10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
13 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
74,262 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #178

May 272014

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • miles
Going 20 mph out of a tunnel....while turning right (wrench signal came on) I stopped at the traffic light. When I went to proceed the steering wheel would not steer. I was able to struggle with the wheel to drive until I could pull into a parking space. What a frightening experience. I waited 1/2 hour turned the car on and the steering was normal. I went on line and found that on March 31, 2014 there was a recall for my car and it's problem was with the power steering. When can I expect GM to starts sending out the parts that they are out of at this time to my car dealer service center? it is unfair that because GM is out of the parts I am unable to drive my car for fear I would be in a crash and be killed or someone else injured or killed.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #177

May 202014

Malibu Maxx

  • 60,350 miles
Suddenly lost ability to operate the power steering when making right turn at approximately 15 mph. The warning light was present on dashboard and indicated power steering problem. I was able to drive straight only and then put the car to stop. After turning the engine off and on again the warning light was no longer present. (this car was twice before at the dealer repair shop for steering problem in the past - under warranty. It was because the steering will locked when I was parking the car and this required me to turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and right for about 3 to 4 times. There was no warning light on the dashboard what so ever. Then I will have to turn off the engine and wait one minute and start the car again to unlock the steering and drive the car. The car dealer's warranty repairs did not fix this problem.)

- Maspeth, NY, USA

problem #176

Aug 022012

Malibu Maxx

  • 69,000 miles
While driving down the street approaching the corner preparing to stop lost the ability to steer the wheel, could not continue to drive had to stop the car. On Saturday May 17,2014 while doing 65 miles on the highway a car lit up on the left corner of the dash and the power steering words appear. I immediately pulled off the highway in fear. Several times while backing out or pulling out of a space the steering wheel tightens. Every month I'm constantly changing light bulbs and the fuses for the interior and the exterior of the car. Updated 12/9/2014

- Schenectady, NY, USA

problem #175

Jan 122006

Malibu Maxx

  • 19,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph and attempting to park, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact experienced a loss of power steering without warning. The failure only occurred when attempting to park. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who informed that contact that the steering column needed be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number : 14V153000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.

- Teanech, NJ, USA

problem #174

Oct 132012

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,327 miles
T he contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the power steering malfunctioned causing the steering wheel to become very hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering wheel torque and sensor failed. As a result, the power steering column unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 36,327. The current mileage was 44,258. Updated 08/11/14 the consumer stated the technician found the fault code C0545 (steering wheel torque in the past sensor failure). The steering wheel column unit was replaced. Updated 08/13/2014

- Clark, NJ, USA

problem #173

Jun 152013

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated that while traveling 35 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated as the vehicle became difficult to steer. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 102,000 and the current mileage was 106,000. Updated 6/26/14 the consumer stated the part needed to repair the vehicle had not become available. Updated 07/08/2014

- Monroeville, PA, USA

problem #172

Apr 142014

Malibu Maxx

  • 98,517 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the steering wheel made a loud noise. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the power steering needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 14V153000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 98,517. The VIN was not available.

- Chesire, CT, USA

problem #171

Mar 202014

Malibu Maxx

  • 44,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver and the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage 44,000. The VIN was not available.

- Tucson , AZ, USA

problem #170

Apr 152014

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • 125,000 miles
Since 1/2012, intermittent malfunction of power steering and engine operation at highway/street speeds occurs. Vehicle since has been inspected for incidents by certified dealers/auto repair shops. Problem continues forcing the driver to veer off the road without steering and/or power, putting the driver and anyone in the path at risk of injury/death. My research due to the most current incident led me to information released from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration dated April 1, 2014 stating that 1,340,447 cars affected with this problem. NHTSA campaign # 14V153000, GM recall #:N140115. GM knew this information. On 4/23/14 I submitted a complaint to the NHTSA, and GM. 2 GM employees denied the recall/services, yet eventually admitted that they knew about the recall which would be made public 4/28/14, yet notices to vehicle owners will go out after 4/28/14. GM continues the practice of not informing the public.

- Yuba City, CA, USA

problem #169

Jul 022009

Malibu Maxx

  • 69,500 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated that while reversing from a residential garage, the power steering warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering column was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was previously repaired under a manufacturer's recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 69,500 and the current mileage was 162,790.

