10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 46,421 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.
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that when depressing the accelerator pedal, the steering wheel would lock and the vehicle would abnormally pull to either the left or right. The failure was constant. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the ignition coil would need to be disconnected and the steering column would need to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000 and the current mileage was approximately 91,000.
- East Peoria, IL, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 3 mph attempting to make a turn, the contact heard a popping noise coming from the steering column. The failure occurrence was consistent. In addition, the steering wheel would lock up without warning on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and independent mechanic for inspection. The technicians informed that the steering column would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. Updated 11/03/10. Form returned no change
- Inglewood, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 5-30 mph the power steering indicator would illuminate on the instrument control panel, and then the radio and the power steering would fail. The failure occurred several times. The dealer replaced the power steering column. The manufacturer offered an extended warranty regarding the power steering, but excluded his vehicle identification number. The failure mileage was 51,700.
- Hillsboro, MO, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While attempting to make a right turn out of the drive way the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel, and then the steering failed. The vehicle was restarted to reset the error code. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the technician will replace the electronic steering column at an expense of $562. The failure and current mileages were 103,000. The vehicle identification number was unavailable.
- Nashville , TN, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated whenever traveling at any given speed the power steering warning light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The failure was contributed to the steering column assembly. The vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunction. The manufacturer had a special coverage adjustment regarding repairs for the failure. The vehicle was excluded from free remedy repair. The failure mileage was 74,000. The current mileage was 75,026. Updated 09/25/09 the consumer stated the steering went completely out while driving. The consumer was unable to turn the steering wheel. She had to cut the vehicle off and wait a few minutes. Once that was done the power steering resumed as normal. Updated 09/29/09.
- Arlington, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer due to an unfamiliar noise coming from the steering. The failure was noticed while driving 20 mph. The previous dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The steering column was determined to be the cause of the failure. The manufacturer advised her to file a complaint with NHTSA. The vehicle will be repaired. The failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 70,000. Updated 6/8/09 the steering column was replaced 3 times. Updated 06/11/09.
- Warwick , RI, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. Everytime the contact made a right turn, she heard a knocking noise which sounded as if the wheel would come off. The contact took vehicle to dealer on 03/25/08 who repaired the steering column and the problem reoccurred. The contact then took vehicle to dealer at least 4 more times and the issue still reoccurred each time. She stated that the problem would be resolved for about 2 weeks and the issue would resurface. The contact was concerned because she needed to make an out-of-town trip and was afraid to do so under the vehicle's hazardous conditions. The current mileage was 44,120. The failure mileage was 36,618.
- Fort Pierce, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving between 25-60 mph, the power steering warning indicator light illuminated. Five seconds later, there was a loss of power steering ability. The contact pulled over and the power steering returned after 15 minutes. The dealer stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 86,000 and current mileage was 88,238.
- Sullivan, IL, USA
I have a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu and have had numerous issues with it. The latest has been that at 47,000 miles I developed a clunking noise followed by serious difficulty when making left turns. After taking it to an ac delco repair shop it was determined that the internal shaft in the steering column had gone out. Fortunately I was able to recgonize a problem and have it repaired before any serious incident occurred. Unfortunately it cost me $600 of course not covered by GM.
- Aurora, CO, USA
Bought the car used in January 2006 with 30,000 miles. Within a month, it started making clunking noises when I made tight turns. The dealership first said they could find nothing wrong. My husband took it back, and the dealership admitted having steering problems with this year of Malibu, and replaced the steering knuckle. The problem was fixed for about 6 weeks, then the noise returned. This time the dealer replaced the steering rack. This time, the problem was fixed for about 6-8 weeks, and the noise returned. Dealership replaced the steering column, and, so far the problem has not returned.
- Granite City, IL, USA
: the contact stated on June 5, 2006 while driving at 30 mph the steering wheel and vehicle began jerking to the right. An attempt was made to pull the vehicle to the left, but the steering wheel continued to pull to the right, and the vehicle end up in the ditch. Injuries were incurred; bruised ribs and a strained back. A police report was filed at the scene of the accident. There were no pictures taken. The vehicle was towed from the scene.
- Bluefield, WV, USA
There has been a continuous grinding noise when turning the wheel of my car even if turning only slightly. My girlfriend has the same car and has had to bring her vehicle to the manufacture three times in the past 5 months to be fixed. The problem is that it is wearing down the brakes. My car is only 6 months old and the brakes are already squeeking. Also the rear door latch gets stuck and will not allow the door to close until a screwdriver is taken to it. This is for a 2005 Chevy Malibu.
- Grand Rapids, MI, USA
The contact stated this was the second time that the steering column has to be replaced. The steering column was replaced the first time in September 2005. When the steering wheel was turned there was a popping noise. The contact stated the steering wheel was binding. The vehicle was taken to dealer seven times this weekend for the popping. The dealer said there was nothing wrong with the steering column. The manufacturer was contacted, and they offered no free remedy.
- Bluefield, VA, USA
The consumer complained about a power steering problem. Which malfunctioned intermittently. The owner took the vehicle to the dealer, where it is currently being serviced. The steering column was replaced.
- Riverton, IA, USA
- Ansonia, CT, USA