Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH the contact lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid a crash. The power steering locked causing the vehicle to crash into a guard rail and roll over. The contact suffered an injury to the arm. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact was taken to the hospital for further examination. Before the crash occurred the steering column was replaced twice. The contact was concerned that steering column caused the crash to occur. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 83,000.
2004 Chevrolet Malibu steering complaints
Page 17 of 28: complaints 461 to 490 of 799, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the electrical power steering failed intermittently. The power steering light would illuminate and the wheel would become difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the steering rod was replaced; however, the failure occurred again. The vehicle was in the dealers possession when the complaint was filed. The contact had not spoken with the manufacturer. The VIN was unavailable. The current mileage was approximately 45,730. The failure mileage was approximately 45,365.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the power steering failed while driving various speeds. The vehicle became extremely difficult to maneuver when the failure occurred. The failure occurred six times in the last two months. The check engine light started to illuminate before the steering failure occurred. The dealer had not been notified. The contact stated that there were numerous complaints related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 30,000.
My daughters 2004 steering locked up need to look in to this as I looked it up on internet and there are 200 + complaints just for that reason.
I own a chevrolet malibu 2004 ls v6. Recently I have been noticing some repeated incidents of sudden loss of the power assisted steering, and the car all of a sudden becomes very difficult to steer in the desired direction, which makes is scary to drive it. Once the car engine is shut down and the car is restarted, the power steering comes back to normal and then this happens again at any point in time. I have definite safety concern with the vehicle right now.
2004 chevrolet malibu steering became jerky while on interstate at 63 MPH. Steering wheel travel appox. 1 inch left and right with no effect then immediate turn with swerve when steering 'kicked in'. Vehicle pulled over to side of road. Car was turned off and inspected for possible tire problem. None found. Car started and steering was back to normal. After approx. 7 more miles, steering exhibited a 'notched' area of 1/4 inch steering wheel travel with no steering control. Turning was normal past the notched area with no swerve. Another 2 miles driven under this condition with no change (1/4 inch notch) car driven today to check out steering a total of 15 miles with no problems at all. Could not duplicate problem. Note: had another car been in the passing lane next to us, it would have been hit by us due to the swerve experienced.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu lsd6. The contact was driving approximately between 15-20 MPH, attempting to make a left turn and the electric power steering clicked into the off position unexpectedly. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and caused the vehicle to bump up against the curbside. The power steering then clicked back into the on position. The failure occurred repeatedly. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing, however a trouble code was not detected. The contact planned to take the vehicle to another authorized dealer for a second opinion. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 11/03/10. *lj updated 12/7/10
While driving at 75 MPH on interstate, power steering failed which made vehicle extremely hard to steer. Fortunately, vehicle was able to be pulled off the pavement. Engine was shut off and vehicle restarted. Power steering then operated normally. On second incident, power steering suddenly became inoperative while turning and vehicle came very close to hitting another vehicle while turning. Again, after turning off engine and restarting, power steering operated normally. A third incident occurred while driving at moderate speed. Vehicle was able to be driven off pavement and engine restarted. After restart, power steering operated normally. Vehicle was taken to dealer repair facility and the problem was discovered to be an internal failure of the steering column. The steering column was replaced at a cost of $664. The vehicle mileage was 82,707.
This is the second time my 2004 malibu ltz power steering locked up on me. The first time it locked up was nov 2009, as I was driving downs madison st. The mechanic replaced the rack n pinion, this appeared to solve the problem temporarily. The second time the problem happen was march 3rd, 2010, I was pulling out of my garage, made a right turn onto ohio and almost hit kids getting out of school because the car kept moving in a straight direct even though I was attempting to turn. I spoke to the dealer ship today and they said they do not know of a recall but are aware of the problem with malibu.
Intermittently, over the last few weeks, a mechanical warning light came on indicating a power steering issue on my 2004 chevrolet malibu. I took the car to my local mechanic. He hooked it to the computer analysis and found no issues. He did indicate that after doing a little research that chevrolet had provided a customer satisfaction campaign # 04050a to address this issue. I had never been notified by chevrolet. I called my chevrolet dealer and the service manager indicated there has been no recall on my car so I would have to pay for any repair. After doing a little research, this seems to be a fairly common problem on the 2004 chevrolet malibu. The power steering system on this model is electrical, not hydraulic and seems to have a high number of complaints. I am hoping that chevrolet recalls and repairs this defect.
