277 of the
574 complaints about the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx are about the
steering — 48% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
70,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E044000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11521181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesSayville, NY
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11463018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPasco, WA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO MCCURLEY CHEVROLET (1325 N AUTOPLEX WAY, PASCO, WA 99301) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11229332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesSioux Falls, SD
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. ALSO, 'POWER STEERING' DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO BILLION AUTOMOTIVE (600 W. 41ST, SIOUX FALLS, SD) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11205826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesChicago, IL
STEERING
NO STEERING,STEERING TURNS AROUND AND AROUND WITHOUT STOP TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION,RIGHT OR LEFT. SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED,SPENT APPROXIMATELY $1200.00 BEFORE. CAR THIS TIME ENDED IN A TOW POUND YARD. TRIPLE AAA MOVED MY CAR TO A SHOP CALLED QUICK STOP WHERE I WANTED TO GET MY CAR FIXED AT ONLY TO DISCOVER THEY DIDN'T DO ELECTRICAL WORK WHICH THEY DISCOVERED WAS THE PROBLEM AMONG OTHERS. AGAIN THE TOWING COMPANY TRIPLE AAA CARRIED IT TO WEBB CHEVROLET SUGGESTED BY THIS SHOP. WEBB CHEVROLET DISCOVERED ALSO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. MY INSURANCE NOTIFIED ME AFTER I CONTACT THEM FOR A CLAIM REPORT. AN ESTIMATOR WAS SENT TO WEBB CHEVROLET ALSO THEY DISCOVERED AFTER A TEAR DOWN DIAGNOSIS THAT IT IS A RECALL ISSUES. NOW YOU ARE BEING NOTIFIED BY ME,RUBY WELLS OF THESE PROBLEMS. THIS IS WHY IM NOTIFYING YOU OF THE RECALLS FOUND ON THIS MAKE,MODEL AND YEAR 2004 VEHICLE. NOT STATIONARY,IT WAS IN MOTION WHEN HAPPENED ON CITY STREET. MY SON WAS ARRESTED FOR NO REASON $2000 BAIL TIMES 2 . COURT JUDGE THROUGH CASE OUT ON APRIL 45TH 2019 AFTER DISCOVERING BOGUS TICKETS WRITING AND ARRESTS THEY INDICATED THERE WAS NO INSURANCE ON VEHICLE AND HAD MY CAR TOWED TO POUND WITHIN HOURS. I HAD TO PAD TOWING FEES OF $1200 APPROXIMATELY TO GET MY CAR FROM POUND LESS THAN24 HOURS OF THE TOWING. MONEY HAS ALREADY BEEN SPENT UNNECESSARILY MONEY I HAD TO BORROW BECAUSE I'M RETIRED. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF THIS FOR ME ASAP. PLEASE!
NHTSA complaint #11194247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSylvester, GA
STEERING
STEERING OUT OF WHACK. I HAVE HAD MY CONTROL ARM ON BOTH SIDES CHANGED ALONG WITH AXLES AND A ALIGNMENT. NO LUCK ITS STILL ALL OVER ROAD. I DRIVE FROM SYLVESTER GA TO TIFTON GA EVERYDAY. IT DOES THE SAME THING EVERYTIME. ALSO I HAVE HAD MY LIGHTS REPLACED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. WHY ARENT THE LASTING. GAS CAP KEEPS READING ERROR. WHOLE CAR. I CAN LET SOMEONE DRIVE IT TO SEE WHAT I AM SAYING.
