6.1
fairly significantTypical Repair Cost:
$301.00
Average Mileage:
42,381 miles
Total Complaints:
53 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (26 reports)
- replaced intermediate steering shaft (8 reports)
- replaced steering rack (8 reports)
- burn the car up / toss off nearest cliff (4 reports)
- dealer replaced struts, rack and steering shaft (2 reports)
- lube & reposition steering shaft (2 reports)
steering problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2005 Chevrolet Malibu popping from steering when turning
2007Oct 17
Malibu LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Bought this car from a chevy dealer in Indianola, Iowa now located in Norwalk, Iowa. They told me when I took it back for a noise in the steering they would fix it and didn't understand what it could be. Got it back they said it just needed a little adjustment in the steering 2 days later the noise was back. Took it to a privately owned repair shop he said he couldn't fix it but my car was known for that and GM should of recalled them years ago. So a dealer who specializes in GM acted stupid like they had never heard of this problem before and a private repair shop knew right away - he had seen it many times. Called them up to advise them of this they said sorry we can't help you. I think we are all seeing why GM went under, they have worthless dealerships selling and ripping off the customer. Destroying the chance for new and returning customers. They might think they have saved a few hundred dollars by lying when in reality they lost thousands.
2009Mar 01
Malibu LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
As I read other peoples complaints I am glad that I am not the only one that GM is not trying to straighten out their mess. My wife drives this piece of junk. I have been a GM buyer for years until this klunker. I had steering problems with my GM trucks,tahoe,and now my car. I will not buy another GM car or truck. No wonder they were going under, they do not know how to treat their customers.
EricMD
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 28
Malibu 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
POPPING CAN BE DEADLY!!!!
Please read............................................................
I too was hearing the popping when turning my wheels on my 2005 Chevy Malibu. I took the car to the mechanic and was told that I needed my ball joints and stabilizer bar replaced which cost me 1200.00. During the drive home I noticed a slight popping when I turned my wheels. I called the mechanic and he advised me that he would look it up to see what the problem could be. I never heard back from him. That was 6 months ago. Well this 1-1/2 weeks ago when it got really cold hear in Ohio...the popping got louder and unbearable. I took the car to another mechanic that told me it was the rack and pinion. It would cost me 650.00. I asked could I drive the car with it making that noise. He told me that it wouldn't be a problem and the only issue would be the loud popping noise. I made an appointment to get the car fixed on last Thursday. On Wednesday (day before car appt), I dropped my daughter off at school. I turned 3 corners in my drive back to my home. On the 3rd turn I heard a very loud pop and I could no longer turn my wheels. I could turn the steering wheel but it no longer made the car wheels turned. I found myself on the wrong side of the road and was able to stop the car 2 feet from a very large tree!!!! I called the mechanic and told him the car would needed to be towed. A police officer pulled up to see if I was ok..looked under the hood and told me the rack and pinion was DETACHED from the steering wheel! I got the car repaired but today...2 days after it was repaired...guess what? The popping is back!!!
By the way....I also had the intermittent problems with the power steering display. The power steering would sometimes go out. I had to turn the car off then turn it back on and then I would be able to turn the wheel and the display would no longer say power steering.
Chevrolet needs to handle this death trap problem!!
I will never buy a chevy again!!!!
2008Jan 03
Malibu 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
I am unsure as to when this problem actually started. I happened to notice the popping noise when I turned and have looked and had friends, you know " car guys" look, and we all came up blank. Now I had a small slide off the road around the beginning of '08 and had to have the big $600 dollar part attached to the steering underneath replaced. And it seemed fine until a few weeks later the popping noise began again. Annoying to say the least I didn't and don't have the cash to continue to have my car looked at, so I decided to ignore it until it became a real problem. Somewhere near the end of February my sensor gave me the steering problem across the screen and I checked my booklet at my next stop. All it informed me was to take to my nearest dealer and have a diagnostic run. YEAH! Real helpful there. So since it was still drivable and my power steering was still working I have ignored it. Now I chanced upon this web site looking for a solution to another problem and have thus like many others added my complaint. and I say FIND A WAY TO FIX THE FLIPPING PROBLEM!!!!!!
