2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Steering Problems

Which parts fail

• Electric power assist system
  31
• Hydraulic power assist system
  10
• Column
  6
• Rack and pinion
  5
• Rack and pinion › Pinion shaft
  3
• Column locking › Anti-theft device
  1

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  3315%
• 25k–50k
  2913%
• 50k–75k
  4721%
• 75k–100k
  4018%
• 100k–150k
  4721%
• 150k+
  2411%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E044000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

My car is in my husbands name but the problems with car started with recalls. I never received a steering column recall until my car was already over 150,000 mls. When taken to the garage they fixed one recall and conveniently 2 more repairs that didn't exist needed fixed they then told me the steering column was bad and needed replaced. I said I didn't have money to fix and they said they repaired it as good as they could power steering problem could happen again but May never. So on June 26th I headed to childrens hospital to be with my son when he was put under anesthesia for an mri(he has down syndrome). Car was acting up not turning right but I made it there. I sent kids with their dad the night before because I felt it wasn't driving right. On the way home I was driving north on highway 28 in the right lane when my car stared going towards the passing lane. …

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and there was an abnormal noise. On another occasion, while driving 5 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel required excessive force and another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available for the recall repairs for NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control), 14V153000 (steering), and 14V224000 (power train). The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact received a notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering) and the vehicle was repaired. Less than a month later, the torque sensor assembly and the EPS unit failed. After having the vehicle repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (service brakes), the vehicle began to feel as though the brakes were grabbing. The contact stated that it was difficult to accelerate from a complete stop and the brakes were smoking. The vehicle had not been back to the dealer. The contact felt that both recall repairs failed. The failure mileage was 45,500.

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering lost power. In an attempt to make a left turn, another vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the contact's vehicle. The front driver's air bag exploded and struck the driver in the face. The driver sustained injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow yard. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

No steering,steering turns around and around without stop turning in either direction,right or left. Second time this happened,spent approximately $1200.00 before. Car this time ended in a tow pound yard. Triple aaa moved my car to a shop called quick stop where I wanted to get my car fixed at only to discover they didn't do electrical work which they discovered was the problem among others. Again the towing company triple aaa carried it to webb Chevrolet suggested by this shop. Webb Chevrolet discovered also electrical issues. My insurance notified me after I contact them for a claim report. An estimator was sent to webb Chevrolet also they discovered after a tear down diagnosis that it is a recall issues. Now you are being notified by me,ruby wells of these problems. This is why im notifying you of the recalls found on this make,model and year 2004 vehicle. …

Steering wheel has numerous problems. Had a knocking noise since I brought 3 years ago. Steering wheel tightens up and very hard to turn and tightens more while trying to make turns at slow speeds . Now happening some times when I put into reverse. Been trying to teach my son how to drive and wheel to tight for him to practice turns. A few weeks ago he almost ran into a bush when pulling out from a stop sign because the steering wheel wouldn't turn. Had him put the car in park in the middle of the street while on coming cars had to stop and wait for us to switch drivers. Getting worse/tighter over time. If the wheel is slightly turned and I put in drive the car jumps ahead with no control over the steering. Already took in for recall's for power steering so when I called was told all my recalls had been done and expired. Last few days the wheel is shaking the closer I drive to 55 MPH. …

Tl contact is co-owner of a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact's daughter was driving approximately 55 MPH when the instrument panel lights began to flicker and there was a loss of steering power. The vehicle veered to the right and then pulled hard to the left, entering into traffic and striking two vehicles. The passenger and driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries. The two other drivers also sustained injuries, but the contact does not know to what extent. A police report was filed. The vehicle sustained approximately $2,600 worth of damage to the front end. The vehicle was inspected by the insurance company and towed to a dealer. Investigation number ea04018 was issued, but there has been no recall as of yet. The current and failure mileages were 37,000. Updated 12-12-07.

I was driving back home at night after work a hour away to bowie tx I work in fort worth. Going on hwy 287 which is a big hwy for traveling rigs, I was going 65 MPH and I came to a turning the hwy and my power steering just goes out with any warning. I slammed on my brakes tapping the wall in the median. Looked on the information board and it said power steering. The next morning I looked on the internet and found around 10 to 15 websites that had this complaint with the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. I called GM Chevrolet in north richland hills and the on in decatur and they both told me that the know this is a big deal the know about it but at this time there is nothing they can do for me. This is my wife's car and lucky this day I took it instead for her and my 3 year old son.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Steering complaints in other Malibu Maxx years