What are the most common problems with the 2007 Chevy Cobalt?
The 2007 Chevy Cobalt’s most frequent problems center on engine/ignition reliability, automatic transmission behavior, and electrical or steering faults, with safety recalls affecting some cars.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of those issues, explains what owners typically report, and offers guidance on what to inspect or maintain, especially if you’re buying a used Cobalt or overseeing a higher-mileage example.
Engine and ignition problems
Common issues in this category include misfires, coil pack and spark plug failures, and fuel delivery concerns that can cause rough idle, reduced power, and stalling. The following are among the most frequently cited failure modes observed by owners and service data.
- Engine misfires due to worn or failing ignition coil packs on the 2.2L Ecotec and 2.4L engines; symptoms include rough idle, stumble on acceleration, and diagnostic trouble codes like P0300/P0302/P0303.
- Spark plug wear or faulty ignition coils/wires causing intermittent misfires and poor performance, especially in high-mileage cars.
- Fuel delivery issues such as failing fuel pumps or clogged/dirty fuel injectors leading to hesitation, stalling, or reduced power.
- Intake manifold gasket leaks or PCV valve problems that can cause vacuum leaks, rough running, or poor fuel economy.
- Ignition switch wear or recall-related failures that can cause intermittent loss of power, stalling, or no-start conditions.
Engine and ignition problems are among the most consistently reported, particularly in cars with higher mileage. Keeping up with ignition coil/plug maintenance and checking that recalls related to the ignition switch have been completed can help mitigate risk.
Transmission and driveline problems
Automatic transmissions in the Cobalt have a noted history of shifting and reliability concerns, along with some related driveline issues. The list below highlights the most commonly reported problems by owners and technicians.
- Hard shifts, slipping, or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions (4T45/4T40 family) that can feel abrupt or hesitant when moving through gears.
- Torque converter issues causing vibration or shudder at low speeds, sometimes accompanied by poor acceleration response.
- Transmission fluid leaks or deteriorating fluid quality, which can accelerate wear on seals and gaskets and lead to performance limitations.
- Clutch wear and related concerns in manual-transmission models, including difficulty finding gears or clutch pedal work at higher mileages.
These transmission-related problems are a common reason for shop visits, especially in older or high-mileage examples. Regular transmission service, prompt diagnosis of shifting symptoms, and early attention to leaks can help reduce the likelihood of a major failure.
Electrical and interior problems
Electrical gremlins and interior component failures are another frequent area of concern for the 2007 Cobalt. Issues in this category can manifest as dim or flickering lights, trouble with power accessories, or unreliable starting and charging.
- Power window regulator failures, resulting in windows that won’t raise or lower properly.
- Dashboard/instrument cluster problems, including flickering gauges, intermittent warning lights, or failing displays.
- Alternator or battery issues causing hard starting, charging faults, or unexpected battery drain.
- HVAC blower motor or resistor failures, leading to weak or no airflow from the heating/cooling system.
- Electrical faults related to steering assist or ignition-related electronics, which can affect handling or start/run reliability.
Electrical and interior problems can be intermittent and difficult to pinpoint. If multiple systems act up, a comprehensive electrical diagnosis is advisable to identify root causes and prevent recurring trouble.
Safety recalls and advisories
Safety campaigns affecting the 2007 Cobalt have included the high-profile ignition switch recall and other campaigns tied to airbag inflators and fuel system components. Because recall scope can vary by VIN, owners should verify recall status for their exact vehicle with the NHTSA database or a GM dealer using the VIN.
- Ignition switch recall: A defect in the ignition mechanism could lead to loss of power, including steering and braking assist, increasing crash risk. Replacement of the ignition switch and related hardware is the remedy.
- Airbag inflator recalls under the Takata-wide campaign: Some vehicles in this era were affected; check VIN for coverage and required replacements.
- Other safety campaigns: Depending on production date and region, additional recalls related to fuel systems or other safety-critical components may exist.
Recall status can vary by vehicle; users should confirm completion of any required repairs and keep documentation from an authorized dealer.
Summary
For the 2007 Chevy Cobalt, the most common problems fall into three broad categories: engine/ignition issues (misfires, coil/plug failures, fuel delivery concerns), transmission and driveline problems (shifting difficulties, torque converter concerns, leaks), and electrical/interior faults (power accessories, dashboard reliability, charging issues). Safety recalls, particularly the ignition switch campaign, are an important consideration and should be checked for every VIN. Regular maintenance, early symptom diagnosis, and validated recall repairs can help maintain reliability and safety in older Cobalts.
What year of Chevy Cobalt to avoid?
It's such a widespread issue that GM sent a recall notice for the 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalt due to a faulty power steering motor. Another source of frustration for 2005 Cobalt owners is the key getting stuck in the ignition. When putting the car in park, the key sometimes wouldn't come out of the ignition.
What is the 2007 Chevy Cobalt worth?
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |
|---|---|---|
| LS Coupe 2D | $14,515 | $2,657 |
| LT Sedan 4D | $15,635 | $2,537 |
| LT Coupe 2D | $15,635 | $3,112 |
| LTZ Sedan 4D | $18,790 | $2,804 |
How many miles will a 2007 Cobalt last?
How long do Chevy Cobalts last? According to thedriveradviser.com, a good Chevy Cobalt should last 190,000-210,000 miles with proper maintenance. It's natural for a car to break at some point, but other items will also influence how long it will survive.
Is the 2007 Chevy Cobalt reliable?
As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and performance to be its strongest features and quality to be its weakest. 682 out of 1400 of owners (49% of them) rank the 2007 Cobalt five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt.
