When starting the malibu the dashboard lights illuminate and when the key is turned to start the car the lights go out and the fuel gauge drops to zero or empty and the car will not start. This problem also occurs when driving the car and the ignition system shuts down leaving you with no steering assist and the engine is not running. So this problem is both in a standing start and while operating the car. I had initially brought the car to devan lowe gm dealer and service department for repairs and they discovered the fuel pump was not working properly. They replaced the fuel pump and the problem with the ignition is still persisting. This creates a dangerous condition for the driver and other cars on the road. I would request that gmc have the car towed to the devan lowe service department for troubleshooting purposes in coordination with gm technical department and reach a resolution as to the cause of the problem and issue a recall for all affected cars.
2001 Chevrolet Malibu: loss of power steering
10 of the 720 complaints about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 104,957
- recalls
- 0
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
While driving on a highway after going over a pot hole the car turned off. After shifting into neutral and pulling to the side of the road I put it in park and started it back up. It started up fine but when I started driving it was very hard to make turns. After taking it to a mechanic they said the power steering went out and it needs a new rack and pinion and new power steering pump. They said it could be related to an ignition switch recall so I called gm. They said the ignition switch was covered by a recall but not anything related to the power steering.
Steering became stiff to turn when making a right turn. Upon investigating the problem, we discovered that a thin mounting tab on the front cross member where the steering box was attached to had rusted away leaving the steering box hanging free. I have seen many internet complaints with this same problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn when the power steering failed. The driver lost control of vehicle and veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised her that the right side k-frame was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 77,000. Updated 09/21/11*lj the consumer stated when she hit a pothole, she lost the ability to steer the vehicle. The engine cradle, steering rack and inner and outer tie rods had to be replaced. Updated 09/27/11
A few miles after the car wouldn't start, the car dies in the middle of an intersection during accelerating after a stop. Lost power steering. Vehicle restarted immediately after I got the car in park.
Vehicle was fairly cold as it had only been running for about 1.5 miles. As vehicle was leaving the i64 eastbound at the oakland exit in st. Louis it died. Car lost power steering. After I was able to get the car in park, I was able to restart it with no problems. Fortunately there were no injuries. Unfortunately, several cars behind me had to wait as I fixed the problem. Had the car not restarted, as it does regularly, this could have created a major problem on the interstate.
2001 chevy malibu died while driving. Engine didn't sputter or anything, the electrical system just switched the car off causing a loss of power steering while driving. Car was fairly cold as it had only been running for a few minutes. Specifically it died in the middle of an intersection during acceleration after a stop.
When driving at highway speeds the vehicle stalled. The vehicle also lost power steering but the consumer managed to pull over. Problem had not been resolved. *ak two separated dealerships stated that there was nothing they could do to fix the problem until one dealer kept the vehicle for a week and stated that the vehicle experienced a "hicc up" and the vehicle was repaired. The left front wheel bearing was noisy and the left front hub was noisy. *scc the fuel pump and ignition switch and the consumer had not experienced any more problems with the vehicle. Also the front rotors were replaced.
Elbow right arm/elbow became sore after driving a chevrolet malibu for a week. The steering is stiff and hard to turn. Have a bad case of elbow now. Info supllied by mike tomich 989‑665‑2311. Dt
At 40mph and with no warning lost steering control, resulting in crash. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?
10 of 720 owner complaints about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu (1%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2004.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?
There are 0 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
Won't start 86Stalling 59Fuel pump 26Overheating 23No deployment 16Check engine light 15ABS 14Fuel gauge 13Engine failure 12Knocking 11Brake failure 10Grinding brakes 9Loss of power 8Adaptive cruise 7Premature wear 7Door locks 6Headlights 6Hesitation 6Ball joint 5Seat belt 5Steering lock-up 5Tire blowout 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history