Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that her husband manually steered the vehicle and veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that her husband turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact's husband continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering control module, steering control module, and torque sensors needed to be replaced. The dealer also advised the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair as an unknown recall had expired in 2014. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving on several occasions, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated; however, the power steering failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who provided the contact with a Technical Service Bulletin regarding the repair for the power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced TSB: 14116 as a possible solution; however, the repair was not covered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and stop the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed due to the mechanics being unable to replicate the failure. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist fault message was displayed and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. Additionally, there was a ticking sound coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
Takata recall I was driving on route 19 just before the maple fork exit the light was red and I began to slow down. All of a sudden the brakes and steering would not work and the car hit the rear end of the car in front of me. Causing major damages to the front of my car. The other car was not affected nearly as much. It was like the car just stopped. No airbags was deployed.
This is in relation to what I've seen in a few crash iihs crash videos. I was hit on the left side, with the impact range from the left front wheel to the outside mirror. I was beginning to make a left turn when I was struck. The impact on the steer tire caused the steering wheel to spin quickly to the right as it absorbed the energy from the collision. The steering wheel turned so violently rightward from the force of the vehicle hitting it, that I ended up with a fractured right elbow and torn ligaments in my right hand - injuries sustained from a collision on the left. I have seen the same thing in a few iihs crash test videos. In a few of their videos, the steering column shifts significantly to the left or right so there ends up being no contact between the dummy's head and the steering wheel airbag. …
Issue one is the drivers seal welds brake on the rear and front from the floor mount base to the elevated control thus in the case of a crash the seat is compromised to separate completely from the floor mount due to these welds being broke. Second issue fuel pumps begin to leak at the seal of the pump at the fuel tank leaking heavy amounts of fuel from the tank and onto the exhaust. Third issue which I have seen multiple reports of recalls but the dealership denies there is an issue with the Maxx that only the base model is effected but while driving the power steering will fail and the car has no control and will violently jerk in one direction throwing the vehicle in to oncoming lanes or even into the ditch. …
Takata recall : I was driving to school and as I exit the freeway, my car steering wheel became stiff and my car was still running forward. I almost a vehicle with children in it, but lucky they were able to swerve off the road and miss me. I finally was able to make a complete stop in the middle of the road while having multiple cars at a complete stop, blowing their horns at me. I was very scared, even more when this angry mother, who I almost ran into, started yelling at me. I then realize I could have killed those people, myself and in any other situation on a daily basis, my sons life as well. After that happened moments later, my car became manageable to drive to school and the problem has persist more than I would like and now I have found there was a recall with the exact problem back in 2011. I went to my dealership and they fix other recalls but not that one. …
I was driving and a warning signal sound came on and the "power steering" message appears on the screen then the power steering went out. I was on on on the highway so that was the scary part. I started to go home because I knew it was not safe. The car would shake and make noises while I was stopped at a stoplight and the steering wheel would jerk and move and continue to rattle. I was able to pull over and turned the car off. I started it back up and it was okay. I started to drive and again the signal sound and the power steering message came on and it went out while I was turning which was a scary moment because an accident would've happened had another car been in the way. It was very difficult to drive and I was worried about an accident happening. I was told to take it to the shop and did so. Was told it was probably a sensor. I looked up recalls and that was a recall on my car. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While the vehicle was stationary at a drive-thru, the steering wheel independently maneuvered left, right, back, and forth. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called the dealer (chase Chevrolet, located at 6441 holman rd, stockton, ca 95212, [phone]) and a supervisor agreed to replace the torque sensor assembly for free. The dealer confirmed that the previous vehicle owner serviced the vehicle per NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering) in 2014. When the vehicle was taken back to the dealer it was diagnosed that the power steering motor and the power steering column needed to be replaced. In addition, the mechanic mentioned that there were no diagnostic codes found on the vehicle. The contact and the mechanic test drove the vehicle and the steering wheel vibrated. …
Related recalls
Steering › Electric power assist system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014.
Steering complaints in other Malibu Maxx years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx?
NHTSA has 185 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, 57% of the model year's 326 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-153 (electric power assist system, Mar 31, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.