Steering Rack And Pinion Problems of Chevrolet Malibu - part 2

I purchased the vehicle in July of 2011 and had noticed a few times during winter that when I turned the steering wheel, sometimes the headlights would dim and the heater fan would suddenly slow down. Nothing really ever happened to make me think there was a serious issue. I would notice it would happen intermittently through out the next several months. Early in March, 2013, I had noticed as I was backing out of my driveway to go to work, the steering wheel would become much more difficult to turn and there would be a message on the dash that just read power steering. This would only last for a brief moment, and then it would go away and the steering would be fine. I thought it was from the cold weather. On Friday, March 15, I had stopped at a few different places, was having no issues that I could tell. I got into my car to leave the last stop, started the car and began to back out of the parking lot. I didn't see a message at first and it felt like I had a flat tire. About 5 seconds later there were 4 dings and the dash said power steering again and the steering wheel was very sluggish. I'd been half expecting it to start working again, but after speaking with a rep at an auto parts store, they told me it sounded like the electronic assist motor on the rack-and-pinion had shorted, causing a fuse to blow which was something gm had already put a recall out for other vehicles, except my model year. I spoke with the dealer and they told me that the only recall that was out on the car at the moment was an issue with the gear shift indicator and I will be taking care of that soon. They want me to take it in for diagnostics to see what gm will cover for repairs, but honestly I don't think I should be liable for a problem that gm didn't fix right the first time.

See all problems of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Pulling out of the garage the power steering went out. I drove it without power steering for about 3 miles, parked the vehicle and shut it off. Went inside the business & came out about a half hour later & the steering worked fine. I've researched this issue on line and have found that gm has recalled vehicles for this issue but not the 2004 Malibu. This vehicle has also been serviced 3 times in past years for steering related parts including a rack & pinion unit. My daughter has a 2005 chevy cobalt & her vehicle was recalled for this very same issue.

See all problems of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

I was parking the car in my drive way and all of sudden a loud noise comes from underneath and the car stears by itself in the wrong direction where the other car was already parked. I managed to stear due to the slow speed the car was moving but I realized how bad this could have been while driving the car in traffic and at high speed rates. When I checked what happened, I noticed that the front end cradle that the steering rack mounts to, has rusted out and the whole rack and pinion became lose in one of the mounting points. I am very disappointed with the quality and workmanship they put in one of the most important parts of the car, where steering, suspension, in fact the whole power train seats on and it failed so easy. The manufacture was trying to save some dollars at the cost of peoples lives.

See all problems of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The rack and pinion on drivers side end rattles at slow speed. I have tried 3 different brand front brakes and all have squeaked,the transmission cooler line started leaking. The car has 69,000 on it as of now 1/26/2013. Dealer want fix any of the problem under the drive train warranty. Also has cold start engine knock.

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 5 mph and making a right turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.

Heavy snapping sound (hard enough to be felt) upon turning wheels in either direction. It has been noted to me that this is a "quirk" of the steertng for this model and can not be remedied. The car was bought used and told that the rack and pinion steering had been replaced but did not remedy the situation and was not a safety consideration. In my opinion, when something makes a snapping sound and can be felt, this is surely a safety factor. Can you advise if this is a safety factor or not? I'm not really comfortabe driving this car.

I began to hear thumping noise from the front end. After brining it to the auto repair facility they infromed me the "rack in pinion" unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle only has 66,000 miles on it. The repair facility informed me the cost will be $1200. 00. After reading about this issue on the internet it appears to be common place and dangerous. I have not yet corrected the problem as I do not have the money to repair it.

