Steering Problems of Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

I have a 2017 chevy Malibu that in 2022 had a shift malfunction causing it to become stuck in reverse and roll backwards. It ended up having to be towed and was repaired in may 2022. On August 25 and 26, 2026 the car is now experiencing another shift to park malfunction whereby the vehicle does not detect that the shifter is in the park position. It shows a "shift to park" error on the car's dashboard and will not let me turn the car off until it detects it is in park which takes multiple times of shifting and cycling the car through the gears or repeatedly jiggling the gear selector. This is a temporary workaround and not a safe or satisfactory solution as this can cause a serious or even fatal accident! this Malibu seems to have a continuing problem with the shift malfunctioning and gm needs to recognize this is a continual problem and resolve it by recalling this issue again before someone is hurt or killed. I am requesting gm repair this at their expense or replace my vehicle as it seems to be a lemon!.

See all problems of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Power steering assist motor is out and it was under recall in 2011 but it was out of the recall window but it has less than 150000 miles.

See all problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-50 mph, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the toe links and the suspension needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,500.

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The esc light came on, air conditioner fan speed went high then low and my screen flickered out momentarily. The esc light came on three more times, 10-15 seconds each time with no lights remaining on after and no other changes. The next time I drove, when turning the esc light came on and the steering locked up for about 5 seconds.

See all problems of the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

My 2020 Chevrolet Malibu experienced a sudden and severe electrical failure after driving through normal roadway water. Immediately afterward, the vehicle displayed multiple safety?critical warnings including loss of power steering assist, electronic stability control (esc) faults, brake control faults, and reduced propulsion. A gm dealership inspected the vehicle, scanned the modules, and found more than a dozen network and chassis?related diagnostic trouble codes, including: b3979, u0164, b1325, b3122, u0121, c0196, c0460, b1011, b097b, b3205, c056e, c056d, u0420, u1510, c0545, u0422. These codes indicate failures in the steering system, brake control module, stability control system, body control module, and multiple can?bus communication networks. The dealership confirmed: – no physical damage – no evidence of collision or impact – no evidence of flood damage – the suspected failed component is the electric power steering rack (gm part 85621696) – the part is not available, meaning the vehicle cannot be repaired – I would be responsible for diagnostic and repair costs this is a major safety concern. The vehicle can lose steering assist, stability control, and braking support without warning. The inability to obtain the required steering component makes the vehicle unrepairable and unsafe to operate. I am reporting this because this appears to be a systemic electrical/network failure affecting critical safety systems. I believe this defect poses a significant risk to drivers, passengers, and other motorists. The attached photo is a is a picture of the printout the Chevrolet dealership service manager provided to me.

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The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the steering wheel was shaking and locked up, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. A dealer or an independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

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Just bought the car and the car is receiving error: "shift to park". This appear to be a know issue for 2018 chevy Malibu hybrid. Car cut off in middle of traffic.

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Everytime I turn on my car, I get a warning for esc power steering and I have no power steering. Usually it will fix itself have shutting it off once and starting it again immediately. There has been a couple times where it has taken multiple starts to fix itself.

No power steering for 25min drive home. Next day it worked. Dealership said it had an expired recall for power steering fix. No work was done by dealership.

See all problems of the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The power steering motor failed ,esc , traction and power steeringg lights came on, I am a woman and coould not control the car and my safety and others was at risk for an accident or crash ,there was nothing prior to this just suddenly loosing control of my car and a very scary position to be in , yes the chevy dealer has the component. I know ther was a recall on this problem and other s beside myself are still having this problem so with the low milage on this car this should not have happened , general motoors should stand behind a recall no matter how long, a recall is a recall 10 years or the life off the car.

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The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the hard skin material on the steering wheel was crumbling. The contact stated that the right and left hands were severely peeled. The contact inspected the steering wheel and placed a white glove on each hand and rotated the steering wheel. The contact became aware of a black substance on both gloves. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that another vehicle that the contact had owned was parked in the same spot for fourteen years. The contact stated that the weather did not cause any issues with the other vehicle. The contact received medical treatment for contact dermatitis. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

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Power steering has gone out.

I keep having the shift to park issue. I had it repaired January 2022 and is beginning to have this issue again.

So while I was driving my car going 60 on the highway it seemed to be having electrical issues all the lights on my dash popped on then popped off and only a few lights actually stayed on I can't remember exactly but the check engine and my abs stayed on and then on my screen it read to me warning power steering fault my headlights were dimming on and off like my car was going to die, so I had to pull over for my safety and other drivers safety, so after I pulled over safely I shut my car completely off and waited about 5 minutes and turned it back on when it turned back on the only light that popped on my dash was the check engine light, but the check engine light had actually been on the dash for a while after I replaced the 21 fuses that were missing that I didn't know were missing when I purchased the vehicle as is from a dealership the only thing that made me decide to check my fuses was because my check engine light was popping on and off and would stay off for a while then come back on a code reader said it was something to do with my turbo that code it was just very odd and the car was shifting weird 3 or 4 months after the purchase date 12/13/2025 also after I put all the fuses back in a ton of codes popped up others safety and mine were at risk as I didn't really have control of my vehicle when it was doing that and it started breaking itself when I wasn't even hitting the break it was like jolting it's self and stopping slightly. I took my car to aamco total car care for a free diagnostic test, and then I had recently took my car to a chevy dealership in nampa idaho off garrity boulevard because online it had told me there was recalls for my car and that recall was exactly what I was thinking had started off as the original problem originally leading into the other problems I got told to bring my car in then the fed me information saying pretty much it was a bust and that specific Malibu has no recall I think they just didn't want to work on it.

