Problems with 2004 Chevrolet Malibu STEERING

I was driving my daughter to a doctors appointment, and my car dinged 3 times and "power steering" came across on the radio face, and i lost power steering. i shut the car off and when i started it again it was fine. today (1-23-13) i was driving with my daughter in the car, and i was driving around a curve, when the car dinged 3 times again and power steering displayed across the radio screen. i lost power steering in mid turn, and had to fight to keep the car under control. does someone have to die for this to ne corrected? *tr ## vin failed ##

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. the powered off the vehicle and once restarted, the power steering assist resumed normally. the failure was experienced several times. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic where a diagnostic was performed however, was unable to generate a failure code. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 113,528 and the current mileage was 113,588.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while parking, the steering wheel failed with the illumination of the power steering warning light. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnosis where it was advised to the contact that the motor and the power steering column needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 28,000. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph and completing a turn, the power steering assist failed and the steering wheel became very difficult to maneuver. in addition, the power steering warning light illuminated immediately after the failure. the contact shut off and restarted the vehicle, as it performed normally. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where they advised that the they could not get the vehicle to duplicate the failure. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and current mileages were approximately 93,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving approximately 5-10 mph, the power steering assist failed as the steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. the contact moved off the roadway and restarted the vehicle. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure and current mileages were approximately 85,000. the vin was unavailable.

Upon slowing down the car to make a right turn, the power steering failed causing the car to veer into an oncoming lane of traffic. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the steering wheel seized and became hard to turn. the power steering warning light illuminated as the failure occurred. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed, which located the failure at the power steering motor and column. the steering rack and pinion were previously repaired, however the failure was not corrected. the vehicle was not repaired for the recent failure. the approximate failure mileage was 28,900 and the approximate current mileage was 29,000.

The power steering stopped working for no reason, i turned off the car and restarted which reset the power steering. it has happened a few times since then, now in the last week twice it will not reset and have to had to drive it home manually. i am taking it a dealer today, the dealer i bought it from said they fixed the steering rack but it obviously did not resolve the problem. gm has no recall on this even though they are aware of this very serious issue. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving 10 mph the power steering failed. the contact mentioned that after turning off the vehicle for 10 minutes the steering resumed normal function. also, the contact stated that the wrench symbol illuminated on the instrument panel when the failure occurred. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was told that the eletronic power assist failed. the failure mileage and the current mileage was 80,985.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became very stiff. the contact was able to pull over and check under his hood to see if the fluid was low. after lifting the hood the driver noticed that there was no reservoir for the power steering fluid. the contact then called the dealer and informed them of the situation. they advised him that the vehicle had an electronic motor and there was no where for him to place the power steering fluid. the driver waited a while and then restarted the vehicle, which temporarily repaired the steering failure. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure and current mileage was approximately 186,000. the vin was unavailable.

2004 chevrolet malibu lt. consumer writes in regards to power steering problems. *smd the consumer stated each time he turned the steering wheel, the warning light would illuminated. it locked up on one occasion and the consumer was unable to turn the steering wheel. the consumer discovered a recall had been issued for the electric power steering starting with the 2005 models. *jb

The steering wheel started shaking and in the middle of a turn the power steering went out causing the car to jerk and go off the side of the road. i went all winter with the power steering going in and out. i am still having this problem. i have a recall on it but i have no one that will fix it. it is now going on two months. i keep being told that there are no parts. i am afraid if this continues i will end up in a bad accident. *tr

While driving home from work my power steering light came flashed on the radio and the dashboard, i tried to make a right hand turn and the wheel was very hard to turn. i pulled over to the side of the road turned the car off and waited about 5 minutes started it back up and it was ok. i drove for about 1 mile and it did it again. this happened my whole drive home, i had to keep turning the car off at each intersection just to make it home. this happened again yesterday october 25th, i had to keep turn the car off in order to make it home. since i drive about 8 miles each day to and from work i am concern that this is a very dangerous situation. i went on line and have found that this is a serious problem with the 2004 malibu, why in the world has there not been a recall on this problem.? i am just thankful that i was not on the highway when this happened, because this could have been a disaster. i live in an area of the country that can be very bad in the winter and with this happening someone can be seriously hurt if you cannot maneuver in bad weather. i hope that there have been enough complaints that this will call for general motors to do a recall before something terrible happens. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the power steering assist failed while approaching a stop light. the contact was able to coast into a parking area. the power steering warning light illuminated after the failure occurred. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 163,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the steering failed without warning while turning left. the steering became hard to turn and caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle. the steering resumed normal function for a brief moment and the mechanical warning light illuminated after the failure occurred. the failure was experienced several times. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 62,000 and the approximate current mileage was 64,000. updated 3/5/13 *cn the consumer stated the steering issue, was intermittent.

