10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
11 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 1
Average Mileage:
77,330 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #255

Dec 112014

Malibu

  • 51,093 miles
On Dec. 11, 2014, the Chevrolet Malibu was driven to the store. Upon returning to the car, the vehicle would start but the steering wheel was unmovable. Car was towed to the local Chevrolet dealership. The power steering control module (GM part # 22837369) was replaced at an owner cost of $665.01 for parts and labor. Upon further investigation by the owner, there are recalls on this exact part and model of car (product safety #14118 and 14119, safety complaint ODI#10712564). After discussing with the dealer, the Chevy regional representative, and the head office in detroit, the manufacturer says our vehicle's VIN is not covered by the recall. Period. End of discussion. Seeing that our ps module failure is in the same year, make and model as the recalled cars; and that our module failed in close proximity to the recall date (Aug. 28, 2014), we feel that the manufacturer should take responsibility for the cost of our repair. The relativity of the recall vehicles and our VIN, plus the fact that our ps module did fail, shows that our car was built with a faulty ps module and that it should have been included in the recall. Since GM has stated to us that they will not step up, we are asking the NHTSA to take the necessary regulatory steps to insure that our car, and who knows how many other Malibu of similar vintage, will get this power steering module repaired at General Motors' cost.

- Arcadia, FL, USA

problem #254

Sep 202013

Malibu

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was an electrical failure, which caused multiple failures with the headlights, the dimmer switch, the console lights, the brake lights, and the turn signals. The contact also stated that the front passenger side bulb failed several times and was replaced, but the failure recurred. In addition, the harness was replaced due to corrosion, but the repair failed to remedy the failure. The dealer further inspected the vehicle and found that the headlight assembly wires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, there was a loose pin on one of the body control module connectors. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the bulbs, but the failure recurred. The dealer then replaced the body control module. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel shook excessively and the front passenger and driver side doors were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the power steering motor and both the driver and passenger side door latches were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.

- North Royalton , OH, USA

problem #253

May 272015

Malibu

  • 102,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at a low speed, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #252

Mar 092015

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 65,900 miles
Loss of power steering--no accident involved--- recall #14V153000..GM case #[xxx]. GM says that my vehicle was not made at the certain time at the certain plant therefore it is not covered and that I would have to fix it myself. It is the exact same problem as the recalled vehicles and the fix is exactly the same. There are 100's of posts an social media of people with the same complaint. It cost me $785.87 to have this fixed. GM should have included all the affected vehicles. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Franklin Park, IL, USA

problem #251

Jan 012015

Malibu

  • 125,000 miles
I was going to make a left turn and I tried to turn the steering wheel and it would not turn using one hand, so I used 2 hands and turned as hard as I could. There was no power steering and was way harder to turn than any other vehicle I have driven without power steering. This includes large tractors, pickups, trucks and cars that had no power steering and were far easier to turn than my 2008 Chevy Malibu ltz. After completing the turn, the power steering returned. It is happening almost every time I drive my car now and sometimes happens with turning right and more frequently turning left. I took it in to have it looked at and was told I need a new power steering pump at $440 installed and quite possibly rack & pinion at $660 installed. The shop added an additive to the power steering fluid and it is making it better, although it is only a bandaid and does not fix the actual problem. GM currently has a recall for this type of problem on certain VIN numbers only. The recall has been issued using 3 bulletins. My car is not covered by these bulletins, although, the bulletins make it appear as though it is covered. I have read several other similar complaints on-line. This is an incredibly dangerous defect, as I have already had some "near misses" due to this defect.

- Basin, MT, USA

problem #250

Dec 142014

Malibu

  • 51,093 miles
This part has been recalled in bulletin #14118 (known by NHTSA as 14V153) for most 2008 Malibu. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, NHTSA saw fit to not include all Malibu with this part number. This part failed on my car and GM has charged me $480 for the module and $275 for labor because my VIN is not included in the recall of other 2008 Malibu with this exact same known faulty part. Why" as an aside, why does the recall notice not include the applicable VIN numbers? why must a second step of finding this website be necessary to find out if a person's vehicle is included, or excluded, from a recall"

- Arcadia, FL, USA

problem #249

Sep 102014

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 69,000 miles
I purchased a 2008 Chevy Malibu one year ago and has had steering and electrical problems after 2 months of ownership. The biggest problem is the power steering and lack of control. When the car is in park or driving, the steering wheel shakes and makes loud noises. When I'm driving, the wheel will jerk left and right and feel "stuck" in certain positions. I am terrified to drive the car because the wheel will turn and stick at any given moment... it has turned and stuck going into oncoming traffic on the street and highway. There is also issues with the car door locks going up and down, and I have replaced the headlight bulb twice within a year. I noticed the turning light/blinker going fast and slow and a couple of times the car speakers have gone in and out. My dealership has sent me around in circles with no care if this gets resolved. I contacted GM and I have a case number but no one has given me a resolution or even suggested help by GM or my dealership.

