Problems with 2004 Chevrolet Malibu STEERING

Power steering issues with 2004 malibu lt. i had this problem with my first malibu and my new malibu is starting to show the same tell tale signs of power steering failure. it begins with a clicking noise while turning the steering wheel. at any time the power steering will completely go out. turning of the motor and restarting the vehicle will temporarily solve the problem. my first malibu was still under warranty and they had to replace the entire steering column twice. the malibu i currently have is unfortunately not still under warranty but i feel this is an ongoing safety issue that needs to be addressed before there are serious injuries or deaths. there are many online sites of owners who have complained of this ongoing problem and it does not appear to be limited to the 2004 model but also newer models. gm needs to make this right with all the money we are spending trying to keep jobs in the usa. *tr

My 2004 chevy malibu power steering is locking while driving and will not let wheel turn. i was driving and when i went to make a turn the car wheel locked and would not turn it was continuing straight i had to turn it with all my strength to avoid hitting a wall.i phoned chevy corporate and they said it is not under recall but there was 2 investigations done on this in 2004 and currently 2005 - 2010 cobalts made by them have the same issue and there is a current recall under way right now for that model and it is the same issue i am having with my model car. they said they are not going to repair this issue because there is not a current recall on this model. this is a safety hazard that they are aware of and have been aware of and they are choosing not to be responsible for the malfunction in the power steering. they are choosing to ignore this safety defect. this has occurred the last three times i have used the car this week. *tr

2004 malibu: feb 2005 vehicle chimed; power steering displayed on driver information center, lost power steering while making a left turn. dealer replaced steering column because i had a letter from gm saying that my vehicle may have been built with a steering column sensor that can wear unevenly and produce an erratic electrical signal. dealer said that my vin number was not part of the recall but i insisted that i had experienced the problem and didn't care if my number was on the list i wanted it replaced. may 2010: three days in a row chime sounded and power steering displayed on driver information center; stopped vehicle and restarted it, reset itself. took in to dealer and had a diagnostic test run ($100.00). test indicates that i need the steering column replaced and a shaft kit (clunking) cost $990.65, not covered under warranty. google search reveals that this steering column defect is not uncommon and should be recalled by the manufacturer! please read the numerous complaints on this blog http://carblog.classifieds1000.com/recall_issues/20090114-133923-power_steering_problems_on_chevy_malibu_seeking_recall. *tr

2004 chevrolet malibu. consumer requests that the investigation to complaints be reopened *tgw the consumer stated the power steering light illuminated. the consumer took the vehicle to dealer and upon inspection, they stated the steering column and steering control module had gone bad and needed to be replaced and if it wasn't replaced, the consumer would lose power steering. the consumer paid for the repairs at her expense. the consumer stated the electrical power steering should be recalled for this model. *jb

Driving down the interstate and all of a sudden, steering got stiff and my dash light (wrench) lit up and chimed. i'm glad i had both hands on the steering wheel or else it could have taken me for a joy ride. had my wife and my infant son at the time with me. this definitely needs to be attended to because it's a serious safety issue. now, i have 100,000 miles on the car and it's still doing the same thing. i don't have the money to replace such a thing. this needs to pushed with gm to have recalled! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the power steering would lock making it impossible to steer the vehicle. the dealer was contacted who stated that the steering column would need to be replaced. the manufacturer was not contacted to report the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 75,000 and current mileage was 99,500.

I have a 2004 chevy malibu and randomly my check engine light and a power steering warning will come on. the power steering is usually okay and i can continue driving, but one day while i was in a turn lane it went out. it is very difficult to get off to the side of the road or turn when you do not have power steering. took it to a dealership but because it is intermittent, it was not having that issue when i took it in and they said they couldn't find anything wrong. i'm worried my power steering will go out again and cause an accident. *tr

Tl*the driver owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the power steering failed and the contact was unable to move or turn the steering wheel. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the power steering sensor failed. the dealer replaced the steering column. the manufacturer stated the vehicle vin was not included in recall 09e005000 steering; therefore, the failure did not exist in the vehicle. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 57,000 and the current mileage was 59,000.

