463 of the 1,489 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu are about the steering — 31% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 82,000 miles.
463
Complaints
11
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
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As I'm driving I hear a chime and the radio says power steering and I just loose power steering it's scary and I really wish gm would have made this a permanent recall
NHTSA complaint #11738366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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I own a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ (VIN [XXX] ) with an electric power steering (EPS) issue that matches GM’s known EPS defect and recall 14V‑153 / bulletin 15356 for 2007–2012 Malibus. The steering is very stiff and hard at low speeds, the car feels like it is dragging, and the steering wheel shakes back and forth while driving, especially at low to moderate speeds. A Chevrolet customer‑service representative confirmed the VIN does not show the EPS recall, but said I should report this to NHTSA. This is a safety‑related steering‑assist defect pattern that GM has already acknowledged on other Malibus. I am requesting NHTSA to review whether this 2008 Malibu LTZ should be included in the EPS‑related recall or special coverage, or whether further action on this defect is needed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11727166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The EPS malfunctions and turns off during normal driving operations at random intervals. Happens more when temperature outside is below 50 degrees. This has made it difficult to steer and has almost caused me to get in an accident on multiple occasions
NHTSA complaint #11712986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11689400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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My vehicle is experiencing a sudden loss of power steering assist.
NHTSA complaint #11663185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Recurrence of Sudden loss of electric steering. Apparently this was supposedly fixed under recall N140115. It did not last.
NHTSA complaint #11656703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The check engine and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 14116B; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11653152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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I bought a used car, 2008 Malibu a couple years ago. I just found out that it had a recall back in 2014. I called a dealership about getting it fixed and they refused to do it. Is there anything I can do? I am retired and live on a limited income. Can you please let me know.
NHTSA complaint #11649001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Power steering esc not working properly
NHTSA complaint #11644573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The power steering consistently locks up. It may or may not reset itself if you turn the car off and back on. It’s very dangerous. It’s hard to drive . It definitely licks up if it’s cold outside or if you hit a pothole.
NHTSA complaint #11642665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Warning light on dash (power steering) I had no power steering at all !thank God I was at a Drive Thur at that moment . Took car to my mechanic(Steve Brook)Family Auto 26937 Eckel Rd. Perrysburg Ohio 43551 419-931-1900 they diagnosed power steering needs to be replaced and they looked up recall on 2008 Chevy Malibu’s so I called around and I’m getting no where on a recall on this but when looking it up, it shows a recall, this is something that needs to be addressed very dangerous cause that day I was getting on the highway to pick up my grandchildren and I don’t even wanna know the outcome of that would’ve been. I bought this car new and I have low mileage and I take care of my vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11630993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The electrical power steering every time it’s driven so often, car is used for school yes the vehicle was inspected by several mechanics the vehicle was like this when i brought it in september of 2022 i was told by chevrolet that my vin is not accepted in the recall which i don’t understand how if it’s the same car and same issue that the recall entails, i replaced the rack and pinion but it didn’t fix the eps sometimes when turning the car on the steering wheel is locked as in it cannot be moved/turned either way and other times it’s extremely hard to turn. the steering wheel will become extremely hard to turn at random times while driving at any speed and while stalled. when it locks while stalled a grinding noise can be heard
NHTSA complaint #11609842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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UNKNOWN - Steering is too tight and unable make turns without using force - occurs always
NHTSA complaint #11599818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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My power steering locking up when I trying to back up out of my driveway and a service warning light coming on
NHTSA complaint #11567836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knock, clicking, and looseness in the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #11564865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Unknown. Power steering warning appears every now and then.
NHTSA complaint #11553997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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While driving down the road my steering wheel turned, but I was driving straight. Aso if I want to turn it won't. When turning it makes a popping noise.
NHTSA complaint #11545183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The power steering stops working making it difficult to control. Those has been an ongoing issue for several years.
NHTSA complaint #11524316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The steering assist system abruptly stopped allowing the front wheels of the vehicle to be turned to the right while the vehicle was being driven causing me to crash into a ditch and on into a field and caused myself minor injuries..
NHTSA complaint #11516281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Driving my 08' Chevy Malibu and suddenly in a turn my steering locked. It was so hard to turn. The dash stated power steering with the failure symbol. I turn car off then back on and it's fine. Then it happens again. My safety and others was at risk do to child with Autism in my car & suddenly having to really break around the sharp turn that could of taken me over the embankment and killed us. I am disabled and the scared me bad because on a country road and nobody to help me & my daughter. Very scary and life threatening.
NHTSA complaint #11513902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Power steering
NHTSA complaint #11512719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The car is hard to steer.
NHTSA complaint #11512783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while attempting to make a left turn. The contact pulled off to the side of the road where the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14E044000 (Steering) and 14V153000 (Steering. The contact called the dealer who confirmed that the power steering had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not currently under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the recall repairs were already completed and that a second free repair would not be offered. The failure mileage was 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #11511729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The vehicle pulls to the left while driving. I have taken the vehicle to get aligned 3x and the issue is still the same; the repair shop says it's not the alignment (since it's well aligned) but another problem with the steering. Also, the left and right turn signs do not click back, and I have to push it back into place to stop the signals, and every time I turn my steering wheel, it clicks all the time too.
NHTSA complaint #11490620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The car shakes and becomes hard to steer and the instrument panel reads service ESC, service traction.
NHTSA complaint #11477054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was steering faulty functionality. There were no failure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11467778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering inadvertently with the power steering message displayed. The contact then used extra effort to steer the vehicle while pulling into a nearby parking lot, where she turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle regained power steering functionality however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11463660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V153000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 187,110.
NHTSA complaint #11462623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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While driving on the freeway going 60mph the power steering went out and the steering wheel began stiff and unable I was unable to turn the wheel or steer/ control it. this is a problem because without having the ability the turn the wheel I risk not being able to get where I’m going. And further more cannot avoid an accident. It’s available for inspection upon request. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11458746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and felt that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
NHTSA complaint #11456978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.