2006Dec 13
Malibu LS 3.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 33,000 miles
Popping noises started around 33000 miles, dealer replaced intermediate steering shaft, which first took them about 3 hours just to diagnose the problem. Car now has about 55000 miles and the exact same noises have started again. Since I opted not to buy the extended warranty, I expect to have to pay for the same repair this time around. Only other complaint is the vibration during hard braking which started a long time ago, haven't fixed that yet.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 17
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
For the past 3 years, I've been hearing a popping noise in my steering column, but it never really bothered me, so I didn't do anything about it. Well, over the past 5 months, a warning light has been coming on (the car symbol with a wrench in the middle of it) along with the words "power steering". This has been an intermittent problem. Took it to the dealer and was told that they couldn't diagnose the problem. On Thursday, 9/17/09, right before getting ready to turn onto the freeway, "I HAD NO POWER STEERING". Thank goodness I didn't get on the freeway and managed to pull into a parking lot (struggled doing so). Right before calling my tow service, I started up the car again and "HAD POWER STEERING; NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER". So, I immediately drove it to the nearest dealer and was told they are already aware of the problem, but there was no recall and that they couldn't help me because they were closed. Well, to make a long story short, I have been driving the vehicle ever since and the light has come on twice, but the steering hasn't locked up again. I got online to find out if others have complained of this problem and that's when I discovered this website. IT LOOKS LIKE I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP, BUT JUST KNOW IT'S A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT HAPPENS TO YOU!!!!!!!!! Based on comment #33, #16, #14, I'm requesting that the dealer consider that repair and I'm making a copy of all of these complaints. I'm planning to also contact the Chevrolet Customer Service Dept to make them aware of this complaint. I'm taking my car in on Thursday, 9/24/09 to a reputable dealership. If anything should happen to me as a result of this issue, at least it's documented and GM will be responsible.
2008Feb 01
Malibu 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
I told myself I wasn't going to buy another Malibu, but the price lured me back. I was so glad to find this forum for airing out issues with the car. My car is also making the popping sound from steering column every time I turn left or right. I was disheartened (?) to see very few repair success stories. There was an entry for shortening the steering joint. The author said the steering column is now quiet. As anyone else been successful using this same solution?
2008Aug 11
Malibu 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
When I steer my car, and make turns either right or left, my steering sounds like a pop. It started around 50K miles. Now I have 77K. I thought nothing of it, but when I heard other 2005 Malibus where acting the same way, I thought I would write a complaint.
Whats the matter? Malibu 2005 models are ripe-offs.
2009Mar 02
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Regarding the steering popping, as of 2009, has a reliable confirmed solution been found?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jan 17
Malibu Maxx LS 3.5L V
- Automatic transmission
- 35,350 miles
Took to dealer under warranty, and Santa Rosa Chevrolet replaced "steering gear," which did not fix the problem. Resolved the problem for the remainder of the warranty, then the problem returned. Took to Sebastopol Chevrolet dealer, whom quickly diagnosed that the "intermediate steering shaft" had no lubricant! They lubed the shaft and indicated that this problem would likely recur and would eventually need to replace the shaft. Had the car back from Sebastopol in two hours - Santa Rosa took four days. Have since been advised that Santa Rosa Chevy's service department frequently gets it wrong, and Sebastopol frequently repairs the damage done by Santa Rosa.
2009Feb 16
Malibu LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 26,400 miles
We love this Malibu, bought used 12/2005. Have had this same steering problem fixed twice before, all with the same problem. The first 2 times it was under warranty; now we have an extended warranty so it will cost $100+. The service manager says there was no recall but there should be. We can't understand why there is no permanent fix for this problem. My husband told the manager that GM deserves going out of business since they can't seem to make their cars last!! Well, we'll probably have it happen again, but this is my car (my husband has a Ford truck) & I love driving it. We get 38 mpg on the freeway, which is great. And it is FUN TO DRIVE!! But would I recommend your buying one? I doubt it!!
