At freeway speed the car wants to pull to left when turning the wheel to the right. Steering wheel makes a clunking noise when turning left or right. Hard to steer when moving slowly. Loose sloppy steering feel. The dealer is replacing the entire steering gear rack. Very costly. *tr
2009 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems
moderate 767 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
767
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
13crashes
1fire
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 767 steering complaints filed for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 12 mileage-bearing steering complaints filed against the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu by each odometer reading. Median failure: 112,000 mi.
10% have failed by47,200 mi
Half the fleet by112,000 mi
90% have failed by202,000 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 51% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 767 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2009 Chevy Malibu's electric power steering system has documented failures across a wide VIN range, yet many owners find their vehicles excluded from recalls despite experiencing identical problems. Before buying, verify your VIN against all active recalls and understand that steering failure can happen abruptly, leaving you fighting for control—a serious safety risk.
Owners describe the steering system on 2009 Malibu models with electric power assist as unreliable and hazardous. The most common complaint is sudden loss of power steering during normal driving—sometimes on the highway at 60+ mph, sometimes at low speeds in parking lots or intersections—leaving drivers unable to turn the wheel without extreme effort. Many report the system works momentarily after starting the car, then fails abruptly. Others experience intermittent failures that worsen over time until the system stops functioning entirely.
Owners consistently note that turning the vehicle off and restarting provides only temporary relief. A diagnostic code (C0545) points to the torque sensor or EPS motor, and repairs require replacing the steering column or entire EPS assembly at costs ranging from $760 to $1,562 plus diagnostics ($80–$240).
The largest frustration: many owners report their VINs were excluded from GM's 2014 recall (14V153000 / Technical Bulletin 14116B) despite owning the same year and model, experiencing the identical failure described in the recall, and being told by dealers that the part numbers and symptoms match exactly. Some purchased these cars used without notification of the known issue. A few owners report cold-weather triggers or intermittent failures that mechanics could not diagnose without the fault code present. On some 4-cylinder models, even when power assist works, the electronic steering exhibits overcorrection or unpredictable response, making steering feel unsafe.
Same Chevrolet Malibu steering reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist
The electric power steering system fails abruptly, forcing the vehicle into manual steering mode which requires significantly greater effort to turn the wheel, especially at low speeds. The failure occurs without warning and makes steering extremely difficult or nearly impossible.
When: Failures occur at various mileages and times: some during cold starts/cold weather, some intermittently after startup, some while actively driving at highway or city speeds. Several owners report occurring before 105k miles; one at 108k, another at 113.6k, another at 129k miles. Failures typically happen once system has warmed up after initial startup issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power assist requiring manual steering effort; Steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn; "Power Steering" or "Service ESC" warning message on dash; Traction control or ESC light illuminates; Audible chime or alarm sounds; Power steering function returns after turning vehicle off and back on (temporary fix); Steering wheel may shake, pulse, or vibrate; Steering wheel may move or jerk on its own when in park; Intermittent failures that worsen over time until permanent loss
Codes mentioned: C0545 (torque sensor error code)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite replacement of steering column ($760–$1,562), torque sensor ($216–$500+), electric power steering motor ($480–$700), or entire EPS assembly. Labor costs $305–$800. Some dealers quote $1,000–$1,200 for complete repair. One owner paid $1,144.87 for sensor replacement after initial $240 diagnostic fee.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued a 10-year/105,000-mile warranty (from purchase date) for 2009 Malibu hybrids with electric power assist in September 2015. NHTSA Recall 14V153000 (Campaign 14V153) / GM Technical Bulletin 14116 & 14116B covered select 2009 Malibus built 3/1/08–6/27/08 for steering column torque sensor or EPS motor failure. However, many owners report their VINs were not included in the recall despite having identical symptoms and same year/make/model. GM later issued Special Coverage Adjustment (case number mentioned in narrative #23) for loss of EPAS but denied coverage for vehicles outside recall window or with salvage titles.
