10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 11 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 6 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 84,950 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
I am having issues with the power steering
- Laurel, MD, USA
Power steering light comes on then power steering goes out. I turn car off then re start and it goes away. The power steering went out on me 7 times the other day. It goes out just after I start my car sometimes. This is very dangerous, especially since my drive to work is going around a lot of curves. This issue has been going on for about a week. I've read there are lots of other issues with this with other drivers. Luckily I've managed to coast in straight ways to stop signs so I can turn off and restart my car. I may not be that lucky always.
- Sandusky, OH, USA
When I started my vehicle, an indicator light immediately reported a need to service my ESC and my power steering was disabled. After restarting the vehicle, it seemed to correct itself. Now, when driving, my steering wheel vibrates when there is no torque applied to the wheel and makes a chattering noise periodically. This has been going on for a week now.
- Electra, TX, USA
ESC-stability control light on, power steering issue. Car has trouble turning and is a safety hazard. GM has recalled 1/3/ million cars for this same issue-affecting Malibu, cobalt's and HHR editions.
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA
I am constantly getting a warning that my power steering is out and "service ESC". I restart the vehicle and it goes away for a short amount of time then I have the same warning sign on the dash and the steering is hard again.
- Americus, KS, USA
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and the ESC indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to outten Chevrolet (1701 tilghman St, allentown, pa 18104), but the dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they adjusted the steering column. The vehicle was taken back to outten Chevrolet, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined to assist. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
- Allentown, PA, USA
Takata recall. This recall has been closed, but the problem persists. GM was said to have fixed the problem in may,2014. Vehicle has been taken in after the recall date, and told its closed. Problem still occurs, not fixed. Told by Chevy that if there is more repairs to be done, it is not covered by recall and I will have to pay out of pocket. Same problem it had before but the BCM was never replaced. I was driving and lost all power steering. Warning came across stated power steering & service ESC. Had to stop, shut off engine, start car, problem went away for 2 minutes and happened again. I had my daughter with me at the time. Scary.
- Humboldt, SD, USA
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle lost steering functionality while being operated at various speeds. The service ESC warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was corrected by manually restarting the vehicle; however, the recent failures were not remedied using this method due to the failure being more severe. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
- West Union, SC, USA
As I was driving down the road, the dashboard chimed and the power steering failed. This has happed two times within this week. The first incident was during an attempt to maneuver a curve and the second incident occurred while driving on a straightaway.
- Edgerton, KS, USA
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 35 mph, the steering became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to sisbarro deming superstore (4211 nm-549, deming, nm 88030, (888) 445-0069) where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering module, steering angle sensor, and clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,492.
- Deming, NM, USA
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that an unknown recall was issued. The contact was advised to call her local dealer. The contact called selman Chevrolet (1800 E chapman ave, orange, ca 92867, phone number (714) 633-3521) and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,525.
- Orange, CA, USA
The power steering sensor will suddenly go off and my wheel locks, I cannot turn my wheels, I feel really unsafe I almost crashed with myself and kids.
- Orange, CA, USA
Power steering failed for the second time on September 10, 2017. I had to replace the steering column in November 2016 for the same condition. There is a recall for Chevy Malibu up until the 2009 model year and clearly there is a weakness in the 2010. This failure was while I was parked in a tight spot and couldn't get out. I restarted the car until it recalibrated, but it will undoubtedly go again. Repeat of previous problem. Also had to replace the transmission after complete failure at 48,000 miles in January 2017. That was a mere $4600. It failed while in motion, but fortunately I was uphill from my home and I was able to roll it to the curb.
- Bethesda, MD, USA
The vechile lost speed as I was driving into a parking space. I then put it in park. At that point the engine light was blinking. The car was shaking uncontrollably as if it would all just fall apart in pieces. The steering wheel was hard to turn and also rapidly shaking. The service ESC, service traction control, and a light with a car on a curved road was also on. This almost caused me to hit a parked car in front of me. I turned the car off and then back on and all the lights were off. I believe it to be the streering coloumn or an electrial issue. I read on some recalls and I think it is similar to the recall #14E044000. However, when I search my VIN it is not listed under it. Yet it is the same issue.
- Cincinnati, OH, USA
The ESC and traction warning lights came on. ESC not working so I was very very cautious driving. I took to dealer. $1200 + to replace 2 computer modules for brakes, steering, traction. This brings number of modules needing replacement to 4 on this vehicle. Eight days later, all the same lights came on again plus brake fluid light. Called dealer and told to bring car in for diagnostic. I asked about safety and was told to check brake fluid. I said I don't know how. So, I went to car and brake was harder but working. Drove to dealer. When I arrived, there is no brake fluid left. Lucky I made it to the dealer. Was told either part not installed properly or defective part. This was a very dangerous situation that could have cost my life or someone else's life. In researching later, I see a number of complaints about these warning lights and modules. I am lucky there was no incident.
- Slidell, LA, USA
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. While attempting to back out of the driveway, the gear was placed in reverse and the traction control and power steering indicators illuminated. The steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the engine stalled. The contact called a local dealer (lou bachrodt Chevrolet pompano beach, fl 33069 at (954) 971-3000), but failed to speak with anyone. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.
- Pompano Beach, FL, USA
I was travelling about 25-30mph started to skid (yes it was icy) lightly tapped the brakes then all of a sudden the steering locked up and the brakes also. All I could do was let go and hope for the best. Ending up hitting a fed ex van and pge truck with a snow plow. There is a police report and the car ended up getting totalled. I had only made one payment on it. Insurance claim# 003379048000000016001 usaa, airbag did not deploy.
- Fall River Mills, CA, USA
The steering wheel started shaking on its own and I would move the wheel and it would stop. It has been doing this for about a month and would have like a ticking noise. This week I was driving to work and the wheel shook again and then it locked and I was unable to move it. I was driving! I got to a red light and it would not move. I turned the car off and turned it back on and the wheel would move again. A light came on and said power steering eps needs attention. It kept happening again and again and it was scary because there was traffic. I had to drive it like that back home because it is not safe to drive especially trying to turn the wheel in corners. That can cause a crash. Also, I've always had issues with the sensors on the car. I have had to replace fuses often, different sensor lights come on it keeps saying (ABS) and the headlights have to be replaced often because of an electric short.
- Hialeah, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 50 mph, the power steering warning indicator illuminated and the electronic stability control warning indicator displayed "off" and the power steering failed. The vehicle was taken to three independent mechanics. The first independent mechanic diagnosed that the failure was an inner tie rod failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a tire shop where it was diagnosed with a tire rod and sway bar malfunction. The brackets on the sway bar were replaced, but the issue persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a third independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a possible rack and pinion malfunction. The mechanic informed the contact of a recall and was advised to take the vehicle to a general motor dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
- Sacramento, CA, USA
- Dothan, AL, USA