Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 689 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 689, in the owner's own words
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
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.
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.
Hard to Turn Brand New front suspension
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 instrument panel also became inoperable, and the contact was unable to see the speedometer and fuel gauge functions on the instrument panel. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
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 illuminated. The vehicle was towed but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
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 related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,200.
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 drive the vehicle to the residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 191,000.
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.
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 was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
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.
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 come on here and file a complaint to see if I can get the recall letter so the dealership can fix the car.
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.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while reversing, there was an abnormal sound and a message was displayed "Power Steering" as the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was turned off and restarted to resume normal operation. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact's father owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while her father was driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with power steering failure related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The mechanic informed the contact that the power steering motor needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. The VIN was unavailable.
The traction control light has come on for the second time since I've had this vehicle. It decelerates and starts rumbling when it's about to cut off. That is a big safety issue and any part that has to do with this issue needs to be recalled.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering warning light illuminated. Additionally, the pipes connected to the manifold were rusted and had detached. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.
Vehicle was working fine power steering went out
Power Steering Light is on Dashboard, no other information that used to light up, i.e. oil change, trip a, trip b, work now that the power steering light is lit
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,460.
THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY UNABLE TO STEER. THERE IS A RECALL OUT FOR 2007 COBALTS WITH POWER STEERING ISSUES, BUT SOMEHOW MY VIN ISNT INCLUDED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING COLUMN WAS LOOSENED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V073000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114,730.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DEFECTIVE LIGHTING AND SPEAKERS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALE - RICK HENDRICK CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (12050 W BROAD ST, RICHMOND, VA 23233; (804) 793-9305) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A BLOWN SPEAKER IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SPEAKERS WERE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V073000 (STEERING) AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, AFTER THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED THE STEERING STARTED TO LOCK UP DUE TO POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY, WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MITCH SMITH CHEVROLET SERVICE (1655 CHEROKEE AVE SW, CULLMAN, AL 35055) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A DEFECTIVE STEERING SHAFT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
AFTER BEING PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS TURNED ON IN ORDER TO LEAVE AND THE POWER STEERING ALERT IMMEDIATELY CAME ON. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS FROZEN. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. WHEN TURNED BACK ON, THE ALERT WAS GONE AND THE CAR STARTED AND DROVE NORMALLY. THE STEERING ON THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BY THE DEALER THROUGH A RECALL (10V073000) SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHEN THE POWER STEERING FIRST FAILED. APPARENTLY THE POWER STEERING IS IN THE PROCESS OF FAILING AGAIN.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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