Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. While driving at approximate speeds of 20 MPH in a parking lot. The contact attempted a turn when the steering wheel failed and would not move. The air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle was towed to his residence. The dealer advised the rack and pinion would need to be replaced. The contact inquired about the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v073000 (steering: electric power assist system) but was advised his VIN was not included with the recall. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was 104,000.
2004 Chevrolet Malibu steering complaints
Page 18 of 28: complaints 491 to 520 of 799, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Brought car in for maintenance of other sorts and mechanic noticed clicking in steering wheel. A clicking that had been present since I purchased the car and was told that it is normal in the malibu by two dealerships and an outside mechanic (whom I no longer go to). The noise had gotten worse over time, but was reassured that it was no issue. My new mechanic determined that it was a failure of the rack and pinion system and continuing to drive with it would be dangerous. I had it replaced (12-4-2008). It has been slightly over a year now and the noise is back and progressively getting worse than before. It costs nearly $1000+ to repair and doesn't last a year?! It is a late model 2004 malibu, meaning it is the 2005 malibu made in 2004. I've read many reports/complaints on the internet about the same problem. This needs to be taken care of asap.
The 1st time it happened was about 11 months ago. I was driving on a busy avenue when I lost all steering control of my vehicle. No warnings just the inability to steer my vehicle at all. I figured it was a fluke and dismissed it for the moment. Until it started happened again. This time I ended up in a ditch on the side of the road, terrified! I bought 2004 chevy malibu new from the dealer so I brought it to them. After they ran a diagnostic test on the vehicle and didn't find anything I felt relief, assuming the dealer knows best and their was nothing wrong according to them. I continued driving the car when it happened again. This time I took it to an outside mechanic who did yet another diagnostic test and found the steering shaft was bad. It was replaced and again I assumed the problem was cured. Until yet another incident occurred. I had absolutely no steering control of the vehicle while turning left at an intersection and just barely avoided an accident. I brought the car back to the outside repair shop who explained that we should try changing the steering motor and see if that works. Try was not a satisfactory answer to me so I did a little research and found out that a alot of people shared similar stories. I called gm and asked for there assistance. They denied even being aware that anyone else had reported such a problem before me, but since their was not a recall and my warranty was up, they could not help me. I am terrified to drive this vehicle, so I am somewhat of a prisoner in my own home if I can not borrow another vehicle, and I can't even think of selling the vehicle since I feel it is such a danger. This is a serious problem that seems to be overlook by the federal safety agency for the fact that no one has been killed as of yet. It that what it takes for a recall? To date their are over 650 complaints filed for this specific problem with this vehicle. When will it be addressed by gm as an ongoing problem. This vehicle should have made the recall list.
I was driving my 1 year old daughter to her dr appointment. I was making a right hand turn in my 2004 chevrolet malibu ls v6 with 68,000 mileson it when my chimes chimed the orange check engine light with the wrench came on and my display on the radio said power steering I then lost my power steering while I was making the turn I proceed to her dr appointment without power steering. I go inside to her appointment come back out and the engine light is not longer on and I have power steering. I took it to my local mechanic and he puts it on the diagnostic machine and he can't find any codes or any problems at all he also said that if the check engine light is not on then he could not find a problem which the engine light is not on currently. I came home and did some typing on the computer for 2004 chevrolet malibu steering problems and I have found several issues with this problem many people have spend lots of money and the dealer ship has claimed to fix this issue but it is still going on after it has been fixed. I feel this is a real problem that needs brought to someone's attention after all the toyota issues we need someone on our side I called the gm headquarters and they basically blew me off. I also know this is the very first electronic power steering from gm and that the 2004 chevrolet malibu was the very first vehicle to receive this and we all know first year stuff always has issues. My daughter and I almost lost our lives today if it wasn't for the other person in the other lane who had to slam on the brakes we would have had a head on collision. It took all my might to steer this vehicle this issue needs to be addressed before someone looses their life. I'm terrified to drive this vehicle now because I don't want to take my daughter's life or someone else's this is a real problem even if only a hand full of people have this problem. Please don't let this get like the toyota recalls listen to people who drive this vehicle and know this problem is real and is very scary.
I have a 04 chevy malibu and sometimes the power steering with go out while I am driving. Next time I use the car its fine. I see that there are many problems with power steering in malibus and it can cause a wreck if its not taken care of. I bought the car a yr ago and it has happened a couple times through the year.
