Ntsb: 2011 chevy malibu: consumer stated the vehicle experienced steering issues, so the vehicle was taken to the dealer service. During service, the consumer was notified the parts in question were deteriorating severely. *ss the dealer found the rear trailing arm bushings and lower control arm bushings needed to be replaced.
2011 Chevrolet Malibu steering complaints
Page 7 of 8: complaints 161 to 190 of 214, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I purchased a 2011 chevy malibu in 2012. Since the purchase I've experienced issues with the electronic stability control system, the service air bag light has come on while my daughter was sitting in the passenger seat. I was told that the problem with that could possibly be resolved with the recall for the seat belt lap anchor tensioner cable. I have also had issues with the car stalling / losing power after coming to a complete stop and begin to accelerate again into on coming traffic. I have also lost total control due to the power steering going out while driving. When I took my vehicle into the dealership regarding the car stalling, I was told that they could not get the car to duplicate the problem and I left without anything else being don;. I still have the same problem. There should be a recall for this before someone gets seriously injured or killed. I also have a 2011 chevy cruze that I've had numerous issues with, not to mention all of the recalls on it. All of the above issues have been while the car is in motion, while turning, and on highway and city streets. I recently noticed that my back seat is leaking from somewhere. I contacted gm and was told to take it into the dealership. The tech at the dealership tells me that the leak is coming from the molding on the roof of the car and wanted to charge me $200 for the diagnostic after I clearly told them that the leak was not coming from the roof of the car. They took down the headliner anyway and said that they did a test and water could be seen gushing from this area, but yet my seat was not wet as I had told them where the seat gets wet at. There are so many problems with these malibu's I just want gm to take the car back so that I can purchase a different brand of vehicle.
I was going on a 3hr trip on a major highway, 40min into my ride my vehicle began to shake. As I continued to drive it began pulling to the right and shaking terribly. 40min from my final destination my car was shaking horribly and it felt like the steering wheel had no control of the tires. When the road reared to either the right or left I held onto the steering wheel very tight and it felt like the wheels were not turning in the direction that I was driving. I would drop my speed from 60mph to 40mph, which did not result in a change. I agree this should definitely be a recall, myself along with others could have been killed.
Received messages of: service ESC, service traction, service power steering, eng pwr reduced, engine disabled this morning while driving to work. Engine lost all power, went into limp mode, had to pull to side of road to try and turn the engine off and on to try to reset. Nearly caused accident from oncoming and trailing vehicles. This make and model needs to be entered into the recall.
While I was driving I lost the power steering on the vehicle. It happened twice . Thank god there was no traffic other wise I could have had an accident.
Highway driveing speeds over 50mph steering is extreamly loose on a two lane road when bigger vehicles pass the air pushes my car so bad I get terrified it will make me hit a ditch my car is less then a week old to me. Under 70k miles. Even regular driveing on highways the steering is very loose.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 15 MPH, all the warning lights illuminated and the vehicle began to lose power. The contact also stated that the power steering seized intermittently. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 60 MPH, the contact heard a chime and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14e044000 (steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle restarted and the steering wheel functioned occasionally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electric motor steering racket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving at various speeds, the check engine, electronic stability control, traction control, and electric power steering warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, in rainy weather conditions, water leaked through the hood onto the brake lever and the steering wheel seized. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle, but the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
On 12/23/15 approx 8:40 am, I was driving eastbound on kelly drive approx 40 MPH. I was heading into a soft curve, when the ESC came on and the steering wheel locked up. The car shook violently, jerking and swerving from left to right, going into the lane with oncoming traffic, and then jerking back into the lane I was originally in. The car jerked and swerved back and forth, approx 4 time. This lasted roughly about 10 seconds. The ESC light went off and the car felt like it had decreased engine power after that. I came to a red light and the engine shook, shuddered and then settled down. I continued on for another 15 minutes to work and parked the car. I'm afraid to drive it because I could've hit another car, crashed into the side of the wall, or another car could've crashed into me
While driving at highway speeds the vehicle pulls to the left. I had it aligned and took it back several days later because it was still pulling left. The mechanic stated that everything was within spec and it should be fine. They tried rotating the tires again as well and that did not change anything.
I was driving an my power steering went out in a large curve. 8 had to have the car towed but luckily was not injured. Gm recently sent out an "extended warranty" on th power steering module only. This was replaced. In may of 2014 gm sent out recall 13036 that included my car. This recall is not pulling up on my VIN. The letter stated that parts were not yet available for a fix. I have lights and bells that my electronic stability control is not working. They found at yhe dealer that at least once I have had a brake error. In the recall letter it states that the brake lights may function when I am not braking or they may not function when I am. I am afraid to drive my own car! Please push for a resolution to this recall.
Replaced intermediate shaft on feb 12, 2015. Was told not included under certified warranty. Also not included in recalll. Would like consideration of refund of repair. There was a clunk noise on left side. Found to be intermediate shaft and paid for repair.
2011 chevrolet malibu. Consumer writes in regards to electric power steering recall notice. *smd the consumer stated the rear fuse block and circuit had to be replaced.
