also, the gear shift keeps getting locked in park, like a sensor is broken or something. I have to continuously press on the brake until it gives. And there must be a short somewhere because occasionally the blinkers noise (tick tick) and the left speaker go out, come back on, go out, etc. I've had the car 8 months and have this many problems with it? Of course the dealership is charging an arm and leg for repairs that I can't afford but I think they should be responsible for this because there is no way these problems can be "operator error." this is a manufacturing problem! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact drove over a pothole and the rear passenger side wheel bent abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the mechanic replaced the wheel. Later, the failure occurred again when the contact drove over another pothole. The vehicle was again, taken to a local mechanic and the bent wheel was replaced. The contact stated that on a later date, the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the front vertical bushing on both front lower control arms were replaced as well as both end links for the front sway bar. In addition, the contact stated that the steering shaft and column assembly would also need replacing. He called the manufacturer and they advised him that they could not assist with the cost of the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired for the steering failures. …
Tl contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact noticed many problems with the vehicle since the date of purchase in October 2006. The contact stated that the alignment was incorrect so the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for alignment immediately. Also, the check engine light, and the air bag light would illuminate intermittently so sensors were replaced by the dealer. The steering column and power steering motor, headliner. Catalytic converter, wheel bearings, struts, and the heating/cooling system were all replaced. The vehicle also stalled completely on an intermittent basis. The contact stated that the problems were consistent. The manufacturer had not been notified. The current mileage was approximately 104,000. The failure mileage was 369.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the passenger side tire failed and was replaced twice. During the first failure, while driving approximately 40 MPH, the tire blew out in dry conditions. During the second failure, the tire flattened. The failures occurred at approximately 8,000 miles. When the contact took the vehicle to the shop, they stated that they were unsure how the failures occurred. The alignment was correct and the tire air pressure was normal when the vehicle was inspected. The vehicle was taken to the Chevrolet dealer and they found no failure. The contact has both tires that failed. The current mileage was 20,000 and failure mileage was 8,000.
The rims on these 2007 cobalts bend easy with the size of tire they are sold with. Any pot hole hit at speeds of 30 - 55 MPH will bend these tire rims. I have replaced 2 rims at $ 111.00 a piece and my back rims are bent also. Wal-mart, tiemans tire and other tire stores are aware of the bad rims on these cobalts. You can not find any used rims anymore due to all are used to replace other bent rims on cobalts. This can cause you to loose control of your car if a pot hole bends a rim an you loose all air pressure in the tire. It will act as though the tire blew out with sudden air pressure loss. It is not a safe car to drive with this problem.
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. Consumer states safety defect in steering system the consumer began to have problems with the HVAC system wiring and connector which was replaced on April 20, 2007, the second time on July 3 , 2007 the HVAC system relay had to be replaced and the third time on July 6, 2007 the body control module had to replaced. Also, the steering shaft and steering column had to be replaced, there was a bubble on the tire which required replacement. The window regulator and fuel pump module was also replaced.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle would pull to the left. The dealer stated the vehicle needed a front end alignment. They performed the alignment however, the failure continued occur. The dealer stated that the tires could have caused the failure. They recommended that she replace all four tires. The tires are continental touring contact as (mts p195-60-r16 dot number cpv9blc1306). The failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 31,000.
Tl* - the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. While driving at 35 MPH the vehicle began to slide from side to side and vibrate. The weather conditions were snowy at the time of the incident. The dealer stated the failure occurred due to the snow trapped in the wheels. The contact stated that the wheels were a defective and a safety hazard. The current and failure mileage were both 119,000.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2% of the model year's 1,564 complaints. The component named most often is rim (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 15,000 miles, and 65% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to wheels & tires 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.