Power steering fails without warning. I've had the power steering motor replaced twice.
Wife started up her car after work on june 30th, come to find out, the electronic power steering failed and, good thing, she wasn't driving when it went out or else there could have been an accident. Now, it fails every once and awhile, still steerable, but very hard to steer. If you shut the car off, then, it goes a way for a while but then power steering fails again later on. We were driving down the interstate and it did the same thing while going 75mph. We're trying to research on if this is a recall or what the problem could be. Something needs to be done, I've seen a lot of complaints on the chevy malibu about the electronic power steering failing.
Tl*the driver owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The power steering failed and the contact was unable to move or turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the power steering sensor failed. The dealer replaced the steering column. The manufacturer stated the vehicle VIN was not included in recall 09e005000 steering; therefore, the failure did not exist in the vehicle. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 57,000 and the current mileage was 59,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu lt. The contact stated there was an abnormal clicking sound sporadically coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times but the dealer was unable to diagnose or duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where he was advised the failure was within the power steering. The mechanic replaced the power steering column and the air bag sensor at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was 78,000 and the currentmileage was 79,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. While driving 35 MPH the steering wheel began pulling to the right. The dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the steering rack had excessive play and needed to be replaced. The failure also caused the driver and passenger side front tires to become worn which needed to be replaced. The repair cost was $657 since there were no related recalls or valid warranties. The wiring in the horn was also defective and it was repaired at the owners expense for $200. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure and current mileages were 23,800. Updated 11/15/10 *cn updated 11/24/10
Power steering failure.
Power steering frequently cuts out - has been happening since the car was new. Constant crunching sound when turning - most often when turning to the right. Steering replaced once under warranty - when questioned again later - vehicle was out of warranty (36,000 mi). Shortly after I purchased vehicle warrant offered was 100,000 miles.
I have a 2004 chevy malibu with 80,000 plus miles. My power steering column motor shorted out and therefore my power steering has enabled my car to be driven; and the fuel gauge shows empty when I just filled it with gas. I did an on-line research and saw there were so many other consumers that have the exact same problem as I have and I contacted gm and they told me it was nothing they could do. It is sad when we purchase 'made in america' products that the companies do not stand by their products. I feel there should be a total recall on all these cars before we end up with major accidents. Shame on gm to get the power steering fix is not cheap. Gm knows of these problems and is extremely nonchalant about rectifying the situation. Toyota stepped up and recalled their cars to clear up the problems , whose going to make gm do the same?
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. While attempting a turn at approximate speeds of 10-15 MPH, the power steering failed causing the contact to barely avoid crashing into another vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times for concerns of the power steering failing. The dealer replaced the power steering column, ignition switch and throttle body. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. While driving, the contact stated that the power steering failed and it became difficult to turn. There were warning lights before the failure occurred. The contact planned to take the vehicle to an authorized dealership to have it inspected. The failure and failure mileages were approximately 83,500. Updated 8/9/10 *cn the consumer stated the vehicle has electric power steering. Updated 08/11/10
I have a 2004 chevy malibu and randomly my check engine light and a power steering warning will come on. The power steering is usually okay and I can continue driving, but one day while I was in a turn lane it went out. It is very difficult to get off to the side of the road or turn when you do not have power steering. Took it to a dealership but because it is intermittent, it was not having that issue when I took it in and they said they couldn't find anything wrong. I'm worried my power steering will go out again and cause an accident.
