2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Jan 29, 2019 · Airbags, Steering · 157,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. While turning the steering wheel in either direction, a popping noise was present and the steering ability seized. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the steering shaft pulled out of the rack. The air bag warning indicator illuminated after the failure. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. Elm chevrolet (301 e. Church st, elmira, ny) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 157,000.

Filed May 5, 2014 · Steering · 98,517 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu maxx. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the steering wheel made a loud noise. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the power steering needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number 14v153000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 98,517. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 7, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · NH

Upon acceleration using the gas pedal, the car loses total control of its steering. All engine lights and failure lights go on.sometimes just making a simple turn at an intersection, the car loses complete steering capability. This has happened at various speeds, including on the highway at 50 MPH accelerating over a slight incline or at 10 MPH at an intersection while making a left or right turn. I noticed trouble with the steering when I first bought my car under warranty but it wasn't as severe. Just when backing out of a parking space the steering was tight, but the dealership could not find the problem. I have had the short rack steering gear, steering rack, intermediate shaft, and serpentine belt replaced but to no avail. On the website www.lemonlawclaims.com there have been at least 42 steering complaints of similar nature regarding the same year make for the malibu. An the federal safety agency investigation was performed pe04-031 based on eight reports of alleged power steering failures. The preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis based on the report I printed up in 2010, however I am not certain of the current status of this investigation. I'm sure there are a lot more failure reports that have been opened, though I cannot find a recall regarding this failure. As a side note, sometimes the car has trouble starting - it always has and the dealership could not determine the failure. When trying to start it up, hitting the gas pedal will cause the engine to kick over and not stall. There is always the smell of fuel. I am not sure if this is part of the failure. In addition when the steering fails or the steering wheel jerks upon acceleration, a clicking sound can be heard. The origin of this clicking in unknown. I really don't understand why there hasn't been a recall on this or better yet a class action lawsuit.

Filed Mar 28, 2012 · Steering · 47,000 miles · MA

I just exited the highway and was turning into a parking lot and heard a loud clunk and the steering failed. The dealership informed me that the steering rack and gears to the steering column needed to be replaced along with the spring and sensor for airbag on the steering column. The steering column would then have to be re-centered and the car realigned.

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 Oct 28, 2008 · Steering · 19,557 miles · OH

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.

Filed Mar 6, 2008 · Steering · CO

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.

Filed Jul 3, 2006 · Steering · 11,406 miles · FL

1. Power steering failure 2. Noise in steering 3. Noise in steering steering column was replaced in each incident, now making clunking noise again. Dealer said its "normal characteristic of vehicle. Noise is getting worse.

Filed May 5, 2006 · Brakes · 17,000 miles · NJ

Bought car april 2004, every few weeks to once a month car has been in the shop for noises. Since 4/05 dealer has replaced rotors 3 times, calipers and struts replaced, and still with a vibrating in steering wheel and windy noise. When you push on the brakes you have a grinding noise, like a metal sound, very loud can hear over the radio. Dealer says windy noise is normal for new parts. Still vibrating feeling in steering wheel while braking from over 50 MPH. Dealer now says parts are not covered by gm.

Filed Apr 28, 2006 · Steering · 24,000 miles · VA

In warm weather, when making low speed turns, power steering makes groaning, popping sounds, and occasionally stutters. Afraid that steering might fail completely.

Filed Feb 16, 2006 · Body, Steering · 18,000 miles · CA

Took maxx to dealer for clicking noise in steering column and thumping noise in rear of vehicle upon deceleration. Was advised that the clicking noise had been reported before but no "fix" was available as of yet from gm. Also was advised that thumping noise was the hatch. They adjusted the hatch so poorly that now it doesn't close all the way and of course the thumping noise is still there. Took car back (third time) and had service manager ride with me until he acknowledged the thumping noise in addition to the click in steering column. Left maxx in service so the could re-adjust the hatch to where it was. Car has been to service now three times for this issue, a total of 14 days. Maxx has also been in to service for intermittent weak start. Service could not duplicate it.