Electric Power Assist Steering System Problems of Chevrolet Malibu - part 2

In week leading up to the problem, steering was soft when turning the wheel to the left, and tight when turning to the right. A short time later, while driving, the power steering warning light came on and the on board display listed issue as power steering. The dealership has replaced the power steering motor 3 times and today, it has gone out again. I love the car, but I am tired of taking time out to take it to the dealership.

See all problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

I purchased the 2006 Malibu 11/2006. Since that time, the right front speaker has been replaced, the interior dome light fixture replaced, the electric steering column is inoperable and needs to be replaced. The steering makes a thumping noise when turning and pulls to the left. I am opting to purchase another vehicle as this car is a safety hazard. I don't know what will go wrong next.

Three weeks ago, noticed something was wrong with steering on 2004 Malibu max. Took it to the dealership and was told nothing was wrong. On March 18th the steering failed and fortunately we were going slow and go through the intersection into a parking lot avoiding accident. Car was towed to dealership who now stated the lower electronic assembly of the steering failed. We were fortunate that the steering failed while going slow and able to put the car in a position to be towed. Total repair cost $675. In all my years I have never had a steering fail and this is a safety issue. I understand parts wear out, but this is bad when it is not able to be diagnosed until complete failure.

See all problems of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Loss of power steering.

While driving and turning, the power steering failed on my 2007 chevy Malibu making turning virtually impossible manually. Once I was able to stop the vehicle, I put it in park and tried the steering - no change. I shut off the vehicle and turned it back on and the power steering reset. This has occurred 5 times in the past two weeks. If I am setting still, I can turn the steering wheel completely to the left and the power steering will fail. Also I have noticed during driving and still (waiting at a light) the steering wheel tends to pulsate back and forth. I reported this to dealership a month ago when vehicle was oil serviced. They said they found nothing at that time. I see from research there were a lot of complaints with the 2004 model, but cannot find any remedy. After reading other complaints, I am very concerned about the safety of this vehicle. I have read where other vehicles have crashed due to this and I prefer to not be involved in an accident thus killing someone in my car or another.

See all problems of the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Driving on a straight road, lost power steering. Was able to pull into a parking lot without the power steering. Turned off the ignition and restarted engine. Power steering returned and I was able to drive to the dealership where the steering column was replaced.

Was heading to a wedding 200 miles felt a funny vibration in the front end pulled over then the dash lit up like a christmas tree the wrench light came on the stereo display read power steering started dinging. Turned off the vehicle to check power steering pump found out didn't have one. Turned around to come home called the groom so he could find new bestman night before wedding. Called gmac when I got home and they told me I had to have a diagnostic done the vehicle got up the next day went to the dealer they told me I needed a new steering column charged me $70 to tell me what I already new because I read the reports. The dealer wanted to charge me $600 to replace it. I have been working with the dealer and gmac to fix the problem because I feel I should not have to pay for there defective part.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 25 mph, the power steering failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they could not duplicate the failure. The purchase date was unknown. Updated 02-19-08 . The current mileage was 9,000 and failure mileage was 8,990. Updated 02/19/08.

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 20 mph on a curved road, the power steering warning light began flashing followed by a loss of power steering assist. The steering became very difficult almost causing the vehicle to crash. The dealer informed the contact that the entire electronic power steering unit would need to be replaced. The dealer replaced the power steering system. The manufacturer sent the contact a questionnaire regarding the power steering but did not provide any further assistance. The failure mileage was 48,000.

