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.
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.)
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
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.
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
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
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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).
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!!!!!
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....
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!!!
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.
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.
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!
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.
I had just gotten into town and passed my road I needed so I pulled into the next road to turn around and it was extremely hard to turn. I thought I lost my power steering so I turned the car off only to realize it was still running. I started it back up and it seemed to loosen up so I pulled back out on the main road and again could not get the wheel to turn either way at all. If this had happened at a speed higher than 20mph, there would be no way to avoid a wreck. I was stuck on the main road with nowhere to go and was completely blocking traffic in not great road conditions. If this had happened on my way to the destination, I would have had no control and would have went off the road and probable death on the road I was traveling. After reviewing several sites online, this is a common problem with this car. I feel it should be a priority 1 recall. There were a couple of people who wrecked because of it. If this cannot be fixed, we will have no other option than to get rid of the car and warn others of this safety risk. Please consider looking into this as I really do like my car but I have a family of 4 to consider and one child that will be getting his license in a few months.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Maspeth, NY, USA