Steering System Instability and Overcorrection
Electronic power steering assist exhibits inconsistent response: either sudden surges of assist after initial stiffness, or difficulty in maintaining straight-line driving due to over-assistance. On 4-cylinder models with electronic steering, small steering inputs are overcorrected by the system, causing the driver to continually fight the car to stay straight.
When: Reported as ongoing issue shortly after purchase (July 2009) and persisting for years. One owner notes issue occurs when sitting still with engine running and making small steering wheel inputs; another notes it during normal highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering feels stiff initially, then sudden burst of assist causes overcorrection; Difficulty maintaining straight-line driving; continuous fighting required; Small steering inputs result in larger-than-intended vehicle response; Excessive power assist on initial turn activation; Potential design flaw in electronic torque sensor activation
Repairs/costs cited: Chevrolet technical support confirmed issue but stated no fix available at time of complaint; problem described as 'normal operation' of electronic power steering system. Cannot be adjusted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated issue is inherent to electronic power steering design on 4-cylinder models and cannot be adjusted or corrected.
Steering Column or Steering Assembly Defect
Physical failure of steering column, u-joint, or internal steering assembly components causes stiffness, shaking, vibration, or complete steering failure. Some owners report difficulty accessing the power steering unit due to alternator obstruction.
When: Reported at various mileages: 40k miles, 73k miles, 93.8k miles, 108k miles, 129k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes, pulses, or vibrates abnormally while driving; Steering wheel movement is jerky or twitchy; Steering wheel locks or becomes immobilized; Steering column noise resembling worn u-joints or hydraulic issues; Steering physically difficult independent of power assist; Steering wheel moves or pulsates on its own when vehicle in park
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement ($760–$1,562 including labor). U-joint failure diagnosed in at least one case. Power steering unit located underneath alternator requiring alternator removal for access.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer-initiated response documented; repairs handled as warranty or out-of-pocket expense depending on recall eligibility.
Synthesized from 767 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 14 most recent
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…
Electronic power steering stops working randomly and then just stops with messages: power steering, service ESC, ESC off. Power steering stopped working driving on the expressway in the middle of traffic and in regular city driving which is completely unsafe. Steering wheel also shakes back and forth by itself. It happens while driving, while at a red light. This could be potentially dangerous…
Power steering msg comes on intermittently. Took in for repair and steering torque sensor needs replaced. This is listed for other malibu years but not 2009 as (NHTSA campaign id number: 14v153000). The repair cost 576.09. The vehicle is not listed under current recall but suffered the same problem. Problem occurs while driving and is a known safety issue affecting other model years.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while turning the ignition key, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering and the service ESC warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated when she turned off the vehicle, the failure would cease. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon…
I was on my way home, pulled off of the interstate and halfway down the exit ramp, my traction light and a warning message began scrolling. The message said power steering service ESC. I turn my car on and the steering wheel starts to shake. After a minute (or less) my power steering service ESC turns on as a warning and the steering wheel locks up. I can hardly turn the wheel on my own. I can no…
My 2009 malibu 4 cylinder power steering(ESC) locked while driving in my community.
Engine light constantly on. Dealership does not know what is wrong. Showing code p1174 & no one knows what this is. Power steering quit working while driving on city street.ESC light will turn on. Dashboard lights will go on and off. Doors will lock them selves locking me inside.this is happening since august 2017-present (12-29-17).multiple trips to dealership where vehicle was purchased and all…
Erratic steering while trying to park. Chimes were head, message came across speedo, major clunk also started at same time. Sounds like right front. Another electric power steering failure from a car barely broken in, from gm. When will they take responsibility for substandard parts they import for american cars? *tr
Sudden Loss of Electrical Power Steering - it is the exact problem listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 . When the VIN number is scanned it does not list this vehicle as falling under the recall, but it is the same year, make, & models as those that do. The steering failure occurs randomly, several times a week, including today.
Had steering trouble with your 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 767 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 583 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 90,000 and 155,000 miles, with the median around 121,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 90,000; a quarter make it past 155,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Chevrolet/Malibu.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.