NHTSA complaint #11193420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesElmira, NY
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, A POPPING NOISE WAS PRESENT AND THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT PULLED OUT OF THE RACK. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. ELM CHEVROLET (301 E. CHURCH ST, ELMIRA, NY) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
NHTSA complaint #11172836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 198,000 milesJacksonville, AL
STEERING
THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST WOULD FAIL WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE STEERING AND HAVE TO COME TO A STOP AND TURN VEHICLE OFF TO AVOID A CRASH. IT IS SCAREY AND DANGEROUS. MINE ISN'T THE ONLY MALIBU MAXX THAT HAS HAD THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11170090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North LAS Vegas, NV
STEERING
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND POWER STEERING WON'T WORK
NHTSA complaint #11165316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,972 milesReno, NV
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE AND POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE INDICATORS WENT AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,972. *DT CONSUMER STATED MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED AND REPAIRS MADE. UPDATED 12/04/18
NHTSA complaint #11142267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesAuburn, WACrash1 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER. IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S AIR BAG EXPLODED AND STRUCK THE DRIVER IN THE FACE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #11141448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,334 milesDenton, TX
STEERING
ELECTRONIC STEERING FAILURE ON RECAL REPLACEMENT PART, IN 2014 REPLACED UNDER RECALL STEERING COLUMN AND MODULE. 3 YEARS LATER FAILED AGAIN. REPLACEMENT PARTS APPEAR DEFECTIVE NOT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. REPLACED AT DEALERSHIP INDICATED RECAL REPLACED ONCE, NOW IS OWNERS RESPONSIBILTY TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #11055167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesThroop, PA
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS OR BREAKING NOISES RATTLES AN SEVERE SHAKE IN STEERING COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN AN AN STEERING BINDING WHEN FIRST STARTING CAR HARD TO TURN WHEELS STRANGE NOISES WHEN APPLYING BREAKS
NHTSA complaint #11046007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesHockley, TX
STEERING
RECALL #14116 WAS IN ON 04/13/15 TO HAVE THE RECALL CORRECTED AND IT WAS AT THAT TIME, BUT NOW THE PROBLEM IS RECURRING. WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION ANY WHERE WHEN YOU ACCELERATE THE POWER STEERING ON THE CAR LOSES ELECTRONIC ASSIST CAUSING THE STEERING TO BE EXCESSIVELY HARD.
NHTSA complaint #11044464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesAlbany, NY
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REMAINED ON AFTER THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR, AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
NHTSA complaint #11000452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesGreenville, RI
STEERING
POWER STEERING GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING WHEN DRIVING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS. WEATHER CONDITIONS/TEMPERATURE, THE CAR BEING WARMED UP/COLD MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS, BACK ROADS GOING AROUND CORNERS-ROAD CONDITIONS/TYPE OF ROAD MAKE NO DIFFERENCE. ALSO THERE HAS BEEN A RATTLING SOUND LIKE SOMETHING METAL IS RATTLING. THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING AND THERE IS NO OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE PREPARATIONS. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10946400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesNewport, NC
STEERING
STEERING WHEEL HAS NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. HAD A KNOCKING NOISE SINCE I BROUGHT 3 YEARS AGO. STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENS UP AND VERY HARD TO TURN AND TIGHTENS MORE WHILE TRYING TO MAKE TURNS AT SLOW SPEEDS . NOW HAPPENING SOME TIMES WHEN I PUT INTO REVERSE. BEEN TRYING TO TEACH MY SON HOW TO DRIVE AND WHEEL TO TIGHT FOR HIM TO PRACTICE TURNS. A FEW WEEKS AGO HE ALMOST RAN INTO A BUSH WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP SIGN BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN. HAD HIM PUT THE CAR IN PARK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WHILE ON COMING CARS HAD TO STOP AND WAIT FOR US TO SWITCH DRIVERS. GETTING WORSE/TIGHTER OVER TIME. IF THE WHEEL IS SLIGHTLY TURNED AND I PUT IN DRIVE THE CAR JUMPS AHEAD WITH NO CONTROL OVER THE STEERING. ALREADY TOOK IN FOR RECALL'S FOR POWER STEERING SO WHEN I CALLED WAS TOLD ALL MY RECALLS HAD BEEN DONE AND EXPIRED. LAST FEW DAYS THE WHEEL IS SHAKING THE CLOSER I DRIVE TO 55 MPH. CLEARLY THE STEERING HAS ISSUES THAT SEEMS TO BE A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM AND GM NOT WILLING TO MAKE RIGHT. A DRIVING HAZARD!
NHTSA complaint #10945596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montross, VA
STEERING
INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING DURING ACCELERATION HAS PERSISTED AND CONTINUES TO GET WORSE AFTER RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000) WAS PERFORMED. THIS CREATES A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM ANY FURTHER REPAIRS AT THEIR EXPENSE, CLAIMING THERE WAS A ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON THE REPAIR. HOWEVER, THEIR REMEDY FOR THIS SAFETY DEFECT DIDN'T FIX THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM AND IT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10917421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLOS Gatos, CA
STEERING
MY MALIBU MAXX 2004 WAS BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS THE POWER STEERING ISSUE EVER SINCE IT WAS NEW. UNDER ACCELERATION ON HIGHWAYS (E.G. DRIVING UPHILL IN MOUNTAINS ETC. ) WHEN STEERING LEFT AROUND A CURVE, THE POWER STEERING LOCKS UP AND JERKS, AND DASH LIGHTS FLASH FOR A FEW SECONDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVER SINCE IT WAS NEW. THE ISSUE CAN'T BE REPRODUCED BY DEALERSHIP AND AUTO REPAIR STORES. GM HAS A RECALL IN 2014 REGARDING POWER STEERING BUT THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED, THE ISSUE IS LIFE THREATENING!!