We have a 2004 chevy malibu lt. shortly after we bought it, the power steering went out on two occasions. we took it to the dealer and the steering column was "supposedly" replaced under warranty. the vehicle to this day always veers to the left, even after an alignment. this past month the steering warning light has come on three times; and after paying $100 just for the diagnosis, i was told i would have to have the steering column replaced for $1000 ! it is more than obvious that this defect is instrinsic with the malibu, as it is with the chevy cobalt, and requires a recall. read the internet ! i reported this defect to gm and received no response. this is the first time i am reporting it to the nhtsa. you must demand that gm recall this defect on the malibu. *tr

I was driving my 1 year old daughter to her dr appointment. i was making a right hand turn in my 2004 chevrolet malibu ls v6 with 68,000 mileson it when my chimes chimed the orange check engine light with the wrench came on and my display on the radio said power steering i then lost my power steering while i was making the turn i proceed to her dr appointment without power steering. i go inside to her appointment come back out and the engine light is not longer on and i have power steering. i took it to my local mechanic and he puts it on the diagnostic machine and he can't find any codes or any problems at all he also said that if the check engine light is not on then he could not find a problem which the engine light is not on currently. i came home and did some typing on the computer for 2004 chevrolet malibu steering problems and i have found several issues with this problem many people have spend lots of money and the dealer ship has claimed to fix this issue but it is still going on after it has been fixed. i feel this is a real problem that needs brought to someone's attention after all the toyota issues we need someone on our side i called the gm headquarters and they basically blew me off. i also know this is the very first electronic power steering from gm and that the 2004 chevrolet malibu was the very first vehicle to receive this and we all know first year stuff always has issues. my daughter and i almost lost our lives today if it wasn't for the other person in the other lane who had to slam on the brakes we would have had a head on collision. it took all my might to steer this vehicle this issue needs to be addressed before someone looses their life. i'm terrified to drive this vehicle now because i don't want to take my daughter's life or someone else's this is a real problem even if only a hand full of people have this problem. please don't let this get like the toyota recalls listen to people who drive this vehicle and know this problem is real and is very scary. *tr

I have a 04 chevy malibu and sometimes the power steering with go out while i am driving. next time i use the car its fine. i see that there are many problems with power steering in malibus and it can cause a wreck if its not taken care of. i bought the car a yr ago and it has happened a couple times through the year. *tr

As i was driving down the highway all of a sudden my steering wheel locked. then my power steering light came on. so lucky i was on a straight away. i pulled over and shut the car off and turned it back on and was back to normal. *tr

2004 chevy malibu, lost power steering again. taking a left turn at busy intersection, very very hard to turn wheel with no power steering i'm 62 and don't have alot of strength in my arm. nearly caused an accident. had steering colume replaced nov 04, had more problems, had torque sensor replaced july 06. now it is happening again and when i call gm they said it is no longer their problem and i would need to call my dealership. i have gone that route & they charge $100.00 diagnostic fee and say that can not find the problem unless it is happening and would have to charge another $100.00. this is a major safety issue. at least toyota took responsibility for their screw up it's more that you can say for gm. check the internet and see how many complaints there are!

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving at approximate speeds of 20 mph in a parking lot. the contact attempted a turn when the steering wheel failed and would not move. the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle was towed to his residence. the dealer advised the rack and pinion would need to be replaced. the contact inquired about nhtsa campaign id number 10v073000 (steering: electric power assist system) but was advised his vin was not included with the recall. the vehicle had not yet been repaired. the failure mileage was 104,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact was driving approximately 5 mph, a clanking noise sounded and the steering wheel failed to function properly. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. the entire steering column was replaced on two separate occasions. the first repair was at dealers expense. the second repair the manufacturer was responsible for half of the repair cost. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on a third occasion for the clanking noise failure and the steering shaft was replaced. the vin was unavailable. the failure and current mileages were 61,000.

Lost power steering in my late model year 2004 malibu lt. no personal injury or damage. turned car off and restarted - power steering restored. took to dealer since local mechanic had no idea what the problem was. dealer said he has had to replace many of these but no recalls had been issued. recommended replacement of steering column ($641.59) and alignment ($59.95) along with other non-related issues. multiple nhtsa action numbers and defect investigations were started in 2004. a more recent service bulletin number: 7126; nhtsa number: 10023644 was started on the 2005 models. this is a dangerous problem that gm should have some responsibility for correcting.

First started in march 2013, my power steering will occasionally go out while driving, making it very difficult to steer. the only to get it to work is to shut the car off and restart it. i feel very unsafe driving myself and my children! *tr

2004 malibu. steering was hard on one side and soft on the other. too it to dealer. dealer fixed it by computer. now both sides of steering re equal - but - it continually wants to steer on its own to the right. it will not hold a straight line, unless i keep my hands on the steering wheel. if i hold it loosely, it will veer right into whatever is on my right side. dealer said this is normal. *tr

While driving on a county highway without warning my power steering locked, and it scared the living daylights out of me. i had all i could do to steer my car and it was very scary. i made it to my destination and when i left my destination it was fine. then on the way home on university ave in downtown madison which is a very busy street, the power steering locked up again. a very horrifying moment. again i really had to struggle with the steering. i feel this is very big safety issue and life threatinga to me and my passengers and also other vehicles on the road. i haven't had any problems with it the last 3 days. i believe gm needs to address this problem. *tr

Power steering turn off. around 50km/h. warning light end bell came on. very hard to keep the car on the road. stop the car and turn on again every thing came back to normal. but until when? chevrolet malibu 2004 ls, 66800 kms. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact was driving approximately 35 mph when the power steering warning indicator illuminated and there was a complete loss of power steering. the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the engine was turned off. upon restarting, the vehicle resumed as normal. the failure occurred three different times. also intermittently, the four power windows and power door locks failed to operate when the control mechanism was engaged. on a separate occasion the the key would not release from the ignition switch until after several attempts. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated while attempting to turn the vehicle at 10 mph the power steering would suddenly shut off making the vehicle difficult to steer. this has cause the contact to almost drive the vehicle into a ditch. the contact has not called the manufacturer regarding this issue. the contact stated the power steering will cause a crash. the failure mileage was 130,000.

