Problems with 2005 Chevrolet Malibu MAXX STEERING

2005 chevy malibu, 95000 miles. for 60000 miles have had limited if any power steering. it generally goes out right away when outside temp is above 60 degrees. otherwise within 20 miles of driving it goes out. when it goes out i am usually going around a corner or cloverleaf. when power steering goes out steering becomes extremely difficult to turn and usually tries to go back to a forward direction. not convenient when trying to turn. my wife it totally unable to drive the car, for it would lead to a crash. i find it hard to believe, after investigating this problem online, that chevy has not issued a recall for this problem. this is a huge accident waiting to happen. the couple of time i have taken it into a chevy dealer i was told there is no warranty on this car. the first time i took it in there was only 38,000 miles on the car. needless to say chevy has lost a customer. this has been an ongoing problem that started around the beginning of the year 2007. *tr

After allowing vehicle to warm up approximately 5 minutes, put vehicle in reverse to back out of driveway. vehicle's steering failed, was unable to turn steering wheel for duration of about one minute, then steering assist began to work again and i was able to turn the wheel. several times previously over the last six months steering has seemed very stiff on occasions, but not to the degree that steering failed. *nm

2005 malibu maxx was sent to the dealership for some warrenty service work on problems with front end noises. the car was returned 30 minutes after being dropped off. the dealer said the car had a bad steering rack and shaft. the parts were ordered and the car returned for driving until the parts were recieved. less than 100 miles later the car lost steering control and slammed into a semi truck on a major freeway. the car is a total loss. i did an internet search and this seems to be a problem others have expecienced. *nm

Tl*- the contact stated that while driving her 2005 chevrolet malibu on the highway or in the city the power steering did not function correctly. the steering got rough ,and when turning the steering wheel she heard a clunking noise, but not sure if it was from the wheel or the engine. the contact took the vehicle to the dealership in september 2006 and they replaced the rack and pinion steering. also, the contact took the vehicle to the dealer in november 2006 for the same failure ,and they stated that they couldn't find the failure on the vehicle. *ak

Steering lock and knocks when turning the car. vehicle has 44000 miles on it. started about the time the warranty ran out. *nm

My vehicle is a 2005 chevy malibu maxx. the vehicle doesn't always turn over. i have had my vehicle in the shop a couple of times to determine the problem and the chevy dealer can't figure it out. i will try to start my vehicle but it doesn't always crank over. it will chug a lot and then stall out. other times it will chug and act like it will stall and then turn over. sometimes it takes 2-3 times for me to try and get the vehicle to start. i called my service department at the chevy dealer every time it happened and the only common factor was that it was happening every 800-1000 miles approximately. it didn't matter how cold or hot it was, wet or dry. it has been awful! nothing has been replaced on the vehicle to try and fix the problem with it starting. my can has just over 32500 miles and is still under warranty. the most recent time was late september 2006. i am not sure on the exact date that i called my car dealer. i also took my vehicle in on 9-12-06 for a popping sound in the steering when turning. we found out that the center steering shaft was broke. it was replaced. there was a problem with the interior front blinker not working but the exterior did. then shortly after the left front blinker blew. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle pulled to the left at various speeds. the dealership replaced the rack and pinion and steering column, but the problem persisted. updated *jb

Since purchasing my 2005 chevy malibu maxx in september of 2006, the vehicle has required an inordinate amount of maintenance time., especially for a conservative driver like myself. in three years, both lower control arms with ball joints (the arms are of aluminum construction) have had to be replaced twice. in the same time, the car has twice needed tie rod replacement my garage mechanic indicates that other malibu maxx customers, even with a newer model year, are experiencing identical problems. *tr

Clunking in steering again. dealership said the steering box 'new improved" went out and said that the noise is coming in from inside of the box. they don't understand why it keeps going out. this is the third steering box. malibu only has 34,500 miles. dealership tightened steering while waiting for the new box. the car would not straighten from minor corrections. if you turn to the left it would keep going left and if you corrected it would go to toward the opposite side into oncoming vehicles. returned to dealership told them it was an accident waiting to happen and couldn't drive it. they finally gave me a rental car. approximate date 8 of 06. *nm

