Two problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact lost control of the steering wheel. No matter which way he turned the steering wheel, the vehicle would head in the opposite direction. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. The mechanic stated that the frame that holds the rack and pinion had completely rusted away. He further stated that it was very rare for that to occur to a vehicle. The contact has not notified general motors; however, the dealer stated that nothing could be done. The vehicle has not yet been repaired and is currently using a used frame. The current and failure mileages were 184,000.
Lost of control of vehicle three separate occasions. Vehicle pulls to the left into oncomming traffic. On three separate occasions my chevy Malibu has lost control while changing lanes from the right lane to the left lane. The back end has swung out and caused the car to wooble from right to left out of contol. The first time was at 40 miles per hour and I was able to regain conrol over the vehicle. The second time was on the highway at 55 miles per hour and I hit a guard rail with only small damage to the bumper. The last time was a week ago and was the most serious. I was changing lanes from the middle to fast lane of a three lane highway going about 65. The vehicle back end broke loose again and skidded back and forth 3 or 4 times before I lost all control of the vehicle. I hit a truck and caused unknown amount of damage to the truck and $3000. 00 of damage to my car. I was very lucky that no one was hurt. I have replaced the tires four times at chevy dealerships recomendation. Each set has produced the same effect, pull to the left. I have had four aliment jobs. Each time the repair shop has acknowledged the pull was still there. Rotated tires eight times. No effect at all. I have even had a professional body shop look at the vehicle to check for previous acident damage even though the car was purchased new. They found no accident damage, but said the engine cradle might not be in the vehicle straight and could not fix it. At this point I am ready to sell the car and buy a safer vehicle.