Being a second owner of this vehicle I noticed that at times the power steering would become ineffective and steering wheel was very difficult to move, along with a lot of clunking in the steering column...especially at lower speeds. After owning this vehicle for two months, I was backing out of my driveway and the wheel was extremely heavy as the power assist was not working and the entire steering popped and I had no more steering control ( the steering wheel was free wheeling). Luckily, this situation did not happen on my commute to work at speeds of 65 MPH! As it happens the free wheeling of the steering wheel has damaged the clock-spring inside the steering hub that provides power to the airbag and cruise and radio controls, mounted on the steering wheel.I am convinced that this problem was a design flaw in the steering system of this car, but am told that there is no recall on this car for this particular problem. My mechanic has estimated a repair bill close to $1000 and this should be taken care of by gm, in my opinion...as it is a life threatening issue (no steering control at high speeds)!
While driving back from vacation, I began to notice a vibration and noise from the driver's side front tire area. This would worsen and increase in intensity as speed increased. Although it did not appear to adversely affect driving, it would not go away and never improved. After taking it to a local chevrolet dealer, they diagnosed it as a bad/failing wheel bearing. Subsequent investigations online reveal this to be a very common issue with this particular make and model, not limited to this model year. The danger in this is that the bearing was nearing a point of failure that could have resulted in wheel separation or bearing lockup; either of which could have sent me into oncoming traffic. The repair was not covered under any warranty, which left me to pay $420 for the repair. I would appreciate it and urge the consideration of a recall on this. I have retained all paperwork pertaining to the repair and can produce this if needed for evidence or supporting documentation.
Driving car about 30mph. Noticed decrease speed, check gear shift to make sure in d. Looked at dashboard, all lights were on. Scrolling, power steering, service engine, then the power steering went out. Made two turns without power steering. Event three-four minutes. Parked and turned car off. Drove car to dealership for service, problem did not occur.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving at 20 MPH and changing gears, the vehicle jerked without warning. Also, when turning the steering wheel left or right, it made noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
I was slowing down to make a right-hand turn and the power steering suddenly ceased, forcing me to steer manually. I was not able to complete the turn, I had to stop quickly and resume my direction of travel prior to turning. If there was another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction of where I intended to turn, most likely I would have collided with that vehicle. I had to use a significant amount of force to manually steer the vehicle after losing the power steering. Also, as a result of the power steering failure, the vehicle ESC became inoperable. I was able to carefully drive the car to a chevrolet dealer and was advised I need a new electric power steering motor and other parts totaling approximately $1200. I advised chevrolet of this situation and currently awaiting to hear from them. I regard this product failure as a very serious safety issue with potential risk of personal injury. The vehicle has 39,085 miles and has been dealer serviced since purchase.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. When the ignition was turned to the on position, the steering wheel seized and the service power steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact proceeded to travel a short distance and turned the ignition to the off position. Once the ignition was turned to the on position again, the steering was restored. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 39,100.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the steering angle sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
2/28/15 twitch in steering at 55 MPH. (5 twitch/8 mi.) had been snowy with subzero temps, and suspected ice in steering linkage. Following day exhibited same twitches, but fewer. Backing out of parking space when steering became very difficult. Messages on driver information: power steering failure, ESC requires service, and a yellow triangle with wavy marks was illuminated. Drove 2.25 mi to relative's home. Turned car off & restarted; power steering worked again. Next day checked fuse connections on passenger side of console, and under hood near battery. 80a power steering fuse was loose on one side. Nuts securely tightened, but rivets on fuse body were loose; lug could be moved approx 1/32". Replaced fuse, and worked better. Then noticed that twitching had returned; was prevalent with vehicle stopped and running. On wed drove vehicle to pickup lunch,; steering wheel was twitching with car in park and engine running. Used remote start system to let engine run as it was near 0 f and had only driven 3 mi. Returned to car within 10 min remote start run time, inserted key; power steering didn't work & same messages displayed. Stopped & restarted car; power steering didn't work. Arranged for repair, and drove car to shop later that afternoon; power steering worked, but lots of twitching. Steering column replaced due to steering wheel torque sensor code c0545. Power steering failed and fought me as evidenced by uneven jerky turning force. System allowed steering wheel to run about 1/8 turn, and then dampened turning. Have a sore right shoulder. Force required to steer without power steering is inexcusable. System does not disengage when it fails, and intermittently interacts while display indicates it's out of commission. System is inherently dangerous due to function during failure.
Was driving down the road and could not turn the steering wheel when it was necessary to do so. Once I made the turn I couldn't turn wide enough because the steering wheel was tight and ended up in a ditch.
Driving down the highway when the steering wheel starts vibrating and turning on its own with little or no input. Random loss of power steering occurred. Very difficult to turn wheel. Power steering comes back every time vehicle is shut off and back on again and same thing occurs. Identical symptoms to older models with recall from 2008 model year.
Tl*the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The contact also mentioned that once the vehicle was restarted, it resumed to normal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,700.
Driving 2011 chevy malibu ltz light came on.got message saying engine powering down.car began to shake and speed dropped to about 20 miles per hour.pulled into cvs pharmacy lot.turned car off and re-started.drove around lot for 1 minute.just as I was about to pull off lot and enter expressway.car shut down completely.unable to re-start.waited 2 hour's for tow on star road side service.plan to have car towed monday morning.will check for ESC recall on this car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. As a result, the traction and service ESC warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column and steering module had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no solution was provided. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Shortly after I purchased veh the power steering started to not work. At first it rarely happened. I would just restart the vehicle and the steering would work again. Now it almost never works. My veh was not apart of the recall. And the my warranty ran out before the dealership could not tell what was wrong. By the time they realized it was the same problem that had been recalled in the other vehicles my warranty was expired. I am still unable to pay to get it fixed. So I am now driving with 2 small children and no power steering. Is there someone I can report this to in hopes of getting my vehicle added to the recall.
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