I purchased my 2005 chevy malibu maxx ls as a "program car" thinking it was the next best thing to a new car. i guess i was wrong. since purchasing the vehicle in april 2006 i have had consistent trouble with my front end. i have had to take it to the dealer for warranty repairs four times! now at 50,500 miles my front end is acting up again. the last time i had my repairs done i was out of warranty and called gmac and asked for a repurchase. gmac contacted my dealer and returned a call to me stating that i should try another dealer they could not get anywhere with my current dealer. i was not surprised after being told by the shop leader that"his wife's car did the same thing and that the best thing i could do is drive it till its paid for! i have had it with this car and the service my local dealer . i love gmac and i wish they would be more aggressive at dealing with bad dealerships. my dealership made me feel stupid and like i was bothering them. i am still paying on my malibu but am looking to trade but i am so scared that i will just gain a whole new problem from another vehicle...what do i do? *tr

I own a 2005 malibu maxx and after one year old it began making clunking noises in the front. i took it to the dealership and they said they had to replace a part of the steering shaft. they did what they did and the noise was gone. they also replaced struts. a few months later it did it again. this time they replaced tie rod ends. by this time my warranty had expired. then 2 months later it did it again! they lubed something and now it has been 8 months and it has not returned yet. now my engine light is on and i keep getting a message to check my gas cap. i check it and nothing is wrong. *tr

Loose/clunky steering. the clunky sound and feel can be heard/felt whenever the steering wheel is moved. there is also some space between when the steering wheel is turned and when the wheels actually turn. feels unsafe to me. i'm very easy on the turns, it scares me that something is going to break when i turn. don't know if that's the case i'm not a mechanic, but it feels and sounds awful. it started months after i bought the care. i purchased it april 2006, basically a new car, but after a few months the problem started. i took it to the dealership they fixed it, but it started up again after a few months. i took it in again to the dealership they said they were installing a new improved steering gear or something like that. it lasted a little longer this time, but the problem started again. this should be a recall repair. the warranty is over so i'm not taking it in again. it isn't worth the expense - a temporary fix is not the solution. this will probably be my last chevy. it's disappointing. my cars have always been at least 6 years old when purchased. this was my newest car purchased. it was exciting, but then ended up being so disappointing. my next newer car purchase will be nissan. i miss my old nissan. *tr

Clunking noise in steering when turning left to right. dealership inspected and said steering gear box is bad. only 33,122 miles. *nm

Malibu maxx with 24,000 miles i started hearing a popping or clunking noise when turning steering wheel. i took it into the dealer and they told me that it was something to do with the gears in the steering column and said they fixed. a week later the same noise was back. i took the car back to the dealer and they then said that they had to order a new rack for the steering. the rack was replaced a few days later. these repairs (along with a long list of other repairs including replacing the gas take) were completed on 7/18/2006. now december 3rd 2006 i am hearing the same noise and will have to take the car back this week. i drive this car 60 miles everyday and am very concerned with the safety of this vehicle. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx. while driving 30 mph, the power steering failed and the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was able to be restarted and was taken to the dealer. the repairs that were made were unknown, but the failure recurred intermittently. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was unknown.

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds a popping or knocking noise was heard from under the front of the vehicle. it was driven to the dealer who determined the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. updated 07/03/06. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the steering column shakes and locks. this occurs intermittently while driving at various speeds. the dealership determined the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. the manufacturer has been alerted.

Recurring problems with electric power steering system. constant noises and deteriorating steering condition. purchased vehicle in march and have had it serviced for related problem 3 times in 3 months. *jb

2005 malibu maxx hydraulic seat malfunctioned and the back seat unlocked. *kb ***nar*** the drivers seat would not stay in the upright position. due to the misalignment of the seat, the consumer experienced recurring right knee joint pain and inflammation, which required emergency medial care and ultimately surgery. the consumer believed the malfunction of the seat is what caused her knee injury. the intermediate steering shaft was replaced. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the power steering light illuminated and the steering wheel locked. he had to use extreme force to turn the wheel. he turned the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle to remedy the failure. the failure occurred eight times. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but the dealer stated that they could not duplicate the problem. the vehicle was not repaired when the complaint was filed. the first failure mileage was approximately 20,000. the current mileage was approximately 95,000. updated 5/24/10 *cn updated 06/18/10.*jb

