2011 Chevrolet Malibu: steering wheel locks up

Filed Mar 18, 2025 · Airbags, Driver assistance · NY

Steering locks while driving

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · Acceleration, Steering · MO

We own this vehicle with 147,xxx miles on it. There was extended warranty coverage of 10-years or 150,000 miles for the power steering position sensor and torque sensor, all part of the electronic stability control system the bulletin is 15356. A very costly repair that could result in a crash if a driver has the steering wheel lock up while driving. Zero help from GM because the period has "expired." I feel it should be covered since it is under the 150k mileage.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Driver assistance, Steering · 180,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed to function as intended. The Electronic Stability Control warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was made aware of Special Coverage Program: 15356; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the program. Additionally, the contact was informed of NHSTA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lightening, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Feb 6, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · GA

I was driving on 2/5/23 when my car started making a ding sound and the steering wheel locked up. This begin on 1/20/23. There has been 4 incidents with the steering locked while driving. Once results in someone almost getting hit on the side walk as I was turning in the back parking lot. Twice turning left on to my street and once driving around a curve almost hit another car in the other lane.

Filed Apr 9, 2022 · Electrical, Steering · MD

I drove my car to a store and parked, when I returned and proceeded to backup, the steering wheel locked and I couldn’t drive and was stuck in the road. Finally after a while I turned the ignition off and back on and was able to drive home. There was no advance warning that The power the steering needed to be serviced.

Filed Mar 1, 2022 · Airbags, Steering · MN

Airbag light and ESC power steering light on at the same time. Service ESC on and of on the screen and after awhile the steering wheel locked and I lost control of my direction while I am turning left on a traffic light. I end up in a ditch. I took it to Chevy service dealership and they find out a diffect on steering torque sensor shaft and they recommend me to replace it. They ask me $1024.00 for labor and part.

Filed May 6, 2018 · Driver assistance, Steering · 96,000 miles · IN

Upon driving the power steering locked up and lights flashed with a ding. The ESC light is on and the dash is prompting "power steering" and "service ESC" this has made driving and turning difficult. Car is now parked until it can go to a repair shop. After the first incident I was able to put the car in park and restart which allowed me to drive without an issue. The next day it progressed to everytime I start the car and attempt to turn the power steering locks up and the warnings flash.

Filed Mar 19, 2018 · Steering · MI

Chevy malibu 2011 steering malfunction. At 130,000 mileage, my electrical steering malfunctioned. The steering locked up while driving forcing it into manual drive. Code 15356. My car was under special warranty of 10 years or at 150,000 miles or under. I called the national hotline customer service for gm that spoke with a dealership of choice to fix it at no cost.

Filed Dec 22, 2017 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 60,070 miles · CA · crash · 4 injuries

Airbags and side airbags didn't deploy, steering locked up and wheel separated form axel

Filed Sep 22, 2017 · Steering · 155,000 miles · MS

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the service traction control and power steering indicators illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off and shook the steering wheel to correct the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 155,000.

Filed Aug 21, 2017 · Steering · 83,000 miles · IL · crash

On 8/20/2017 at around 9:30pm I was driving on a dark back-road in lemont, ill. (bluff rd. To be exact) I was traveling at about 20miles an hour & needed to make a sharp turn. All of a sudden my traction light went on & my steering wheel locked up causing me to have no control of my car. I immediately pumped my brakes so not to go off the road. After losing control I pulled over and tried to steer my way home because this is a very dark back road. Very scary!! I need to know what and how to get my car fixed. Auto mechanics are on strike here

Filed Dec 21, 2016 · Steering · 122,000 miles · AZ

On 12/19/2016 as I was making a left turn when exiting the highway onto a surface street my 2011 chevrolet malibu steering wheel locked and the dash board displayed a "power steering " message. Being unable to steer my car went forward and I almost hit the car on my right who was also turning left. I had to slam on the break to avoid hitting the car and the cars behind also had to slam their breaks. Luckily no one hit each other. Right after that dashboard message disappeared and my car was able to turn again with no problem. The night of 12/20/2016 the same happened but as I was expecting a parking lot. A week before the first incident I started to notice the steering wheel would pop like it was shutting down at a stop or red light. I read that is a known problem to gm and the federal safety agency and that owners in other states have received recall notices for that problem. I have not received such notice and it's not listed as a recall on the federal safety agency or gm website for my VIN.