- Sikeston, MO, USA

problem #168

Apr 012013

Malibu Maxx

  • 20,000 miles
The above date is approximate because I have had problem with this since I bought the car in 2004. I called the dealership, GM corporate, and NHTSA for years. I always got the same response, "cannot duplicate the problem". GM owes me money for all the aggravation and money for paying service dept. For nothing. My car lost steering on the highway while trying to pass an 18 wheeler, this meant I was in the left lane. By the grace of god, I'm still here!! I still have my car, but I have not received a recall letter!

- Jackson, MS, USA

problem #167

Jun 072006

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated while shifting into any gear there was a sudden loss of power steering with the illumination of the warning indicator. Upon turning the vehicle off and back on it began to operate normally. The failure recurred intermittently and became progressively worse over the years. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and dealer, who both stated that the steering column would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 5/22/14 updated 7/06/17

- Georgetown, OH, USA

problem #166

Mar 222014

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • 145,000 miles
Power steering light came on and ringing sound sounded and power steering went completely out in the middle of a busy intersection as I was making a right hand turn. I managed to get it to the curb and call for help. After sitting a while it became normal, but I am afraid this will happen again. There have been many complaints from other about this. See NHTSA action number ea 04018 and lots of GM service bulletins. My dealer cannot help because the recall was for 2005 Malibu max electronic power steering and not the 2004, but it is the same power steering unit. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Washington Court House , OH, USA

problem #165

Mar 092014

Malibu Maxx

  • 210 miles
Driving down the road and the steering wheel loses power and locks up, my daughter is 19 years old and I'd like her to see her 20th birthday, please help, this is ridiculous the amount of Chevy customers that have had this issue and it is being ignored by GM, this needs to be recalled, asap!!!!!

- Fayetteville, OH, USA

problem #164

Mar 012014

Malibu Maxx

  • 109,000 miles
Power steering simply went out and at such a slow speed, it was very difficult to maneuver car... all the bells and whistles did go off, a second or two before it failed. Not sure what would happen if I was on the highway - not sure I want to find out. Turned off the car, then back on and steering returned to normal. Went to Chevy dealer and was told it is out of warranty and they will not cover the cost of repair, and wants an additional $100 just to tell me what is wrong.... not sure why there is no recall on this critical element of the car. It seems GM and the NHTSA are playing "russian roulette" with our lives....

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #163

Feb 102014

Malibu Maxx

  • 159,900 miles
I turned my car on, and the power steering light came on. Couldn't steer. Turned car off and on, then my steering wheel jerks like crazy for a week. Now driving home from work my steering died completely. Reading about this and I see this is a huge problem for the Malibu and Malibu maxx. Chevy needs to do a recall!!!

- Louisville , TN, USA

problem #162

Jan 302014

Malibu Maxx

  • 166,000 miles
A slight pull to the right on the steering wheel causes the power steering to pull back to the left in a random pattern. It clearly happens at a stop if you pull slightly to the right on the wheel. You can feel the steering fight you randomly (multiple pulls within a few seconds) when driving at speed on a road that has a crown to the left.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #161

Jan 292014

Malibu Maxx

  • 46,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated while driving in various weather conditions, speed and with out warning his vehicle lost all power steering. When the vehicle was restarted the vehicle resumed normal function until the failure recurred. The dealer was notified and stated that the steering column needed to be replaced at the contacts expense. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage 46,000 miles.

- Lewiston, ME, USA

problem #160

Nov 152012

Malibu Maxx

  • 90,000 miles
I've had my car for five years and the power steering has went out and replace 4 times!! I am a mother with three kids driving is very difficult I cannot afford to pay to replace the same part over and over there needs to be a recall on this steering problem there are to many complaints for is not to be an issue!

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #159

Jan 232014

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • 155,507 miles
I was driving my car to work when the power steering went out. It was extremely hard to turn the vehicle. I was driving the car at approximately 70 mph on the interstate when this occurred. There was a sudden loss of power. The wrench light came on after the power steering went out. There was no warning before the power steering went out. Luckily, I was not in a curve and was on the interstate going straight. Due to the inability to easily turn the vehicle, getting off the interstate ramp safely was close to impossible. This makes the second time this has happened to me. The first time was in 2009. The same thing happened. I was driving to work when the power steering went out. I had a new steering column put in on 7/14/2009 (at 69,000 miles and out of my own pocket). It was pre-owned when I bought it, so I have no idea how many times this has been replaced since 2004, but I am guessing this is why it was traded in.

- Owingsville, KY, USA

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