Problems with 2009 Chevrolet Malibu STEERING

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle started to shake. the vehicle had to be restarted to unlock the steering wheel. the failure recurred several times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the torque sensor needed to be replaced and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the steering wheel seized. the failure occurred intermittently. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the electrical power assist system needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

2009 chevy malibu when battery is on prior to starting car occasionally showed power steering and esc and to service both. now it has been occurring while driving and resets itself if car is shut off and also continues to occur in battery mode. vin is not part of the recall list yet its manufacture date was within the guidelines for the recall. *tr

I was driving at around 45mph and suddenly lost power steering assistance, making it difficult to steer, and increasing the risk of a crash. the problem persists. there have already been multiple recalls for this issue but my car is not included in these recalls. *tr

Power steering started failing at low speeds, would have to really crank wheel and eventually restart the car. took it to the dealership, where they told me it was a "thermal error" from me cranking the wheel too much (i don't turn the wheel any different that i did the last 4 years with the car). now its gotten worse- everytime i turn on my car the wheel is locked, and the power steering and service esc lights come on. i have to restart, sometimes a few times, before i can drive again. the wheel also makes little jerks and noises now when i'm driving at any speed. i know a ton of malibus have been recalled for power steering but apparently my vin number is not included in this despite the problems being identical. *tr

There is a power steering problem as is goes off on the freeway while driving, as well as there is a recall on the break lamp turns on and off while driving. attempted to contact multiple dealerships as they couldn't not find the issue relating to this problem.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. while driving 20 mph, the steering wheel seized without warning. the failure recurred several times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, but was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 95,000.

Loss of electric power steering assist. has happened literally dozens of times. can be driving or at a stop and the power steering assist will go away, the dash will chime, and messages will be displayed saying "power steering", "service esc", and "esc off". after that point there will be no steering assist until the vehicle is restarted. seems to be the same symptoms as cars affected by the power steering recall, however my vin shows that my car is not part of the recall. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 5 mph, the power steering and the esc warning lights illuminated. the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the failure was persistent. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the contact stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated and it became difficult to steer the vehicle. the contact was able to continue driving at a lower speed. the failure recurred on several occasions. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. while making a left turn at approximately 45 mph, the steering wheel seized and the check engine, traction control, and esc warning lights illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician stated that the torque angle sensor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). the failure mileage was 85,000.

Pulled into parking lot and as i was pulling into parking place my steering went out, traction control light came on and service esc message flashed across the screen. a power steering message also flashed acrossed the screen. this has happened to me alot and i am afraid it will go out when i am on a busy highway and i will be killed. my car has the electric power steering and i have read many other complaints about the same issue and there should be a recall before someone is injured or killed. *tr

Power steering went out and on the digital display it stated power steering failed contact dealer immediately. *tr

I had just left the expressway and was waiting to enter traffic. when it cleared i started up and lost power steering. this also happened two days before on 11-12-2014. the first incident was this last february. i called chevrolet and they said that my vin. number did not show up on the recall for loss of electronic power steering but yet i see that 2008 to 2009 malibus are under this recall. this information is clearly on your web site. i am aware that my vehicle could very well have had a faulty power steering unit installed. i feel that this is a hazard. the problem is the same as listed for the recall. *tr

Twice in past 5 days while traveling at slow speed, the power steering went out completely - very dangerous. turned off ignition and restarted engine and it was fine again. *tr

As i was driving down the street my steering wheel locked up and i was unable to move it to safely pull over to the side of the street. i just had to stop in the middle of the street and turn my car off and then back on. it then reset it and i was able to drive again. the "service esc" light came on and then "power steering" light came on. this is not the first time this has happened. it has happened before right in the middle of an intersection. where again i had to turn my car off and stop traffic and then turn it back on. i believe this could pose a serious safety issue. when your vehicle to stops because you cannot steer another vehicle can easily hit you and cause a severe accident. there should be a recall on this since it seems to affect a number of 2009 malibu's that i see all over forums and blogs. *tr

The wheel turn triggers the esc to turn off. sometimes mid parking lot. sometime mid highway on ramp at 45 mph. some days i can go without having any issues. other days i can't get the steering to come on. worst is when i am in mid turn and it triggers. very frustrating and annoying to just buy a car and have it be so unsafe that we can barely use it. called dealer but was told i would have to pay $109 to diagnose and service if needed to replace would run about $800. this car has been a nightmare with cost and issues. i had to pay $90 bucks to change a $20 front head light bulb because the bumper has to be removed to do this. locks don't work. *tr

So far, i have lost power steering 3 times while driving. this is the exact issue for which the 2009 chevrolet malibu has already been recalled. however, my 2009 was manufactured in a month not covered by the current recall. this is an extremely dangerous defect as it can result in an accident or loss of life. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn without warning. in addition, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). the failure mileage was 68,000.

