Steering Problems of Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

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

See all problems of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, it lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. The failure reoccurred every mile while driving, requiring the driver to pull over to the side of the road to restart the vehicle. The power steering, esc, and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated who was a retired independent mechanic, determined that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 14v153000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

See all problems of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Driving down the interstate I noticed the steering wheel lightly jumping intermittently like it wanted to take control and turn itself. A few minutes later the power steering completely went out and the dash board display esc off, power steering. I had no control of the vehicle. After turning the car off and then back on it would go away but happen later. Tried the recommended disconnect of the battery and hard restart and it would be fine for a little bit but happen again. Fast forward 2 weeks later and now completely out. This is extremely dangerous and a recall was already conducted for this year, make and model, but not on all vins associated. This recall needs to be reinstated covering all vins of this year before someone is seriously hurt or possibly killed.

The eps malfunctions and turns off during normal driving operations at random intervals. Happens more when temperature outside is below 50 degrees. This has made it difficult to steer and has almost caused me to get in an accident on multiple occasions.

See all problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while reversing, the message "power steering fault" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle became difficult to steer, requiring extra effort in maneuvering the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the steering wheel was vibrating abnormally with the message “power steering fault” displayed. While driving at an undisclosed speed on another occasion, the steering wheel continuously vibrated. The message "power steering fault" was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v064000 (steering). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

The power steering went out on the car as I was driving down the highway going 65 mph.

See all problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with strg shaft torque failure. The contact was informed that the strg shaft torque needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to contact the dealer. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the recall repair was performed in 2015. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

When coming from a stop the steering wheel jerks and a warning message appear on the dashboard display, "power steering assist is reduced. Drive with care. ".

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

So just recently I was on my way home from my parents house, and I take a highway to get there from my home. It’s a direct shot, fastest way to get to and from. I was merging right to get in the turn lane to the highway I take, and I heard a click, and my steering wheel felt like it locked up. I look at the dash, and see it says “power steering” and then “esc off”. The turn to merge onto the highway is a pretty sharp turn over a very steep hill. I had to force the steering wheel to the right, and crush on the brakes to get on the side of the road, where I could stop and inspect. I inevitably ended up giving up, because it’s freezing outside and I am not a mechanic. But it didn’t happen the rest of the way to my home. Since then though, it happens every time I drive the car. Turning the car off and on, while moving the steering wheel from left/right seems to temporarily fix the issue. Until the cars is idling again, and then it clicks off. I have a video of my steering wheel shaking and moving on its own, but this website only lets you upload pics or files. This started the next time I drove the car. Which was the day after the incident. I have not had any service done to it, as I can’t afford it. It is available for servicing upon request. I have had an check engine light and abs light on for sometime. But I think that’s because the warning lights weren’t reset after my dad changed my oil, and my brake pads.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. There were three audible dings with the message "power steering" displayed on the instrument panel. The contact reset the steering wheel and the battery, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v064000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

The vehicle went into shift to park and will not turn off. This is a known problem with all gm vehicles that hasn’t been fixed or offered a warranty for. It’s dangerous and causes the car not to move shut off in traffic and drains the battery. My car currently isn’t working due to this issue and the repair to fix is too much with no assistance from gm for a known defect. My car was almost hit because of the car had to be towed because it’s unable to be moved.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The “service esc” light came on while I was driving on the freeway causing the steering wheel to lock up and I couldn’t turn the wheel. It was really stiff after it said “service esc” and “esc off”.

See all problems of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Power steering went out and esc warning came on the dash . This has happened multiple times mostly while sitting at idle. Turned off car and restarted and it was corrected. This is becoming more frequent.

December 12, 2025 I had to drive 20-30 miles an hour the car would not break I had to use parking break. When I would try to stop it would continue to roll. The pedal was hard! this is very dangerous and other cars have crashed there are also class action lawsuits regarding just this! vehicle vacuum pump the bill was $5200 I am asking for reimbursement! vehicle vacuum pump engine light on tire sensor light on saw there have been more cases.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Power steering has failed. There are numerous complaints for these model and year cars. There has also been recalls for certain VIN numbers but not all. Very unsafe!.

