Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Steering Problems

Steering complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Electric power assist system
  49
• Hydraulic power assist system
  14
• Rack and pinion
  12
• Column
  8
• Rack and pinion › Pinion shaft
  3
• Linkages
  3
• Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
  2
• Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid
  2

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

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  5710%
• 25k–50k
  8815%
• 50k–75k
  11119%
• 75k–100k
  11019%
• 100k–150k
  13223%
• 150k+
  7313%

What owners report

I keep losing my power steering so the car becomes impossible to turn. I had it fixed by my own mechanic, but it went out again. He tried to fix it, but it's still not good. I read yesterday that the 2007 Malibu Maxx was being recalled for power steering failure, but the dealers and GM tell me my car isn't listed. I think my car should be listed. The ny times article said your organization had reported last Saturday about this recall. I would like to know why my 2007 Malibu Maxx ss with power steering failure isn't on this recall. Thank you. My current mileage is 133,000 miles.

I experienced a clunking sound from the steering since 9000 miles. I now have 69000 miles on the car and it's worse than ever. I have brought it in to the dealer regularly and complained about it every time. Every time they claim they cannot find anything. Once it came off warranty, the dealer had no problem finding the problem. I have spoken to GM about the issue and they refuse to do anything about it. This has been reported in the 2004 through 2006 model and a service bulletin issued. GM refuses to recognize it as a problem in the 2007 model.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space, the vehicle inadvertently lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the steering wheel remained difficult to steer. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence with manual steering. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Consumer stated "Failed component/part Information", it is incorrect to identify the failure in the hydraulic power assist/power steering fluid. The power steering on my car is electrical assist.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the power steering assist assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 204,000.

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 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.

Related recalls (2)

NHTSA investigations