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.
2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx steering complaints
Page 8 of 10: complaints 191 to 220 of 251, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The part in question is the rack and pinion assembly part # 25902150 of a chevy malibu maxx 2004. The first part was replaced july 8 2008, that part failed and was replaced again on october 3 2008. That part is now failed again and it has not been 3 moths since it was replaced. So the part has failed by making extreme noise, clicking or thumping heard in the front end. My mechanic told me that the gm dealer that provided the part told him they keep many in stock because they have this problem a lot. My mechanic also tells me that gm refused to pay his labor cost even though they admitted the part failure in such a short time. My mechanic tells me that not replacing the part can result in my losing control of my vehicle and possibly at risk of causing serious injury to me or others.
On my 2004 chevy malibu maxx, the power steering failed completely as I was driving yesterday. Last month, the steering was "stiff" turning to the right. My dealer lubricated something and the problem seemed to be resolved. This is the third time that the parts were lubricated, however the complete failure came yesterday. It is extremely dangerous. My wife was driving and could not steer the car since the power steering shut off. I did contact my dealer who informed me that there was a recall for the 2004 chevy malibu (recall #7126) for this same problem, but my VIN number was not one that was listed. According to my dealer, the entire steering column needs to be replaced, which was also the part replaced in the recall of the 2004 chevy malibu. My vehicle should definitely be added to the list of recalled vehicles since the power steering failure is an obvious design or part flaw that has already been recalled and replaced in similar models of the same production year. Please advise.
The power steering malfunctions, the wheel does not turn. The message center reads power steering, this has happened once a week for the past 4 weeks. Took the car to the dealership but they could not find anything. The vehicle has approx. 40k miles. I googled this issue and seems this is a common issue with this vehicle and see that gm has not issued a fix. We already did the recall back in 2005 on the steering column.
Tl*the contact's spouse owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. While driving at various speeds and making a turn, the contact heard a clunking noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle has been to the dealer three times and they replaced the steering column under warranty, the ps gear, and the intermediate steering shaft; however, the clunking noise still persists. The current mileage was 45,523 and failure mileage was 19,557. Updated 2/23/09 *cn updated 02/27/09.
When driving, the power steering will jerk side to side and several times has completely failed making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. The failure caused me to lose control on the interstate slamming me against the door of the vehicle, thankfully I was able to regain control although it was nearly impossible to steer. The driver information console displayed "power steering." after doing some research I saw that there are hundreds if not thousands of people who have experienced the same failure. That is why I decided to file a complaint.
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. While backing out of the driveway at approximately 5 MPH, the power steering assist locked, which prevented the steering wheel from being turned. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The failure has occurred twice since the initial failure. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the sensor was faulty, and recommended that the steering column be replaced. The contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000 and current mileage was 50,020.
I own a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. While driving on the nj garden state parkway, I heard an audible alarm and at the same time noticed a "power steering" read-out on the on the dic display. All this time I am feeling the tightness in the steering and realizing that I have lost the power steering on the vehicle. Since then I have found that this loss is intermittent - it comes and goes with no prediction of when or where. I have also noticed that prior to the actually loss of ps, it seems that the system is losing control, I.e. Trying to synchronize/stabilize before it fails. I have reported this to gm, who in term have suggested that I take it to the dealer for evaluation. When the problem occurs, it can be very scary.
Took car in for semi annual service, car is just off warranty (105,000 km aprox 62000 miles). Service light for the power steering came on, but no loss in steering. Was told that the steering column needs to be replaced, but until failure happens, leave it because it is a costly repair. This seems to be a common failure and should be addressed by the company and not the consumer. I have no problems paying for repairs, but this seems to be a safety hazard.
Car has had rattle noise from front end since car was bought from a chevy dealership with 32k on it. The car currently has 61k on it. Steering rack has worn to the point where it jams and the wheel will not turn. Rattle noise has turned in to clunking noise. When car was brought to dealer 3 times for noise it was returned "no problems found".
Three weeks ago, noticed something was wrong with steering on 2004 malibu max. Took it to the dealership and was told nothing was wrong. On march 18th the steering failed and fortunately we were going slow and go through the intersection into a parking lot avoiding accident. Car was towed to dealership who now stated the lower electronic assembly of the steering failed. We were fortunate that the steering failed while going slow and able to put the car in a position to be towed. Total repair cost $675. In all my years I have never had a steering fail and this is a safety issue. I understand parts wear out, but this is bad when it is not able to be diagnosed until complete failure.
2004 chevy malibu maxx has major front end problem. Hard to steer, always pulling hard to the right, seems like power steering is not working at times, clunking noise when stationary and turning wheels and when moving going over bumps. At 33k miles have been told the rack and pinion needs to be replaced. Repairs haven't been done yet waiting on other estimates.
Driving on a straight road, lost power steering. Was able to pull into a parking lot without the power steering. Turned off the ignition and restarted engine. Power steering returned and I was able to drive to the dealership where the steering column was replaced.
Steering goes out. Just driving down the road and steering failed. I could not turn the wheel. I am past the warranty and three different stories from three different people. It sounds like this is a known defect.
Tl*the contact is co-owner of a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. The contact's daughter was driving approximately 55 MPH when the instrument panel lights began to flicker and there was a loss of steering power. The vehicle veered to the right and then pulled hard to the left, entering into traffic and striking two vehicles. The passenger and driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries. The two other drivers also sustained injuries, but the contact does not know to what extent. A police report was filed. The vehicle sustained approximately $2,600 worth of damage to the front end. The vehicle was inspected by the insurance company and towed to a dealer. Investigation number ea04018 was issued, but there has been no recall as of yet. The current and failure mileages were 37,000. Updated 12-12-07.