2004 chevrolet malibu. Consumer states steering problems. *tgw the consumer stated recently the power steering light illuminated and the vehicle made a grinding sound and pulled to the left. The consumer took the vehicle to a local mechanic who test drove the vehicle and noted the steering wheel was off in the front end. A systems check was performed and the test confirmed the steering wheel torque sensor failed. The test also confirmed the steering column needed to be replaced.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the power steering failed continuously. When the power steering failed, the wheel would make a clicking sound when the contact made a turn. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the dealer greased the steering column; however, the problem persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 9,500. The current mileage was approximately 60,400. The first time, the stabilizer link bushing were replaced, the second time, the intermediate shaft was replaced and the third time, the steering column was replaced. The right front axle seal was leaking. Updated 05/24/10
2004 chevy malibu, lost power steering again. Taking a left turn at busy intersection, very very hard to turn wheel with no power steering I'm 62 and don't have alot of strength in my arm. Nearly caused an accident. Had steering colume replaced nov 04, had more problems, had torque sensor replaced july 06. Now it is happening again and when I call gm they said it is no longer their problem and I would need to call my dealership. I have gone that route & they charge $100.00 diagnostic fee and say that can not find the problem unless it is happening and would have to charge another $100.00. This is a major safety issue. At least toyota took responsibility for their screw up it's more that you can say for gm. Check the internet and see how many complaints there are!
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that intermittently while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would begin pulling to the left, causing increased difficulty in steering. The power steering warning light would illuminate intermittently a few moments before the failure would occur. He also stated that on occasion, the power steering would be inoperable upon starting the vehicle. The contact also stated that in order to reset the power steering, he would shut off the engine and restart it to reset the system. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and did not make any repairs to the vehicle. The manufacturer had not yet been contacted to report the failure. The failure mileage was 77,270 and the current mileage was 81,000.
Lost power steering in my late model year 2004 malibu lt. No personal injury or damage. Turned car off and restarted - power steering restored. Took to dealer since local mechanic had no idea what the problem was. Dealer said he has had to replace many of these but no recalls had been issued. Recommended replacement of steering column ($641.59) and alignment ($59.95) along with other non-related issues. Multiple the federal safety agency action numbers and defect investigations were started in 2004. A more recent service bulletin number: 7126; the federal safety agency number: 10023644 was started on the 2005 models. This is a dangerous problem that gm should have some responsibility for correcting.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The contact was driving approximately 5 MPH, a clanking noise sounded and the steering wheel failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The entire steering column was replaced on two separate occasions. The first repair was at dealers expense. The second repair the manufacturer was responsible for half of the repair cost. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on a third occasion for the clanking noise failure and the steering shaft was replaced. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 61,000.
I own a 2004 chevy malibu when starting vehicle the service engine light engages and the console indicator chimes reading power steering. This occurs every time I start the car now. I have replaced the steering column 2 times since taking ownership of vehicle in february 2008. Both steering columns were genuine gm parts installed by a certified technician. Work performed in 5/08 and 10/08 totaling some $3000.00. Paid another dealer $51.56 to adjust and calibrate sensor. It was ok for the summer. Late fall 2009 began coming on intermediately again. Now it comes on each time you start the car and yesterday I actually lost power steering while driving the car. I had lost the power assist steering a total of 4 times now. This is very dangerous. Someone could get hurt here.
2004 malibu. Steering was hard on one side and soft on the other. Too it to dealer. Dealer fixed it by computer. Now both sides of steering re equal - but - it continually wants to steer on its own to the right. It will not hold a straight line, unless I keep my hands on the steering wheel. If I hold it loosely, it will veer right into whatever is on my right side. Dealer said this is normal.
While driving on a county highway without warning my power steering locked, and it scared the living daylights out of me. I had all I could do to steer my car and it was very scary. I made it to my destination and when I left my destination it was fine. Then on the way home on university ave in downtown madison which is a very busy street, the power steering locked up again. A very horrifying moment. Again I really had to struggle with the steering. I feel this is very big safety issue and life threatinga to me and my passengers and also other vehicles on the road. I haven't had any problems with it the last 3 days. I believe gm needs to address this problem.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The contact was driving approximately between 25-35 MPH; proceeding to make a turn. There was a loud popping noise coming from the steering wheel. The power steering warning light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. Also, the engine warning indicator illuminated at a different time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and an independent mechanic for service repairs. The components were replaced on separate occasions which consists of the steering column, gas cap, fuel module, and tie-rod. The PCM was also reprogrammed. The service repairs were performed at the dealer on three separate occasions. The failure mileage was 29,000.