See all problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

While driving my 1998 Chevrolet Malibu at slow speed (luckily), the steering make a crunching noise and completely failed. This cause the complete loss of control of the vehicle. The steering wheel would simply spin, with no effect on the actual steering gearbox. There was no longer any mechanical connection between the steering column and the rack and pinion gear. The vehicle was towed to my mother's home about a mile away and there was an initial inspection by my stepfather (a 25 year veteran of the automobile business). He stated that he had never seen a failure like this and suggested that a contact Chevrolet to see if there were any recalls on this, which I did. He also checked and there was one in the steering column bearing and it was completed in 2004 on this vehicle. I contacted gm by e-mail and they called and told me that they were not going to participate in any repairs. I subsequently had the vehicle towed to a local garage and they did a preliminary diagnosis and advised me of the nature of the failure (along with a $900 extimate to repair it). They also stated that they had never seen a failure like this. The main concern was that we were extremely lucky that this happened in a parking lot and not on the highway, as the resultant loss of control would likely have cost us our lives.

My wife was driving to work when her check engine light came on and power steering flashed across her information screen. When she was attempting to make a left hand turn, the steering wheel locked up on her. Fortunately she was able to get the car pulled into a parking lot. We had to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic, who looked at it and said that the only thing he thought it could be was the rack and pinion. We had that replaced and everything was fine for a few days, and then the same thing happened again. It has been a constant annoyance, and you have to constantly restart the car to get the power steering to come back on. Just recently it was taken back to a mechanic who stated he had to replace fluid? I picked the car up from him on 9/19/2011 and today 9/20/11 with my 11 week old daughter in the car it happened again. From what I've read, this is a very common problem on these vehicles, and had I known that at the time I would not have purchased this vehicle. It is unsafe not only for the driver and passenger of the cars, but also anyone that just happens to be around when it happens!! I consider myself to be a strong person, and I have been driving on several occasions when this has happened, and I could barely get the car safely pulled to the side of the road. I cannot afford to spend $600 for a repair when it is a faulty part that the manufacturer should take responsibility for!!.

Started hearing clunking in the front end about a year ago and power steering going out now and again. Clunking progressively got worse and powers steering began to go out everytime I drove my car, especially when making turns. Took the car to a local autoshop. I had the rack and pinion replaced. Cost me over $500. Clunking is gone but power steering is still going out on me while I am driving.

See all problems of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds, he heard a thumping noise while making a turn. The vehicle was inspected and repaired three times by a local dealer. The current failure was within the rack and pinion component; the vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Updtated 2/17/11.

On a 2006 Malibu, the electrical assist has been replaced three times in the past 10 months. Each time the steering locked up while driving on the interstate luckily. In 5 days, the car gets taken in to have the steering column and rack and pinion steering replaced. The first failure was at approximately, 50,000 miles, the second was at approximately 65,000 and the third at about 80,000. The car is at 95,000 miles now which is a lot, but to have the power steering replaced at a certified mechanic soon to be 4 times within a year is not good. The electrical assist power steering and all associated designs is unsafe as the wheel is impossible to turn when failure occurs.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 40 mph, there was a complete loss of the power steering. The contact experienced extreme difficulty turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they informed the contact that the failure was contributed to the steering column, rack and pinion and control arm. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.

See all problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 60 mph the steering wheel locked when the speed decreased. The rack and pinion was replaced four times and the failure continued to occur. A crash nearly occurred on two occasions while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe and could cause a crash to occur. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Within 1 week of purchasing the vehicle used I could hear a clunk when turning the steering wheel. I took it to the dealer and they said it was a 'steering column gear' and fixed it. Within 6 months the sound started again, I took it to my local mechanic he suggested replacing the rack and pinion. This stopped the sound for about 6 months, this time the sound not only came back but the steering locked up while merging onto the freeway, when I let my foot off the accelerator the steering came back. This lock up has occurred 2 more times, making a total of 3 steering lock ups in a years time.

Steering problem with 2008 chevy Malibu. While driving the steering wheel will go back and forth and hard to control steering. Also, sometimes when engine is on and car not moving the wheel will shake and go back and forth on both sides. Have had the car to a chevy dealer and they say there is nothing wrong with the car and everything is solid. Also had a wheel and tire check it out and they said the same thing but they say it may be in the rack and pinion system. It is very scary when you have trouble controlling the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at approximate speeds of 20 mph in a parking lot. The contact attempted a turn when the steering wheel failed and would not move. The air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle was towed to his residence. The dealer advised the rack and pinion would need to be replaced. The contact inquired about NHTSA campaign id number 10v073000 (steering: electric power assist system) but was advised his VIN was not included with the recall. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was 104,000.

