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.
Takata recall. ESC triggers with turns, power steering shuts down making it difficult to turn. On multiple occasions steering has failed causing me to stop in the middle of traffic, luckily able to avoid accidents. 09' Malibu @ 148K
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the power steering was faulty and excessive force had to be used to turn the steering wheel. In addition, the electronic stability control indicator (ESC) illuminated and the contact's spouse changed the brake hubs more than twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ESC sensor needed to be serviced and a new power steering system needed to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 154,700.
When starting my car, I attempt to take it out of park and I need to step on my brakes as if I am slamming them just to move my car out of park. My brake lights are reversed, I noticed this at night when a car almost hit me. I thought it was the brake sensor so I changed it and that didn't fix the issue. Since then 3 cars have almost hit me because of this braking issue. While driving my traction light also comes on, it states 'service traction, service ESC' and makes my car shake.
Takata recall. The whole car appears to be having problems at once. We go and get a certain minor problem fix and the next things pops up. Having problems driving acceleration and breaking. Doesn't seem to be safe to drive.
While operating my 2009 Chevy Malibu 4cyl in a turn, the electric power steering without any warning failed. A warning indicator afterwards then flashed power steering and electronic stability control failure. The result was almost total loss of control of vehicle while driving in heavy city traffic going through a traffic circle with children in backseat of my vehicle. This is because without warning the electronic power steering failed which caused me to panic emotionally and also caused me great physical difficulty as I am a woman and I all of a sudden had to garner all this strength to manually steer the vehicle in heavy city traffic. Chevy is aware of this defect and will repair this if the vehicle is less than 10 years old and had less than 150,000 miles. We could have all died in a car crash. I think this should be recalled as this is a safety hazard that comes without any warning and renders the vehicle undrivable unless repaired as it is unsafe. The Chevy mechanic indicates if both the sensor and motor need to be replaced it will cost $1200. My husband is a veteran and we cannot afford this costly repair.
- New London, WI, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
The service ESC light came on, then the power steering light came on. I was in motion at the time about to make a turn. After a few days of the problem being intermittent, my car wouldn't start at all. I tried to start it and nothing. Replaced battery and a engine power reduced light came on. Car still won't start.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. When making a turn, the steering failed and the electronic stability control indicator illuminated. The contact was able to gain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While operating the vehicle, the service ESC and power steering warning messages appeared. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The local dealer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,000.
My power source in car won't work, my cruise control won't work, my power steering went out fist I would just have to restart the car and it would be fine not anymore. Some times my car completely locks up in the middle of driving, my headlights sometimes work and sometimes don't
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 75 mph, the power steering failed. Also, the ESC device, power steering, and traction control indicators illuminated. The contact had to use extra strength to steer the vehicle. The contact's parent had to come pick up the contact. The vehicle was not towed. The contact called kelley Chevrolet (5220 value drive, fort wayne, in 46805, (260) 484-5566) and was advised to call GM's customer service line. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 171,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. While operating the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. Also, the traction control, electronic stability control, and service power steering warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle became difficult to stop. Griffin Chevrolet (11100 w. metro auto mall, milwalkee, wi) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 170,000.
My steering wheel wobbles/shakes extremely during stop of vehicle as well as in drive. At one point it said power steering service etc. I came across recall #14V153000, dealers and website says not found on my vehicle. I am wondering why that is since my problems are the same as the ones stated along with the same make, mode and year
Power steering, along with some other electric problems I am having with this car. I have only had the car for 3 years and already the steering wheel locks up frequently while driving my car on the highways, and traveling through the city. Last night the power steering locked as me and my child was driving home. I had to leave the car parked on a side street because the car would not allow me to turn the steering wheel to operate the car properly. At this time I am seeking immediate help with this issue.
Power steering goes out. Warning message on dash reads "power steering - service ESC" this happens when I am driving and goes out without warning. Today it went out while I was driving on the highway at 65 mph rounding a long sweeping curve. Dangerous! I see that there is a recall on this problem - GM recall # N140115, but it doesn't cover the month that my Malibu was built, which is 12/08. It covers other Malibu's and other vehicles. My car has the exact same problem as theirs. GM definitely needs to expand this recall to include all cars that have been built at this time.
The electrical power steering and ESC control are turned off as soon as I start the cars ignition. When the car is parked, the power steering begins to twitch the wheel and does not stop. When you turn the car off then back on, it resolves the problem for several seconds then continues to do the same thing. This problem creates a very dangerous car when combined when traveling down the road. The power steering has also done this whole driving. This is a huge issue in manufacturing and poses a life threat to my 100lb fiance and our newborn baby.
Power steering works randomly but mostly not at all. Power steering, service traction control light. ABS light and ESC flash on dash display all in one week. Driving to work made a left hand turn and power steering went out causing me to drive off the road. Power steering came back on and then out again. And has been off since
Intermittently upon starting the stationary vehicle the 'service ESC' light comes on followed by 'power steering' light. The power steering won't work. Turning the ignition off and restarting the vehicle 1-3 times usually corrects the problem. Also, while driving this same problem occurs where the power steering goes out, without warning. Extremely dangerous when going around bends or turning. Lastly, when moving (usually backing up, but also while driving) the steering wheel turns back and forth by itself as if the power steering is engaging but no turning is required. I've lost control on slick roads and in parking lots because of all of these problems. I also noticed that there's a recall for the 2012 Malibu for something similar to what my problem is, but not for the 2009 model. However, when looking up the 2012 recall it says 2004-2012 Malibu were under recall, yet my VIN for 2009 Malibu shows no recalls. Very odd. If not fixed for free, I'll be looking into class action.
Powersteering starting periodically going out and ESC notification would appear. Eventually it completely quit. Called Chevrolet and was told my car is not part of the recall for that issue.
My ESC light to service came on, which also triggered the power steering to go off. This happened a week ago when I was driving. When I called GM, I was told there was no recall, that was a special coverage and it expired in October if 2018. Well it's never been a problem before and now I have a vehicle that has issues the manufacture know about, and they know it was a defect but I am now expected to pay for a $1300 repair myself.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Lake Worth, FL, USA