The 2007 Cobalt is an economy compact that suffers from catastrophic powertrain failures and multiple safety-critical electrical recalls. The platform earned a reputation for premature engine death and ignition switch failures that killed power steering and braking assist mid-drive.
Symptoms: Loud knocking or rattling from bottom end, worsens with RPM, Metal shavings in oil, glitter on dipstick, Sudden loss of oil pressure, engine seizes, Misfire codes accompanied by mechanical noise
Fix: The 2.2L Ecotec commonly spins rod bearings or cracks pistons due to oiling issues and ring land failures. You're looking at either a used engine swap (8-12 hours) or full rebuild with pistons, rings, bearings, and machine work (20-30 hours). Short-block replacement is 10-14 hours. Most shops push for junkyard swaps given vehicle value.
Estimated cost: $2,800-5,500
Ignition Switch Failure (NHTSA Recall 14V-047)
Common · high severity
Symptoms: Engine cuts off while driving, no warning, Power steering and brake assist gone instantly, Key stuck in ignition or won't turn, Airbags disabled (SRS light), accessories fail
Fix: GM's defective ignition switch would slip from RUN to ACC under vibration, especially with heavy keychains. This is recall work—should be free at dealer if not already done. Verify repair history before purchase. Switch replacement is 0.5-1.0 hour but MUST use updated GM part. This killed 124 people before recall.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall) or $150-300 if paying out-of-pocket
Electric Power Steering Column Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Steering goes suddenly stiff, no assist, Grinding or whining noise from column, "Service Power Steering" warning on dash, Intermittent failure, comes and goes
Fix: The electric steering motor and control module fail, often without warning. There was a recall (10V-017) for some VINs but many fall outside coverage. You're replacing the entire steering column assembly. Book time is 2.5-3.5 hours. Remanufactured columns are common but failures repeat.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping under vehicle, Pink fluid near radiator or on subframe, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement from low fluid, Burnt smell from leaked fluid on exhaust
Fix: The steel cooler lines rust through where they route along the subframe, especially in salt states. Lines are cheap but access requires subframe drop or creative maneuvering. Budget 2.0-3.0 hours plus fluid flush. Some techs patch with rubber hose—don't. Replace with pre-formed lines or upgrade to braided stainless.
Estimated cost: $300-600
2.4L Ecotec Timing Chain Stretch and VVT Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling from front of engine on cold start, goes away when warm, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017), Rough idle, poor fuel economy, Engine won't start or runs severely retarded
Fix: The 2.4L uses a timing chain but the guides wear and chain stretches, especially if oil changes were neglected. VVT actuators fail simultaneously. This is front cover off, timing set replacement, both actuators, and guides. Book time is 6-8 hours. If chain jumped teeth, expect bent valves—add cylinder head work.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500
Fuel Pump Failure (No Start)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Crank no-start, fuel pressure at zero, Intermittent stalling at operating temp, Whining from rear seat area before failure, Stumble or hesitation under acceleration
Fix: The in-tank pump quits, usually the motor itself. There were two recalls (07V-150, 08V-344) for pump driver module but many failures are the pump assembly. Tank drop is 2.0-2.5 hours. Use AC Delco or Delphi pumps—aftermarket junk fails in 6 months. Watch for sediment in tank while you're in there.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Transmission Mount Collapse (Excessive Vibration)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration through cabin at idle, worse in Drive, Visible sagging of transmission when inspected from below, Shifter jerks hard during throttle transitions
Fix: The hydraulic transmission mount tears internally and collapses. This is a 1.0-1.5 hour job with basic hand tools but requires supporting the transmission. OEM mounts last; aftermarket ones fail in 20k miles. Not safety-critical but annoying and accelerates wear on axles and CV joints.
Estimated cost: $200-400
Owner tips
Check recall completion status with GM dealer using VIN—ignition switch and power steering recalls are critical
Run oil analysis every other change on 2.2L engines; metal in oil means get out before grenading
Avoid heavy keychains; remove all extra fobs and charms to reduce ignition switch load even post-recall
Change transmission fluid every 50k miles in salt states to slow cooler line corrosion
If buying used, cold-start the 2.4L and listen for timing chain rattle before operating temp—that's your warning
Hard pass unless you're getting it for scrap value with documented recall completion and fresh engine receipts—these are ticking time bombs with safety-critical failures.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · 14V171000
2014-04-10
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not
previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
AIR BAGS · 14V047000
2014-02-10
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Texas. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.
Consequence: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 21, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles in for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · 10V073000
2010-03-03 · PE10005
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.
Consequence: 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.
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, NEVADA AND TEXAS. THE PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN PORT ON THE MODULAR RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. IF EITHER OF THESE PORTS DEVELOPS A CRACK, FUEL WILL LEAK FROM THE AREA. IF THE CRACK BECOMES LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY BE OBSERVED DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL COVERAGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME FOR MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE AND TEXAS AND MODEL YEAR 2007 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN: ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
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