2009 Chevrolet Malibu: harsh or hard shifting

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 Dec 4, 2017 · Steering · 200,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the power steering warning indicator illuminated. Whenever the contact attempted to make a left or right turn, there was a clunking noise underneath the hood. Whenever the power steering warning indicator illuminated, it became difficult to maneuver the steering wheel. The contact would have to shut off and restart the vehicle in order to regain full control of the power steering. The contact called the palmettto chevrolet dealer (122 4th avenue, po box 766, conway, sc 29528; 843‑248‑4283) where it was diagnosed that the power steering motor and sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Dec 12, 2016 · Steering · 75,300 miles · NY

Car mileage is at 75,300 and I am hearing a rubbing/clunking sound when ever I turn my steering wheel to the right and my turn signal lever stopped automatically releasing after I have turned which is now also making a weird noise. I see there was a recall for the steering in 2014 but I purchased the from a dealer in 2015. How do I find out if the dealer serviced the recall???

Filed Feb 5, 2016 · Transmission · 115,500 miles · MI

Hard shift developing between 4th & 5th gear as well as reverse beginning to slip. There is a 10 year/120,000 mile campaign issued by gm concerning the 6t45 as well as the 6t70 / 75 transmissions concerning defective 3-5-r wave plates, but does not include the 6t40 transmission which my vehicle has. The defective internal parts in question are shared between the 6t40 as well as the 6t45 so I dont understand how my model transmission is not included in this campaign to solve this known issue.

Filed Sep 18, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact heard a clunking sound from the rear to the front of the vehicle. The power steering warning indicator illuminated. In addition, the contact discovered that the speedometer was not registering the speed of the vehicle. The dealer was unable to diagnose or repair the failure. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Jan 6, 2014 · Suspension · 3,000 miles · NJ

Purchased this vehicle brand new from dealer in june of 2009. 1st time I heard clunking noise from front suspension only when the temps drop below 50 degrees. Once car warmed up, the noise would go away. Sounded like a broken stabilizer link. Returned car to dealer and had to leave overnight so they can hear the noise, only problem was that the dealer could hear the noise when cold, but sound noise would be gone by the time they got the car on the lift. Once the sound was gone they had no clue as to where the noise started from. Returned to the dealer roughly 7 times over 3 year period, now the warranty is over. Dealer did replace links, struts, steering rack, steering intermediate shaft and a slew of other parts which I have documented. Now I have the car for 5 years and yes the noise is still there each winter morning below 50 degrees. Once the warmer weather arrives, it never makes a sound. My understanding is that a lot of gm cars all have the same "clunking" sound in front suspension. Only thing I can think of is that the dealer parts are all defective and maybe an aftermarket part may be upgraded to help eliminate the noise. As for now, I just live with it as I feel no wobbly effects or unsafe condition.

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.

Filed Dec 28, 2012 · Steering · 66,421 miles · OH

Erratic steering while trying to park. Chimes were head, message came across speedo, major clunk also started at same time. Sounds like right front. Another electric power steering failure from a car barely broken in, from gm. When will they take responsibility for substandard parts they import for american cars?

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Suspension · 8,454 miles · MI

04feb09 vehicle in for rear wheel bearing and nhub replacement 14may 09 in for replace trans shift cable, then in 09sep09 recall 23nov09 in for steering shaft kit replacement & replace right sway bar link 21jan10 back in for clunking noise, 25jan10 ordered bushing replacement part called chevy customer assistance center and tiffany from gm called me back and stated that gm is unable to get part due to supplier, after waiting one (1) month still no part. Tiffany stated that gm will not buy back this vehicle and they will not extend my warranty. I have been a life time gm customer and I will no longer buy a gm vehicle.