Steering went on car while driving . Not involved in accident brought to dealers and had to get whole new steering column put in , but I had to pay for the balancing and rotation of the tires. That was the steering column's fault.
Noise in the steering.
February 2005 steering column replaced due to failure, prior to recall issued (15,050 miles). February 2007 rack and pinion system replaced due to thunking noise when turning left (45,380 miles). Thunking noise returned in august 2007, this time noise was caused by steering shaft, which was replaced (51,206 miles).
Gear shift locked up and would not move. Had to be towed to dealer for repair. Front turn lights constantly loose connection and go out. Have replaced them on average every three months. Within 6 mo of purchase, steering felt loose and would lock up a slow speed turns. Steering column was replaced. At the same time, thumping can be heard with left hand turns. Dealer says the problem is recognized by chevrolet and is a design defect of the rack and pinion, but chevrolet says they have no reports of the problem. The shop just greases the rack and pinion and sends me on my way. After the 5th time of having in the shop and chevy refusing to do anything but give me free oil changes, I have traded in the car for a ford.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. The contact stated that the vehicle veers to the right due to steering failure, the interior lights illuminate and dim at random, and the starter on the vehicle was malfunctioning. The failures generally occur while driving 35 MPH. The main failure, however, is that the vehicle fails to start occasionally. When she starts the vehicle, it sounds as if it is attempting to engage, but never does. The vehicle also makes a cranking sound. The vehicle has been to the dealer approximately 8-10 times. The dealer will make a repair, but the failures always continue. The VIN and engine size were unknown. The current mileage was 39,900 and failure mileage was 33,000.
Car leased brand new in august 2004. As of today on une 28,2007 car had brakes repaired 4 times at the dealer. Rotors have been machined each time, and today brake pads replaced..car has 27,180 miles on it, and it has been maintained,garaged, kept, and no one has been rough on the brakes. The last time we had the car to dealer for brake problems was july of last year. At that time we were told that a brake line was crimped and only found it because we were having tires rotated. Also, told that this was the last time rotors could be machined. Well today they machined them once again as I had said previously for the fourth time. I did some research ,and I may be wrong but there was a recall on the car for ABS problems in april 2004 prior to our purchase of the car.. I called gm , and was told that our car was involved, but was later told by owner of dealership that there had been a communication error and our car was involved in another recall concerning seat belts or something along those lines. I am very concerned about the safety of the brakes at this point after so many conflicting stories..I feel very frustated, and had to spend almost $500.00 because the brake pads were not covered under the bumper to bumper warranty as they had nothing to do with the previous rotor/brakeline problems or so I was told..we had computor sensor problems,short sockets on both real turn signals, loose tie rod, ignition problems ,which they could not detect..faulty gas cap etc.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. While attempting to make a left turn at 35 MPH, the vehicle's steering wheel felt loose, as if it could keep turning nonstop. However, the contact had difficulty when turning the wheel to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the motor inside the steering column failed and was a very common failure. The current and failure mileages were 51,400. The consumer states the vehicle was repaired. The consumer stated wants to reimbursed for repairs. Updated 06/06/07
Around 40,000 miles on odometer, a thunk could be heard when turning steering wheel left. Dealership where car was purchased could not determine cause. At 45,000 miles on odometer, took vehicle to 2nd dealership who knew of a technical bulletin - rack and pinion steering unit was failing.
I went to the dealership and traded my saturn vue for the 2004 malibu maxx. When I test drove the car, after the acceleration reached 4rpms, there was a high pitched whine from the engine closest to the tire. They looked at it and said that it was a loose belt. So I bought the car and they said to bring it the chevy dealership to get it fixed. I took it in and they said they couldn't duplicate the problem so I had to ride with them. Also, my seat heaters were turning on automatically, car constintly pulls to the right, I have to turn the key over for a long time to get the car to fully start up. They couldn't duplicate any of the problems so I am still dealing with all of them. For the whining noise, they said it is a drive belt that needs to be replaced, but it is out of stock. How convienient.
Bought a malibu lt maxx in apr 04, encountered steering wheel problems several. The worst was that it locked my steering wheel while driving on the hwy 401. I had to come to a complete stop in the middle of the hwy to re-start my engine to try my lucky to get back the steering power. I have the problem till now and yet unsolved. No choice but to get into a new car now, just to advise being kill on the road.
2004 chevrolet malibu max steering failed making the vehicle undriveable. Rear hatchback door is rusting. *kb when the steering failed the vehicle was towed 38 miles tot he consumer's home. The rear hatch molding clips and gaskets failed to prevent salt induced swirl rust
My car makes a groaning or low growling sound when I turn the steering wheel. It seems that the hotter the weather is the more it growls and groans.
2004 malibu maxx. Have lost power steering 3x's. This is the electric power assist system that needs to be changed/fixed, not putting in a new part that is the same as the old one. Very annoyed.
Making slow left hand turn, vehicle lost power steering. Power steering warning light came on and on board display listed issue as power steering. Shut off vehicle and restarted. Power steering was regained. Contacted dealer and was notified recall for this issue was not in effect for the VIN number listed for my vehicle, but any issue that warranted a recall of the models due to the same defect.
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