This is the second time my 2004 malibu ltz power steering locked up on me. the first time it locked up was nov 2009, as i was driving downs madison st. the mechanic replaced the rack n pinion, this appeared to solve the problem temporarily. the second time the problem happen was march 3rd, 2010, i was pulling out of my garage, made a right turn onto ohio and almost hit kids getting out of school because the car kept moving in a straight direct even though i was attempting to turn. i spoke to the dealer ship today and they said they do not know of a recall but are aware of the problem with malibu. *tr

A few months ago, my power steering light began to come on. i took it to several places only for everyone to tell me that the car does not take power steering fluid and that they would have to hook the car to a computer to see what is wrong. every so often, i would crank the car and have a hard time steering. i learned that when that happens, i could turn off the ignition and restart the car and the power steering would return. i have had my car serviced and twice, i have been told that they are not getting any code readings on the computer. now, just recently, i was told that the steering column has issues. i read today about the recall on gm cars, but the 2004 malibu isn't listed but i am having the same problems described in the article. i do not want to wait until i have an accident for my car to be on the recall list. i have already paid money to have the throttle body replaced on my car, i do not want to have to spend more for the steering column. the safety of myself and my infant son, as with others on the road, is of concern. *tr

I have been to the dealer at least 4 times for the electronic power assist on my 2004 chevrolet malibu for repair, replacement, and/or adjustments. my vehicle is now over 110,000 miles and a power steering notification light is coming on again. this time the light is not immediately followed with failure. no change to my ability to steer has been observed. it comes on usually after i start the car and make my first sizable turn of the wheel. i can sometimes avoid the light going on in the morning if i make slow gradual movements of the wheel but it will always come on when i start the car later in the day. due to the high cost of the dealer fixing it and their repeated complete inability to fix the problem long term, i am left to trying to figure out the issue myself. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the drivers side seat frame was fractured. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician verified the failure and stated that the seat frame needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 67,987 and the current mileage was 95,000. updated 09/26/2014*lj updated 02/27/2015 *js

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance. the technician detected slight difficulty when turning the steering wheel and a squeaking noise. the vehicle did not require service repair for the malfunction. the contact stated the steering wheel was a minor defect. the vin was unavailable. the current and failure mileages were 25000.

The driver information center would reset the time. it also displayed "service air bag" as soon as the car turns on. when driving on the freeway, my steering wheel lost its power steering and the driver information center displayed "power steering" along with a car and wrench light flashing from the gauge window. this has not been fixed due to reading a customer satisfaction program that affected certain 2004 chevrolet malibu's. should not be responsible for a defect that the dealer was aware of. a real scare when driving on the road, let alone on the freeway. *tr

Tl* contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving at speeds of 50 mph, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to lock. he was able to maneuver the vehicle off of the road and turn the vehicle off. once the vehicle was restarted, the power steering reset itself and was operating normally. he also stated that the vehicle was in need of an alignment despite the fact that he had recently received one. the current and failure mileages were 55,000.

Loss of power steering, on my 2004 chevrolet malibu. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated while driving 30 mph the vehicle stalled without any warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering column assembly needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 67,568. the current mileage was 95,000.

The power steering just goes out while driving. check engine light comes on and car says power steering and i lose all steering. there are numerous complaints on this issue and a recall should be issued. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving 2 mph, the steering wheel suddenly locked. the contact turned the vehicle off and restarted it; it performed normally after. the failure was intermittent. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where it was replaced (repair details were not given). the failure mileage was approximately 6,000 and the current mileage was 7,730.

