Power steering on my 2007 Chevy cobalt failed while driving on a major interstate. *tr
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt powertrain problems
severe 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 27 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 27 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 6 model years of Chevrolet Cobalt in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2007 Cobalt shows pervasive powertrain and electrical issues: clutch and transmission problems recurring early and often, key stuck in ignition preventing vehicle shutdown, power steering loss at highway speeds, and unexplained stalling. Multiple owners report dealer and manufacturer denying warranty coverage or declining vehicle replacement despite ongoing failures.
Owners of the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt report a wide spectrum of powertrain and related electrical failures. Transmission problems dominate: repeated clutch failures within warranty or shortly after (some vehicles requiring clutch replacement three or four times), transmission slipping, failure to upshift, gears remaining in downshift, and difficulty shifting gears. Several owners cite transmission rebuild or replacement at relatively low mileage (7,000-34,000 miles). One owner alleges using ATF fluid in a manual transmission caused inadequate synchro lubrication due to GM design.
Ignition and shifter issues appear frequently: keys stuck in the ignition, inability to remove the key even with the vehicle in Park, shifter lockout failing to prevent movement with ignition off, and shifters that won't move or won't lock. One owner reported the key stuck in Accessory position, draining the battery.
Engine and drivability failures include accelerator pedal malfunction at highway speeds (unable to accelerate, speedometer dropping to zero), engine stalling while accelerating, violent shaking on restart, and transmission control module replacement not resolving throttle or upshift problems. One owner reported the vehicle shifting into reverse unprompted while driving forward, and vice versa.
Power steering loss is reported multiple times—light illumination followed by heavy steering wheel resistance, some tied to broader electrical symptoms (gauges moving erratically, multiple warning lights). Electrical issues include traction control light, check engine light, anti-theft light, and flickering accessories. One owner reports headlights staying on after ignition off, requiring fuse removal to shut them down.
Same Chevrolet Cobalt powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Clutch failure (manual transmission)
Clutch burned out or failed to fully disengage, preventing vehicle movement. One owner reports replacing clutch four times and transmission rebuild; another had failure at 16,793 miles with repeat failure at 34,089 miles. Owner attributes design flaw to improper lubrication from use of ATF fluid in manual transmission.
When: As early as 10,000 miles after warranty expiration; 16,793 miles on second example
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch will not fully disengage; Vehicle will not move; Clutch burned up over one-month period
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replacement (multiple times); transmission rebuild or replacement required in some cases; frame bolts stripped from repeated repair attempts
Transmission control module (TCM) failure / upshift failure
Vehicle fails to upshift; gears remain in downshift position even at highway speeds. TCM replacement performed but failure recurred. One owner with trailer noted inability to accelerate, creating safety hazard.
When: 7,048 miles; repeated throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Fails to upshift; Gear remains in downshift; Cannot accelerate properly; Transmission slips
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module replaced twice; failure persisted despite repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner believes recall should be issued
Accelerator pedal malfunction / throttle body failure
Pedal malfunctions at highway speed; unable to accelerate beyond 35 mph in some cases. One owner diagnosed with throttle body issue; after used throttle body installation and subsequent new OEM throttle body install at dealer, traction control light and service message recurred.
When: 8,000 miles; recurring after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to accelerate; Pedal malfunctions; Engine makes rattling noise; Speedometer reads 0 MPH despite movement
Repairs/costs cited: Used throttle body installed by owner's mechanic; new OEM throttle body installed at Chevrolet dealer 03/16/13 (dealer refused to warranty it); traction control issue returned 07/17/13
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated no defect; manufacturer stated would diagnose failure but then declined vehicle replacement
Key stuck in ignition / shifter interlock failure
Key cannot be removed from ignition even when vehicle is in Park and engine off. Key remains in Accessory position, draining battery. One owner reports pin inside shifter works its way out, preventing lockout mechanism from engaging. Another reports key lodged in ignition, preventing gear shift movement and preventing vehicle shutdown.
When: Timing varies; one example at 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not come out of ignition; Key stuck in Accessory position; Shifter will not move; Cannot turn off vehicle; Battery drains
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter replacement ($287 on one example); manual release button under steering column required on some vehicles; frame bolts stripped from repeated repairs
Power steering loss
Power steering light illuminates; steering becomes extremely heavy or impossible to turn. Multiple owners report loss at highway speeds (50–70 mph). One owner involved in hydroplaning accident after power steering recall repair. Another reports recurring issue even after recall repair, requiring multiple dealer tows.
