2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx: sudden loss of power

Filed Apr 5, 2024 · Steering · 235,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving on several occasions, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated; however, the power steering failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who provided the contact with a Technical Service Bulletin regarding the repair for the power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced TSB: 14116 as a possible solution; however, the repair was not covered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.

Filed Mar 3, 2022 · Steering · 150,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and stop the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed due to the mechanics being unable to replicate the failure. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2021 · Steering · 98,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that her husband manually steered the vehicle and veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that her husband turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact's husband continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering control module, steering control module, and torque sensors needed to be replaced. The dealer also advised the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair as an unknown recall had expired in 2014. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2015 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 176,000 miles · AL

I purchased a 2005 malibu maxx from an used car dealer and the very next day the car lost the ability to accelerate and the traction control light turned on my instrument cluster. While the car was coming to a stop I noticed that it lost all power and the engine stopped running. The car would turn over but not start.

Filed Aug 16, 2014 · Steering · 149,000 miles · OR

My wife was slowing down to enter a rest stop in her 2005 chevy malibu maxx when there was a ding and power steering was displayed on the driver information center. At the same time, she noticed she had lost power steering. She was able to stop the vehicle safely and turned it off. A few minutes later, she restarted the car. There was no longer the power steering display and the power steering had returned. A recall notice was issued on april 21 for electric power steering assist for this generation of malibu (gm recall no. N140116; the federal safety agency recall no. 14v153) but we still haven't gotten a letter. When I called the chevrolet customer assistance center, I was told parts are still not available. Apparently there are three other gm electric power steering recalls, with parts available for those three others but not our car. So far the problem hasn't returned, but once it happens the first time doubt gets planted. Especially because this is at least the second time there has been such a recall. We got a recall notice in late 2007 for the power steering system as well, and I'm pretty sure there was another one before this year's recall.

Filed Jun 27, 2011 · Steering · 101,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx. While driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a loss of power steering and the warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact maneuvered to the side of the road, where the vehicle was shut off. After numerous attempts, the contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred and the power steering failed to regain operation. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jun 3, 2011 · Steering · 101,754 miles · CT

I have a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx. We had experienced loss of power steering at 87017 miles. Dealer replaced power steering column under policy 10183. Car has again had the same problem now at 101754 miles. Policy 10183 states that gm will pay for repairs but only up to 100,000 miles. I'm 1754 miles over this. However it was repaired before only 14,737 miles ago. Is gm repairing this defect with the same defective components? If so this endangers everyone and is unethical. This car has had numerous front end issues including replacing the steering rack several times (clunking noise when turning - now also back again), wheel hub and bearing issues and steering column replaced at 50425 miles for a failed torque sensor. We are concerned that the vehicle may not be safe to drive. Gm should be re-engineering these components and replacing the failed ones with new design. This needs to be a recall for all impacted models before someone is killed or injured due to loss of power steering which can be very sudden and dramatic. Gm claims it is not a safety issue. However, someone unprepared or without upper body strength can get into serious trouble very quickly. Who will make the decision to do the right thing with this problem? Apparently this is well documented with other gm products as well.

Filed Apr 11, 2011 · Steering · 52,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx. The contact was driving approximately 20 MPH when and a sudden loss of power steering occurred, followed by the illumination of the power steering warning indicator. The contact was able to continue driving using extreme bodily force to maneuver the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. Updated 05/18/11

Filed Dec 13, 2010 · Steering · 148,500 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx ls (na). While driving approximately 5 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering. Neither the dealer nor manufacturer were notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 149,000. The failure mileage was approximately 148,500.

Filed Oct 27, 2010 · Steering · 58,000 miles · MI

Unexpected loss of power steering during acceleration - dangerous situation. Dealer corrected problem using technical service bulletin #08-02-32-005a. The service bulletin required adding a ground strap and replacing the ignition module. Sounds like a design issue (lack of required ground strap) corrected in a service bulletin. In my opinion it should be covered under an extended warranty to correct a design defect.

Filed Sep 24, 2010 · Steering · 116,000 miles · NY

1. I was passing a car up hill on a curve in the road. When I accelerate hard I loss my power steering. I had to applied more pressure on the wheel to get around the car I was passing but half way around the car the power steering kicked back in but because of the extra pressure I was applying on the steering wheel I over steered and almost hit the guard rail. This was on a very busy highway in the new york city area and everyone was traveling at high speed. 2. I experience a loss of power steering assist caused by electrical input signals within the steering column assembly. 3. Gm sent a letter too my home stating they are aware of the problem but will only fix it if the car has less than 100,000 miles. My car is over that limit. Gm says it is not a recall. This is a safety issue. The power steering cuts out at high speeds.

Filed Apr 8, 2010 · Steering · 45,000 miles · NY

Lost of power steering, varies speeds. No control of car.