NHTSA complaint #10876265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesBedford, TX
STEERING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SERVICE BRAKES HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING PUSHED THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE PEDAL IS PUSHED DISABLEMENT OF CRASH AVOIDANCE FEATURES SUCH AS TRACTION CONTROL PANIC BRAKING ASSIST FEATURES. TURNING SIGNALS & BREAK LIGHTS NOT RESPONSIVE. SUDDEN LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT HAPPENS AT ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING. PICTURES ATTACHED PUSHING BREAKS & USING TURNING SIGNALS NO RESPONSE. CAR POWER STEERING ALSO SHUTS DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER WILL NOT PROVIDE HELP. PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED FOR THE LAST 16 MONTHS. ALMOST CRASHED 5 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10818495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesWest Jordan, UTCrash
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE AND ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 14V153000 (STEERING), AND 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10766426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsburg, VA
STEERING
WHILE I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE THIS VEHICLE WITH A WRENCH IN THE MIDDLE LIT UP ON MY DASH BOARD AND THAT'S WHEN MY WHEEL LOCKED UP I COULDN'T MOVE THE WHEEL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT I HAD TO FORCE IT TO TURN TO BE ABLE TO MAKE TURNS AND GET OVER.
NHTSA complaint #10732050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesNEW Bethlehem, PACrash
STEERING
MY CAR IS IN MY HUSBANDS NAME BUT THE PROBLEMS WITH CAR STARTED WITH RECALLS. I NEVER RECEIVED A STEERING COLUMN RECALL UNTIL MY CAR WAS ALREADY OVER 150,000 MLS. WHEN TAKEN TO THE GARAGE THEY FIXED ONE RECALL AND CONVENIENTLY 2 MORE REPAIRS THAT DIDN'T EXIST NEEDED FIXED THEY THEN TOLD ME THE STEERING COLUMN WAS BAD AND NEEDED REPLACED. I SAID I DIDN'T HAVE MONEY TO FIX AND THEY SAID THEY REPAIRED IT AS GOOD AS THEY COULD POWER STEERING PROBLEM COULD HAPPEN AGAIN BUT MAY NEVER. SO ON JUNE 26TH I HEADED TO CHILDRENS HOSPITAL TO BE WITH MY SON WHEN HE WAS PUT UNDER ANESTHESIA FOR AN MRI(HE HAS DOWN SYNDROME). CAR WAS ACTING UP NOT TURNING RIGHT BUT I MADE IT THERE. I SENT KIDS WITH THEIR DAD THE NIGHT BEFORE BECAUSE I FELT IT WASN'T DRIVING RIGHT. ON THE WAY HOME I WAS DRIVING NORTH ON HIGHWAY 28 IN THE RIGHT LANE WHEN MY CAR STARED GOING TOWARDS THE PASSING LANE. I TRIED TURNING G THE WHEEL BACK. IT TURNED BUT THE WHEELS DIDN'T FOLLOW. IT CONTINUED INTO PASSING LANE, HIT THE CEMENT WALL. THE FRONT LEFT TIRE CLIMBED THE WALL. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED BECAUSE SAME DEALER BROKE MODULE THAT CONTROLLED AIRBAGS, THEY WERE TO REPLACE IT FREE WHEN PART CAME IN BUT NEVER CALLED. I LANDED IN MEDIAN BETWEEN HIGHWAYS. THANK GOD I DIDN'T HIT ANYONE. NOW I HAVE NO CAR. IS THERE ANYONE THAT FIGHTS FOR THE LITTLE GUY ANYMORE?
NHTSA complaint #10730805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,500 milesAlbany, NYFire
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. LESS THAN A MONTH LATER, THE TORQUE SENSOR ASSEMBLY AND THE EPS UNIT FAILED. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (SERVICE BRAKES), THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FEEL AS THOUGH THE BRAKES WERE GRABBING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP AND THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT FELT THAT BOTH RECALL REPAIRS FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,500.
