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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 15 of 22)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #155

Jun 012013

Malibu

  • 80,000 miles

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

Starting in June of 2013, our 2008 Chevy Malibu starting having steering issues. Regardless of what speed you traveled, whether it be 20 or 55mph, the steering wheel starting jerking left to right on its own. It would stop, and then sporadically start back up again. We visited our local auto shop and they told us it was the ball joints. After spending $400, we found that the problem did not go away. After doing some research online, we found an entire community of 2008 Chevy Malibu owners who had experienced this same thing. www.gminsidenews.com/forums/F31/steering-column-module-08-Malibu-71371/index2.html www.batauto.com/forums/index.php"topic=11400.0 and some video: www.youtube.com/watch?V=zr62gjnh1gm www.youtube.com/watch"V=eoh5mq4X4cg and these models were recalled in Canada for a power steering issue: www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/GM-recalling-67K-Chevy-Malibu-Pontiac-G6-and-Saturn-aura-models/ after doing this research, we recently just took our Malibu to our nearest Chevy dealer, diamond Chevy in auburn, MA. They told us that it was not under any kind of warranty. After doing diagnostics, they told us it was indeed the power steering motor control module, which is the same thing that the above mentioned owners were experiencing. We were quoted at $956 for parts and labor to repair this. We feel that this issue is a very serious safety issue and defect of the 2008 Chevy Malibu. Us, and it appears many other drivers have experienced this problem, and it was deemed serious enough in Canada to recall. While you can't put a price on safety, we feel that it is an extreme injustice that we should have to pay $900 + out of pocket for a problem that a) effects our safety so extremely and B) is not considered normal "wear and tear". I beg you to please consider a recall on this model Malibu.

- Dudley, MA, USA

problem #154

Jul 282013

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 138,480 miles
The steering wheel started rapidly moving side to side while my wife was driving our 2008 Malibu. The faster she drove, the worse the problem got. When she came to a stop, the steering wheel continued to move side to side. She turned the car around and went home. The next day I took the car to a Firestone complete auto care center. The mechanic said the problem was in the electronic steering assembly and the whole steering wheel assembly would probably have to be replaced. He estimated the cost to be around $1500. This is a huge safety issue. I hope Chevy issues a recall before someone gets killed.

- Hampton, VA, USA

problem #153

Jul 282013

Malibu

  • 50,900 miles
While driving I noticed the steering wheel was moving side to side. Had to hold on to prevent the car from going off the road. Even when stopped at a light or in park I can visibly see the wheel moving left and right. Afraid to drive now until I figure out the problem. Huge safety issue that needs investigation.

- Pickerington, OH, USA

problem #152

Feb 282013

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles

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

The steering wheel shakes and vibrates on and off. Now I get a message power steering. My husband looked online and there over three or four pages of consumers with the same issues, power steering column and GM has not put out a recall. The consumer must make the repairs of approximately 700 to 1500. I do not have money or credit. I may have to give the car back as I am unable to drive it. It is a shame that GM will not step up and fix this known issue.

- Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA

problem #151

Jun 032013

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 53,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the electronic power assist failed. The wheels started to shake, there was a warning chime that sounded and the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 53,000.

- Newfane, NY, USA

problem #150

Jun 012013

Malibu

  • 51,000 miles
Steering was a fight to keep the car in lane steering wheel shaking like it was trying to steer it's self thought is was going to run off the road this needs to be recalled researched online found hundreds of the same complaint what will it take to force a recall someone dyeing I cant let anyone drive this car.

- Kettering, OH, USA

problem #149

Jun 012013

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 25,900 miles

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

Whether in park or driving the steering wheel shakes. While driving it is a constant fight to keep the car between the lines. The motion of the car is enough for passengers to notice the movement. This car is the 2.4lt. 4 cylinder. It has electric power steering. Having experience with syncro servo systems this kind of effect could result in catastrophic failure of the transmitter or receiver resulting in loss of control. However Chevy dealerships don't seem to have any mechanics qualified to work on these systems or a clear understanding as to how they really function.

