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2009 chevrolet Malibu steering problems

moderate 767 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700

Complaints
767
Recalls
0
Crashes
13
Avg fix
$700

What owners are reporting 14 most recent

steering · filed 12/31/2013

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

steering · filed 12/30/2014

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…

steering · filed 12/29/2017

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 DUE…

steering · filed 12/29/2015

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.

steering · filed 12/28/2021

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 investigation…

steering · filed 12/28/2020

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 …

steering · filed 12/28/2017

MY 2009 MALIBU 4 CYLINDER POWER STEERING(ESC) LOCKED WHILE DRIVING IN MY COMMUNITY.

steering · filed 12/28/2017

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 …

steering · filed 12/28/2012

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

steering · filed 12/27/2024

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.

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?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

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.

Other problem areas on this vehicle

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. 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.
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