2005Feb 15
Malibu ES 3.5L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 10,000 miles
WHEW!!!! So glad I am not the only one. I just recently had the tire rod replaced in the car that did not fix the clunking problem. Now I am told that it is the steering. Also the keyless entry does not work anymore and the starter sticks everso often. Now my car has 83,000 miles on it. I also have a 97 Toyota Corolla that has 197,000 miles on it and it drives way better than my Malibu and has not been in the shop a day in its life. I would drive it to New York and back....but not this American made piece of crap. I guess you get what you pay for. I think my next purchase will be foreign again. Come on Chevrolet step up to the plate and recall these problems.
2006Oct 10
Malibu LS 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 32,000 miles
Steering popping noises began just before warranty ran out. At first, I thought it was ball joint noises. But the dealer replaced the rack. That fixed the problem for about 5 thousand miles, until out of warranty. I have not attempted another "fix". The car now has 62000 miles and popping big time. Judging from the many complaints I've read, no one seems to know the real fix for this problem. You would think that GM has the answer, but I'm inclined to think that the problem is an engineering design one that has no fix short of starting all over. Surely, this very common problem would have surfaced during the initial design stage had GM done just a little extended - time testing. It's just a bad design that results from changing designs with each model redesign rather than sticking with and improving the design as time goes by.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Apr 28
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 36,000 miles
Wow! Totally shocked that Chevy made such a crummy car. My 2005 Malibu with only 36,000 miles on it(which i just bought in April of '08) was making a popping noise when i turned the steering wheel. I drove it off the lot that way and was told from the salesman that some popping was normal. Well, it never went away, it only got louder and more often. So they replaced the rack and pinion in June, which did not fix the problem...it was still popping. well i just got back from Preston Hood Chevrolet in Fort Walton Beach and guess what.....they said the rack and pinion needs to be replaced again. yet this time its not under warranty and that i would have to pay $603 plus change because GM will not do anything about it....we'll see about that. I can't imagine after only 16,000 miles that the rack and pinion needs to be replaced AGAIN. Somebody does not know what they are doing. A rack and pinion should be good for about 80,000 miles. So, if your thinking about getting a Chevy Malibu.....DON'T! Save yourself the huge hassle.
2007May 14
Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
Bought the heap in Jan 2005; the popping started, but only while turning left in March of 2006 (while under warranty), the dealership said the power steering pump came loose. So, they slapped some Loctite on it and tightened a bolt on the pump housing. The same noise came back in August 2007, (now out of warranty), this time the dealer said they need to replace the steering box for about $680. I left scratching my head and am still driving with the pop today, but it pops when I turn right and left. I called the GM Customer Service number 800-462-8782, asked the rep about recalls. She put me on hold and called my dealership (Lupient Chevy in Bloominton, MN) to get the skinny and the service manager said the first time they have record of my issue was the second time I brought it in. They had no record of the bolt tightening visit. Then she got into how much money I have spent at the dealership and how many visits I have made. Like it was my fault the car is falling apart. As we were saying goodbye she said she was filing my call under the unsatisfied column. They wonder why nobody buys there cars anymore and they need Corporate Welfare.Thanks GM.
2008Jul 16
Malibu LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Not sure what is causing it, but I noticed several others have had the same issue.
2008Aug 21
Malibu LS 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 52,325 miles
replaced the rack but stills pops and cracks dealer said never heard of one doing this how do I fit it
2008May 30
Malibu LS 3.5L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I bought my Malibu in Mar.08 from Carmax. Consumer Report gave it good reviews, and the price was right. I did not know about the cars electronic steering control (ESC) and all its related steering problems. The car had 35k miles when I bought it. Except for the starter solenoid sticking occasionally, the first 10k miles were trouble free. At about 45k, I began to notice a popping noise when turning slowly to the right and back to center. The problem continued to get worse, and I became concerned that I may be doing serious damage to the steering components, and was it even safe to drive? That's when I decided to go surfing and stumbled across AUTOBEEF. It was a little consoling to know that I am not alone. It is very disheartening to me to know that GM gave so man
2008Apr 01
Malibu 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 34,175 miles
That is really annoying. I had it fixed on May( They adjusted something), but it happened again on September.
2008Aug 12
Malibu LS 3.5L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 20,000 miles
My local shop shortened the cup into which the intermediate steering shaft goes. The shaft itself is coated with a rubber material. Mine had a section of one of the teeth missing. We used a replacement from the junkyard with his fix of shortening the joint. It is quite as can be now.
