Steering Tie Rod Assembly problems of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was a popping noise in the steering when hitting a rough spot or bump in the road. The mechanic replaced the tie rods but that did not resolve the issue. A new steering unit was installed and this seemed to resolve the failure. The current and failure mileage was 20,000. Updated 12/22/10 the outer tie rod was replaced. Updated 12/30/jb.

2005 chevy Malibu LS steering began to lock up on slow turns. There was no warning, just a sudden locking of the steering column. (it would not turn. Literally lock the steering wheel until additional speed could be maintained. The problem started intermittently 2 weeks ago & steadily worsened. Happening 10-12 times a day this week. Hit 2 curbs, nearly jumped one curb & nearly hit a car. We had to put the car in reverse to straighten the steering prior to completing the turn. Car has 85000 miles on it. Mechanic shop replaced rack/pinion steering & both front end rear tie rod rings. This defect is apparent on Malibu's according to the numerous complaints seen on the internet.

I bought my car in 2006. It is a 2005 Malibu maxx. The first week that I bought it I had to take it to the dealership to have repairs made on the front end. I was told the struts and cv joints needed to be replaced. Fine. . . It was still under manufacturer's warranty. After a few months, another sound from underneath the front end. This time I was told it was the steering column assembly. They replaced that again under warranty. Then one year later I returned due to more noises coming from the front end. This time. . . No warranty. I was told that there was a problem in the steering but they would cover it since it was a known problem with these cars. Also they told me a tie rod end was about to snap so they replaced it. I had to pay. Now, only a few months after that, the noise in the steering is back again. Will this ever end?????.

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a cracking noise while turning the vehicle. The contact pulled over and noticed that the entire front steering rack and pinion system failed at 15,000 miles. The tie rods failed later at 18,000 miles and caused front end damage and front tire damage. He has had the rack and pinion replaced under warranty and the tie rods will have to be replaced at an estimated cost of $240. The manufacturer has been notified. The current mileage was 18,520 and failure mileage was 15,000. Updated 02-19-08 updated 02/14/08.

2005 Malibu,have had both tie rod ends replaced,struts etc. Makes a loud clunking when driving at low speeds and turning. Sounds like wheels coming loose. Sound,sounds like it is coming from steering column,check engine light comes on when I fill gas tank and stays on until approx 1/2 tank.

Since purchasing my 2005 chevy Malibu maxx in September of 2006, the vehicle has required an inordinate amount of maintenance time. , especially for a conservative driver like myself. In three years, both lower control arms with ball joints (the arms are of aluminum construction) have had to be replaced twice. In the same time, the car has twice needed tie rod replacement my garage mechanic indicates that other Malibu maxx customers, even with a newer model year, are experiencing identical problems.