2008 Chevrolet Malibu Steering Problems

Which parts fail

• Column
  5
• Electric power assist system
  5
• Hydraulic power assist system
  2

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

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  349%
• 25k–50k
  5715%
• 50k–75k
  7420%
• 75k–100k
  5815%
• 100k–150k
  9726%
• 150k+
  5715%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The check engine warning light and the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into neutral and manually steered the vehicle to a nearby independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering wheel and alignment had failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred increasingly while reversing. The contact notified the independent mechanic of the failure and he advised her to drive the vehicle for about 15 miles and the steering wheel would loosen up. The contact drove the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for the steering repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). …

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while attempting to make a left turn. The contact pulled off to the side of the road where the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14E044000 (Steering) and 14V153000 (Steering. The contact called the dealer who confirmed that the power steering had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not currently under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the recall repairs were already completed and that a second free repair would not be offered. The failure mileage was 82,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and felt that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The check engine and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 14116B; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knock, clicking, and looseness in the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel ceased with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. the contact was informed that the electric power steering failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

The owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V153000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 187,110.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was steering faulty functionality. There were no failure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

The steering assist system abruptly stopped allowing the front wheels of the vehicle to be turned to the right while the vehicle was being driven causing me to crash into a ditch and on into a field and caused myself minor injuries..

The dash is displaying service power steering service tire monitor system service ESC and traction control. All of which have been recalled on other 2008 Chevy Malibus with different VIN numbers then mine. I feel my Malibu is unsafe and needs to be inspected and placed on the recall list as well. I am available to have the car inspected as soon as possible. The steering is popping and grinding when I turn. The steering wheel jerks when I drive over bumps and the car sways and swerves which makes it hard to control. This is a family vehicle my young child rides in the car daily and I worry about his safety due to the steering locking up like the other recalled Malibus. I am scared to drive it I feel like it is very unsafe. The vehicle has only been inspected by my Certified mechanic. There were warning lights displayed on the dash as I stated above. …

Related recalls

Steering complaints in other Malibu years