Vehicle steering wheel was twitching to the right at all speeds and while stopped i had also lost power assist a couple times. i took the 2004 malibu to the dealership where i had purchased the vehicle on 14 february 2004. they replaced the steering column at a cost to me of $594.20 on 17 february 2010. *tr

While driving the vehicle the steering wheel locks up and the vehicle can not steer. *tr

After hearing an odd spark-electrical sound that seemed to come from the steering column power steering failed during routine driving causing loss of vehicle control. steering column would not lock into place making it more difficult to steer without power assist. this has only happened one time as vehicle use has been restricted since the failure. *tr

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) i have 2004 chevy malibu and i am occurring have power steering problems, i took my dealer and the diagnostic my i need to replace the steering column, steering intermediate shaft, that s is not and customer wear and tear that an manufacture problem, i went an alittle higher i contact gm file [xxx] and the said there are responsible for the steering go bad, will you please check into this issue for me contact info [xxx], if there other car having this same problem so is malibu 2004 the wasn't and accident but it could be if this doesn't get fix. *tr

Steering column defective on the chevy malibu. i have a 2004 chevy malibu and the steering locks on turns, merging and acceleration. very dangerous! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 20 mph she attempted to make a right turn the and the steering wheel malfunctioned without warning. she was able to drive the vehicle to the service station. she stated that after the failure occurred the warning light on the instrumental panel illuminated. the service station turned the vehicle off to reset the power steering.she will take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. the vin was not available. the failure and the current mileage were 65,000.

During normal driving, driver information center displayed "power steering" and all power steering assist stopped. car was very hard to steer, but was able to steer to side of road. after restarting the car, power steering returned. this car was serviced by gm in 2004 to repair this problem (under the original odi complaint investigation) but the problem has recurred and gm insists that we need to replace the steering column again. *tr

Own a 2004 chevrolet malibu that has been driven normally over the course of ownership. inexplicably the power steering light came on the drivers information center. shortly after the steering locked up. it took several times turning the vehicle on and off to get the power steering to come back on. the failure occurs 4 to 5 times a week and we are afraid that it may cause an accident. also, the steering column has been replaced but it has not resolved the issue. i have also noted that gm has initiated a recall for the same safety issue but for different models/years of vehicles. *tr

I was driving down the road when the radio panel started blinking with power steering. i then lost my power steering and my car began to shake. as a woman, driving without power steering was extremely difficult. i was able to make it to a parking lot (barely), and safely park the car. this is the first time this happened to me, and thankfully i was able to avoid an accident. i took the car to the dealer, and after running diagnostics, they told me that the 2004 malibu's have electronic power steering, and that there is an issue with the power steering motor and that it overheats, causing loss of power steering.*cw

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 55 mph on normal road conditions the "power steering" warning light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. immediately, there was a loss of power steering. the driver pulled over to the side of the road which required higher effort to turn the steering wheel. the engine was turned off and restarted. the vehicle resumed normal operation. the vehicle was inspected by two different authorized dealers. the technicians were unable to duplicate the failures. the vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunction. the failure mileage was 82,000.

While driving the vehicle, it loses power steering and is very difficult to turn the wheel. it occurs frequently and has been brought to the dealer for repairs. they say it has a defective steering column. the condition as exists is identified in a gm service bulletin# 04-02-35-009a. i contacted gm and they told me that this was not a safety issue and would not pay for the repairs. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. whenever the contact drives the vehicle at any speed, in any driving conditions the vehicle will suddenly lose all power steering. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership. the current and failure mileages were 60000.

2004 chevy malibu. problem with steering. steering wheel wants to tug repeatedly to the left. if i barely touch the steering wheel and put a little pressure either to right or left, the steering wheel by itself tugs up and down. at higher speeds i can feel in hands occasionally tugging. hope it don't decide one day to just do a hard turn into oncoming traffic. was told that it most likely is the steering assist on the column. why can't gm just have put a regular steering pump like everyone else. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the power steering suddenly failed; the contact had to use extra force to keep the vehicle under control. the contact turned the vehicle off and restarted which reset the power steering. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 104,957.

My mother owns a 2004 chevy malibu. the problem is that when she driving and about to make a turn the steering wheel looses power and is hard to turn. this could become a problem if snow or ice on the ground or she trying to avoid an accident. i had it over for service at a local chevy dealer. i was told that this is an occurring problem with this model. but that doesn't fix the problem. my mother is 72 years old. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu . while driving 60 mph he noticed the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel,and then the power steering failed. he then pulled over to the side of the road to restart the vehicle. the dealer was contacted the dealer to schedule an appointment for inspection. any repairs will made at the owners expense. the failure mileage was 145000. the current mileage was 147000.

I have a 2004 chevy malibu with 80,000 plus miles. my power steering column motor shorted out and therefore my power steering has enabled my car to be driven; and the fuel gauge shows empty when i just filled it with gas. i did an on-line research and saw there were so many other consumers that have the exact same problem as i have and i contacted gm and they told me it was nothing they could do. it is sad when we purchase 'made in america' products that the companies do not stand by their products. i feel there should be a total recall on all these cars before we end up with major accidents. shame on gm to get the power steering fix is not cheap. gm knows of these problems and is extremely nonchalant about rectifying the situation. toyota stepped up and recalled their cars to clear up the problems , whose going to make gm do the same? *tr