2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Apr 28, 2010 · Suspension · 30,000 miles · NY

2005 malibu maxx hatchback / v6 / at 30,000 miles on odometer steering problems intermittent for a month, mechanic could find no code when I took it to him and he drove to confirm with power steering having failed - dealer knew right away and replaced the entire steering column although no failed parts were provided to me - power steering still seems weak at times of low RPM - now at 32,000 miles both front bottom ball joints need replacing - they are a sealed unit with no grease fittings. Toyota isn't the only manufacture with safety problems.

Filed Nov 17, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 125,000 miles · NY

Had to replace right side control arm, I.e. Ball joint. Other ball joint appears to be in need of replacement.

Filed Oct 18, 2009 · Steering · NY

Since purchasing my 2005 chevy malibu maxx in september of 2006, the vehicle has required an inordinate amount of maintenance time., especially for a conservative driver like myself. In three years, both lower control arms with ball joints (the arms are of aluminum construction) have had to be replaced twice. In the same time, the car has twice needed tie rod replacement my garage mechanic indicates that other malibu maxx customers, even with a newer model year, are experiencing identical problems.

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 55,500 miles · WV

Ball joint worn out in vehicle at little over 50k miles--had to replace lower ball joint and control arm. Very light and small in size for such a powerful v6 fwd---I suspect not heavy enough for this vehicle--have found many others with same problem. Lucky that as a former service mgr. I recognized steering problem or could have been an uncontrolled crash possible---called gm---they said normal wear and tear---I have had several other gm products and all ball joints lasted about 100k miles.

Filed Oct 16, 2008 · Fuel system, Steering · 20,000 miles · SC

I own a 2005 malibu maxx and after one year old it began making clunking noises in the front. I took it to the dealership and they said they had to replace a part of the steering shaft. They did what they did and the noise was gone. They also replaced struts. A few months later it did it again. This time they replaced tie rod ends. By this time my warranty had expired. Then 2 months later it did it again! They lubed something and now it has been 8 months and it has not returned yet. Now my engine light is on and I keep getting a message to check my gas cap. I check it and nothing is wrong.

Filed Apr 11, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · SC

I bought my car in 2006. It is a 2005 malibu maxx. The first week that I bought it I had to take it to the dealership to have repairs made on the front end. I was told the struts and cv joints needed to be replaced. Fine...it was still under manufacturer's warranty. After a few months, another sound from underneath the front end. This time I was told it was the steering column assembly. They replaced that again under warranty. Then one year later I returned due to more noises coming from the front end. This time...no warranty. I was told that there was a problem in the steering but they would cover it since it was a known problem with these cars. Also they told me a tie rod end was about to snap so they replaced it. I had to pay. Now, only a few months after that, the noise in the steering is back again. Will this ever end?????