I pulled into a parking lot and my power steering stopped working. i could barely turn the wheel. the car did not stall, the power steering just stopped working. i managed to pull into a parking space and turned the car off. when i started the car the power steering started working again. all i could think of was - what if it happened on the thruway! i took it to my dealer and they had to replace the torque sensor. i don't understand why my son's 2004 chevy malibu would have a recall on the power steering but the 2009 didn't???? the same thing happened to each of us. please help so that i can get my $438 refunded.?? and so that someone doesn't get hurt or worse! thank you. *tr

Turning out of a shopping center parking lot the power steering stopped working. *tr

I had pulled into the gas station, and my gas cap is on the passenger side. the only available pump that was open, in order for me to use it i had to pull up and reverse to get on the side of the pump to which i can fill gas on. as i was turning my wheel back into place, the steering wheel itself got stuck and seemed really hard to turn. as i tried to move my car, i got an error on my driver information center that my electric power steering had gone out. i presumed to panic, as i have not been in this situation before. i than turned off the vehicle and turned it back on and the power steering was back. i have heard that there have been recalls on this part for the 2009 chevrolet malibu's, so i had taken it to the dealership, only to be told that there is no recall and that i have to replace my steering column and pay for it completely out of pocket. i was really hoping that general motors would be able to cover this under some sort of warranty fix, but i am just being turned away left and right and being told all i can do is pay out of pocket which this particular part and labor would cost me $1000. they are only basically telling me the highway or no way, and i feel very unsafe driving this vehicle. what i do not understand is that with these cars being recalled with this issue, and i am being told that my car does not qualify for the recall when i am having that exact issue for the recall. i am just really hoping to find someone that will be willing to help me get this covered under the recall warranty seeing as it is the issue of the recall being placed. i do not feel safe driving my vehicle while i have to wait 24 to 48 hours to see if i get a response from general motors to see if they will help me on this issue. all i am asking is that someone please, please help me on this issue. *tr

I was pulling out of a parking lot and my power steering light came on along with a chiming sound. my steering wheel locked up and i couldn't turn the wheel. the same thing happened again about a month later and a third time about another month after that. i have read that there are recalls for the power steering for other 2009 chevy malibus but for some reason there is no recall with my car's vin number. i drive on the highways a lot and i am a bit nervous to drive now. *js

I lost my power steering. the dealer had to replace it. my son who has a 2004 chev malibu had a recall for the same problem and i can't understand why there hasn't been a recall on the newer ones. i had to pay $400 - it could have been a disaster if i was on the thruway. luckily i was in a parking lot when it happened.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. while driving and making a right turn, the steering wheel seized without warning. the contact powered off the engine while in traffic. the vehicle was restarted and was able to drive normally. three minutes later, the failure recurred three times. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel failed and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. the vehicle was taken to pohanka chevrolet (13915 lee jackson memorial hwy, chantilly, va 20151, (703) 968-6677) where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 178,000.

My 14-yr old daughter was driving our 2009 chevrolet malibu and all of a sudden the steering locked up and she was unable to turn the wheel (talk about a scary moment for a young driver and not to mention me). there were chimes and a message that displayed a steering failure. we stopped the car, shut it off then back on and the steering was back to 'normal'. i reviewed the recalls on this make & model and i see that there are a number of gm vehicles that are experiencing this same issue. we took our car to the dealer we purchased it through and he said the vehicle did show a code for the failure but our vin was not included in the recalls. the service manager then tells me it will be approx. $600.00 to replace the entire steering column. i mentioned & showed him the bulletins that have been posted regarding this issue but he said sorry, your car is not listed and it will be $600 to fix. i left very disappointed to say the least. then earlier today, my wife called and said this issue happened to her for the 1st time so now i'm angry. gm knows they have an issue as you can see with all the service bulletins posted on this but they don't seen to care. i really hope gm understands how important it is to be able to steer your vehicle properly. gm, be a reputable company and take care of this issue. if you care about the consumer, do the right thing and ensure your vehicles are safe to drive. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to turn the vehicle. the contact stated that check power steering was displayed across the message board. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering) but the vin was not included. the failure mileage was 135,000.

