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.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. When making a turn, an abnormal noise emitted from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the steering column flex coupling needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,759.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While turning left at approximately 45 mph, the contact stated that there was an abnormal rattle coming from the steering columns. The failure continued to recur whenever she would attempt a turn at any speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the steering column was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. On a later date while reversing at approximately 5 mph, two loud pop noises were heard and the steering wheel immediately became stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was awaiting repairs to the steering column. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 115,000 and the current mileage was 132,000
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While attempting a turn at approximate speeds of 10-15 mph, the power steering failed causing the contact to barely avoid crashing into another vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times for concerns of the power steering failing. The dealer replaced the power steering column, ignition switch and throttle body. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact was driving approximately 5 mph, a clanking noise sounded and the steering wheel failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The entire steering column was replaced on two separate occasions. The first repair was at dealers expense. The second repair the manufacturer was responsible for half of the repair cost. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on a third occasion for the clanking noise failure and the steering shaft was replaced. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 61,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact was driving approximately between 25-35 mph; proceeding to make a turn. There was a loud popping noise coming from the steering wheel. The power steering warning light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. Also, the engine warning indicator illuminated at a different time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and an independent mechanic for service repairs. The components were replaced on separate occasions which consists of the steering column, gas cap, fuel module, and tie-rod. The PCM was also reprogrammed. The service repairs were performed at the dealer on three separate occasions. The failure mileage was 29,000.
- Frankfort, KY, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 45 mph the steering column locked on the vehicle. She was able to safely restart the vehicle, and after 5 minutes the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the technicians could not identify the cause of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 117,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The entire steering column was replaced at 17,000 miles for power steering failure. Two weeks ago she paid $1000 to replace the steering column. The manufacturer was notified, but because the warranty expired no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 132,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 35 mph, the contact lost control of the vehicle and was unable to shift gears. She was unable to stop the vehicle and shift into park. She drove to the dealer and they assisted her in placing the vehicle into park and shutting it off. There were no warnings prior to the failure. While at the dealer, a technician determined that the shift lever assembly failed. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $206. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 22,378 and current mileage was 22,382. Updated 03-30-09 updated 03/31/09. Updated 11/22/11 the consumer stated the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The dealer stated the steering column was defective and needed to be replaced. Updated 03/05/12
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. While backing out of the driveway at 5 mph, the vehicle swerved to the left when the contact attempted to swerve right. The vehicle was difficult to turn and unable to be moved to the left. The power steering did not work when turned to the right, and the steering wheel was very loose when it was turned to the left. The failure has occurred twice. She took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. There is no recall for the failure; however, she found numerous complaints and one possible investigation. The contact feels that a four year old vehicle should not be experiencing these types of failures. The current and failure mileages were 74,404. Update 09/10/08 the consumer stated the power steering failed 3 times. The dealer replaced the steering column. Updated 09/16/08.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the car icon light would illuminate intermittently on the dashboard. On one occasion, the vehicle experienced loss of power steering. The dealer replaced the steering column. The current mileage was 56,011 and failure mileage was 53,300. Updated 04/08/08.
Bought 6 cylinder 2004 Malibu with 2000 miles from dealer. Within two months, steering failed. Steering column was replaced. Since then steering column has been replaced a total of four times for continued "clunking" noise in front steering area. Last time car was still in warranty. Car now has 62,000 miles and continues to clunk just as when new and as each column was replaced.
In September 2005 I took the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu to the dealer to check a problem in the steering column. The dealership fixed the problem and the manager as much as admitted that there was something defective in the steering column of that particular vehicle. I paid for the repairs, but I immediately called General Motors, and told some one there that I didn't think it was right to be charged for a repair on something in the vehicle that was known to be defective. That office then called the dealership and spoke to the manager and they reimbursed me for the repair. Well, now the steering was acting up again. This time the vehicle pulled strongly to the left when being driven. It also made a strange noise when turning the wheel, similar to the one it made previously when repairs had to be done. I had the vehicle checked several times, and have been told that they could not find anything wrong. Tomorrow I am going to ask them to check into the actual steering mechanism to see if that was where the problem was coming from. If I am right I would like to know if I will be able to get the manufacturer of this vehicle to approve of paying for the repair.
There was a cluncking sound every time I turn the wheel to the left or the right. I took the car to the dealer on two occasions for repair, and they replaced the steering column both times, the car still cluncked..the dealer said the cluncking sound was okay and not to bring it back.the right wheel bearing was replaced, and now the gas gauge did not work. Also, I was told when the gas gauge failed it wa S an early warning that the fuel pump will soon need to be replaced.
There wa sa cluncking sound every time I turned the wheel to the left or the right. I sent the car to the dealer on two occasions for repairs, and they replaced the steering column both times, the car still cluncked..the dealer said the cluncking sound was okay and not to bring it back.the right wheel bearing was replaced, and now the gas gaug efailed. 1 was told when the gas gauge failure was an early warning that the fuel pump will soon need to be replaced.
: the contact stated while driving on the freeway, the steering column locked up. The 2004 Chevrolet was the first year manufactured with a electric steering column. In April 2005, the steering column was making a noise and was tight resulting in difficult steering for sharp turns. To correct the problem, the dealer replaced the steering column. In July 2006, there was a second failure to the steering column, it locked up.
In two occasions I experienced a complete loss of steering.the car a Chevrolet model Malibu year 2004 was transported to a Chevrolet dealer(norwood Chevrolet) in warwick ri. The mechanic diagnosed a steering column shift-torque sensor failure.GM admitted that they had an internal recall. The steering column was replaced as per GM customer relation manager.the bill was $610.48 dollars.theynever refund me because the new manager stated that the recall was lifted.please evaluate and advise me what to do. Thank you.
Defective steering column shaft, took it in April 4 2006 for the third time General Motors doesn't have the part to fix it. Its on a nationwide backorder. I'm stuck driving a car that has a defective steering column.
: the contact stated while driving 30 mph the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle has been to the dealership twice for repairs, but the problem reoccurs. The dealership and manufacturer were notified however, no additional repairs have been made.
Steering wheel shakes all by itself and was replaced by dealer. Now there is a clunking noise when turning the wheel. Front rotors warped, replaced by dealer, now warped again. Front axle seal leaking on exhaust, replaced by dealer, now leaking again causing a foul oil burning smell in the car.
Dt contact stated the steering wheel would move by itself. The contact would try to turn the steering wheel and the steering wheel would turn in the opposite direction this happened on May 15, 2004, and the dealer replaced the steering column. On October 17, 2005.,the same thing happened again and the vehicle was going into the local dealer today. There was no prior warning. This happened on dry road conditions. Also on September 1, 2005 the gas light kept coming on., took the vehicle to the dealer, and they said there was a crack in the exhaust system. The dealer replaced the exhaust system. Now, the light is back on, and the dealer is going to check that too. Updated 11/16/2005 -
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Sammamish, WA, USA