I bought this car from my aunt. It has 20000 miles on it when I got it in August. It had been knocking the whole time she had it. Her dealer could not locate the problem.
2007Aug 30
Malibu LT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 39,900 miles
had my intermediate steering shaft replaced under warranty, same thing happened 12 or 13 thousand miles later, was told gmc only covers warranties 12 months/12,000 miles
Update from May 26, 2009: called gm, they said take it back to the dealer, no time. They also asked me how do I know it's the same problem...it is, its doing the same thing.
2006Dec 01
Malibu LT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 36,000 miles
I was actually relieved to see that there are so many people out there who have had the same problem. The sound has just recently gotten worse. The popping only used to be when I turned left and now it's when I turn both ways!!! I was scared that my axel was about to break or I needed a new CV joint. I now have about 80k on my car and I don't think I should have to fix it considering how many of you have posted that the problem continues even after you've had it fixed. GM DOES need to do something about it!!!!
Here's a number you can call to complain or at least ask them to have a recall. Maybe if we ALL call then they will do something about it!
1-800-462-8782
2008Jul 09
Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 9,400 miles
I owned a Chevy Impala 2003 which I had to sell because I could not take anymore a clunking steering wheel noise.. I had the dealer repair this clunking steering noise several times and also an independent shop but the noise persisted and even when I thought it was fixed it came back!!
I wanted to buy American so I also purchased a Chevy Malibu 2005 for my wife and now Iwe both use it. At about 9,400 miles the steering wheel clunking noise started on this one too! It usually happens when making slow turn or parking the car. I would like to know if I should start going to the dealer and repeat the same thing I did with the Impala or I should wait until it gets worst.I would like to know if this can be dangerous in some driving conditions especially when I drive on the Tollway.
Thanks
Francesco M
2008Jul 08
Malibu 4cl
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
I got this malibu without warranty and i just started hearing this popping when i turn. does anyone have a solution to this?
2008Jan 07
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I noticed that most all the complaints on the 2005 Chevy Malibu were steering related. I have the same problem as the other posters mentioned with the popping of steering when making slow speed turns. This has definitely been an annoying issue to deal with. The dealer said they simply adjusted a steering linkage, which worked for about two weeks then the car resumed the same problem. What i would like to know is if this is a serious problem, one that would affect safety?
2007Feb 06
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 20,000 miles
I bought this 2005 Chevy Malibu in February of 2006. By Feb of 2007 I took it in the shop because my mom had noticed a weird popping noise from the steering wheel. I was almost having my baby in April when I noticed the same popping again. I took it in again, and it was the same thing. The dealer said the steering wheel axle (or shaft) would have to be replaced again!! I then asked why this would be if this had just been fixed a couple of months ago, and if it would happen again.
This guy didn't mention anything about other complaints being done about the same problem! He said it was just the defected steering wheel, and that it would be fixed.
2006Nov 10
Malibu 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
Well people I have been reading about the clunks in your 2005 Malibus and I want to add my beef to yours. I bought it in the fall of 2006 from a dealer. It had been used as a demo. The car is 4cly automatic and is the first almost new car I've owned. I was tickled pink but not any more. A couple of months after I got it there was a bit of a clunk in the steering. When I took it into the dealer in my town I discovered the problem had already started before I had bought it. About two months before I purchased the car work had been done on the steering wheel clunk. My car is now in the garage for the sixth time for the same problem. They have greased, turned, tightened and changed parts. It's now getting a new steering column for the second time. This has all been done under warranty but this runs out in July,what then? As you can see I am not as tickled pink as I used to be. General Motors and I...
2006Mar 12
Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 21,000 miles
i bought this car in feb 2006, maybe a month after owning it my mom brought it to my attention that it was making a popping noise when i would turn. i took it to the dealership and they fixed it. for about 5 months it was fixed but then i heard it again, so i took it in again and they fixed it, but sure enough it happened again, they have fixed it now 3 times and i'm starting to hear it again and my warranty is up this july then i will be screwed. stay away from this car
2007Apr 10
Malibu Maxx 3.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
Ok. So this problem is real and has been going on and is a known problem by GM. I have a lease vehicle that has been greased once but is doing it again. I have to turn it in and they send the vehicle out for inspection. They do not do it while you are there. This concerns me since I will not have a recourse when they say they have to replace the whole damn front end!
