2007 Chevrolet Cobalt steering problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

40 owners have reported steering problems with the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, 42% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 130,000 mi.

Steering complaints
40
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
130,000 mi

Specific components reported

Steering covers: Power steering, steering column and wheel, loss of steering assist.

ComponentComplaints
Steering40

Steering complaints across Chevrolet Cobalt years

192005432006402007272008282009222010
Steering complaints by model year. The 2007 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k330k–60k160k–100k12100k–150k9150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 10V073000Mar 3, 20101,050,889 vehicles
    STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

    General motors is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 chevrolet cobalt and model year 2007-2010 pontiac g5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering. The driver may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving.

    Risk: If power steering assist is lost, it would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the electric power steering motor free of charge. Owners are being notified on a rolling basis between march 29 through november 2010. A copy of the mailing schedule is located in the recall file. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jul 3, 2026AZElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering
    Fuel Leak it smells and leaks it seems to be coming from the gas tank and sometimes I get random electric failure when I'm driving I lose power steering and My brakes get stiff and hard to push down and my dash will go Off and then go crazy and show that i have no gas
    NHTSA complaint #11748103 · source
  2. Filed Dec 4, 2025FLSteering
    The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
    NHTSA complaint #11702992 · source
  3. Filed Sep 26, 2025VTCrash1 injuredTowedAirbagsElectrical SystemSteering
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11689938 · source
  4. Filed Apr 23, 2025ILBrakesElectrical SystemSteering
    The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the contact had to manually steer the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle without power steering functionality. The contact stated that additional electrical failures had occurred. The contact also stated that the ABS activated and deactivated independently, and the traction control became inoperable. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11656377 · source
  5. Filed May 1, 2024160,000 miWISteering
    The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a loud noise coming from the steering wheel. After the failure, while attempting to park the vehicle, the contact became aware of a crunchy sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that due to the failure result, the steering wheel became abnormally stiff and difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were…
    NHTSA complaint #11586366 · source
  6. Filed Dec 26, 2023179,200 miFLSteering
    The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound while reversing. Additionally, the contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to drive the vehicle, the steering wheel was firm. The contact turned around and drove back to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact…
    NHTSA complaint #11561862 · source
  7. Filed Apr 26, 2023191,000 miWIBrakesSteering
    The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 25-35 MPH, the RPM’s continuously fluctuated, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The ABS warning light was illuminated and the message "Power Steering Failure" was displayed. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road by using physical force to turn the steering wheel. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to…
    NHTSA complaint #11519058 · source
  8. Filed Oct 31, 2022160,000 miSCSteering
    The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and started to shake. The power steering assist warning light illuminated then turned off. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact scheduled and appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11491561 · source
  9. Filed May 23, 2022143,000 miNMSteering
    The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road using extra effort to steer the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The dealer…
    NHTSA complaint #11465739 · source
  10. Filed Apr 13, 2022125,000 miMOSteering
    The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11460666 · source
  11. Filed Apr 2, 2022OHAirbagsSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11459346 · source
  12. Filed Mar 19, 2022NESteering
    I do believe or at least was told that the noise sounds like the steering motor is going out. When I was trying to look for part stores that have one, the first thing that came up was a couple of images, but then the next thing was GM recalls on my year and make and the part I was looking up. I can't find it by entering my VIN# on GM website. I was told that my Chevy Cobalt was knowing to have issues with the steering.
    NHTSA complaint #11457399 · source

Other 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt problem areas

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (38)
  • Electrical System (12)
  • Airbags (10)
  • Engine (10)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (3)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (3)
  • Other / Unknown (3)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (2)
  • Brakes (2)
  • Lighting (1)
  • Body & Structure (1)

Back to all 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology