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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
76,038 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 Classic steering problems

steering problem

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2008 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Owner Comments

problem #6

Feb 132014

Malibu Classic 6-cyl

  • 97,600 miles

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

I feel that I experienced the same power steering failure that affected other Malibu (and Chevrolet) and that my repair should have been covered under Chevrolet special bulletin #10183. However, something about my vehicle's build kept my VIN from being included in the range for this extended coverage. I first experienced problems on February 13, 2014. My vehicle had 97,600 miles on it. After I started the vehicle, the car made a dinging sound and the words "power steering"' flashed on my radio information screen. I tried to drive a few feet but found I had no power steering assist. I had to stop and start the car a couple times before getting power steering back. On February 16, I experienced the same loss of power steering (audible ding, display read "'power steering" and I had no power steering). After restarting, the assist returned. On February 19, power steering failed three times in the last two miles of my commute. Restarting the vehicle at a stoplight solved the problem twice. After the final failure that morning, I drove the rest of the way without power steering. That night, I was unable to keep power steering functioning and drove the 12 mile trip home without power steering. In addition, when stopped and while driving, my steering wheel would move by itself. This occurred randomly between February 13 and 19. The amount of movement varied from a rapid shake to up to a 1 inch swing from center. Took to Chevrolet dealer which diagnosed "traced to internal fault in steering column. Replaced steering column to correct."

- Lincoln, NE, USA

problem #5

Mar 112014

Malibu Classic

  • 112,000 miles
I lost power steering when I was driving on a semi curve while raining lightly. The car kept going to the left and I could not steer. I pressed brakes and car spun. I almost hit a sign on the opposite direction. Thank god nothing happened to me nor my son. There were no other cars involved either. There was a truck coming on the opposite direction but he stopped. Otherwise, we would have collided. I got on the ditch. I was able to get back on road and drive to nearest GM/Chevrolet dealership. They kept the car for 2 days and found out that the power steering motor control module had to be replaced for $703 including labor. There was a recall in Canada for the same part (Transport Canada recall # 2012331: Manufacturer recall number 12221) but as of now I have not found the recall in usa. Why??

- Meridian, MS, USA

problem #4

Sep 192011

Malibu Classic 4-cyl

  • miles
When vehicles steering wheel is turned left or right it makes a loud clicking noise like its going to break. Does not allow accurate steering while driving. The driver rear windows electric suspension wire popped and came unraveled and window drops. Fuel level range sensor does not provide accurate reading. Also, disabled fuel gauge arm in dash (fluctuates). Diagnosis ran and seems to be no issue with fuel pump. While driving the arm bar that keeps seat level and in place snapped and seat fell as vehicle was in motion (70mph on freeway).. very scary.. since steering column already feels like its going to fall apart.

- Visalia, CA, USA

problem #3

Feb 222013

Malibu Classic

  • 115,650 miles

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

For about 3 weeks now every time I turn the steering wheel to the left it wants to "jump" it acts like it is hanging up somewhere. On 3-2-2013 I got into the car and the power steering wasn't working. I got back home and shut it off and turned it back on about an hour later and it worked again.

- Dayton, TX, USA

problem #2

Apr 032012

Malibu Classic

  • 62,000 miles
My 2008 Chevy Malibu has a loud clunk noise when I turn the wheel sharply either direction, this occurs while in motion and when completely stopped. I have read many reviews where it states it is the intermediate shaft and needs replace. I still have 1 yr left on war. But took it to a dealer today and they said its not covered!! if GM knows about this why have they not issued a recall to fit this dangerous problem??!!

- Philippi, WV, USA

problem #1

Apr 072011

Malibu Classic 6-cyl

  • 68,976 miles
Electronic power steering fails intermittently while driving making it very difficult to steer at low speeds. Turning vehicle off and on fixes the issue. GM issued recall for other vehicles with electronic power steering in March 2010, my vehicle was not listed on that recall although it suffers from the exact same symptoms.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

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