Couldn't get out of my drive way. this is the first time this happens, went online to find a solution and found out it was a manufacturers error. i can see its not on the recall list even though there has been some complaining done, even after getting it "fixed". *tr

I am having the same problem as half the 2004 malibu owners. i have a 2004 malibu my power steering just stops working. this has happened several times. i have almost had several accidents because of this. i found 176 people on one website that is also having this problem and several other website with the same complaint on. chevy has not recalled the 2004 for it. however that did recall the 2005 for the same problem. that only because someone died in the car due to the power steering problem. wow now i feel safe. i am a single mom i cant pay $600.00 for a maybe fix. they cant promise after replacing the steering column it will even fix the problem. i cant buy a new car. they need to take responsibility for there mess up. guess i have to wait till someone dies in the 2004 before they fix it and who knows i might be the one that does. facebook connect *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel seized and it became hard to turn. the power steering warning light illuminated as the failure occurred. the contact stated that the front drivers seat became lower and they were unable to adjust the front or back. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for both failures where the failures were unable to be replicated. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 93,000. the current mileage was 95,000. *tr

Inflated.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel as the failed power steering message appeared on the stereo display. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that there was a voluntary recall for the failure but stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Since 2012 i have nothing but problems with my malibu. power steering going out causing the whole front end to become unstable, causing the car to pull the left and the right. hard to keep it centered; causing busted belts in tires, bad brakes, torn up rotors. fuel gage not working properly, traction control on break censor going off and on. ignition switch not working properly, i have received 4 recall notices so far and i know there are more to be had. but no dealer ship seems to have any parts to fix this car. this car is a death trap. i feel as though every time i strap my self into my car, i am setting myself up to be hurt or killed. i need to get this car fixed. if not i need someone to get me new one. *tr

The power steering will randomly go out. most often it happens at low speeds, ex. backing out of a parking space, starting from a stop sign etc. it has also happened at 20 miles per hour around a curve in the road which very nearly ended in a crash. turning the car off and back on again has resolved the issue temporarily but i am very concerned that sooner or later this will end in a crash. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. when making a turn, an abnormal noise emitted from the steering column. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the steering column flex coupling needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 66,759.

Steering on vehicle became difficult to turn to the right, but a lot of play in the wheel when turning left. same situation happened off and on for approximately one week. on 7/21/12 while driving the vehicle, the console made a "dinging" sound and indicated that there was a problem with the power steering and simultaneously it lost all ease of steering. it had absolutely no power steering capability. it was very frightening to not have control of the vehicle and having to struggle to get the car to a safe place out of the road that i was driving on. *tr

I was driving and i heard a ding,i looked down at my gauges and the steering light was on. after that i noticed the power steering was not there. i then shut off my car and let it sit and then started it. the steering was back on but i don't want my life or any others lives at risk. updated 07/05/12 *jb

When starting my car, there was a warning chime and the message "power steering" appeared on my driver's information center. when i put my vehicle in gear there was a loss of power steering capabilities and it was very difficult to drive without the power steering enabled. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became inoperable. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who reset the steering and corrected the failure for three weeks before recurring. the dealer was notified who advised that there were no recalls for the vehicle for the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 67,356.

As i drove my wife who was in labor to the hospital, the power steering failed as i began to turn into an intersection. simultaneous to this, the check engine light came on. barely made the turn without going into oncoming traffic. power steering stayed off the rest of the trip. arrived at hospital and turned car off. power steering came back on. power steering then failed on way home from the hospital. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a strange noise when driving at various speeds. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was advised that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to maneuver. the power steering warning light also illuminated. the failure was recurring. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where the mechanic stated that the steering column would need to be replaced. the manufacturer was not made aware if the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

As my son was driving, the power steering went out and it was very difficult to steer. after turning off the car and restarting, the power steering came back on. this has happened twice. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 5 mph and making a right turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle without warning. the failure recurred on several occasions. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 31,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 35 mph, the power steering light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 208,000.