2004 chevrolet malibu. Consumer requests that the investigation to complaints be reopened *tgw the consumer stated the power steering light illuminated. The consumer took the vehicle to dealer and upon inspection, they stated the steering column and steering control module had gone bad and needed to be replaced and if it wasn't replaced, the consumer would lose power steering. The consumer paid for the repairs at her expense. The consumer stated the electrical power steering should be recalled for this model.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. While driving at speeds of 25 MPH, the power steering locked up and it became very difficult to maintain control of the steering wheel. The contact shut off and restarted the engine and the vehicle resumed normal operation. Within a few traveled miles, the failure recurred. The contact stated the failure recurs intermittently and he had experienced the failure at least ten times. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. The failure mileage was 41,596 and the current mileage was 41,600.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. While traveling at speeds of 30 MPH, the contact heard a chiming in the vehicle and within seconds, the power steering failed and became increasingly difficult to steer. The vehicle was not diagnosed and there were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 54,000.
We have a 2004 chevy malibu lt. Shortly after we bought it, the power steering went out on two occasions. We took it to the dealer and the steering column was "supposedly" replaced under warranty. The vehicle to this day always veers to the left, even after an alignment. This past month the steering warning light has come on three times; and after paying $100 just for the diagnosis, I was told I would have to have the steering column replaced for $1000 ! It is more than obvious that this defect is instrinsic with the malibu, as it is with the chevy cobalt, and requires a recall. Read the internet ! I reported this defect to gm and received no response. This is the first time I am reporting it to the federal safety agency. You must demand that gm recall this defect on the malibu.
My 2004 chevy malibu power steering is locking while driving and will not let wheel turn. I was driving and when I went to make a turn the car wheel locked and would not turn it was continuing straight I had to turn it with all my strength to avoid hitting a wall.I phoned chevy corporate and they said it is not under recall but there was 2 investigations done on this in 2004 and currently 2005 - 2010 cobalts made by them have the same issue and there is a current recall under way right now for that model and it is the same issue I am having with my model car. They said they are not going to repair this issue because there is not a current recall on this model. This is a safety hazard that they are aware of and have been aware of and they are choosing not to be responsible for the malfunction in the power steering. They are choosing to ignore this safety defect. This has occurred the last three times I have used the car this week.
Power steering issues with 2004 malibu lt. I had this problem with my first malibu and my new malibu is starting to show the same tell tale signs of power steering failure. It begins with a clicking noise while turning the steering wheel. At any time the power steering will completely go out. Turning of the motor and restarting the vehicle will temporarily solve the problem. My first malibu was still under warranty and they had to replace the entire steering column twice. The malibu I currently have is unfortunately not still under warranty but I feel this is an ongoing safety issue that needs to be addressed before there are serious injuries or deaths. There are many online sites of owners who have complained of this ongoing problem and it does not appear to be limited to the 2004 model but also newer models. Gm needs to make this right with all the money we are spending trying to keep jobs in the USA.
2004 malibu: feb 2005 vehicle chimed; power steering displayed on driver information center, lost power steering while making a left turn. Dealer replaced steering column because I had a letter from gm saying that my vehicle may have been built with a steering column sensor that can wear unevenly and produce an erratic electrical signal. Dealer said that my VIN number was not part of the recall but I insisted that I had experienced the problem and didn't care if my number was on the list I wanted it replaced. May 2010: three days in a row chime sounded and power steering displayed on driver information center; stopped vehicle and restarted it, reset itself. Took in to dealer and had a diagnostic test run ($100.00). Test indicates that I need the steering column replaced and a shaft kit (clunking) cost $990.65, not covered under warranty. Google search reveals that this steering column defect is not uncommon and should be recalled by the manufacturer! Please read the numerous complaints on this blog http://carblog.classifieds1000.com/recall_issues/20090114-133923-power_steering_problems_on_chevy_malibu_seeking_recall.
While I'm driving whether it's on a city street or a highway, my power steering will out of nowhere stop working. This is very dangerous, especially when you are going 55mph. Sometimes stopping the car and starting it back up fixes the problem, sometimes not.
I was driving on the freeway when my 2004 malibu started jerking to the left then a warning bell went off and the power steering warning came on. Then the car pulled left and the steering went out. I took it the a chevy dealer they tried to charge me $1125.00 dollars to fix the problem because the warranty only covered the steering column under the hood and not inside of the passenger compartment. The problem has increased in frequency and getting worse.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2004 Chevrolet Malibu?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history