I looked at the listed TSB's and am not sure which one is the one that applies. My clunk comes when I am stopped or moving slow and turn the wheel. I will get the TSB when the correct one is identified so that I have ammo when I turn it in.
Has anyone turned in a lease with this problem on it?
2008Mar 15
Malibu LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
This is very annoying that when you are buying a car you can not enjoy it from having problems. I have only had this car for a year and already falling apart. The steering pops ever time I turn and it's getting worse. This is bull----, the rattle in the front end is also bad. This car is my dream car, but know I have a whole new outlook on how bad it drives. Chevrolet could have done a better job.
2007Jul 02
Malibu LS 3.5L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 44,000 miles
Every time I stop and turn (left or right_ I hear a popping and feel it on my pedal's,
or floor board;s.
2006Jan 10
Malibu LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 20,000 miles
We bought a 2005 Chevy Malibu new. At around 20,000 miles, the steering started popping when turning. We entered in the shop 3 total times since then for the same problem. The first two times were under warranty, they replaced some steering components. The third time is out of warranty. The dealership told me that it was a lubrication problem that would have to be maintained every 18,000 miles at a cost of 112.00 dollars. I was told it was a defect that was not under any recalls. I think of a known defect as being a prime candidate for a recall and one that owners should not be responsible for. Chevy should not only list this as a recall, but they should reimburse expenses related to past repairs.
2006Mar 01
Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 59,009 miles
Purchased the car in 06 seemed like a nice car, but then the steering noises began and has not stopped. Was taking in to the dealer that I purchased it from, was told they were waiting for GM to come up with a fix for the problem, service bulletins were out. The service department would tighten something up in the steering area, popping would and around 10,000 miles popping came back. Nothing has been replaced to date and warranty is out. GM should step up to the plate and place a RECALL IMMEDIATELY.!!!
What are they waiting for?? How many complaint do they need?
2006Jan 17
Malibu LS 3.2lV6
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
bought car in 2006, 13000 miles shortly after developed bumping noise noise in front end. took it to local dealer, said they had a bulletin from from gm defect in steering rack, changed, was not the problem. took back to dealer got jacked around took to another dealer changed left left
strut. problem solved car now has 50k miles and now the dam steering rack is making a popping noise when turning either left or right, driving me batty refuse to take it to the dealer i was thinking of trading for a 2008 Malibu(love the body style) but i think i'd better trade for another Toyota
2007Sep 30
Malibu LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 46,000 miles
I can�t believe at 46000 miles I would be doing this kind of a repair, what a rip off. Does any car company out there consider safety and quality?
2007May 07
Malibu LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 33,000 miles
Thinking to support domestic product and economy by remaining loyal to America vehicle. Plus, we had a good experience with Chevy -- family purchased a 2000 Chevy Corsica and, after 17 years, it's still running like a bull, except its interior showed signs of abuse from uses as a sedan truck. I was hoping the Malibu would follow the same legacy as the Corsica. What a disappointment!
My sister is the one who discovered the clunk, at around 25K. At first, I dismissed her finding. I thought the noise came from the break extension; the car is installed with an extensible break for short drivers. I thought the clunk was from when the break retracted. The clunk became louder and more frequent. Bless my sister! She is a smart owner; she stuck to her 6th sense.
Oct 12, 2006 Mileage: 25970. My sister took the car in. The service rep immediately knew about the problem as she gave the description. The dealer replaced the intermediate shaft for free given the car was still under warranty. During her wait in the lounge, she talked to a Malibu owner returning to repair the clunk problem for the second time. My sister learned the clunk is a ubiquitous problem. The car drove for many miles without any noise. The story doesn't end here.
The clunk is back! I talked to the service rep on the phone regarding the clunk. After he talked to the service manager, service rep called me and told me to bring it in ASAP.