Driving car and went to turn and lost steering ability and nearly hit a truck. immediately had an exploding headache/migraine while trying to get car to safety. ambulance came and went to hospital. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate on several occasions while driving at various speeds. in addition, the contact stated that the power steering, the door locks, windows and rear tail gate failed. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 125,000. ma 10/23/15

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the steering wheel seized and became hard to turn. the failure recurred multiple times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis where the mechanic stated that the steering module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 70,663.

I am an owner of an chevy malibu 2009 with only 42,000 miles on it. i took my car in for a simple oil change and the service tech came out to me with a story that my steering gear/rack/pinion was bad and needed to be replaced. for a total of 1,028.07. my jaw nearly dropped to the floor. i could hardly believe that a car that i have only owned less than a year would need something so costly. i did not buy service plan cause i could not afford the extra amount of money to give to chevy. it amazes me that after all this and reading from others here that nothing has been done to correct the steering issues that chevy has. it amazes me even more that they do not feel that this is a mechanical issue that is there fault to repair and in return expects the owners to pay for their screw up. if they do not recall or fix the steering issues with chevy malibu models they will be sued or further more loose thousands of customers. i have owned several vehicles in the past and never had to have this type of this expense to repair a vehicle specially steering problems. if chevy really does a full inspection on vehicle before selling used cars i feel that this issue would have been caught. i will be taking further action on this case. this is chevy's burden not mine. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact heard a clunking sound from the rear to the front of the vehicle. the power steering warning indicator illuminated. in addition, the contact discovered that the speedometer was not registering the speed of the vehicle. the dealer was unable to diagnose or repair the failure. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was unavailable.

Car is having electrical issues locks going up and down without pressing power button car also alarming off also have taken care to be serviced for misfiring and jerking when driving. *tr

Electric power steering failure. young female driver had difficulty controlling vehicle. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while traveling 65 mph, the power steering failed and the warning lights for the traction service and power steering illuminated. the contact merged to the side of the road, where the vehicle was turned off and restarted. the vehicle resumed normal function. the contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the power steering column needed to be replaced. the failure and current mileage was 118,000. updated 10/7/14*cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the contact indicated that after a cool down period of 35-45 minutes, he restarted the engine, the vehicle operated normally. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number 14v153000(steering). the contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same defect listed in the recall. the failure mileage was 50,000. updated 08/12/14*lj

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while attempting to park, the steering wheel seized. the contact also mentioned that the door locks were unlocking and locking independently several times. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who could not duplicate the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact was aware of a nhtsa recall number: 14v153000 (steering) and stated that the vehicle was included. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 103,000. updated 10/09/2014*lj the consumer stated while steering, the vehicle would pull to the right. 3/25/2015 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at a very low speed, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. the contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to turn the vehicle. the power steering and service esc warning lights displayed across the message board. in addition, the contact stated that all doors failed to lock and unlock electronically. the contact had to manually lock and unlock the doors . the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering) however, the vin was not included. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 150,000.

Power steering failed on freeway at 65 mph just as listed on a gm recall for this exact make and model. my vin was not included in the recall but it had the exact same failure. gm will do nothing since my specific vin is not listed. *tr

Was driving and the electric power steering system went out. i nearly hit 3 cars trying to get off of the road. *tr

The electronic power steering failed while driving on highway, causing loss of normal steering control, making the vehicle difficult to steer. vehicle had to be moved out of traffic and restarted to reset the failure. loss of steering and esc. error code later determined to have been co545 (steering torque sensor). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized and the power steering service and esc warning indicators illuminated. the failure recurred numerous times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque sensor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

My power steering and service esc light would come on. my steering wheel would lock up. gm stated they would not reimburse me for my issue even though there is an recall out for the same issue. *tr