NHTSA complaint #10721702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,945 milesPasadena, CA
STEERING
WHEN COMING TO A STOP, I WENT TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN WHEN A SIGNAL AND A DASH LIGHT WENT OFF AND THE POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT, NO PREVIOUS WARNING. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND WHEN IT WAS HOOKED UP TO HAVE THE DIAGNOSIS DONE, THE POWER STEERING JUST RESET ITSELF. HOWEVER IT WAS NOTED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING AND I SHOULD TAKE IT TO A DEALER. I WAS CHARGED $44.99 FOR THAT INFORMATION. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER NEAR ME ABOUT A WEEK LATER WHICH WAS THE VERY FIRST APPOINTMENT I COULD MAKE. THERE WERE ACTUALLY 3 EXISTING RECALLS (TWO UNRELATED) ON MY CAR AND ALL THREE WERE ADDRESSED ON MARCH 24. I LEFT BELIEVING THAT MY CAR WAS NOW FIXED AND SAFE TO DRIVE. ON APRIL 16TH I DROVE OVER 30 MILES ONE WAY FROM MY HOME WITH THE FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY BECAUSE ON APRIL 18, THE POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT, AGAIN WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN. I TOOK THE CAR BACK ON APRIL 20 AND AFTER CHARGING ME $59.50, (THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME $118!!!) I WAS TOLD THE ISSUE WAS "UNRELATED TO THE RECALL" AND WAS NOT COVERED. I DID NOT HAVE IT FIXED DUE TO THE HIGH COST (QUOTE OF $889.ESTIMATED) AND I FEEL STRONGLY THAT IT IS ALL RELATED! MY PERSONAL MECHANIC RECOMMENDED I REPORT THE ISSUE TO GM AND FEELS THAT GM SHOULD FIX THE POWER STEERING ISSUES. THE RECALL ISSUE CAUSED A "TRICKLE DOWN EFFECT" WITH THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN. HE IS WILLING TO FIX THE CAR BUT NOTED THAT IF HE DOES I WOULD HAVE NO RECOURSE WITH GM AND THAT I SHOULD TRY GETTING IT COVERED BEFORE HE DOES ANYTHING TO THE CAR. NOW, NOT ONLY IS IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE, IT IS UNSAFE. NOT DRIVING THE CAR AS IT CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHERE EITHER MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE COULD BE INJURED OR KILLED AND CAUSE EXTENSIVE PROPERTY DAMAGE. I DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS TO FIX IT, A CAR TO GET TO WORK AND I AM MAKING PAYMENTS AND PAYING INSURANCE ON A CAR THAT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10712955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesLA Porte, TXCrash1 injured
STEERING
VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN GM POWER STEERING RECALL . CAR STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AFTER BEING FIXED BY DEALER . CONTACTED CHEVY AND THEY ARE UNCOOPERATIVE AT BEST .
NHTSA complaint #10703184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 176,000 milesNewtown, PA
STEERING
I LOST POWER STEERING AND GOT A MESSAGE IN THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER TELLING ME THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING. I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 1 IN NEW JERSEY AND GOING ABOUT 45-50 MPH. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE CAR, HOPING IT WAS JUST AN ELECTRONIC GLITCH. THAT SOLVED THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, I LEARNED READING THE NYTIMES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE MAXX AND IN FACT THERE HAD BEEN A SAFETY RECALL ON THE CAR. I CALLED A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER TO HAVE IT FIXED AND FOUND THERE ARE THREE OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON MY CAR. IN ADDITION TO THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM, THERE ARE ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE AND THE BRAKE LAMP. ALL THESE RECALLS WERE MADE IN APRIL AND MAY OF LAST YEAR AFTER ALL THE BAD PUBLICITY ABOUT COVERING UP DEFECTS THAT RESULTED IN DEATHS. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE CARE OF ALL THREE PROBLEMS, BUT THIS IS MY LARGER CONCERN: I DON'T KNOW WHY, BUT I RECEIVED ONLY ONE RECALL NOTICE (NOT THREE) AND THAT ONE NOTICE (WHICH WAS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION CABLE) SAID THAT THE PARTS WEREN'T AVAILABLE AND THEY WOULD NOTIFY ME WHEN THEY WERE AVAILABLE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED, BUT APPARENTLY THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND HAVE BEEN FOR SOME TIME. MY QUESTION FOR YOU: WHAT IS NHTSA DOING TO MAKE SURE THAT INDIVIDUAL CONSUMERS RECEIVE ACCURATE INFORMATION ABOUT SAFETY RECALLS? I WAS LUCKY. I WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD IN AN URBAN AREA -- AND NOT TAKING A CURVE ON A MOUNTAINSIDE -- WHEN MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. WHY WASN'T I TOLD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM EARLIER? WHY DID I HAVE TO WAIT TILL READING ABOUT IT IN THE NYTIMES? AND WHY DIDN'T I RECEIVE A FOLLOWUP LETTER WHEN THE PART BECAME AVAILABLE FOR THE TRANSMISSION CABLE? THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10690009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upland, CA
