Chevrolet Malibu Maxx steering noise problems

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 Feb 2, 2018 · Steering · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx. The contact stated that the manufacturer indicated that an unknown eps recall remedy was performed by an unknown dealer before the contact owned the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel made an abnormal noise and was extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer, but was inspected by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer provided no solution other than stating that a recall had been performed. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed May 11, 2017 · Steering · 140,000 miles · AL

Driving down the highway, and slowed to a stop light. The car suddenly dings three times. I hear a high popping noise and the power steering warning light appears on the screen. Light turns green. The steering wheel becomes very hard to turn. It takes all of my might to turn the steering wheel left on a red light intersection. I barely avoided hitting the opposite car that was going left across from me. I was told they had a recall. Called the dealership and I was informed my car did not qualify in the recall because it was made earlier than the other models, and the recall had expired in 2014 anyway. Scared me to death almost hitting someone else.

Filed Apr 2, 2015 · Steering · 31,000 miles · WV

Loud popping noise coming from the steering column, and can be felt in the steering wheel. Slight "play" in the steering on the left side. The noise seems to be popping within the "play" area of the steering. Purchased this vehicle from private owner with low miles, garage kept, and regular maintenance. Previous owner noticed a noise near the steering at 30000 miles.

Filed Jul 27, 2014 · Steering · 65,500 miles · FL

Around 60000 miles you could hear and feel a clunking or popping coming from inside the steering column. This happened especially while turning the wheel or going over bumps. At approximately 65500 miles while my wife was traveling at 20 MPH making a turn the power steering instantly and without warning locked up. After turning the car off and on again the power steering would reset but would still randomly lock up. I called chevrolet and explained what was happening and how this was a huge safety concern. If this had happened at high speeds my wife could have lost control of the vehicle. Chevrolet informed me that they had no knowledge of this failure. They also stated they would not help with the $1081.31 dollar repair bill for a new steering column module. As of mar 31, 2014 chevrolet has posted a recall for the sudden loss of electric power steering in the 2006 malibu maxx. After calling chevrolet to inform them I would like to get this new part to fix the issue they informed me my 2006 malibu maxx was not within the VIN numbers affected. This is terrible if chevrolet knows this problem exists but is waiting for more complaints or deaths I guess. Now I'm just waiting and hoping my pregnant wife is not involved in an accident from sudden loss of electric power steering.

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 1, 2014 · Steering · 76,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx. The contact stated that the steering wheel emitted a clucking noise while making a turn. The dealer performed a diagnostic test which located the failure in the steering wheel drive shaft and column. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 76, 000 and the current mileage 78,000.

Filed Apr 27, 2013 · Steering · 172,000 miles · KY

My steering wheel locked up when I was turning, when I turn my steering wheel sometimes it makes a popping sound. Then power steering will appear on my message screen on my radio.

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.