July 26, 2007 Mileage:36406 I dropped off the vehicle at the dealership. By mid-day, the service rep called me. The dealer repositioned intermediate shaft. Rep said sometimes the shaft comes loose after certain amount of driving. He said some cars need the adjustment after shaft installation and some never do. The repair cost me nothing because the dealer did it out of Goodwill-ness and the part is still under warranty. I was unconfident about their repair. When asked about possible re-occurrence, the rep said the charge would be my responsibility given both the car and part are out of warranty. The clunk was definitely gone after the repair.
Around late Nov, clunking is an occasion. By Dec 13, 2007 Mile:42500 clunking is more obvious. I called the service rep today and expressed my concern. The rep said it imposes no safety issue but more like an annoyance. What! Is that true? Will the steering wheel lock up? The service then told me one customer still experience clunking after replacing new shaft, steering rack and structs. What! What! What! I'm taking the car in for oil change tomorrow; service rep and I will talk more this issue.
I am losing patience on this issue and have no trust on the"American Revolution". I feel revolution has engineered crappy, low-quality cars. America is the founder of quality and America fails at quality. Recalled toys are made by China; American car giants make problematic vehicles. If Matel's designing led to the massive toy recall, wrongfully accused of Chinese toy manufacturers for recalled (how do you distinguish bed design from low-quality production?), bad design has cost us, the loyalites, our trust on Made In USA and domestic products. No wonder domestic car sales is losing ground to Japanese cars. No wonder U.S. cars are not as popular as Japanese overseas. I defended American cars before but no longer. I, for sure, will not buy another American -made vehicle! What a let-down!
2006Sep 01
Malibu LT 3.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 11,000 miles
The car worked great, until it hit the 10,000 mile mark, then anytime you made a right turn and turned the wheel more than a half turn rotation it would clunk when bringing back to center. Then a 1,000 miles later started on left turns too. I took it to the dealer and they said they have heard of such problems in Impalas and Silverados, but not the Malibu. Offered to take a look at it and sure enough tech heard and felt it in the wheel. Diagnosed it as a Intermediate Steering Shaft. Fixed under warranty, but here's the deal, TSB's that cover it tell the tech's/dealers to pull the shaft and lube it up. Well, here's the problem with that, after 10,000 miles the lube breaks down and since the real problem of a badly designed shaft (And GM knows it) the problem is still there. And here I am 10,000 miles later and it's back! Well, fortunately GM has a new fix, and newly redesigned shaft part number 19153614. So, if you have a popping/clunking noise and it sounds like it is coming from the steering wheel/column and you can feel any vibration in the wheel to go along with it, it is more than likely the Intermediate Steering Shaft, not anything else. Don't let them tell you there is nothing they can do, there are Technical Service Bulletins that go back at least 7 years with this problem documented and with temporary fixes and now a permanent fix. Be diplomatic and assume a "hey I have this problem (here it is, explain it to them) and ask if hey can you help me out on this? If not go to the service manager and do the same routine. Don't rant and rave at them, that will honestly get you nowhere, because why would they want to help you. If someone did this to you, nice and polite and assumed a non-threatening behavior or an aggressive angry posture, who would you be more likely to help?
2007Jul 18
Malibu Maxx Lt 3.5L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 22,000 miles
Trying to do my part for the US economy by buying domestic cars. Had driven Mazdas, Honda, etc. for a few years and decided to give the General a try. Gotta say, not too impressed so far with only 30K on the clock. Replaced the intermediate steering shaft, resurfaced the warped rotors at 12K and they're warped again at 30K (if my other cars did this I'd say it's because of my driving, but out of the 20 or so cars I've owned in my life, this is the first one that warps rotors every 15K). Anti-theft system locked the car down tight at 9 pm after leaving a movie with the kids - called roadside assistance, but even their advice failed to get the car started. Had to have it flat-bedded to the dealer...and it fired right up for them the next day. Front seat heater comes on by itself....
Each problem on its own is not a big deal, but add it up and draw your own conclusions about the quality behind the "American Revolution".
