2005 Chevrolet Malibu: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · KS

The EPS began sporadically and severely jerking the steering very powerfully while driving and stationary and draining the battery at an accelerated rate necessitating multiple replacements of and charging 2 batteries to get to and from my job and anywhere else making everyday life very difficult beginning in early 2024. A couple months before this issue became a daily and constant occurrence in in February 2024 between the 6th and 13th I had a stabilizer link and control arm on the right side replaced and an alignment done at Firestone, on the document for the alignment it states no manufacturers recommended services necessary on suspension. The mechanic who replaced the parts told me that the EPS issue is a likely cause for the steering system damage as a vehicle is not meant to remain stationary while the wheels are forcibly turned as is the case when the EPS takes over and jerks the wheel often to the extremes of its function. I have video of this on multiple occasions and it can be inspected still occuring. I took it to Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission in April 2024 and explained the services done recently and the mechanics opinion on the EPS. They held my vehicle for 3 days not saying it would take so long, during which I had to use a truck I had just bought and was not ready to be driven to get to work, it's transmission blew and has sat since. They called me to come pick it up and only once there told me they had refused to replace the recalled EPS unit "due to loose steering" as quoted from the document Given to me. I asked them to reconsider since this was the only vehicle I had running and charging batteries and being nearly forced off of the road or into other cars daily was very concerning, they simply told me to take it to another dealership for "a second opinion" I stated I didn't have time for another dealer to hold my car for days because my truck had just gone OOC, they held their position and I drove it until forced to buy a new car in 03/2025

Filed Sep 22, 2010 · Steering · 20,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that there was a popping noise in the steering when hitting a rough spot or bump in the road. The mechanic replaced the tie rods but that did not resolve the issue. A new steering unit was installed and this seemed to resolve the failure. The current and failure mileage was 20,000. Updated 12/22/10 *bf the outer tie rod was replaced. Updated 12/30/10

Filed Jun 25, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · 85,000 miles · TX

2005 chevy malibu ls steering began to lock up on slow turns. There was no warning, just a sudden locking of the steering column. (it would not turn. Literally lock the steering wheel until additional speed could be maintained. The problem started intermittently 2 weeks ago & steadily worsened. Happening 10-12 times a day this week. Hit 2 curbs, nearly jumped one curb & nearly hit a car. We had to put the car in reverse to straighten the steering prior to completing the turn. Car has 85000 miles on it. Mechanic shop replaced rack/pinion steering & both front end rear tie rod rings. This defect is apparent on malibu's according to the numerous complaints seen on the internet.

Filed May 18, 2010 · Steering · 22 miles · SD

2005 malibu had steering clunks, rack&pinion replaced twice, steering shaft replaced,tie rods replaced,still clunks and bangs . General wander in steering even after all this. Service manager informed gm after a complaint that they could not find anything wrong this was after warranty expired.

Filed Mar 26, 2010 · Steering · 61,000 miles · NY

My sister was using my 2005 chevrolet malibu and when exiting the nys thruway she heard a chime, a light went on and the vehicle lost the power steering. Her husband in the passenger seat had to assit with steering. It was too difficult for my sister to steer by herself. They parked the car and shut it off. After a short time the car was turned on and the steering was fine. This problem only occured once to date although I have had steering problems in this vehicle since 2007. While under warranty the steering was lubed. After the warranty expired I have had over $981.00 in steering repairs at the dealer which included steering suspension shaft, steering ball joint and steering arm. The latest incident of the loss of power steering is a safety concern. Please investigate. I have read gm was recalling cobalts for this problem but no mention of the malibu. The malibu has the same problem.

Filed Dec 14, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 108,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While driving 30 MPH the steering column locked without prior warnings. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and the steering column needed to be replaced. She called and sent a letter to the manufacturer, but no assistance was provided. The current and failure mileages were approximately 108,000. Updated 03/04/10 *bf the consumer stated the right tie rod failed, the front struts were leaking, the steering rack failed and the transmission was leaking. Updated 10/05/10

Filed Oct 15, 2008 · Steering · 85,000 miles · NY

2005 malibu,have had both tie rod ends replaced,struts etc. Makes a loud clunking when driving at low speeds and turning. Sounds like wheels coming loose. Sound,sounds like it is coming from steering column,check engine light comes on when I fill gas tank and stays on until approx 1/2 tank.

Filed Jul 18, 2008 · Brakes, Electrical · 50,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. When turning the steering wheel, the contact heard a popping sound. The failure began six months ago and now it is causing the power steering to fail. The failure was very subtle at first, but now the power steering fails for days at a time. The air conditioning would activate on and off, but now it does not work at all. The dealer stated that the power steering module and air conditioning resistor needed to be replaced. The contact also stated that the control panel is warm to the touch after driving for some time. The vehicle is currently with the dealer and the repair will cost over $900. The current mileage was 70,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 09/10/08. *lj the consumer stated the shocks went bad, the tie rod ends had to be replaced, the cd became stuck in the cd player. The rear calipers had to be replaced and the starter worked intermittently. Updated 09/12/08.

Filed Jan 15, 2008 · Steering · 15,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a cracking noise while turning the vehicle. The contact pulled over and noticed that the entire front steering rack and pinion system failed at 15,000 miles. The tie rods failed later at 18,000 miles and caused front end damage and front tire damage. He has had the rack and pinion replaced under warranty and the tie rods will have to be replaced at an estimated cost of $240. The manufacturer has been notified. The current mileage was 18,520 and failure mileage was 15,000. Updated 02-19-08 *bf updated 02/14/08

Filed Aug 9, 2005 · Electrical, Fuel system · 19,500 miles · TX

Install jumper harness per pip3098a neck, fuel tank filler replace tie rod end and/or adjuster sleeve right replace panel, seat back of back passenger r&r or replace receiver, radio remove, repair and replace radio.