STEERING
2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. CONSUMER SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR PREVIOUS REPAIRS, PRIOR TO RECALL. *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOISY, THE WHEEL WAS LOOSE, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED TWICE, SHE EXPERIENCED STEERING PROBLEMS DURING THE ENTIRE YEAR OF 2013. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE STEERING ISSUE, BUT SHE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND RACK AND PINION WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE TURN SIGNALS AND SHIFTER CABLE WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10662790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,635 milesMason, OH
STEERING
JULY 18 - DRIVING TO WORK, HEARD AND FELT A CLUNK. ON THE RADIO DISPLAY POWER STEERING WAS NOW DISPLAYED AND THE MECHANICS SYMBOL ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. JULY 28- MCCLUSKEY IS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE TROUBLE WITH CAR, THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS ANYWAY. AUG. 6 - VM CAR IS READY. WHEN WE ARRIVED TOLD US THERE IS A PROBLEM, THEY HAVE USED NON-APPROVED GM PARTS, THEY NEED TO TAKE THOSE PARTS OUT AND PUT IN APPROVED GM PARTS TO BE PAID. REAR QUARTER OF THE CAR WAS DAMAGED. AUG.14 - PASSENGER SIDE LOWER FRONT BUMPER IS NOW DAMAGED AUG. 21 - PICKED UP MALIBU FROM THE BODY SHOP, REALIZE SEAT IS BROKEN CALL THE BODY SHOP BACK WITHIN 5 MIN. OF LEAVING THE LOT, I WENT AROUND A CORNER AND I AM THROWN INTO THE DOOR. IN OCT. RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER AGAIN, DEALERSHIPS NOW HAVE PARTS, TAKE YOUR VEHICLE IN AND HAVE THE REPAIR COMPLETED. IF THIS WAS DONE IN AUGUST WHY DID I JUST RECEIVE A LETTER? NOV. 27, WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT WORK AGAIN, MAKING A TURN AT SLOW SPEED THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND AND ACTED AS IF HE HAD HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE ACCELERATOR AT THE SAME TIME, AS IF HE WAS POWER BRAKING, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE, THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE, COMPLETELY UNSAFE. DEC. 3 BORCHERDING BUICK CALLS ME AND TELLS ME THE RECALLS ARE NOT THE ISSUE AND CANNOT BE COMPLETED UNTIL THE STEERING COLUMN ISSUE IS FIXED.THE CAR HAD 57635 MILES ON JULY 18TH THE DAY THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MCCLUSKEY CHEVROLET, ON AUGUST 22ND THE MORNING AFTER I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM MCCLUSKEY CHEVROLET THE CAR HAS 58135. THE CAR BECAME UN-DRIVABLE WITH 60890 MILES. I HAVE A RECEIPT THE POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED IN 2005 UNDER A RECALL/WARRANTY AND THEN AGAIN THE POWER STEERING WAS REPAIRED IN 2009 WITH GM PAYING HALF WE PAID HALF DUE TO THE LOW MILES ON THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10680406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesDouglasville, GACrash
STEERING
WHILE TRAVELING IN A SCHOOL ZONE GOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR, I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A SCHOOL BUS. I COULD NOT STOP, OR STEER THE CAR TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH THE REAR OF THE BUS. MY CAR WENT UNDER THE REAR OF THE BUS, WHERE IT WAS CRUSHED IN THE FRONT END. THE CAR SEEMED TO JUST SHUT DOWN, HAD NO POWER STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED., EVEN THOUGH THEY SHOULD HAVE WITH THE TYPE OF IMPACT THAT THE CAR RECEIVED. WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THIS COMPLAINT, ON BEHALF OF OURSELVES AND ANY OTHER MOTORIST THAT MIGHT HAVE HAD SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10661012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.