Power steering turn off. Around 50km/h. Warning light end bell came on. Very hard to keep the car on the road. Stop the car and turn on again every thing came back to normal. But until when? Chevrolet malibu 2004 ls, 66800 kms.
I have been to the dealer at least 4 times for the electronic power assist on my 2004 chevrolet malibu for repair, replacement, and/or adjustments. My vehicle is now over 110,000 miles and a power steering notification light is coming on again. This time the light is not immediately followed with failure. No change to my ability to steer has been observed. It comes on usually after I start the car and make my first sizable turn of the wheel. I can sometimes avoid the light going on in the morning if I make slow gradual movements of the wheel but it will always come on when I start the car later in the day. Due to the high cost of the dealer fixing it and their repeated complete inability to fix the problem long term, I am left to trying to figure out the issue myself.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance. The technician detected slight difficulty when turning the steering wheel and a squeaking noise. The vehicle did not require service repair for the malfunction. The contact stated the steering wheel was a minor defect. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 25000.
Tl* contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. While driving at speeds of 50 MPH, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to lock. He was able to maneuver the vehicle off of the road and turn the vehicle off. Once the vehicle was restarted, the power steering reset itself and was operating normally. He also stated that the vehicle was in need of an alignment despite the fact that he had recently received one. The current and failure mileages were 55,000.
While driving the vehicle the steering wheel locks up and the vehicle can not steer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated while attempting to turn the vehicle at 10 MPH the power steering would suddenly shut off making the vehicle difficult to steer. This has cause the contact to almost drive the vehicle into a ditch. The contact has not called the manufacturer regarding this issue. The contact stated the power steering will cause a crash. The failure mileage was 130,000.
After hearing an odd spark-electrical sound that seemed to come from the steering column power steering failed during routine driving causing loss of vehicle control. Steering column would not lock into place making it more difficult to steer without power assist. This has only happened one time as vehicle use has been restricted since the failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. Whenever the contact drives the vehicle at any speed, in any driving conditions the vehicle will suddenly lose all power steering. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership. The current and failure mileages were 60000.
Loss of power steering, on my 2004 chevrolet malibu.
Power steering pulls hard one way soft another and can at random quit functioning at all. The problem I experience sounds identical to the recent gm recall and is a known issue. I am adding this because the federal safety agency closed the investigation for this car and should reopen it.
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) I have 2004 chevy malibu and I am occurring have power steering problems, I took my dealer and the diagnostic my I need to replace the steering column, steering intermediate shaft, that s is not and customer wear and tear that an manufacture problem, I went an alittle higher I contact gm file [xxx] and the said there are responsible for the steering go bad, will you please check into this issue for me contact info [xxx], if there other car having this same problem so is malibu 2004 the wasn't and accident but it could be if this doesn't get fix.
Started the car and the power steering locked up could not turn the wheel check engine light came on and message displayed on message center [power steering] turned car off and restarted, steering was ok at that time. This has happened 3 times since jan. 13, 2009.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. While driving 40 MPH when the vehicle started to decrease in speed without having her foot on the brake pedal, the power steering light illuminated and the steering wheel became very hard to turn. She turned the vehicle off and it was towed to a dealer who stated that there were no recalls or warranties. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who repaired the power steering. The failure mileage was 163,184 and the current mileage was 175,000.
A few months ago, my power steering light began to come on. I took it to several places only for everyone to tell me that the car does not take power steering fluid and that they would have to hook the car to a computer to see what is wrong. Every so often, I would crank the car and have a hard time steering. I learned that when that happens, I could turn off the ignition and restart the car and the power steering would return. I have had my car serviced and twice, I have been told that they are not getting any code readings on the computer. Now, just recently, I was told that the steering column has issues. I read today about the recall on gm cars, but the 2004 malibu isn't listed but I am having the same problems described in the article. I do not want to wait until I have an accident for my car to be on the recall list. I have already paid money to have the throttle body replaced on my car, I do not want to have to spend more for the steering column. The safety of myself and my infant son, as with others on the road, is of concern.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. The driver stated that his power steering failed whenever he drove the vehicle. The driver stated that the wheel became difficult to turn. The failure began in 2004 after he purchased the vehicle. The failure also caused him to drive into a ditch and crash into a fire hydrant while driving 15 MPH. There were no injuries. He has notified the dealer. The failure mileage was 5,000. The failure mileage when the crash occurred was 120,000. The VIN was not available. The current mileage was 130,000.
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