The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, several warning lights flashed on the instrument panel, and the contact stated that there was heat coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the electrical gauges flickered. While attempting to pull off the roadway, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed, and the brake pedal became firm. The contact stated that prior to the failure, a mechanic had discovered a minor oil leak coming from the engine. The contact called an independent mechanic who arrived at the scene and inspected the vehicle. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was driven to the residence, and the vehicle shut off upon arriving at the destination. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle several times after the failure; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V530000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu: loss of power steering
100 of the 989 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 100
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical repair cost reported
- $763
- typical mileage
- 95,800
- recalls
- 1
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
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)
My vehicle is experiencing a sudden loss of power steering assist.
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.
Warning light on dash (power steering) I had no power steering at all !thank God I was at a Drive Thur at that moment . Took car to my mechanic(Steve Brook)Family Auto 26937 Eckel Rd. Perrysburg Ohio 43551 419‑931‑1900 they diagnosed power steering needs to be replaced and they looked up recall on 2008 Chevy Malibu’s so I called around and I’m getting no where on a recall on this but when looking it up, it shows a recall, this is something that needs to be addressed very dangerous cause that day I was getting on the highway to pick up my grandchildren and I don’t even wanna know the outcome of that would’ve been. I bought this car new and I have low mileage and I take care of my vehicle
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while attempting to make a left turn. The contact pulled off to the side of the road where the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 14E044000 (Steering) and 14V153000 (Steering. The contact called the dealer who confirmed that the power steering had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not currently under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the recall repairs were already completed and that a second free repair would not be offered. The failure mileage was 82,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering inadvertently with the power steering message displayed. The contact then used extra effort to steer the vehicle while pulling into a nearby parking lot, where she turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle regained power steering functionality however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number 14V153000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 187,110.
While driving on the freeway going 60mph the power steering went out and the steering wheel began stiff and unable I was unable to turn the wheel or steer/ control it. this is a problem because without having the ability the turn the wheel I risk not being able to get where I’m going. And further more cannot avoid an accident. It’s available for inspection upon request. Thank you
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and felt that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
While driving I randomly lose power steering. Happens at various speed but usually slower speeds or stopped. Power steering warning light comes on in the dash panel. Sometimes can be reset by shutting off the car and restarting it. Still not 100% after resetting. Constant pulsing felt in the steering wheel and vehicle always wants to pull to the left.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel ceased with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. the contact was informed that the electric power steering failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with...
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low...
- Steering
- Steering
- Special coverage. on some 2007-2012 model year chevrolet malibu, pontiac G6, and saturn aura vehicles...
- Pontiac/saturn/chevrolet: TSB contains an owner's notification letter
- Summary to be provided on a future date.
- Electric Power Steering Assist
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- 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
Questions about the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?
100 of 989 owner complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu (10%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2004.
How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $763 (median of 11 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?
There is 1 recall and 17 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Door locks 92Check engine light 57Jerking 56Headlights 49Steering lock-up 43Loss of power 41Airbag light 31Stalling 26Engine failure 23Won't start 23Adaptive cruise 22Fuel leak 19Steering noise 18Fuel pump 15Pulling 15Fuel smell 14Key fob 13Won't shift 13ABS 11No deployment 10Harsh shifting 10Grinding brakes 9Knocking 9Fuel gauge 8Ball joint 7Fire or smoke 6Hesitation 6Warning lights 6Transmission failure 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history