2007Jul 30
Malibu 3.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 33,000 miles
After observing this problem for four months I saw that other persons in Auto Beef had reported this problem. I took the print outs to the dealer and the Operations Manager looked into the problem and found that there was a bulletin (No. 06-02-32-007B E9448=.3) for intermediate shaft lacks lubrication. Lube and reposition intermediate steering shaft. To date this seems to have fixed the popping sound
2007Aug 16
(reported on)Malibu 2.2L 4cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 46,000 miles
My exact problem is very similar to those already listed here, but my car makes a "click" rather than a "pop". And it happens at a relative timing to the speed of travel, and increases audbile volume when making (right) turns. The dealer stated that they couldn't hear it, but gave me a free inspection and repacked my wheels (or so they said) with grease. The sound actually did lessen for a day or two at that time, only to return with a vengeance. I finally got tired of it and asked the oil change place if they could look to see if they could find out what it was and they said it was more than likely the CV joint(s). Consumer Reports states that the average repair price for CV joints is $930 USD. OUCH! The dealer could have easily fixed it if they would have listened more carefully (while it was under warranty too, might I add). Dang this is making me mad. I already live on a tight budget without forking over a hefty amount for car repairs.
2007Oct 01
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 36,519 miles
This is the second time the rack and pinion assembly has been replaced. The first was done under warranty. Now my warranty has expired, but the dealer in my area honors one year warranty on replacement parts. The second assembly was changed less than 6 months after the first. Now, only 3 months after the second assembly replacement, I am sure I have started to hear a slight pop. This is my second, and last, GMC product I'll ever own.
2007Sep 24
(reported on)Malibu 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 54,000 miles
3RD TIME WITH THE STEERING RACK OUT. Dealer wants me to pay for it. GM is willing to lose a customer rather than admit the problem and fix it. Dealer says "We will try to cover it if it's the same part". GM says "We can't make any promises as to what we will cover". I haven't taken the car in to be looked at yet - I think I'll seek some legal council first.I'm going to complain to gm and never buy a chevy again!
2007Sep 24
(reported on)Malibu 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 41,500 miles
This time GM says they'll replace the rack at no charge as a "goodwill" gesture. Maybe they should ISSUE A RECALL!!! The steering rack is just a symptom of a bigger problem....
2007Sep 24
(reported on)Malibu 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 31,500 miles
This is an engineering problem - replacing the steering rack is not a permanent fix.
2007Sep 05
(reported on)Malibu Ls Maxx 3.5L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 21,000 miles
Noise has NOT returned. I will be pissed if I have to fix outside of std 3yr/36 warranty. I was interested in the new technology no hydraulic pumps / rack seals to fix. Well looks like I'll be fixings steering anyway.
2007Jun 03
(reported on)Malibu LX 3.8
- Automatic transmission
- 33,000 miles
If anybody has had this problem solved, please email me and let me know because if not, mine has 33000 on it and I need to trade it while under warranty.
2007Aug 07
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.5L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 51,000 miles
Finally decided to take the car in before the extended warranty expired to get rid of the clunking. They replaced the intermediate steering shaft and mounts, and so far, the clunk is gone.
2007Jul 27
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.5L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
pops when turning either direction. was told it was tie rods. had them replaced and still popped. then was told new struts. had them replaced and still pops. new steering system and still pops.
2007Apr 30
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.5L V6 SFI
- Automatic transmission
- 38,300 miles
This is the third time the rack and pinion will be replaced (i. e. the fourth Rack&Pinion on the car) This is just not normal
Read the next 3 complaints »
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Aug 01
Malibu 2.2L Ecotec 4 Cly
For months there has been a popping sound coming from the front of the car I was told that the car needed to be grease, so the mechanic lubed under car , changed oil and I also had my front brake pads replace and there was a new rotor put on the front left wheel. After a week the noise returned. I did not go back to the mechanic because i had no money to get the car fixed,the noise continued to get louder. Then my power steering light came on and I my steering went out a couple of times. Is there a recall on this Malibu that I don't know about. I 'm afraid to drive the car fearing that the steering will go and I will have an accident. How can i get my car fixed? Is GM repairing the problem. If some one can direct me where to get a solution, I truly would appreciate it.
HELP!!!!!!! Please.
J Carnegie
Baltimore, MD, USA
carnegie
Baltimore, MD, USA
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