2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Jan 17, 2017 · Steering · 175,000 miles · NC

Steering wheel has numerous problems. Had a knocking noise since I brought 3 years ago. Steering wheel tightens up and very hard to turn and tightens more while trying to make turns at slow speeds . Now happening some times when I put into reverse. Been trying to teach my son how to drive and wheel to tight for him to practice turns. A few weeks ago he almost ran into a bush when pulling out from a stop sign because the steering wheel wouldn't turn. Had him put the car in park in the middle of the street while on coming cars had to stop and wait for us to switch drivers. Getting worse/tighter over time. If the wheel is slightly turned and I put in drive the car jumps ahead with no control over the steering. Already took in for recall's for power steering so when I called was told all my recalls had been done and expired. Last few days the wheel is shaking the closer I drive to 55 MPH. Clearly the steering has issues that seems to be a continuous problem and gm not willing to make right. A driving hazard!

Filed Aug 30, 2011 · Steering · 103,000 miles · OH

Knocking noise in the steering column, noise and difficulty turning. Noticable play in the steering of the vehicle. Occurs several times a week, I refuse to drive my car on the freeway or at high speeds in fear of electric power steering going out.

Filed Mar 12, 2010 · Steering · 45,000 miles · MS

Power steering control I have a 2004 chevy malibu maxx v6, I bought new a few months later I heard a faint knocking in the steering wheel each year it became more noticeable. Now the service engine light comes on with the message of power steering. I have complained and had a number of diagnostic checks that are different results. Chevy refuse to acknowledge the numerous complaints. My power steering failed on me going down the highway behind an 18 wheeler, I struggled just to get across 1 lane and onto the shoulder. I was too scared to turn the car off because I was 10 mi. Away from home. So I slowly drove down the highway once I made it home I turned the car off and later turned it back on with power back in my steering wheel. This is just as dangerous as toyota cars. There need to be a full investigation this is one of many complaints I have posted with no results!!!!!!!!

Filed Feb 9, 2009 · Steering · 24,000 miles · MS

I have had an ongoing complaint about a clunking noise in the steering wheel of my 2004 malibu maxx. Almost as soon as I got the vehicle I felt a faint vibration in the steering wheel and have taken it to chevrolet on numerous occasions each time they claim they could not duplicate the problem. This knocking happens everytime I turn the steering wheel and it is getting louder and louder. Now that it is out of warranty gm is telling me to once again go and have it diagnosed, which cost about $90 and they do not guarantee to fix it at no cost. I talked to a csr and she does not admit or admit to knowing about this problem. I referred to campaign # 04050a 12/2004 posted on your website.

Filed Jul 8, 2008 · Steering · 60,200 miles · KY

I was traveling a straight section of I-75 going northbound that my power steering light came on. Since I bought the car in 2007, I noticed a knocking noise in the engine section and never thought nothing of it, just thought as being ok. So I took my malibu to the dealership and they said that my 2004 malibu maxx steering column must be replaced. So I called another dealership and was told that there were previous recalls concerning the power steering. I notified gm of the problem and they offered to pay half of the costs which was $430 of an $860 project. I think they should pay all because its still considered a new used car.

Filed Jul 31, 2007 · Suspension · 15,000 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle makes a knocking noise in the front passenger side of the vehicle. The front suspension was replaced four times and the rack was replaced once. The vehicle has been taken to the shop fourteen times. The steering shaft has been packed with grease, which serves as a temporary repair. The dealer stated that the steering shaft will need to be greased approximately every three months. The speed was unknown. The current mileage was 25,000 and failure mileage was 15,000.