I have a 2005 chevy Malibu, purchased it in Jun 2005 used. Jumping forward, Nov 25, 2008, I was driving home and my steering wheel "snapped" and "popped" and was still going around in a circle, while car was still going straight. I had the vehicle towed, and come to find out, the rack and pinion needed to be fixed. Got that done. Then, August 2008, engine goes out. Mind you, both instances, I have been told that this has been a known issue with that model car. Got the engine fixed. Now, 3/26/2010, im driving and the power steering locks up! I have contacted Chevrolet about these incidents, and they were no help. Just told me to take the car to a dealership. Well, today, I found out on the web that there had been a special recall on my model car, between a certain VIN number, and this was around the time my steering went out before. When asking the rep "isabel" how can they issue recalls and not mail them to consumers, she told me that they didn't have to , if they were special notifications. How would the consumer know that there was a possible issue if we are not notified? she then proceeds to tell me about a new special notification on this same car on the fuel caps! my life is at stake in this car, and gm is aware of these issues, but no help. I also noticed on the web today that there are many customers complaining about the power steering issues on the same make and model vehicle, most are the same year, and gm is not willing to assist!.

This is the second time my 2004 Malibu ltz power steering locked up on me. The first time it locked up was Nov 2009, as I was driving downs madison st. The mechanic replaced the rack n pinion, this appeared to solve the problem temporarily. The second time the problem happen was March 3rd, 2010, I was pulling out of my garage, made a right turn onto ohio and almost hit kids getting out of school because the car kept moving in a straight direct even though I was attempting to turn. I spoke to the dealer ship today and they said they do not know of a recall but are aware of the problem with Malibu.

First started as an occasional steering problem at low speeds. Then progressed to more frequent steering problem at low speed. Next a bad vibration started in the front when breaking. Now a loud clunking noise. Diagnosis by mechanic is defective rack and pinion, steering box, and possibly power steering failure. Research indicates there have been many, many complaints about this, and that the 2005 Malibu was recalled for exactly the same problem last summer.

While driving on a highway after going over a pot hole the car turned off. After shifting into neutral and pulling to the side of the road I put it in park and started it back up. It started up fine but when I started driving it was very hard to make turns. After taking it to a mechanic they said the power steering went out and it needs a new rack and pinion and new power steering pump. They said it could be related to an ignition switch recall so I called gm. They said the ignition switch was covered by a recall but not anything related to the power steering.

See all problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

My steering system is failing and my rack and pinion needs replacing at 65,000 miles. My mechanic says it's not safe to drive in the long term with the clunking sounds I hear and the rack could fail and cause me to crash. Gm chevy Malibu v6 engine.

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. When she attempted to make a u-turn she lost power steering without any prior warnings. She drove the vehicle home by making right turns. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and a technician concluded that the rack and pinion failed. Since the warranty does not cover the repair, the estimated cost was $1,188. 56. No repairs were made. The current and failure mileages were 60,000.

See all problems of the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

2006 chevy Malibu failure of rack and pinion, steering failure replaced 3 times still defective.

I need your help. I bought a 2005 Malibu from a local car dealer. The car had low miles and I thought it would be a safe and reliable car. So safe, that I allowed my teenage son to drive my car. While he was making a left hand turn from a 4-way stop, he heard a pop and then had no steering without any way to control the car he ended up in a field. I thank god he was not going fast, that there was no other cars or people involved, and he was not hurt. I had the car towed to my mechanic who is a certified master technician, who worked for gm as a line tech for 25 yrs. He informs me that this should have never happened in a car that is only 4 yrs old, and felt it was defective. He said the failure occurred inside the steering rack causing the pinion to disengage resulting in loss of control. I then had the car towed to a gm dealer who?s mechanic said the same thing but because I did not buy the car from them, they would not help me?. My next step was to contact gm?. They took a week to investigate?and decided that because I bought the car from a private car dealer, it had 86k miles on it and it was past the factory warranty they felt no need to do any thing about this. Not only was the steering rack and pinion damaged, the power steering unit under the dash and the air bag coils were damaged as well. The cost to repair this is over $2000. 00. It?s not just the cost to repair the car that upsets me; it?s the fact that gm has no concern for safety. I have found long list for consumer complaints about gm?s steering failures. ?unbelievable? and this is not the only site that has complaints. I know there was a recall to address the steering defect in the Malibu. But they obviously decided it was of no big concern to fix the problem.

