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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
13 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
73,866 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.

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx steering problems

steering problem

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2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Owner Comments (Page 1 of 11)

problem #217

May 202019

Malibu Maxx

  • 100,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. While driving approximately 60 mph, the steering ability seized and all the warning indicators illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road as the power steering warning indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and then to mccurley Chevrolet (1325 N autoplex way, pasco, wa 99301) where it was determined that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Pasco, WA, USA

problem #216

May 012019

Malibu Maxx

  • 125,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. While operating the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. Also, 'power steering' displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven to billion automotive (600 w. 41st, sioux falls, sd) where it was diagnosed that the torque sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 125,000.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

problem #215

Mar 072019

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • 155,000 miles
No steering, steering turns around and around without stop turning in either direction, right or left. Second time this happened, spent approximately $1200 before. Car this time ended in a tow pound yard. Triple aaa moved my car to a shop called quick stop where I wanted to get my car fixed at only to discover they didn't do electrical work which they discovered was the problem among others. Again the towing company triple aaa carried it to webb Chevrolet suggested by this shop. Webb Chevrolet discovered also electrical issues. My insurance notified me after I contact them for a claim report. An estimator was sent to webb Chevrolet also they discovered after a tear down diagnosis that it is a recall issues. Now you are being notified by me, ruby wells of these problems. This is why im notifying you of the recalls found on this make, model and year 2004 vehicle. Not stationary, it was in motion when happened on city street. My son was arrested for no reason $2000 bail times 2. court judge through case out on April 45th 2019 after discovering bogus tickets writing and arrests they indicated there was no insurance on vehicle and had my car towed to pound within hours. I had to pad towing fees of $1200 approximately to get my car from pound less than24 hours of the towing. Money has already been spent unnecessarily money I had to borrow because I'm retired. Please take care of this for me asap. Please!

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #214

Jan 012019

Malibu Maxx

  • 140,000 miles

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

Steering out of whack. I have had my control arm on both sides changed along with axles and a alignment. No luck its still all over road. I drive from sylvester ga to tifton ga everyday. It does the same thing everytime. Also I have had my lights replaced 3 times in the last year. Why arent the lasting. Gas cap keeps reading error. Whole car. I can let someone drive it to see what I am saying.

- Sylvester, GA, USA

problem #213

Jan 012019

Malibu Maxx

  • 157,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. While turning the steering wheel in either direction, a popping noise was present and the steering ability seized. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the steering shaft pulled out of the rack. The air bag warning indicator illuminated after the failure. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. Elm Chevrolet (301 E. church St, elmira, NY) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 157,000.

- Elmira, NY, USA

problem #212

Jan 142019

Malibu Maxx

  • 198,000 miles
The electronic steering assist would fail while driving down the road causing the vehicle to loose steering and have to come to a stop and turn vehicle off to avoid a crash. It is scarey and dangerous. Mine isn't the only Malibu maxx that has had this dangerous problem.

- Jacksonville, AL, USA

problem #211

Nov 062018

Malibu Maxx

  • miles

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

Steering wheel shakes and power steering won't work

- North Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #210

Oct 202018

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • 27,972 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. When the vehicle was started, the check engine and power steering warning indicators illuminated. Once the vehicle was restarted, the indicators went away. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,972. Consumer stated manufacturer notified and repairs made. Updated 12/04/18

- Reno, NV, USA

problem #209

Mar 152018

Malibu Maxx

  • 104,000 miles
The contact owned a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. While driving approximately 30 mph, the steering lost power. In an attempt to make a left turn, another vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the contact's vehicle. The front driver's air bag exploded and struck the driver in the face. The driver sustained injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow yard. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

- Auburn, WA, USA

problem #208

Nov 152017

Malibu Maxx

  • 115,334 miles
Electronic steering failure on recal replacement part, in 2014 replaced under recall steering column and module. 3 years later failed again. Replacement parts appear defective not to fix the problem. Replaced at dealership indicated recal replaced once, now is owners responsibilty to replace defective parts.

