2009 Chevrolet Malibu: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Steering · 111,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact noticed a vibrating and clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. The “Service ESC” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed torque sensor within the steering column. The contact was informed that the torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Filed Nov 16, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · TN

There is a clicking noise in the steering wheel column while it jerks both left and right while driving. Happening every time it is driven hard to turn steering wheel both left and right.

Filed May 7, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · NC

While driving each light comes on follow by power steering the wheel automatically started clicking while turning the wheel in the mist the wheel jerks the opposite direction make it hard to turn and can cause an accident. The power steering then goes completely out

Filed Jan 23, 2019 · Steering · 140,317 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the electronic stability control off and traction control warning indicators kept randomly flashing. Also, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise and vibrated during the failure. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 14v153000 (steering) and 14e044000 (steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,317.

Filed Oct 25, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · 89,000 miles · NY

Car began to make a random clunk when turning. Took the vehicle to the dealer as soon as they were open. Alignment began to pull. Front end started to hum. Dealer service manager said wheel bearings failing in front end. Strut assemblies in front need replacement, knuckles that hold the strut assemblies to the frame were original, made out of aluminum, and are now rotted out and require replacement. Intermediate steering column failing. The vehicle hasn't reached 90k miles yet. The cost of repairing the vehicle is nearing half of its retail value. Allegedly no open recalls, despite a recall by dorman for the intermediate steering shaft. Aluminum knuckles to hold struts to the frame? And that's not a design flaw? The replacement knuckle parts are $1200 not including labor. Wheel bearings are about $762, the intermediate steering shaft is $290. Strut assemblies are about $600 for both.

Filed Jul 3, 2014 · Steering · 100,000 miles · IL

Tl * the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the power steering unit made a grinding noise and gave resistance when turning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 8/27/14*cn the consumer stated that the vehicle was not included in the electric power steering recall because the vehicle was assembled at a different plant. The vehicle experienced the same issues as noted in the recall. Updated 09/11/2014

Filed Dec 31, 2013 · Steering · 112,000 miles · MI

At freeway speed the car wants to pull to left when turning the wheel to the right. Steering wheel makes a clunking noise when turning left or right. Hard to steer when moving slowly. Loose sloppy steering feel. The dealer is replacing the entire steering gear rack. Very costly.