- Glenwood, IL, USA

problem #248

Mar 102015

Malibu

  • 87,000 miles
Car lost power steering and power steering light flashed. Had to manually turn and it was very difficult to maneuver. Steering wheel had also started to shake or vibrate even when sitting in park. The steering wheel would also move to the left and right, turning a little bit on its own while parked and running. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they replaced the power steering module, under special policy 101830P. This same thing was done in Sept 2012. When I got my vehicle back from the dealership, it still was losing power steering and the light would come on. I took it back to the dealership and this time they stated that it was the steering torque sensor that had internal failure. This would be almost $600 to fix and there was also a diagnostic fee of $96. I contacted GM, because there were 1.3 mil vehicles recalled for same issue. I was told that even though it includes the 2008 Malibu (which is what I have),my VIN number was not included. They contacted the dealership whom offered to give a 20% discount to do the repair. GM themselves would not offer any assistance with the repair or diagnostic fee, due to the fact that my VIN number was not included. At this time, I am afraid to drive my vehicle because I am barely able to maneuver the steering to direct my vehicle to the side of the road when it loses the power steering. There is no way I would be able to at highway speeds nor quickly in an emergency.

- Bellevue, MI, USA

problem #247

Feb 202015

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 202,000 miles
My power steering cut out while driving down the road. The alarm went off, a notification popped up on the car's display screen that power steering was out. The power steering would work properly when the car was first started, but would eventually cut out. Two weeks later, the power steering would not work at all. When the power steering was working during this time, the steering wheel would jump around, shaking back and forth.

- Conway, AR, USA

problem #246

Feb 262015

Malibu

  • 129,200 miles
My wife pulled out of our driveway and the power steering malfunctioned nearly causing her to have a head on crash. She is unable to drive the vehicle so I have been driving it. The power steering does not work at low speeds and is very tight at high speeds. I have talked to Chevrolet regarding the recall and they stated that my vehicle was not included in the recall for 2008 Chevy Malibu's because it has not been discovered yet. I have read the symptoms regarding the power steering recall for 2008 Malibu's and they are exactly what identifies my power steering issue! Chevrolet gave me a reference # for my case: Ref. # [xxx]. I do have a diagnostic scheduled with jeff wyler Chevrolet, 2237 w. first St., springfield Ohio 45504 on March 30th. I am not understanding why my vehicle year and model was recalled but that Chevrolet will not pay for it? if they claim it has not been discovered yet then I thought I would bring it to your attention so it will be discovered!!! information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Springfield, OH, USA

problem #245

Mar 062015

Malibu

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Fairfield, CA, USA

problem #244

Feb 182015

Malibu

  • 82,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that excessive force was required on the steering wheel in order to maneuver the vehicle. In addition, the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering shaft and column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.

- Johnston City, IL, USA

problem #243

Mar 012015

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 59,000 miles
Power steering failure. Multiple occasions.

- Purcellville , VA, USA

problem #242

Feb 112015

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 160,000 miles
While driving on the highway lost all power steering after fighting to get car off the road finally was able to stop vehicle turned off ignition had to park vehicle will not drive it until this problem is fixed contacted GM and was told this VIN was not covered under power steering recalls even though my vehicle is doing the same thing as the ones that are covered.

- Enterprise, MS, USA

problem #241

Feb 202015

Malibu

  • 149,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated and the power steering failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired. The specifics of the repairs were not available. The failure occurred twice. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.

- Carpentersville, IL, USA

problem #240

Feb 122015

Malibu

  • 102,000 miles
My car looses power steering suddenly. Steering wheel is glitching while idling or stopped at red light.

- Syracuse, NY, USA

problem #239

Feb 092015

Malibu

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn as the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was exhibiting the same failures as mentioned in NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering). However, the VIN number was not included. The vehicle was taken the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was mot made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- Excelsior, MN, USA

problem #238

Jan 012015

Malibu

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when driving at low speeds, the power steering would fail and when idle the steering wheel would shake. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the eps motor controller needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Henderson , NV, USA

problem #237

Dec 022014

Malibu

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel started to shake and move independently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the motor control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

- Canfield, OH, USA

problem #236

Jan 082015

Malibu

  • 86,673 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,673.

- Darien, IL, USA

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