2005 Chevy Malibu steering locks up when driving.

- Elgin, TX, USA

My power steering light flashes and the steering wheel freezes or becomes very difficult to control.

- Lyons, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While the contact was driving approximately 30 mph, a sudden loss of power steering occurred without warning. The vehicle was driven with difficulty turning the steering wheel. The failure occurred three different times. The vehicle was taken on two separate occasions to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. An unknown repair was performed on the vehicle. The failure continued after the first repair. The second inspection the technician informed that the failure was related to the power steering system with an estimated repair cost of $1,500. There had been no additional repairs at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 40,200.

- Independence, MO, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 60 mph the steering wheel locked when the speed decreased. The rack and pinion was replaced four times and the failure continued to occur. A crash nearly occurred on two occasions while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe and could cause a crash to occur. The failure mileage was 150,000.

- Batesville, MS, USA

The power steering on the car-stopped working and the power steering light came on, on the dashboard. The car was very hard to steer. I have taken it to my mechanic and he says that he has seen many problems with steering problems on this GM model of car.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel became extremely stiff and the power steering warning light illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was pulled over and upon restart, the vehicle operated as normal for approximately one half mile before the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not examined for the cause of failure. The contact also stated that she was experiencing a recurring failure in which her front turn signal would not stop working and she would have to replace the bulbs approximately once a month. The failure and current mileages were 87,000. Updated 10/27/10.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

My 2005 Chevy Malibu is having this very loud noise coming from the steering column. There is no where to put or check the power steering fluid. This is a piece of [xxx] car...I am scared that something is going to happen and it is not going to be pretty if the steering issues in Malibu are not resolved. I have seen a lot of complaints online about the steering in Chevy Malibu. With all the complaints on line, that should be enough to GM to call a recall..... this is dangerous and lives can be lost. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Orlando, FL, USA

2005 Chevy Malibu ls steering began to lock up on slow turns. There was no warning, just a sudden locking of the steering column. (it would not turn. Literally lock the steering wheel until additional speed could be maintained. The problem started intermittently 2 weeks ago & steadily worsened. Happening 10-12 times a day this week. Hit 2 curbs, nearly jumped one curb & nearly hit a car. We had to put the car in reverse to straighten the steering prior to completing the turn. Car has 85000 miles on it. Mechanic shop replaced rack/pinion steering & both front end rear tie rod rings. This defect is apparent on Malibu's according to the numerous complaints seen on the internet.

- Groves, TX, USA

My son was driving my 2005 Chevy Malibu to work & the "power steering" light came on & was having troubles getting the car to turn corners. He called me; I told him to get fluid. Upon getting fluid & reading the manual, he discovered that it was an "electric" power steering & get to your GM dealer immediately. We did so & was told the power steering column was shorting out & needed replaced. There had been no recall on this for the Malibu but had for the Pontiac G6, cobalt & others. The dealership we went to replaced & I had to pay out of my pocket $644.86. I feel this should have been a recall & that the safety of my son driving at the time put his life in danger. I would like reimbursed by GM for this expense & a recall done so that other Malibu owners do have incur any injuries and/or expense for replacement. I am sending a letter to GM as well as a copy of the letter to NHTSA even though I am submitting an email complaint. Thank you for your attention in this matter.

- Benkelman, NE, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at speeds of 25 mph, the power steering failed and steering became extremely difficult. The manufacturer advised the warranty had expired and the contact would be liable for any repairs. The current mileage was 85,000 and the failure mileage was 83,000. Updated 10/27/10.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when the vehicle accelerated, the vehicle and the steering wheel pulled to the left. The contact had to use extreme force to maintain control of the steering wheel. The dealer was unable to duplicate or locate a failure. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000 and the current mileage was approximately 150,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Lackey , VA, USA

My 2005 Chevy Malibu has intermittent power steering fault on the center display, and yesterday the power steering actually shut off while going down the highway at 70mph. Very difficult to steer just to get off of the road. Pulled over and shut off car and restarted and it worked for 5 minutes and then shut down again, wrestled the car home, and today it works fine. Chevy cobalt already has a recall for this, why not the Malibu. I have filed a complaint with Chevrolet and was instructed to get the car fixed as it was clearly a dangerous situation, but it would have to be at my expense. Does someone have to die to admit this is a dangerous situation and should be recalled? I do see hundreds of complaints for the same issue on this web site, and even more on other sites.

