The 2007 Malibu's electronic power steering system fails in multiple ways. Most commonly, the power steering motor or control module shuts down without warning—sometimes briefly, sometimes completely. When it happens, owners can barely turn the wheel; a few describe the wheel locking up solid. A chime sounds and "POWER STEERING" flashes on the radio. Most report turning the key off and back on temporarily resets it, but the failure returns within minutes, hours, or days.
Some owners report the steering wheel shakes and jerks violently on its own while driving or sitting still, forcing them to grip hard to stay in their lane. Others experience stiff, tight steering that requires excessive effort to turn.
The clunking and rattling in the steering column when turning is another recurring complaint, often dismissed by dealers as unfixable after failed repair attempts.
Owners cite replacing the power steering motor, entire steering column, torque sensor, and related electrical modules—costs ranging $600 to $1,400. Many report the same failure recurring within months or a couple years, even after expensive repairs.
GM has recalled the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009 Malibus (and the Cobalt) for this identical issue, but consistently excludes the 2007. Dealers tell owners there's no recall for their VIN, no warranty coverage, and nothing more can be done. GM states the vehicle is safe to drive even when owners confirm the steering has failed multiple times. Several owners report being just outside mileage limits for coverage that existed. The inconsistency—same symptoms, same parts, but the 2007 is not recalled—angers owners who feel ignored by the manufacturer.
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Complete Failure
The electronic power steering motor shuts off intermittently or completely while driving, rendering the steering wheel difficult or impossible to turn. Owners report the steering wheel becomes stiff and hard to control, sometimes locking up. The issue typically resolves temporarily by turning the vehicle off and restarting it, but recurs unpredictably—sometimes within minutes or hours, sometimes after longer intervals.
When: Occurs at any time while driving or even while parked and idling; some owners report initial failure in early ownership (2009-2010 on 2007 models), recurring throughout vehicle life; mileage varies widely from under 15,000 to over 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering light or 'POWER STEERING' message appears on dashboard/radio display; Steering wheel becomes stiff and extremely difficult to turn; Steering wheel locks up or jerks uncontrollably side-to-side; Chime or dinging sound alerts driver to the failure; Steering wheel shakes or vibrates, especially when idling or at low speeds; Power steering resets and works briefly after engine restart, then fails again; No manual steering fallback when power assist fails
Codes mentioned: Power steering module/motor malfunction, Torque sensor assembly fault, EPS control module defect, Low voltage codes related to power steering, Steering column sensor codes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite replacing the electronic power steering motor ($600–$1,200), steering column/shaft ($800–$1,400), torque sensor ($110–$470), or entire steering column assembly. Many report repeat failures within months or years after repair, even with new parts installed. Some paid for the same repair multiple times (one owner had four power steering units replaced).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment 10183 (torque sensor coverage through 120,000 miles or expiration date), and Special Policy 15356 (through 150,000 miles or 4/3/2017). However, many owners report being denied coverage because their VIN was not included in the recall list, even though their vehicles exhibit identical symptoms. GM has recalled the power steering on Chevrolet Cobalt and other model years (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009) but notably excluded the 2007 Malibu from most recalls. Dealers and GM have stated the issue is a 'common engineering problem' without permanent fix and have refused warranty coverage. One owner was told repairs cost ~$1,000 and GM would not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty.
Steering Wheel Shaking and Jerking (Oscillation Without Driver Input)
The steering wheel autonomously shakes, vibrates, jerks, or oscillates side-to-side while the vehicle is driving or parked with the engine running. Owners report the wheel can move back and forth with significant force, as if the vehicle is being steered by an unseen hand, requiring a tight grip to keep the car straight.
When: Often occurs when starting the vehicle in cold weather or early in the morning; can happen when idling in park; sometimes triggered by turning the steering wheel to full lock; some owners report it lasting 15 minutes before subsiding; one owner noted it grew progressively worse over months
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel oscillates or jerks side-to-side uncontrollably without driver input; Wheel vibrates violently, especially at low speeds or while idling; Growling or rattling noise accompanying wheel movement; Vehicle drifts in its lane due to wheel jerking; Wheel movements can jolt the car in the direction of the jerk; Uncontrollable pulsating or bouncing motion of the wheel
Codes mentioned: Electronic power steering module malfunction, EPS motor controller fault, Steering column sensor error
Repairs/costs cited: Owners have had steering columns replaced, electronic modules replaced, and various electrical components repaired. Costs mentioned range from $700 to $1,400. One owner's mechanic witnessed the autonomous wheel movement and confirmed it was happening without any electrical input to the wheel. Several owners state that even after replacing major steering components, the jerking continued or returned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers have offered no permanent solution. One dealer performed recall work but the problem persisted within 60 days. GM has not issued specific guidance or recalls addressing this autonomous jerking behavior in the 2007 Malibu.