See all problems of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

On Friday Nov. 16,2007 at approximately 8:30am while I was trying to back out of my driveway,the powersteering in my 2006 Malibu stopped working and I sideswiped my husbands car, scratched the driver's side of the Malibu and cracked the hub cap. I contacted roadside service to pickup the Malibu at my residence. . Once the Malibu arrived at frank z cheverolet,where I purchased the vehicle, the service dept. Rep. Called me and stated that I had a failure in the powersteering electric monitor and told me to call Chevrolet to file a case. I was very concerned and frightened about the incident because if I had of been on the highway I could of been hurt,killed or injured someone else. Chevrolet's cust. Assist. Rep. Did not comfort me at all. I expressed that I wanted to terminate my lease on the vehicle because I did not feel safe in it anymore. So he told me that they had to go through certains steps and not to overreact. Chevrolet called out their 3rd party group of engineering specialist to inspect the car and they confirmed that a component in the powersteering monitor did in fact fail. Chevrolet's rep. Stated that the only option I had was to repair the car. If I refused,they would take the rental car back ASAP. So in so many words they told me that it is either their way or the highway. So I agreed to have the car repaired and they quickly changed their mind on terminating the rental. They even extended it until after the car is repaired and stated that they stand behind their products. As of today, on Dec. 8,2007 the car is still at the dealership. I truly feel that my security and safety was not taken in consideration, only the profit they were going to lose. Anytime the dealership service men do not want to touch the vehicle,anytime Chevrolet cust assist. Rep. Have to call engineering analyst to inspect the car and confirms the failure, that means that this is not a minor case, it was something major,esp. To me. Mileage about 13,900.

Steering cuts in and out in an unpredictable way.

The electric power steering on my 2006 Chevrolet Malibu maxx (51,500 miles at occurrence) went out suddenly as my daughter was pulling out of a parking lot onto a busy highway. There was no warning and the car was extremely difficult to steer. She was able to pull into a home depot parking lot and call me. She could have easily been in an accident and I am really concerned what might have happened if she had been taking a curve at a higher speed or had been in heavier traffic. Would you please investigate as I am finding that there have been similar incidents occur with the electric steering with this car?.

Noise in the steering.

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While making a left turn at 10 mph, the power steering failed. The failure occurred three times. The engine size and purchase date were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 40,500.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. While attempting to make a gradual right turn with the accelerator pedal depressed, the steering wheel spun out of the contacts hands. The failure occurred while driving 15 mph and nearly caused a crash. The failure has occurred several times before in less dangerous scenarios. The dealer stated that the computer does that when it senses the wheels are not straight. The current and failure mileages were 31,000. The consumer stated the dealer informed him that it was normal for the computer to center the front wheels informing other customers of the same situation. Updated 08/09/07.

2005 Chevrolet Malibu max, power steering failure - total loss, locked up of steering control at low speed. During low speed turn driver could not turn wheel and lost all steering control of vehicle. This failure was accompanied by a power steering warning on the car's information panel. Vehicle was stopped successfully with out accident. Driver turn off ignition, restarted, and steering control returned but seemed hesitant. Although this was being reported as of this date 5/15/0) it also occurred a week earlier but returned to normal operation. Previously this car had warranty service on a steering system "noise" covered under a TSB and had been working normally until this issue occurred. Vehicle will be taken to Chevrolet dealer service today.

Chevrolet Malibu 2005. Driving on a local street, I made a right onto another street and the steering became stiff, hard to make a sharp turn and I had to pull the steering wheel hard and use an extreme amount of effort to completer a turn, a bell went off. I was unable to steer to the left or the right. The car was still running. I turned the car off and then restarted the car and then I was able to turn the wheel freely for about 15 seconds then the wheel became stiff again. If I had reached the highway to get to my destination driving 50 mph and I had to suddenly quickly steer to the left or right to avoid an potential problem, I may have gotten into a potentially serious accident injuring myself & others. I purchased the car used & only had it 10 months. I am financing the car. I am very concerned about the safety of this vehicle now because it's only a 2005, only 2 years old with a possible major safety problem. I want to know if there are other 2005 chevy Malibu's with the same problem who have serviced the vehicle and if they continue to have the problem and if there are more owners with this complaint. I am taking this car to the dealer where I bought it, have them inspect it a get more information about this problem.