Was driving on highway and starting to exit and my engine light came on and it alerted reduced engine power. I had to slam on my brakes but they were very hard to press and almost non existent and steering was also difficult. Managed to get car to side of road but due to very hard to non existent brakes I did graze a truck and damaged my rear drivers side fender. I am very lucky I didn’t get injured and was able to mostly miss the cars stopped in front of me. I also have the shift to park issue happen at least 4 times a week.

See all problems of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The power steering fails and service esc is displayed on the dash. This has been happening intermittently on my daughter’s car and she struggles to control the vehicle when it loses power steering. A quick internet search revealed is a known issue and is extremely dangerous. Please consider recall immediately.

Power steering will shut off when moving at slow speeds or when stopped with car running such as at a stop light. Warning lights will flash. Saw that there was a recall in 2014 for the same issue and was never informed. When checking recall alerts, I don't see my VIN however I am having the same issues as the recall.

Apparently, there was a recall on these cars for the power steering suddenly shutting off. Apparently it’s also electric so there’s nothing you can do at home to remedy it. It is incredibly dangerous to drive. I just bought my car it has under 100,000 miles on it, but I guess they have also 10 year age policy that they won’t service the recall. This was a brand new car for me and it is very dangerous for a company to allow cars to be out on the street with no power steering and decide after a certain amount of time it’s no longer their problem. Is their product and people are going to get into accidents. I’m very disappointed in this car.

See all problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Power steering warning light appeared then steering wheel tightened while slowing down to make a turn into my apartment. This occured two times in 3 weeks.

Power steering failing. As I was driving down the road I got a power steering message and chime. No dash light came on and I lost all ability to turn my vehicles steering wheel. I went to add power steering fluid just to learn that my 2005 chevy Malibu maxx LS comes equipped with eps(electric power steering). Then I check on NHTSA for safety recalls and there is a safety recall for the chevy Malibu maxx including the 2005 chevy Malibu maxx. I was pulling safely out of store parking lot into traffic and I had to hit the ditch luckily I didn't get t-boned. Thanks to my reaction time being fast I made it safely outta the road. I am available to have car inspected if needed. It just started on 11/23/2025 I bought the car used a year prior in Nov. 2024.

See all problems of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Power steering randomly goes off taking the traction control with it. Terrible for the snow roads to have. Have to life the steering wheel slightly when starting to the car get it to work. Steering angle sensor or torque position sensor maybe??.

The steering locked up when the brakes were pressed and the steering wheel was turned to avoid crashing with another car. The result is the crash happened and damage to both cars. Thankfully traffic was only going around 10 mph. If this had happened at high speed my son may have been seriously injured or even killed. The mechanic is working on it now and has reported the power steering module and power steering motor has to be replaced.

My power steering goes in and out as I'm driving depending on the speed. I have trouble swerving if needed because the power steering is not working correctly all the time.

The power steering went out while driving and is available for inspection right now. The car has 145k miles. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center and reproduced but has not been inspected by manufacturer/police/insurance. There were no indicators on dash before the power steering went out. Now the power steering esc indicator as well as traction light and abs warning show on dash now and the power steering is still out.

I lost power steering while driving, making the wheel hard to turn. While the car is idle, the steering wheel shakes. Also “esc” pops on on the dashboard.

Power steering jerks violently left/right at 35–65 mph. Nearly lost control — happens intermittently and while in park. This is a known gm defect — special coverage #10183 (eps module) and TSB pip4473. Michael bates Chevrolet refuses to repair under #10183 — wants $1,500+. Gm customer care also denied coverage. I use this car for work daily — it is unsafe to drive. If I crash and die, gm is liable. Component failed: electric power steering (eps) module available for inspection: yes — at michael bates chevy, woodhaven mi safety at risk: yes — driver and public confirmed by dealer: no — they refuse to honor #10183 warning lamps: no — no codes, intermittent first appeared: about a week ago and has progressively gotten worse.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking, and the message "power steering assist fault" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,605.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

While driving the cars speedometer and all gages will stop working, or they will constantly move up and down on their own, it will also not accelerate to speed limit in a timely manner. . When stopping the car it will brake extremely hard on its own and throw me forward it will also give a warning message on the dash that the power steering isn’t working and to drive with caution. When parking the car and it is in park a message on the dash will appear saying shift to park.