Steering Wheel Tightness and Stiff Steering ('Torque Overlay')
The steering wheel exhibits abnormally high resistance when turning, requiring excessive force to move it. Owners describe the steering as 'tight' and difficult to turn with one finger, and some report the stiffness is related to the electronic 'torque overlay' feature. A small number of owners attribute chronic hand, finger, back, and shoulder pain/deformities to the repeated force needed to overcome this resistance.
When: Present from time of purchase or within first months of ownership; occurs during normal steering input; some owners note worsening over years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel requires abnormally high force to turn; Cannot turn steering wheel easily with one finger; Tight, stiff steering response compared to hydraulic systems; Chronic hand and finger pain, carpal tunnel symptoms, curvature of fingers (reported by some owners); Shoulder and back pain worsening over time with driving (reported by some owners)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted by owners. The stiffness appears to be a design characteristic rather than a failure mode. One owner's dealer initially attributed the initial steering wheel shaking to the 'normal' electronic power steering design when purchased.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer told one owner on first service that the steering wheel shaking was 'normal' and due to the electronic power steering system being different from the hydraulic steering in previous model years. No official acknowledgment of the stiffness as a defect.
Steering Column/Intermediate Shaft Clunking Noise
A persistent clunking, popping, or rattling noise emanates from the steering column area, particularly when turning the steering wheel sharply or driving over bumps at low speed. Owners report the noise is loud enough to be heard by people outside the vehicle. The problem recurs shortly after dealer repair attempts.
When: First noticed within weeks to months of purchase; escalates over time; one owner had the issue recur within 3,800 miles of a complete rack-and-pinion replacement at 42,509 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking or popping noise from steering column when turning wheel; Noise occurs especially when turning sharply in either direction; Clunking when driving over bumps at low speed; Noise loud enough to hear outside the vehicle; not a minor squeak; Rattle in the steering system
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers and independent mechanics have replaced the steering rack and pinion assembly, lubricated components, replaced steering shafts and columns, and performed realignments. One owner paid for four separate visits to the dealer (three out of warranty with $100 deductibles) and continued to experience the noise within 3,000 miles of each repair. Cost estimates not specified by most owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer service manager told an owner this was 'a common problem with these cars' and 'an ongoing engineering problem that GM has had for years' and could not guarantee it would not reoccur. Service Bulletin #060232007 exists and directly pertains to this problem, but dealers did not proactively inform owners. No recall issued.
Power Steering Sensor/Torque Sensor Malfunction
The power steering torque sensor or associated sensor assembly fails, causing intermittent or complete loss of power steering assist. This is distinct from motor failure in some cases but often results in the same loss of steering control. Owners report the sensor fails prematurely after being replaced, and diagnoses may differ between dealers even when symptoms are identical.
When: First failure reported between 100,000–160,000+ miles; can recur within 1–2 years of previous replacement; one owner's sensor failed within two years of the previous repair
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist intermittently fails or is lost completely; Power steering warning light or message appears; Steering becomes hard or impossible to turn; Chiming alert when the failure occurs
Codes mentioned: Torque sensor fault, Power steering sensor malfunction, EPS control module error
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of the torque sensor assembly ($110–$470), sometimes requiring replacement of the entire steering column if the sensor cannot be accessed separately. One owner paid for the same repair (torque sensor replacement) and it failed again within two years; GM claimed it was 'normal wear and tear' on an electric component (which the owner contested as illogical).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM covered torque sensor replacement under Special Coverage Adjustment 10183 (through 120,000 miles) and mentioned a similar recall covering some model years, but the 2007 Malibu was excluded. One owner was told by a dealership and GM that because the car had already received the recalled part before the owner took ownership, the current failure was not covered—even though the part is failing prematurely.
Synthesized from 674 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.