1. The esc system and power steering lights come on and sometimes go off making it extremely unsafe to drive due to not having proper control of the steering wheel. It is available for inspections at any time. 2. Being able to turn and use steering wheel correctly puts me and my family at risk for collisions. 3. Confirmed by a code reader. And personal mechanic. 4. No inspections have been made at dealership u called and they said there was no recall. 5. No other than the steering wheel moving on its own when at a stop light.

There is a frequency coming from the front of the driver's seat, steering wheel, and under the instrument panel that sends a electrical shock as you drive. If you have aluminum foil or any type of material that blocks electrical signals in the driver's seat it will shock you as well. This could definitely cause an accident while driving . This happens daily. It started in April 2026.

See all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

I own a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu ltz (VIN [xxx] ) with an electric power steering (eps) issue that matches gm’s known eps defect and recall 14v?153 / bulletin 15356 for 2007–2012 Malibus. The steering is very stiff and hard at low speeds, the car feels like it is dragging, and the steering wheel shakes back and forth while driving, especially at low to moderate speeds. A Chevrolet customer?service representative confirmed the VIN does not show the eps recall, but said I should report this to NHTSA. This is a safety?related steering?assist defect pattern that gm has already acknowledged on other Malibus. I am requesting NHTSA to review whether this 2008 Malibu ltz should be included in the eps?related recall or special coverage, or whether further action on this defect is needed information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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Power steering went out.

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to the u-joint in the steering column, which made the vehicle difficult to control. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

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As I'm driving I hear a chime and the radio says power steering and I just loose power steering it's scary and I really wish gm would have made this a permanent recall.

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently shifted between park(p), drive(d), and neutral(n), and the selected gear was not visible or illuminated on the instrument cluster or the gear shifter panel. The doors locked and unlocked, and the engine started shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the message "service power steering - drive with care" was displayed during the failure. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road after each failure and the gear shifter was slowly shifted between gears until the desired gear was selected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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I have not been involved in no incident or accident with anybody but my vehicle is installing up and dying in the middle of the road the power steering is locking up the battery is draining and the car is cutting off I had the battery replaced and I'm still losing power in my battery and I can't figure out why I'm not too long after the battery dying and the vehicle starting up and dying it started overheating for no known reason at all shortly after sorting the overheat my navigational system and my radio has started to fail I took it to several places to have it put on machines they can figure out why the check engine light is on or why the battery is dying because it's showing that it has battery the battery life they don't know why it's falling up and down I'm checking till not sound but other than that they're not getting no read out on the machine they put it off of I'll contact the dealership because on certain 2013 chevy Malibu equals they have a recall on the general control module system burger is being defensive but I'm on my specific then there's not a recall online but everything that happens with the defective general control module it sounds like what's going on with my car I'll contact it the dealership and they told me that although they had the recalls on the defective funeral control module if I was to take it to a dealership and it proved to be an effective general control module that I was still going to be liable for out-of-pocket expenses because my car is not covered under the van recall and I'm not understanding how that right or how that's legal when they have all these defects of recalls on these cars and if that's what's going on with mine how is it not the same thing.

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On March 4, 2026, my wife was driving the vehicle when she suddenly lost power steering. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, creating a dangerous situation that could have resulted in serious injury. She was able to safely pull over and contact me. I carefully drove the vehicle home. The vehicle was taken to jeff wyler Chevrolet of columbus for diagnosis and repair. The dealership confirmed that the problem involved the power steering system. The repair cost was $1,513. 03. After researching the issue, I discovered that this 2012 Malibu is subject to a special coverage related to the steering torque sensor. General motors had reportedly sent notification letters to owners, but we never received one. Had we been aware, we would have addressed the issue immediately. This defect represents a significant safety risk, as sudden loss of power steering could cause an accident or serious injury.

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I was cruise control 80mph and my. Power steering went out. Esc power steering warning on dash. Car is incredibly hard to steer. When I turn car off and back on it might go away for a few minutes but then come. Back randomly in a scary scenarios. Thing is a death trap.