When: Multiple occurrences; one example at 155,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering light illuminates; Steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn; Loss of power steering function; Heavy steering
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Power steering recall (NHTSA Campaign ID 14V047000) performed on some vehicles; owner reports recall repair did not resolve issue, and subsequent failure caused hydroplaning accident
Transmission electrical / gear shift lock failure
Gear shifter fails to move or lock out. One owner reports shifter fails to lock out when ignition is off, allowing vehicle to roll. Another reports shifter lodged and unable to move at 110,386 miles. A third reports shifter getting locked in Park, requiring continuous brake pedal pressure to release.
When: 110,386 miles (one example); timing varies
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter will not move; Shifter fails to lock out with ignition off; Shifter locked in Park; Vehicle can roll with ignition off
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter replacement attempted; 7–10 day backorder reported for one repair
Instrument cluster / gauge malfunction
Gauges move erratically or display false warnings. Speedometer reads 0 mph despite vehicle movement; RPM gauge stuck at zero despite acceleration; odometer increases by 2,500 miles per key turn, affecting warranty calculations. Anti-theft light illuminates incorrectly; low fuel light illuminates despite full tank.
When: As early as 8,000 miles; recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer reads 0 MPH while driving; Gauges move up and down rapidly; Odometer increases unexpectedly; RPM gauge stuck at zero; False low fuel warning; False anti-theft warning
Repairs/costs cited: Body control module suspected by dealer; wiring harness cut out by dealer without resolving issue; failure recurred within one week
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated failure could result in recall; had claim number and related documents on file
Unintended gear shift / reverse engagement
Vehicle shifts into reverse on its own while driving forward at low speed; on second occurrence, vehicle shifts forward while in reverse. Owner lightly crashed into curb as a result.
When: 22,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle goes into reverse unprompted; Vehicle goes forward while in reverse; Loss of driver control of gear selection
Stalling and no-start conditions
Engine stalls while accelerating from a stop; on restart, engine sputters, shakes violently, and dies repeatedly before finally starting. RPM gauge malfunctions during event. One owner had vehicle stall three years prior, was told transmission needed replacement, but now suspects ignition was the actual cause.
When: Timing varies
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies while accelerating; Sputtering and violent shaking on restart; Multiple failed restart attempts; RPM gauge malfunction during event
Electrical short / accessory malfunction
Headlights remain on after ignition off, requiring fuse removal to shut down; problem recurs cyclically every few months. Blinker noise and speaker cutting in and out intermittently suggest electrical short. Traction control light and check engine light illuminating repeatedly.
When: Multiple years of ownership; recurring every few months in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights stay on after ignition off; Blinker noise intermittent; Speaker cuts in and out; Traction control light on; Check engine light on
Repairs/costs cited: Fuses removed manually by owner to shut off lights
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ignition recall performed on some vehicles (NHTSA Campaign 14V047000); problem persisted
Torque converter lock failure
Automatic transmission torque converter remains locked at speeds well under 40 mph when it should be in fluid coupling mode. Causes extended braking distance and reduced acceleration response.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Torque converter locked when should be disengaged; Longer braking distance; Lack of power when light throttle applied
Engine hesitation and stalling
Vehicle hesitates and cuts off intermittently. Owner had ignition replaced under prior recall; hesitation and stalling began a couple months after repair. Check engine light illuminates.
When: Months after ignition recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitates; Vehicle cuts off; Check engine light on
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replaced under recall; problem recurred after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ignition switch recall performed (NHTSA Campaign ID 14V047000)
Vibration at highway speeds
Vehicle shakes and vibrates at speeds above 60 mph. One owner reports shaking between 45–60 mph. No root cause identified by dealers despite multiple visits.
When: Observed at speeds above 60 mph; one example at 45–60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Shaking at highway speeds; Vibration at 45–60 mph and above
Repairs/costs cited: Warped rotors replaced on one vehicle; new rims and tires installed; alignment performed; shaking persisted
Ignition switch abnormal noise and stall
Abnormal noise emitted from ignition when key removed. Vehicle stalled three years prior, owner was told transmission needed replacement; owner now believes ignition was the actual cause.
When: 142,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from ignition on key removal; Vehicle stalling (attributed to ignition malfunction, not transmission)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repaired under NHTSA Campaign ID 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); failure recurred
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt?
It's a meaningful issue. 27 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 22,000 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 47,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 93,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Chevrolet/Cobalt.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.