Complaint about steering : rack and pinion I purchased the 2006 chevy Malibu a few months ago from a local used car dealer near allentown, pennsylvania. A month or so later I began hearing a popping when I turned. I took it to the mechanic and it turned out to be a rack and pinion fault. The estimated cost with reprogramming is $600. I know a lot of people with the 06 Malibu have been having this problem. Gm should recall. I just don't have that kind of money to pay for the rack and pinion fault.

Sub frame cradle weak, releases rack and pinion.

See all problems of the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

I have a 2004 Malibu max. I have had problems with the steering column for the past 1 1/2 years. The rack and pinion and steering column was replaced last year after the power steering kept going out. A year later and the rack and pinion as been replaced again! the steering column is going to have to be replaced again as well! the power steering goes keeps going out, but if I turn the car off and back on it corrects the problem temporarily. There is no warning before it goes out. The 2005 has a recall out on it but not the 2004 and it is the same problem!.

Brought car in for maintenance of other sorts and mechanic noticed clicking in steering wheel. A clicking that had been present since I purchased the car and was told that it is normal in the Malibu by two dealerships and an outside mechanic (whom I no longer go to). The noise had gotten worse over time, but was reassured that it was no issue. My new mechanic determined that it was a failure of the rack and pinion system and continuing to drive with it would be dangerous. I had it replaced (12-4-2008). It has been slightly over a year now and the noise is back and progressively getting worse than before. It costs nearly $1000+ to repair and doesn't last a year?! it is a late model 2004 Malibu, meaning it is the 2005 Malibu made in 2004. I've read many reports/complaints on the internet about the same problem. This needs to be taken care of ASAP.

Steering problems on a 2007 chevy Malibu. . Starting approx. 2 years ago. . Fall of 2008. . Taken to certified chevy dealer four times has been "fixed". In spring 2010 power steering motor replaced twice. . . Taken back to certified dealer on 8/2/10 to have rack and pinion fixed for 2nd time as well. .

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.

See all problems of the 1999 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

On August 21, 2008, I was driving the car on a level, straight road and heard a snap. The steering of the car got really loose and squirrelly. I pull over to check for loose components under the wheel wells. Everything looked tight. Later I looked under the hood at the rack and pinion and had a helper turn the steering wheel left and right because it was difficult to maintain control to the left. Once the wheel was turned left, I saw the whole rack move up and down from the frame of the engine cradle. From the looks of it a part that held it down broke.

According to the dealer this vehicle has a defective rack and pinion that is based upon engineering and could cause a loss of control steering while driving the vehicle. A loud popping noise is heard while turning left or right and a snapping is heard when slowing down and breaking. A loose rattle also occurs in front end while driving on primary or secondary roads. Car jumps and steering jerks when hitting a bump on paved roadways. Car has been taken in for repairs three times.

2005 Chevrolet Malibu maxx - rack and pinion assembly failure at 37,000 miles (just beyond warranty). Internet search reveals several dozen similar complaints, and solutions do not last very long.

The part in question is the rack and pinion assembly part # 25902150 of a chevy Malibu maxx 2004. The first part was replaced July 8 2008, that part failed and was replaced again on October 3 2008. That part is now failed again and it has not been 3 moths since it was replaced. So the part has failed by making extreme noise, clicking or thumping heard in the front end. My mechanic told me that the gm dealer that provided the part told him they keep many in stock because they have this problem a lot. My mechanic also tells me that gm refused to pay his labor cost even though they admitted the part failure in such a short time. My mechanic tells me that not replacing the part can result in my losing control of my vehicle and possibly at risk of causing serious injury to me or others.