Power steering was displayed on message center and a light with vehicle and wrench came on for a short period. Diagnostics were performed and found code cc0460. This was traced to a shorted steering sensor. They had to replace the whole steering column because the sensor is part of the assembly. I have read numerous complaints about the power steering light being displayed on the message center and then the power steering went out on the car. My power steering did not go out on the car because I drove it to the dealership right away. I was wondering if there is a recall or service bulletins on this problem to off set the cost of repairs for the sensor, which has to be replaced with a whole steering column, for a total of $850. 12 in parts and labor. Thank you.

Steering rack has been replaced 3 times on my 2005 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The steering was acting erratic and "thunking" when steering. 3 times the power steering has quit on me. The car becomes extremely hard to steer. I know my wife and daughter would not be able to steer the vehicle in this condition. The first time the power steering failed, I drove it directly to the dealer. When I took the service advisor out, the system had reset itself and the steering was fine. The next 2 times, I pulled over and shut the vehicle off for a short time and restarted it and the system reset itself again. As mentioned, the dealer has replaced the steering rack 3 times, each time saying this is an improved part, and won't happen again. But it does.

2004 Chevrolet Malibu with electric. Consumer states that this failure occurs without any warning and sometimes the power steering light will illuminate. The consumer stated in order to regain power steering, he must pull over and re-start the vehicle. The first time the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, they stated it needed to be reprogrammed or recalibrated, which did not fix the problem. The second time the vehicle was taken to the dealer, the problem could not be duplicated. On 2 separate occasions, the dealer replaced the power steering gear and intermediate steering shaft due to a noise being heard when making turns and accelerating.

: the contact stated the vehicle's power steering locked up. The service dealer determined the vehicle needed a new steering column to resolve the issue. Updated 12/15/2006 -.

The steering column was replaced in April of 2005 as a result of a recall stating that the power steering assist can fail without warning. Up to this time, no actual failure had occurred. In September of 2006 the power steering assist failed for the first time as described in the recall notice. Simultaneous with the failure, an audible beeping occurred and a failure message was displayed on the console. Re-starting the car will correct the problem temporarily, but it recurs on a regular basis. Both the dealer and manufacturer refuse to replace the steering column at their expense because it was done once in 2005.

Rattle in steering while driving down road sounds like something loose in steering & makes you think its coming apart dealer has installed new rack & pinion but I think its something in the electric steering box under dash and its still makes noise.

I had an uncontrollable immediate right hand turn at a very high speed that was not initated by me. I had pressed the accelerator pedal to pass another car when the steering wheel did an extremely hard right hand turn taht took the car off of the regular roadway and onto the outer edge of the shoulder. When I released the accelerator pedal the wheel snapped back to the left and my vehicle was now sideways on a major freeway at 60 mph! I was lucky in that no accident/incident with anyone else occured. I turned this vehicle into my local dealership for repairs immediately that same day. They found the problem and corrected it. The vehicle, 2005 Malibu maxx has electronic steering. The dealership said that a electronic part was putting out too much voltage and that is what caused the problem. I have since that time had other steering related prob lems that have been corrected by the same dealership. The dealership has been very helpfull with the corrections to this vehicle. My concern is that someone else that may not be able to handle a situation like this would lose complete control should it happen to them. I'm a defensive driver and usually keep both hands on the wheel. If I hadn't of had both hands on the wheel I probably would have rolled the car or at the least spun out into other traffic. I was lucky!.

2004 Malibu maxx. Have lost power steering 3x's. This is the electric power assist system that needs to be changed/fixed, not putting in a new part that is the same as the old one. Very annoyed.

Making slow left hand turn, vehicle lost power steering. Power steering warning light came on and on board display listed issue as power steering. Shut off vehicle and restarted. Power steering was regained. Contacted dealer and was notified recall for this issue was not in effect for the VIN number listed for my vehicle, but any issue that warranted a recall of the models due to the same defect.

Power steering failed on 2004 chevy Malibu without warning. I had taken the car in about a month ago for front alignment issues, thought they fixed it, but the problem came back and then power steering quit.

