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Cross-comparison · Comparison spans different vehicle types

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt vs 2007 Ford Fusion

Reliability comparison based on NHTSA recall and complaint records.

Synced 2026-05-03 Source: NHTSA public records Reviewed by ASE-certified contributors
Quick verdict
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2007 Ford Fusion run close on the data

Reliability scores are close enough (3.1 versus 3.3) that the choice between these two probably comes down to specific use case rather than overall reliability scoring.

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt

3.1/5
Reliability score
1,563 complaints
1 recalls (0 critical)
$14,200 repair exposure
vs

2007 Ford Fusion

3.3/5
Reliability score
1,064 complaints
0 recalls (0 critical)
$14,050 repair exposure

Stories from the shop

Reliability scores run close (3.1 versus 3.3). The pick comes down to specific use case more than overall reliability scoring.

If you lean 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, know what you're getting into on steering and electrical. Those categories have noticeably more complaints than the 2007 Ford Fusion sees, and they're not cheap items when they go.

Going with the 2007 Ford Fusion? Watch the airbags and brakes. The 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt has fewer reports in those categories, so you'd be trading one set of weak spots for another.

Bottom line: pick based on use case more than the spec sheet. If you tow heavy and don't want to think about it, that's one calculation. If you're a daily driver and want the cheapest path forward, that's another. Both of these will get you down the road. We're just telling you where each one is most likely to break.

— ProblemsByVin editorial team, drawing on the NHTSA data and shop experience.

Side-by-side by problem area

Category
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
2007 Ford Fusion
steering
687 reports
critical · ~$700
21 reports
severe · ~$700
airbags
60 reports
critical · ~$1,100
602 reports
critical · ~$1,100
electrical
185 reports
critical · ~$850
42 reports
severe · ~$850
brakes
21 reports
severe · ~$450
125 reports
severe · ~$450
fuel system
140 reports
moderate · ~$1,200
No reports
powertrain
27 reports
severe · ~$2,500
70 reports
moderate · ~$2,500
engine
48 reports
critical · ~$3,100
35 reports
moderate · ~$3,100
suspension
59 reports
severe · ~$900
No reports
body
No reports
45 reports
severe · ~$1,500
tires
No reports
23 reports
moderate · ~$150

Common questions

Which is more reliable, the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt or the 2007 Ford Fusion?

It's close to a tie. Both vehicles score within 0.2 points on our reliability index (3.1 vs 3.3). At this margin, either choice is defensible — base your decision on the specific failure modes that matter to you.

What goes wrong more often on the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt?

Compared to the 2007 Ford Fusion, the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt sees more reported issues in steering and electrical. That doesn't mean it's a bad truck — it means those are the categories worth budgeting for if you go that direction.

What goes wrong more often on the 2007 Ford Fusion?

Compared to the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, the 2007 Ford Fusion has more complaints in airbags and brakes. Whether that's a deal-breaker depends on the cost and severity — see the comparison table above for repair cost ranges.

Which has more recalls?

The 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt has more active recalls (1 vs 0). Total count is less important than severity, though — a vehicle with one critical recall and zero moderate ones is generally riskier than one with five moderate recalls.

Is an extended warranty worth it on either of these?

Both vehicles are out of factory bumper-to-bumper coverage at this point. Combined repair exposure across the top problem categories runs around $14,200 on the higher-risk vehicle. A quality service contract typically costs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years, so a single major failure usually pays for the contract. The math favors warranty coverage on whichever vehicle you choose, especially if you plan to keep it past 100,000 miles.

Related comparisons

Reliability scores, complaint counts, and severity ratings derived from the NHTSA public records database. "Repair exposure" is the sum of average independent-shop repair costs across each vehicle's tracked problem categories and is intended as a relative comparison, not an exact prediction. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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