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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
11 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 1
Average Mileage:
77,330 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems

steering problem

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2008 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 1 of 22)

problem #435

Sep 042023

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving down the road my steering wheel turned, but I was driving straight. Aso if I want to turn it won't. When turning it makes a popping noise.

- Taft, CA, USA

problem #434

Sep 012017

Malibu

  • miles
The power steering stops working making it difficult to control. Those has been an ongoing issue for several years.

- Oceano, CA, USA

problem #433

Apr 032023

Malibu

  • miles
The steering assist system abruptly stopped allowing the front wheels of the vehicle to be turned to the right while the vehicle was being driven causing me to crash into a ditch and on into a field and caused myself minor injuries..

- Williamsburg, KY, USA

problem #432

Mar 242023

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving my 08' Chevy Malibu and suddenly in a turn my steering locked. It was so hard to turn. The dash stated power steering with the failure symbol. I turn car off then back on and it's fine. Then it happens again. My safety and others was at risk do to child with Autism in my car & suddenly having to really break around the sharp turn that could of taken me over the embankment and killed us. I am disabled and the scared me bad because on a country road and nobody to help me & my daughter. Very scary and life threatening.

- Hebron, KY, USA

problem #431

Mar 032023

Malibu

  • miles
The car is hard to steer.

- Grenada, MS, USA

problem #430

Mar 202023

Malibu

  • miles
Power steering

- Hobart , IN, USA

problem #429

Mar 132023

Malibu

  • 82,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while attempting to make a left turn. The contact pulled off to the side of the road where the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14E044000 (Steering) and 14V153000 (Steering. The contact called the dealer who confirmed that the power steering had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not currently under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the recall repairs were already completed and that a second free repair would not be offered. The failure mileage was 82,000.

- Medina, OH, USA

problem #428

Jun 062022

Malibu

  • miles
The vehicle pulls to the left while driving. I have taken the vehicle to get aligned 3x and the issue is still the same; the repair shop says it's not the alignment (since it's well aligned) but another problem with the steering. Also, the left and right turn signs do not click back, and I have to push it back into place to stop the signals, and every time I turn my steering wheel, it clicks all the time too.

- Watsonville, CA, USA

problem #427

Aug 012022

Malibu

  • miles
The car shakes and becomes hard to steer and the instrument panel reads service ESC, service traction.

- Covington , GA, USA

problem #426

Mar 162020

Malibu

  • 86,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was steering faulty functionality. There were no failure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #425

May 062021

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering inadvertently with the power steering message displayed. The contact then used extra effort to steer the vehicle while pulling into a nearby parking lot, where she turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle regained power steering functionality however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Sherman, TX, USA

problem #424

Apr 282022

Malibu

  • 187,110 miles
The owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V153000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 187,110.

- Montgomery, AL, USA

problem #423

Feb 282022

Malibu

  • miles
While driving on the freeway going 60mph the power steering went out and the steering wheel began stiff and unable I was unable to turn the wheel or steer/ control it. this is a problem because without having the ability the turn the wheel I risk not being able to get where I-€™m going. And further more cannot avoid an accident. It-€™s available for inspection upon request. Thank you

- Renton , WA, USA

problem #422

Mar 152022

Malibu

  • 218,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and felt that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.

- Necedah, WI, USA

problem #421

Mar 062022

Malibu

  • miles
Power steering shuts off, traction control shuts off.

- Newville, PA, USA

problem #420

Feb 282022

Malibu

  • miles
Steering had become more stiff, and at some instances, the steering forced the wheel in one or the other direction and would shake vigorously. Power steering has now completely gone. I had to swerve with all arm strength to avoid a collision in which caused muffler to come off when I pulled onto a curb. I also read online that there was a recall on this issue a few years back and i am unable to determine if my vehicle was included. I am also experiencing a message on my dash that says Power Steering.

- Davenport, IA, USA

problem #419

Feb 262022

Malibu

  • miles
The power steering system has been failing and my steering wheel has been locking up on me while driving and while parked. The steering wheel shakes when idling, and also stopped in gear. This is dangerous to be on the road and have that happen and a risk to my life. Once the power steering fails, -€œService ESC-€ comes up on the dashboard

- Temple Hills, MD, USA

problem #418

Mar 022022

Malibu

  • miles
Steering column shakes when I exceed 60 miles and higher. I am forced to break to reduce speed. Which is dangerous. Based on all the recalls I'm kind of scared to drive my vehicle. I have an 8 yr old little girl who I have to pray for protection over because I need my car to maintain daily responsibilities.

- Hemet, CA, USA

problem #417

Feb 182022

Malibu

  • miles
The dash is displaying service power steering service tire monitor system service ESC and traction control. All of which have been recalled on other 2008 Chevy Malibus with different VIN numbers then mine. I feel my Malibu is unsafe and needs to be inspected and placed on the recall list as well. I am available to have the car inspected as soon as possible. The steering is popping and grinding when I turn. The steering wheel jerks when I drive over bumps and the car sways and swerves which makes it hard to control. This is a family vehicle my young child rides in the car daily and I worry about his safety due to the steering locking up like the other recalled Malibus. I am scared to drive it I feel like it is very unsafe. The vehicle has only been inspected by my Certified mechanic. There were warning lights displayed on the dash as I stated above. They've been since I bought the car at the beginning of February.

- Andover , OH, USA

problem #416

Feb 212022

Malibu

  • miles
Automatic power steering randomly goes out while driving, posing serious safety risks. Steering wheel locks up and message reads -€œPower Steering Service ESC-€

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

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