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 2 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to make a loud clanking noise. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was repaired for the related defect under the manufacturers voluntary recall. The specific repair performed was unknown. On a separate occasion there was a loss of the electric power steering with a chime tone, followed by the power steering warning light illumination. The failure occurrence was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on three different times for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to detect a problem. Recently, the contact received a notification from the manufacturer offering an additional protection for the electric power steering. The manufacturer required that the mileage not to exceed 100,000 to repair the vehicle of a free remedy. The contact stated her vehicle exceeded the mileage requirement. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Recurring problems with electric power steering system. Constant noises and deteriorating steering condition. Purchased vehicle in March and have had it serviced for related problem 3 times in 3 months.

: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the steering light illuminated. After inspection the dealership replaced the computer chip in the electronic steering system. Afterwards there was a knocking sound while turning. Although the dealer replaced the steering shaft the knocking continued. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where the steering rack and pinion is being replaced.

: the contact stated while traveling at 35 mph, the power steering failed causing the vehicle to veer to the left lane. While trying to recover into the correct lane, the vehicle went over a guardrail and over a ravine. The driver was not injured. The vehicle was totaled. There was a police report filed. The contact has seen several complaints on the internet concerning similar power steering problems. The contact reports no problems with the steering prior to the accident. The cosumer stated the engine also accelerated on its own. Updated 05/10/06.

At approx. 7:30 am 04/06/2006 I was heading westbound on I-290 on a clear, dry road, 40 degrees temp(about) when the power steering failed in my 2005 chevy Malibu, causing me to lose control of the vehicle. My vehicle impacted with (1) one other vehicle, both of our respective vehicles spinning out of control. I was transported to a hospital, and have been in touch with my insurance company, which informed me that they(my ins. Co. ) would not subrogate , in fact to get my car looked at by GMC , the insurance CO. Finally decided to hold the car in salvage, instead of sending it to auction, which they were in the process of doing, due to the fact that no recall on the power steering(eps), or steering column exists. This is a courtesy(it, the car was a total loss)to me, as I have started the process of calling GMC and am trying, unsuccesfully to complete my report to their claim dept( cannot get through). My auto will be held, as I stated for 60 days for GMC to come and inspect it. However, I have been told that when the motor vehicle is restarted(as it was after the accident I was involved in) the power steering can reset itself. My insurance CO. Has assured me that, had there been a recall that they would do "everything within their power" to file and pursue a claim against GMC for all costs involved, and this is why they are willing to hold the vehicle for inspection. All I know is that I found this site after having relayed what happened to me to a gentelman in a local grocery store, if not for this complaint page, my car would have been auctioned off by now. I am in considerable pain, and not only out the loss of my vehicle, but I will be surcharged for3 years 4 mo. In, (for a problem that GMC is aware of, and on your /this complaint page all GMC does is ""replace the steering column". ) (2007) when my policy renews. This is unfair, and I have searched the internet, and found similar complaints on msn. Com/autos/Chevrolet/malibu/2004/2005 personal reviews.

Electronically assisted steering quit working while turning into our driveway and check engine or other warning light illuminated until the vehicle was finally stopped and the engine turned off and then back on. Problem cleared after this incident. We've only had the vehicle for two weeks. My wife was driving during this incident and is the primary driver of the vehicle. I'm concerned with the hundreds of complaints I've seen about the same issue from others, that she may be in danger the next time this happens at higher speeds or on a corner.

Lost power steering twice in one day. This is the fourth and fifth times the problem has occurred.

We bought our Malibu maxx in Feb. Of 2005. Started have in problems with the steering, in oct 05. There was a knocking-clunking sound when turning the steering wheel. We took the car in to the dealership in Dec. Of 05. We where told there was no fix for it at that time but one would be available the first quarter of the year. At the time we had 21,000 miles on the car. Finally in the 3rd quarter of the year they had a "fix". The intermediate steer shaft was replaced. The "fix" lasted only 3,000 miles before they had to replace it again. This "fix" again only lasted 3,000 miles. We have asked gm to replace the car and have been told we have too many miles on the car. 41,000 miles. We feel since the car can not be fixed and that we waited as asked by gm, that gm should replace the car or give us the value of the car when we first started having the problem.