- Litchfield, ME, USA

I have a 2005 Chevy. Malibu V6 that has had a problem with it's power steering. I was going down the highway when suddenly the power steering went out and it was very hard to steer and get out of fast moving traffic. When I got it to the dealer, I was told that they had to replace the entire steering column. I have done research on this and have found a number of people with the same experience with Chevy. Malibu's. this is a very dangerous defect that the company should recall and repair! some people have had to replace the steering column more than once because the new column put in is still being made with the defect. This power steering failure occurs without any warning and in my case it happened on the highway at 65mph. Luckily I was able to keep it under control but it was amazing that I was able to considering that I was changing lanes at the time! after doing research on this I have learned that others have had similar experiences. I certainly hope something can be done about this.

- North Mankato, MN, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at 60 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated three times as the steering wheel suddenly locked. The vehicle veered off to the right and crashed into a tree. The contact was taken to the hospital and suffered a broken right hip. A police report was filed. The vehicle was totaled as a result. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

- Schulter, OK, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While traveling at speeds of 30 mph, there was an unusual chime and within seconds, the vehicle lost power steering. The vehicle was not diagnosed and there were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 60,000.

- Evansville, IN, USA

Regarding my 2005 Chevrolet Malibu: Vehicle is used as personal transportation to and from work in town errands and vacations out of state, over the last 4 weeks my wife and other family have driven the vehicle and have experienced intermittent loss of power steering while turning corners at relatively low speed. On the date of this writing my wife reports having to stop 3 times on the way to work because of dead wheel steering. It seems that the system will operate after a short period where power is switched off by the ignition switch. I have reported this problem to Chevrolet corporate customer service (ref# 71-833386371 made 25may2010) and told there is no recall order for the power steering system for this vehicle. I have learned from the internet that there are many complaints of this very occurrence on this and other year models of Malibu. Your Agency is, I'm sure, aware of the recall of 2005 - 2010 cobalt for steering problems of a similar nature. I have attempted to solve the malfunction believing that the fuse was malfunctioning and replaced it with a fuse of recommended size. The steering went dead several times after that. I have contacted the local dealer service rep and am making arrangements to have the problem analyzed there. However I'm not expecting them to fin D anything they can work on being an intermittent problem. I am fearful for my wife's welfare in that vehicle and pray your Agency begin proper inquiries into what looks like GM's knowledge of a serious safety issue and their unwillingness to address it.

- Elk City, OK, USA

There is a popping noise when turning left or right at low speeds. Also, power steering light comes on and fails. It becomes hard to turn left or right during any speed.

- Chandler, AZ, USA

Car is in the shop again for steering shaft. Loud slamming clunking noise while turning. Grease bearings break down and the shaft slams around. Had it all replaced 2 years ago also. Talked to GM, they verified with the dealership that it was the same issue as before. I was told that there is no recall because customers do not personally call GM and report the repair. Are you kidding me?? if they see a trend with reports being made directly to GM from the customer (not the dealership), they take it into consideration. If you have a repair done to your Malibu, call GM every time and report it. This is their way of escaping responsibility for a known problem. They told me it might be an issue in my area only. Since when do cars know where they live?? GM needs to fix the problem.

- Hamilton, OH, USA

Clunking noise at low speeds when turning steering wheel- either direction. Power steering failed today - in reverse. Managed to park car in driveway and (per previous complaints I googled) after 20 minutes I went out and started the car & the steering wheel was somewhat normal but I felt a slight catch when I turned wheel either direction. No service has been done on the steering yet by me. I have an extended warranty - covers the power steering pump - but not the shaft.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA

The power steering light comes on and sometimes the steering wheel won't turn at all. There is a knocking noise in the steering wheel when I turn. It was fixed only to start again a few weeks later. GM won't repair cause they say I'm over the mileage. The gas hand jumps up an down.

- Calumet City, IL, USA