The power steering gave out while driving. the car was difficult to control and required significant force to turn the vehicle to safely get off of the highway. this created a significant safety issue as the car was practically un-drivable. i immediately contacted my general motors dealership and asked if it was covered under the powertrain warranty or any recall (since it was a safety issue), which they responded it was not. to my dismay, i had the vehicle repaired at my local mechanic at a cost of $760. with the steering column replaced, the car is working well and there are no current safety concerns. within a week of having my 2009 chevy malibu repaired (receipt dated 3/25/14, i read that 2004-2009 chevy malibus were being recalled because of a power steering issue. the description of the issue was identical to the situation i experienced with our 2009 chevy malibu. i contacted gm customer service within a few days and they instructed me to wait a few weeks for the letters from gm telling me of the recall and detailing how to seek reimbursement. after waiting several weeks with no letter, i contacted gm customer service again and they informed me that my vin was not covered under the recall, only certain vins of the 2009 model year were recalled. i take extreme exception to this. the problem i experienced with my 2009 chevy malibu is identical to the problem described within the recall. additionally, the repair covered under the recall is the exact work that i needed to have completed to make my vehicle safely operable again. either gm has made a mistake by not including my vehicle within the recall, or the extent of the current recall is not sufficient enough to encompass all 2009 chevy malibu?s that have the part(s) that lead to an increased risk for failure and hence, increased risk of a crash. *js

While my husband was traveling on the interstate at approx. 75 mph. (cruise control was set), without warning, the steering wheel began to violently shake. over a period of approx. 30 seconds, the traction control light flashed and all power steering was lost. he managed to slow the car and safely get to the shoulder of the road. the eps message was also flashing across the across the odometer. we monitored the nhtsa complaints since there were numerous complaints being filed regarding other consumers experiencing the same mechanical failure. we waited until 03/27/2014 to have the repairs performed, which consisted of the replacement of the steering column due to the failure of the power steering assist motor. gm then issued a recall on 03/31/2014 to include select 2009 chevy malibu's. however, when i contacted gm, i was told my vin is not included in the recall and i will not subject to reimbursement for my repairs (totaling $773.62). i spoke with numerous representatives at gm, and was told by each of them, that the recall is only for select vehicles and despite my claim that my car experienced the exact mechanical failure as listed in the recall, my vin is not included and any claim i submit will be denied. i am applauded that defective equipment has been installed in my car (which has been involved in two other gm recalls such as the ignition switch and the shift lever indicator) and gm is refusing resolve this situation. i am turning to nhtsa for further investigation so all consumers affected, including myself, be properly reimbursed for the expense incurred to correct gm's already proven defective equipment. the extent of stress gm has caused my family by near tragic accident of my husband and the financial burden of paying to correct a problem they have already identified as a problem is unethical and criminal. *tr

I was driving at highway speed (approx. 75 mph) the steering wheel began to shake and the traction control to turn on and off. then suddenly i had no power steering. this happened to me at night and suddenly, with our any warning. it is concerning to me that this problem has not been recalled! i found it to be extremely challenging not to loose control of the car since i had been traveling comfortably at 75mph, then suddenly had no power steering. i cannot stress the danger of this occurrence and the possible unfortunate outcome had my wife been driving with my kids in the car. this needs to be recalled now....do not wait until it has cost someone their life! *tr

While driving the elec. stability control light came on and steering became difficult due to the power steering assist motor giving out. when this happen, the steering wheel would inadvertently move back & forth. the sensor in the motor and in the lower steering column both went out. this was an extremely expensive repair not to mention that i was traveling down a busy interstate and could had a severe accident. *tr

While luckily driving on city streets around 35mph the "power steering needs servicing" light came on. thought it might need power steering fluid and was told my model didn't use fluid - it was all electrical in the steering column. since it was still under warranty i took it the next day to the chevy dealer who sold it to me and was told it wasn't covered at a cost of over $600. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while approaching a traffic light, the service traction control warning message illuminated. there was also a loss of power steering. the contact had to turn the vehicle off; however, she was able to restart it. the failure occurred intermittently and while traveling approximately 30 mph the failure recurred. the contact was able to coast the vehicle onto the emergency lane and restart the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the contact was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 14v153000 (steering). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 109,720.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated after the engine was started. additionally, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 80,000. updated 5/22/14*cn updated 8/17/17*cn