2008 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems

460 complaints (47% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 82,000. 11 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 460
of this car's complaints: 47%
typical mileage: 82,000
crashes: 11
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Electric power assist system
5
Column
5
Hydraulic power assist system
2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Chevrolet Malibu steering problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Power steering loss 100 Steering lock-up 43 Steering noise 18 Pulling 15

Related recalls

Steering: electric power assist systemReported March 31, 2014 · 1,373,177 vehicles affected

What is wrong: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, Saturn at 1‑800‑553‑6000, and Pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

Recall number 14V153000 · Recall details

What 2008 Chevrolet Malibu owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 17, 2026 · Steering · NC

As I'm driving I hear a chime and the radio says power steering and I just loose power steering it's scary and I really wish gm would have made this a permanent recall

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Steering · MN

I own a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ (VIN [XXX] ) with an electric power steering (EPS) issue that matches GM’s known EPS defect and recall 14V‑153 / bulletin 15356 for 2007–2012 Malibus. The steering is very stiff and hard at low speeds, the car feels like it is dragging, and the steering wheel shakes back and forth while driving, especially at low to moderate speeds. A Chevrolet customer‑service representative confirmed the VIN does not show the EPS recall, but said I should report this to the federal safety agency. This is a safety‑related steering‑assist defect pattern that GM has already acknowledged on other Malibus. I am requesting the federal safety agency to review whether this 2008 Malibu LTZ should be included in the EPS‑related recall or special coverage, or whether further action on this defect is needed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 23, 2026 · Steering · KS

The EPS malfunctions and turns off during normal driving operations at random intervals. Happens more when temperature outside is below 50 degrees. This has made it difficult to steer and has almost caused me to get in an accident on multiple occasions

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · PA

Unknown

Filed May 27, 2025 · Airbags, Steering · UT

My vehicle is experiencing a sudden loss of power steering assist.

Filed Apr 25, 2025 · Steering · MD

Recurrence of Sudden loss of electric steering. Apparently this was supposedly fixed under recall N140115. It did not last.

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Steering · 160,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The check engine and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 14116B; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Mar 18, 2025 · Steering · NY

I bought a used car, 2008 Malibu a couple years ago. I just found out that it had a recall back in 2014. I called a dealership about getting it fixed and they refused to do it. Is there anything I can do? I am retired and live on a limited income. Can you please let me know.

Filed Feb 24, 2025 · Steering · CO

Power steering esc not working properly

Filed Feb 14, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · GA

The power steering consistently locks up. It may or may not reset itself if you turn the car off and back on. It’s very dangerous. It’s hard to drive . It definitely licks up if it’s cold outside or if you hit a pothole.

Questions about the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu steering

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu have steering problems?

Owners have filed 460 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 47% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 82,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 14V153000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Malibu have bad steering?

The Chevrolet Malibu model years with the most steering complaints are 2006 (812 complaints), 2004 (799 complaints) and 2009 (769 complaints).