10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 12 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 3 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 102,147 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the steering wheel became extremely tight without warning and the ESC warning light remained illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and indicated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14E044000 (steering) and 14V153000 (steering). The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for further inspection. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control) and 12V460000 (power train). The dealer was to schedule both recall repair appointments. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 04/06/16
- Arlington, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that he was experiencing the same failures as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering). The VIN was not included in the recall. While driving 70 mph, there was an abnormal grinding noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Rogers, MN, USA
My electric steering pump suddenly stop working yesterday while driving on street. Two warning messages appeared on eic. " check steering" "ESC off check". I have read on many forums, by Chevy Malibu owners, have complain having same issue. I' M concern for my family safety if this steering pump fails again at greater speed.
- Converse, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 50 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and moved independently to the left and right. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to steer the vehicle and keep it in position as the front of the vehicle began to shake. "power steering, eps not engaged" was displayed across the message board. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the electronic power steering sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 189,000.
- Wichita, KS, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was a progressing failure with the TPMS warning light randomly flashing. The contact also stated that while pulling into a parking area, the power steering failed and the steering wheel became extremely tight and difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the technician was unable to diagnose or replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering) and 14E044000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,500.
- Wilmington, DE, USA
The power steering jerks on a hard turn either direction and makes a growling sound. The operation smooths out in the straight forward position.
- Edmond, OK, USA
Power steering msg comes on while driving. Took in for repair and power steering torque sensor needs replaced. This is listed for other Malibu years but not 2009 the repair cost $575. The vehicle is not listed under current recall but suffered the same problem. Problem occurs while driving and is a known safety issue affecting other model years. I was sent a letter informing me of a "special warranty" from GM and told to take the letter to the repairshop. The dealership said I would have to pay for the repairs even though they are covered under the "special warranty letter" because my car is outside the warranty coverage parameters!!
- Kentwood, LA, USA
Upon driving after a while on the interstate and then to residential driving..steering wheel "locked up " while the panel flashed "ESC " and " power steering ".turned off car...waited restarted and was able to drive..shortly. Once again, it repeated the same problem at a intersection, where I nearly got hit and was unable to turn my steering wheel to get out of traffic nor pull to the side. I had to wait I traffic, again after turning the car off. Restarted, but this time was able to get home with my son in his car seat in the back..very scary for us.this has happened before, recently several days ago and prior, but first time with my son in the car. Seems to happen more with the temperatures lowering.....
- Edmonds, WA, USA
Vehicle in airport parking lot and temp was 29 degrees. Started vehicle and proceeded to leave parking lot. Power steering warning appeared on dash board. Continue diving on interstate for next 15 minutes to reach home. About a half mile before reaching home, service ESC appeared on dash. Did not lose control O vehicle and vehicle has no been moved since. New years day 2016, no dealer service is open. I understand this is a known issue with the Malibu, however my VIN # does not appear to be part of the recall. Will take to dealership for diagnosis.
- Indianapolis, IN, USA
Power steering msg comes on intermittently. Took in for repair and steering torque sensor needs replaced. This is listed for other Malibu years but not 2009 as (NHTSA campaign id number: 14V153000). The repair cost $576.09. The vehicle is not listed under current recall but suffered the same problem. Problem occurs while driving and is a known safety issue affecting other model years.
- Cheboygan, MI, USA
I intermittently lose power steering on the vehicle while driving. The information display flashes that the power steering and traction control are disabled. This occurs both when stationary and while moving. I received a letter from Chevrolet in regards to this problem and was advised by the letter to take it in to the dealer if this problem existed. When I took it in to have the repair done, I was told that it was not doing it at that time and that there was nothing they could do. I called Chevrolet customer assistance center and was told the same thing. I was told that basically I had to wait until it failed again and hope that it did not cause an accident by the customer service representative before they could do anything about it.
- Mountaintop, PA, USA
As I was drivingdown the street, the power steering/service ESC light and message came on my car. It also said ESC off. I got pulled into a parkuing lot and turned off my car and restarted it and it worked for a few minutes. After work it did it to me when I started it. I killed it and restarted it and jerked the steering wheel back and forth and it worked for around five minutes. I have read on many forums that this is a known problem with many years of the Malibu and other cars. GM has extended the warranty to 100,000 miles but most of them are over that limit. This is a dangerous problem!!!!!
- O'donnell, TX, USA
I was driving this morning and a "power steering" message appeared on my dash. For now, I didn't feel any difference in steering, but to be honest, it's been always a bit hard to turn the steering wheel. It is getting colder in my state and I am worried for myself and my family to drive this car. I called my local GM dealership and they said I am not covered, however if I bring my car, they might cover some expenses. I only have 86.000 miles on my car and I don't see why it shouldn't be fully covered because it seems to be a number one issue in Malibu cars.
- Brooklyn, NY, USA
2009 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle power steering issues. The consumer stated with no warning, the power steering failed. She was able to safely turn onto a side street. Once she turned off the vehicle and re-started it, the power steering resumed. The consumer received a letter regarding an issue with the power steering. According to the letter, the consumer was instructed to take the vehicle and the letter to the dealer for repairs. The consumer requested reimbursement. However, she was denited. GM stated the vehicle was no longer under warranty. 8jb
- Springfield, OH, USA
Tonight I went to start my car up turned the heater on then went back inside came out and was steering itself back and forth turned it on and off again it stopped backed up and pulled forward started doing it again and then it started turning really hard from left to right by itself
- Pickerington, OH, USA
Power steering, traction light, engine power down all come on and car shut down
- Baltimore, MD, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving, the power steering warning indicator illuminated and the power steering failed. The failure recurred numerous times. The contact was able to regain power steering by restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer it was confirmed that the vehicle had a power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering). The failure mileage was 197,000.
- Flint, MI, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel seized. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was undetermined. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering) the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.
- White Lake, MI, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at a very low speed, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to turn the vehicle. The power steering and service ESC warning lights displayed across the message board. In addition, the contact stated that all doors failed to lock and unlock electronically. The contact had to manually lock and unlock the doors. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- Watson, AR, USA
- Manchester, MD, USA