I was driving and the power steering flashed on dashboard. after that my steering wheel locked up. i had to pull over cause i could turn steering wheel at all. i turned my car off and restarted the steering wheel was back to normal. i am understanding why this is not a recall this very much a safety concern. *tr

My wife was driving down the road and all of a sudden there was no power steering. she weighs 110 pounds and could not steer it at all. what if she was going 70 mph? i have read all of the complaints but gmc decides not to recall this year but recall 2005? that is a awful way of doing business. how many people have to be injured or die before they fix this? i want answers because this is not a couple of people that it happens to. this is crap! *tr

Steering is loose and rattling . does not sound safe. *tr

Last year, i was driving and my cars power steering activated. it turned off almost immediately. since last summer is happens every day, usually when i am accelerating and switching gears. this has been very dangerous. i have almost gotten in several accidents because my steering wheel will jerk. this has happened while i'm in the middle of a left turn. please try to get a recall on this. i know a couple of people will the same make, model and year as i have, and they have the same issue. i will not take this to get fixed and spend hundreds of dollars as other have. this clearly needs to be taken care of. *tr

Power steering warning light appears in dic and car loses electronic assisted steering for a period of 5-10 seconds. this problem occurs at several different speed intervals and is very dangerous. *tr

In the middle of driving, my power steering turned on and i could not turn the wheel. i was in the middle of an intersection, and a car crashed into my back bumper. i just recently got it fixed, and found it was an electrical issue that cost me 700. when speaking to the mechanic, the told me there is a good chance it will happen again if it gets jerked the wrong way. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the power steering failed and the vehicle became hard to steer. the contact was able to maintain control of the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 151,734.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving 5 mph and attempting a left turn, the power steering seized with the illumination on the power steering warning light. the vehicle was then turned off for a few minutes and once restarted the power steering resumed normal operation. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the dealer was contacted and stated to the contact that the steering column needed to be replaced. the failure mileage was 134,985 and the current mileage was 135,011.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the driver was traveling 55 mph when the power steering failed. the check engine warning light illuminated prior to the failure. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic and the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 83,500.

While pulling into a shopping mall the power steering stopped working and almost caused an accident. with a great deal of effort i did manage to get the car parked. however it could no longer operate safely so i had to have it towed. *tr

This was approximately the first time since we had the problem fixed under the warranty when we first purchased the vehicle. the power steering just went out on my wife while she was making a left turn into a parking lot and didn't have full control of the car and almost got into an accident. it has since happened to my daughter once about three weeks after my wife's experience. now it just happened to my wife again on 4-10-12 at mileage 144216 approx. this time she was in the parking lot and it went out causing her to not have complete control again just missing getting into an accident. it does come back on after turning off the vehicle and letting it sit. my main concern is that it just goes out without any warning and doesn't allow the driver to have complete control of steering the car because it is extremely hard to steer without the power steering if they can steer it at all. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph attempting to avoid a dog, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and the power steering seized. the contact crashed into the dog. the contact was not injured. the vehicle was towed to nearest independent mechanic for repairs to the damaged front end. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 94,000. updated 03/17/15*lj updated 9/12/2017*cn

As we parked i put the car in reverse after letting someone out of passenger seat and a soon as i put the vehicle in reverse the steering gave out. if i was on the road another 5 minutes my fiance and i could be dead in the hospital etc... this complaint is everywhere on the internet why no recall. someone is going to die because chevy doesn't want to fix there mess up. if i shot at someone and killed them i would be in jail for a long time. but if there vehicle malfunctions and kills someone all they have to do is pay a lawsuit and there good. that isn't rite. i am going to push this issue until there is a recall. what do they have to reach a quota in deaths in order to put a recall out... this is unreal and the second time this part was replaced on the car. before i bought it the dealer had told me they just put a brand new steering column in so do something about this before someone losses there life over it. *tr

As i was slowing down to make a left turn, my vehicle all of a sudden failed to allow any steering and was almost involved in a traffic accident. i was able to brake and avoid the accident, but as soon as i came to a complete stop, the vehicle turned off and would not turn on again. when it did turn on, i was able to steer again, so i parked my vehicle. *tr

Loss of power steering. *tr

Loss of power steering at various speeds... steering comes & goes, loss of power assist. should be a recall-very dangerous when not expected. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 5 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated but the power steering assist was not affected. the failure recurred intermittently. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. the mechanic advised the contact that the battery could possibly have been causing the failure. the battery was replaced but the failure persisted. the vehicle was not further repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 119,000.