Unknown.

While my daughter has been driving our 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2013, the vehicle continues to experience add loss of electric power. The dashboard display and infortainment system went down black. The problem first began -2019-2020 and continues to recur about once or twice a month. The most recent incident occurred on September 18, 2025, with my daughter behind the wheel. An independentc mechanic confirmed that cause is a manufacturer's defect in the fuse box located near the battery. He stated this is a widespread issue and refused to repair it, advising Chevrolet should address it. Chevrolet waldorf kept my car for over a month but only replaced the battery, could find the issue, which did not resolve the defect. This recurring failure creates a serious safety risk to the driver, passenger, and others on the road because the car can lose power and steering at anytime. This issue was he subject of prior NHTSA complaint I submitted in 2020 (id 11315997), and it has continued despite the report. Everytime this defect occurs with Chevrolet Malibu 2013. . . My family's safety, and the safety of others on the road is placed in jeopardy. Gm must be held accountable to correct this ongoing safety defect beforer more lives are placed at risk, and NHTSA's response wil demonstrate where consumer safety is being prioritized or neglected. The upload pdf shows the name butterflies (is me asking questions) in a Malibu forum date 2021.

See all problems of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Electric power steering has failed on my car. Warning shows up saying power steering. Live in a snowy deer populated area impossible to turn wheel in these situations to avoid a collision. There was no actual accident that occured but there more than likely could be.

See all problems of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Steering asst warning came on. This happened in 2022 when I got the vehicle and it’s now happening again. When stopped with foot on brake and auto stop engaged , you take foot off brake steering wheel jerks and steering asst warning comes on. There is also a problem with shift to park. Vehicle shifted into park vehicle doesn’t recognize that it in park and vehicle can’t be shut off until it recognizes that it’s actually in park. Chevy knows this is an issue and will cover it under bumper to bumper warranty but will not fix it under a recall or outside of bumper to bumper warranty. Vehicle has a p1101 code that comes and goes. Engine filter has been replaced, throttle body has been cleaned, maf sensor has been replaced, and the issue continues to persist. There is no know way to fix this. Rear seat belt doesn’t work. Vehicle came like that. Vehicle has had multiple issues. Contacted chevy they want me to pay for a diagnostic out of pocket and submit to them and possibly they will then help. These are all known issues that they are not addressing.

2009 chevy Malibu I lost of electric power steering it happened to me twice both when I was driving one was in the freeway the bad thing my car or VIN wasn't included in the recall the dealer said its not included in the affected cars unfortunately it deed my vehicle has 40k miles on the odometer although its a 2009 its very clean. I brought it at firestone auto they said after diagnosing it that they can't fix it because it had a recall so I bring it to were we bought it at guaranty chevy in santa ana I paid $240. To have it diagnose and they said it was wiring issue so I went home after a day drove the car the next day the steering went out again and I was driving it again I was on the freeway this could cause an accident. So when I brought it back to the dealer they fix it for a whopping $1144. 87 plus the initial $240 to diagnose says on my receipt the sensor that was actually on their recall again my VIN wasn't included in the affected cars obviously it did. I ask the dealer if they could contact the manufacturer to at least give me a discount or at least cover the expense because this shouldn't happen but to no avail. Hope you could help me recover what I paid this should been recalled by the manufacturer again my car wasn't included for repairs I have all receipts and documentation and pictures of my car hope you guys help me! it could have been worst what if I hit someone on the freeway and I can't steer. They know the vehicles was affected but they didn't want to fix the problem instead I paid out of pocket.