2007 Chevrolet Vectra
Introduction
The 2007 Chevrolet Vectra is a compact sedan that offers a blend of style, performance, and value. It features a spacious cabin, a well-equipped interior, and a responsive handling. The Vectra is available with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter inline-four or a 2.2-liter inline-four. Both engines come paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
While the Vectra has received praise for its affordability, comfort, and handling, it has also been criticized for its mediocre performance and subpar fuel economy.
Engine
2.0-liter Inline-Four
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, loss of coolant, engine overheating, reduced engine performance
- Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling or ticking sound, loss of engine power, engine misfires
- Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
2.2-liter Inline-Four
- No Issues Found
Transmission
Five-Speed Manual
- Clutch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding or slipping noises when engaging the clutch, loss of power when accelerating
- Solution: Replace clutch assembly
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Four-Speed Automatic
- Transmission Fluid Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Visible transmission fluid leaks, low transmission fluid levels, slipping or delayed gear changes
- Solution: Repair or replace leaking component (e.g., gasket, seal)
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or shifting erratically, delayed gear changes, stuck in gear
- Solution: Replace solenoid
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Front Struts Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing or swaying, uneven tire wear, clunking or rattling noises
- Solution: Replace front struts
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Shock Absorbers Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Poor handling, reduced ride comfort, excessive bouncing or swaying
- Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
- Sway Bar Link Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises when turning or going over bumps
- Solution: Replace sway bar links
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, dim headlights, electrical system malfunctions
- Solution: Replace battery
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, battery not charging, electrical system issues
- Solution: Replace alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Starter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle won’t start, clicking sound when turning the ignition key
- Solution: Replace starter
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Switch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Headlights not turning on or flickering, low beam malfunction
- Solution: Replace headlight switch
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks or splits on the dashboard surface
- Solution: Replace or repair dashboard
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Heater Core Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Foggy windshield, coolant smell inside the vehicle, low coolant levels
- Solution: Replace heater core
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Airbag Deployment Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Airbags not deploying properly, airbag warning light on
- Solution: Repair or replace airbag system components
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: 08V436000 / 09V070000 / 15V458000 / 16V657000
Summary
While the 2007 Chevrolet Vectra offers a number of attractive features, it also has a history of reliability issues, particularly with the drivetrain and electrical system. The cost of repairs can range from minor (under $200) to significant ($500 - $1,000+). However, it is important to note that not all Vectra models experience these issues and many owners report satisfactory ownership experiences.