Steering pop when turning car, on 2005 malibu maxx. *jb

My chevrolet malibu maxx (2005, 17k miles) frequently has a clunking noise that appears to be coming from the left front suspension. the noise is often accompanied by the feeling of a "hit" underneath the driver's feet and on occasion seems to be connected to a steering input (steering wheel moves notably). this happens only at lower speeds (below approx. 35 miles/hour) and during or after left turns and is especially strong on uneven roads. i took the car to a certified chevrolet dealer for repair and have been informed that this clunking is related to a problem with the intermittent shaft of the steering, that this problem is known to chevrolet and has been assigned the number pic3747, and that no repair is possible at this time. they also told me that they have no data indicating that this problem is at the same time a safety issue. but as i have a notable steering input, and as the constant clunking is also interfering with concentration, i consider this a safety issue and thus filed this complaint regarding this problem. *jb

Last febuary i bought this car "certified used" from a chevy dealership. less than a week later the power steering failed while i was driving on the highway at 65 mph. some how i managed to pull over without wrecking the car. i turned it of and back on again and it seemed fine. then it happed again and again so we took it to the dealership. at first i really regretted buying the car but they fixed it and it seemed okay. now a year later and after the warrenty has expired there is a clicking and thumping noise coming from the steering and i'm sure that i will have to pay plenty to get that fixed lucky for them the warrenty is gone. meanwhile i'm without a car. i will never buy aniother car from gm again. this car was a huge mistake!

We bought our malibu maxx in feb. of 2005. started have in problems with the steering, in oct 05. there was a knocking-clunking sound when turning the steering wheel. we took the car in to the dealership in dec. of 05. we where told there was no fix for it at that time but one would be available the first quarter of the year. at the time we had 21,000 miles on the car. finally in the 3rd quarter of the year they had a "fix". the intermediate steer shaft was replaced. the "fix" lasted only 3,000 miles before they had to replace it again. this "fix" again only lasted 3,000 miles. we have asked gm to replace the car and have been told we have too many miles on the car. 41,000 miles. we feel since the car can not be fixed and that we waited as asked by gm, that gm should replace the car or give us the value of the car when we first started having the problem. *nm

Power steering failed 2 times in last 3 days and both times it has happened i was stopped. i had no power assist and it takes a lot of effort to move the wheel in any direction. after i did move the wheel several times i regained power steering and was able to proceed on my way. i think this problem should be upgraded to a recall asap! *jb

While driving the car, it gives out a couple of dings but no light ever or anything to let me know that the power steering the issue it just goes out. this occur on the express way in chicago where there is little room for error. i felt that my life was in danger and i hate to say it but i was really scared. *ln

While driving vehicle the electronic assisted steering stopped working. the second time this has happened in less than 12,000 miles and 8 months. this time mechanic advised it was the steering box not the column so it was not covered by warranty (surprise). i was advised the labor and part would cost nearly $598 ($597 and change). *tr

Our 2005 chevy malibu has had steering issues since it was new. the dealer and gm have not been able to fix it as of yet. the car has a constant pull to the left and on occasion (4 times) the car will veer to the left crossing lanes before you can get control and bring it back it to the correct driving lane. the repair so far has been to reprogram the steering module or replace it. this has not worked and is what they are attempting to do again. *jb

There were no events that lead up to the failiures. i have the paper work of the two times i 've taken my care to be repaired. the date i inidate below is not accurate however, just an estimated date.*ak the failure was the electric power stearing has gone out numerous times. i've had it in teh shop twice. the first time, they replaced the steering column, the second time, they claimed its not the steering column, but that it is something they can't fix but can clear out the "codes" and it will be "temporarly" fixed. according to gm " they know the problem exists in this type of car but are unable to fix it" the other problem is the that the steering is pulling to the left. the dealership mechanic claimed it be torque steering and they are unable to fix that as its "normal" i have never had a vehicle pull to the left so much as this car does. they rotated my tires to see if that would work but it didn't.