- Denton, TX, USA

problem #207

Aug 152017

Malibu Maxx

  • 75,000 miles

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

While driving on rough roads or breaking noises rattles an severe shake in steering coming from steering column an an steering binding when first starting car hard to turn wheels strange noises when applying breaks

- Throop, PA, USA

problem #206

Nov 012017

Malibu Maxx

  • 153,000 miles
Recall #14116 was in on 04/13/15 to have the recall corrected and it was at that time, but now the problem is recurring. When car is in motion any where when you accelerate the power steering on the car loses electronic assist causing the steering to be excessively hard.

- Hockley, TX, USA

problem #205

Jun 012015

Malibu Maxx

  • 51,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated that the vehicle remained on after the key was removed from the ignition, the transmission slipped out of gear, and there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering column. The failures occurred without warning. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 51,000.

- Albany, NY, USA

problem #204

Aug 102016

Malibu Maxx 4WD 6-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
Power steering goes out intermittently without warning when driving. This has been happening for the last 6 months. Weather conditions/temperature, the car being warmed up/cold makes no difference. Happens when driving on highways, back roads going around corners-road conditions/type of road make no difference. Also there has been a rattling sound like something metal is rattling. The power steering goes out with absolutely no warning and there is no opportunity to make preparations. This is extremely dangerous.

- Greenville, RI, USA

problem #203

Dec 012016

Malibu Maxx 6-cyl

  • 175,000 miles
Steering wheel has numerous problems. Had a knocking noise since I brought 3 years ago. Steering wheel tightens up and very hard to turn and tightens more while trying to make turns at slow speeds. Now happening some times when I put into reverse. Been trying to teach my son how to drive and wheel to tight for him to practice turns. A few weeks ago he almost ran into a bush when pulling out from a stop sign because the steering wheel wouldn't turn. Had him put the car in park in the middle of the street while on coming cars had to stop and wait for us to switch drivers. Getting worse/tighter over time. If the wheel is slightly turned and I put in drive the car jumps ahead with no control over the steering. Already took in for recall's for power steering so when I called was told all my recalls had been done and expired. Last few days the wheel is shaking the closer I drive to 55 mph. Clearly the steering has issues that seems to be a continuous problem and GM not willing to make right. A driving hazard!

- Newport, NC, USA

problem #202

Oct 192016

Malibu Maxx

  • miles
Intermittent loss of power steering during acceleration has persisted and continues to get worse after recall (NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000) was performed. This creates a potentially dangerous situation. Manufacturer and dealer refused to perform any further repairs at their expense, claiming there was a one year warranty on the repair. However, their remedy for this safety defect didn't fix the original problem and it continues to happen.

- Montross, VA, USA

problem #201

Jun 232016

Malibu Maxx

  • 120,000 miles
My Malibu maxx 2004 was bought new. It has the power steering issue ever since it was new. Under acceleration on highways (e.g. driving uphill in mountains etc. ) when steering left around a curve, the power steering locks up and jerks, and dash lights flash for a few seconds. This has happened ever since it was new. The issue can't be reproduced by dealership and auto repair stores. GM has a recall in 2014 regarding power steering but the problem is not fixed, the issue is life threatening!!

- Los Gatos, CA, USA

problem #200

Sep 022015

Malibu Maxx

  • 170,000 miles
Electrical system:wiring exterior lighting:brake lights electronic stability control service brakes hydraulic:switches:brake light steering:electric power assist system the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control panic braking assist features. Turning signals & break lights not responsive. Sudden loss of electric power steering assist that happens at anytime while driving. Pictures attached pushing breaks & using turning signals no response. Car power steering also shuts down in the middle of driving. Contacted dealer will not provide help. Problem has happened for the last 16 months. Almost crashed 5 times.

- Bedford, TX, USA

problem #199

Sep 142015

Malibu Maxx

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and there was an abnormal noise. On another occasion, while driving 5 mph and making a turn, the steering wheel required excessive force and another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available for the recall repairs for NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control), 14V153000 (steering), and 14V224000 (power train). The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

- West Jordan , UT, USA

problem #198

Jun 222015

Malibu Maxx

  • miles
While I was on the interstate this vehicle with a wrench in the middle lit up on my dash board and that's when my wheel locked up I couldn't move the wheel from left to right I had to force it to turn to be able to make turns and get over.

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

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