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu LS related to the electronic stability control (esc), traction control, and electric power steering systems. My vehicle is currently experiencing the following problems: * “service esc” warning message * “esc off” displayed * traction control disabled * electric power steering warning * airbag warning light illuminated these issues occur while driving and directly impact the vehicle’s safety systems and handling. I am aware of a prior safety recall issued by general motors under recall number 13036, which involves electrical wiring, the body control module (bcm), and brake assist system (bas). According to the recall, this defect can result in the loss of electronic stability control, traction control, and other critical safety features. My vehicle is experiencing the exact same symptoms described in recall #13036, including the disabling of esc and traction control systems. However, I have been informed that my VIN may not be included in this recall, despite the identical safety-related failures. This presents a significant safety risk because: * electronic stability control and traction control systems are not functioning * steering assist may be compromised * crash avoidance and braking support features may be disabled I am requesting that this issue be investigated and that consideration be given to expanding recall #13036 to include additional affected vehicles like mine, as this appears to be a widespread defect. This condition poses a serious risk to driver and passenger safety, thank you so much you can contact me back via email [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Power steering went out and I'm told it's a sensor that is in the steering column. Very expensive to have fixed due to location of the sensor. I seen a recall for this problem however it is only good for 150,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased this car 2 years ago with 172,000 miles. This recall should still be valid if it hasn't been repaired. I almost wrecked the car not realizing this happened while driving.

The contact's wife owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the messages "esc" and "fuel low" were displayed even though there was half a tank of fuel. The transmission failed to shift out of park (p). The contact stated that the failure occurred twice. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the manufacturer's engineer determined that there was a short circuit in the steering rack. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Rear steering knuckle and control arm knuckle. My car moves side to side. I have replaced everything in the rear end. I just recently bought this car.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The power steering goes out at times. When I start up or when I am driving my steering will get harder and I get a power steering warning on the dash. If I shut the car off, sometimes it goes away but most of the time it does not.

In 2014 there was a recall issue on 2004 to 2009 Chevrolet Malibus 2. 4 l motors with the electric power steering assist motor. They were to be replaced with labor and free cost. A recall is a safety issue that has no expiration date. In 2015 gm issued a special coverage adjustment for 2010 through 2012 chevy Malibus. This special adjustment is for those vehicles 2010 through 2012 to have the power steering assist motor replaced for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original service date. The problem with that is I have a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu that has the exact same electric power steering assist motor that the 2004 through 2009 half but yet I only have a special coverage adjustment which is not even close to a recall where there is no expiration date on when the manufacturer would replace the electric power steering assist motor free of charge. The issue with the electric power steering assist motor was a malfunctioning of a bushing issues in the motor. I have the same electric power assist motor in my Malibu that all the recall Malibu's 2004 to 2009 have. So what made the difference after 2009 with this product the electric power steering assist motor? today February 13th 2026 my electric power steering assist motor will only work when I reset the system. I almost had an accident because the power steering went out and I was driving. Took my Malibu to repair shop called express pro in indianapolis indiana and they diagnosed it power steering assist motor failing. I do not fall under the special coverage adjustment although that's really for non-safety concerns a recall is first safety issues with no expiration date and my 2010 Malibu should be in the recall. I cannot afford $1,500 to get this motor replaced which I had no clue there was even a recall until today. The car will set until there is a recall issue which is the only fair thing to do when it was issued for 2004-2009 Malibu's since there was no change in the electric power steering assist motor.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. Additionally, the traction and power steering assist motor warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with power steering assist failure. The contact was informed that the power steering assist motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14v153000 (steering); however, the VIN was not associated. The failure mileage was approximately 70,560.

The powersteering is failing in my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu with 93k miles on it. The warning light on the dashboard appears randomly then it becomes difficult to steer. This has become a safety issue because when driving on the highway or trying to navigate turns requires a lot of strength and can be a hazard while driving in traffic or alone. I have taken the vehicle to an auto repair shop for a diagnostic and they were unable to fix it due to the Chevrolet dealership who no longer makes the part. I have researched and found that gm had a special coverage 15356 for this problem but no recall. The special coverage is now expired. I am not sure if it has been inspected by the manufacturer as I am the 2nd owner. The message that appears on the dashboard when there is a loss of power steering says esc power steering then it becomes difficult to steer. The problem started about 1 month ago.

I was driving and the steering wheel locked, the whole steering column has to be replaced it brought up a code saying torque input sensor I've only put 10,000 miles on this car and have only had it for 11 months.

My steering wheel is twitching & possibly failing due to the torque steering sensor & it is very unsafe to drive.

The power steering on my vehicle is not working. I believe it may be a malfunction with the torque sensor. It is available for inspection upon request. This was a safety risk because the steering wheel was shaking as I was driving. Thankfully, it never locked up on me while on the road, however if it had, it could've caused a life-threatening accident as I am constantly driving on large 4 lane highways. I know that there is a safety recall open for 2007 Chevrolet Malibu's regarding the torque sensor and power steering, however my vehicle does not seem to fall under this safety recall for some reason? I attempted to have it serviced by my local dealer, but they do not want to service it under the recall. I believe that if this is a known issue on some 2007 Chevrolet Malibu's, then it should be repaired under the safety recall even if my VIN is not associated with it.