- Myrtle Point, OR, USA

problem #148

Feb 012013

Malibu

  • miles
Power steering light comes on gone to dealer several times GM is horrible I will never buy another GM made car I have had nothing but problems with this car I will be researching under lemon law.

- West Covina, CA, USA

problem #147

May 092013

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 72,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the steering shaft failed without warning. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was determined that the steering shaft needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

- Altoona, PA, USA

problem #146

Jun 012011

Malibu

  • 49,000 miles
Steering wheel shook violently when the car was at rest and then began to shake while driving down the highway at approximately 49K miles. Took it to dealer and had the steering column replaced. Then the power door locks began to fail; both passenger door locks and the driver's lock must be operated manually now (well, the driver's door lock works 1/2 of the time...never know if it is actually engaged unless you do it manually). No outside keyhole exists for the passenger door side to be unlocked, which is very inconvenient and potentially unsafe, especially when you are driving alone and cannot get the doors locked by pushing the button. Have driven GM vehicles my entire life, but this is the last time the company will ever get my money. Sad....

- Easley, SC, USA

problem #145

Jul 302011

Malibu

  • 20,000 miles

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

I bought this Malibu 2 years ago I have had steering problems ever since the wheel shakes back and forth when I'm at a stop sign. It has gotten worse in the last couple months I have almost wrecked my car multiple times I can not let anyone drive this car.

- Lititz, PA, USA

problem #144

Mar 122013

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 94,319 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the steering wheel moved on its own while sitting still. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel moved back and forth. No warning lights illuminated when the failure occurred. The vehicle had not been to the dealer for inspection. The failure mileage was unknown but the current mileage was 94,319.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #143

Mar 052012

Malibu

  • 72,000 miles
We was getting ready to park and the steering column got really stiff and I couldn't move the car to park. I had to shut the car off and restart the car and it loosing up. I was in the city of South bay, Florida. ## VIN failed ##

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #142

Mar 182013

Malibu

  • 64,000 miles
First steering wheel pulsed when the vehicle was parked and then and then when I drove it felt almost like a magnetic pull back and fourth on the interstate, as im swerving between lanes because its so strong! turn off car sometime resets problem temporarily. Eventually it all happens again and again. Needs to be recall on power steering. Before someone gets hurt. Thanks GM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Tea, SD, USA

problem #141

Mar 202013

Malibu

  • miles
Steering wheel shakes while car is stationary or on the move violently, power steering light comes on in information screen. This is a very serious problem that could get people in accidents!!

- Brownsville, TX, USA

problem #140

Mar 012013

Malibu

  • 133,000 miles
First steering wheel pulsed very rapidly and then power steering went out completely. Turn off car sometime resets problem temporarily. Eventually it all happens again and again. Needs to be recall on power steering. Fast before someone gets killed, like a child or family. Then it will be to late. Thanks GM.

- Pronceton, IL, USA

problem #139

Feb 072013

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 59,854 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was able to be driven to the dealer where the steering module was replaced. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired twice under a manufacturer's recall for the steering column. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 59,854. Updated 04/17/13 the consumer stated on three separate occasions, the power steering light illuminated and the steering went completely out. On one occasion, she was unable to back out of a parking space. She had to turn the vehicle off and back on, in order for the steering to resume normal operation. Updated 04/18/13

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #138

Jul 252011

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
When sitting at a stop sign or sitting in drive way after starting vehicle, the power steering trouble light will come on and then the steering wheel will shake for no apparent reason. This has also happened while driving and makes the driving of the vehicle difficult (makes it seems as though there is a flat tire, when there is none!). when I first purchased the vehicle in July 2011, I put the car into the dealer to get it fixed and they could not find anything wrong. The current mileage of the vehicle is at 83000.

- Rochester, NH, USA

problem #137

Feb 182013

Malibu

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the steering wheel shook without warning. Also, the contact mentioned that while driving at different speeds and switching lanes, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 60,000.

- Brick , NJ, USA

problem #136

Jan 012013

Malibu

  • 116,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while sitting at a traffic stop, the steering wheel would independently move. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they advised that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the steering column. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 116,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Eden, NC, USA

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