This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 211 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 90,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
211
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Malibu | 675 |
| 2008 Malibu | 467 |
| 2009 Malibu | 768 |
| 2010 Malibu | 455 |
| 2011 Malibu (this page) | 211 |
| 2012 Malibu | 190 |
| 2013 Malibu | 197 |
| 2014 Malibu | 25 |
| 2015 Malibu | 9 |
8crashes
12injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 211 steering complaints filed for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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.
What stands out
Owners have filed 211 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.
Steering accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Malibu steering system shows a clear pattern of power steering loss, typically paired with ESC and traction-control warning lights. Owners describe the steering wheel becoming impossible to turn or extremely difficult to maneuver—requiring excessive force that caused injury in several cases. The failure happens while driving at any speed, from parking to highway, and often clears after restarting the engine, though it frequently recurs. Many note steering-wheel twitching, jerking, or oscillation; some report clanking or rattle sounds in the steering column. A few owners experienced steering wheel free-wheeling (complete loss of control) after months of looseness. Loose battery cables and battery drain issues coincide with steering failures in multiple complaints. Owners repeatedly cite GM's Special Coverage Bulletin 15356 (torque sensor and motor module replacement, covering vehicles under 10 years old or 150K miles, whichever comes first), yet many fall just outside the mileage limit or were never notified. Loose power-steering fuses have been found by owners. Owners note that steering failures pose serious safety risks—near-accidents at highway speeds, inability to brake effectively when steering failed, and physical strain attempting manual steering. The issue appears common enough that owners found online communities discussing it, yet remains poorly communicated to the public.
Same Chevrolet Malibu steering reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering Motor and Torque Sensor Failure
Loss of electric power steering assistance, often with ESC and traction-control warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel becomes difficult or impossible to turn, requiring significant manual force. Failure is intermittent—restarting the engine typically restores function temporarily.
When: Varies from under 45K miles to 180K miles; majority of complaints in the 40K–100K range
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning light or 'Electronic Steering Control' message; ESC warning light and service traction control messages; Steering wheel very difficult or impossible to turn; Steering wheel jerking, twitching, or oscillating by itself; Power assist loss intermittent; restored after engine restart
Codes mentioned: C0545 (Steering Wheel Torque Sensor), Power steering system codes (specific codes not all listed by owners)
Repairs/costs cited: GM Special Coverage Bulletin 15356 covers replacement of torque sensor and EPS motor module at no cost if vehicle is under 10 years old or 150K miles (whichever comes first). Repairs typically cost $747–$1,500+ when out of warranty. Some owners report costs around $800–$1,200 for motor and associated parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Special Coverage Bulletin 15356 (limited to original owners or those with 10-year/150K-mile window). Some owners denied coverage due to mileage over 150K or age over 10 years. Dealers have replaced torque sensors and EPS motors under the bulletin.
Steering Column Noise and Looseness
Clanking, clunking, or rattling sounds in the steering column, particularly at lower speeds or when turning. Steering column becomes progressively looser, eventually causing steering to feel unresponsive or heavy.
When: As early as 40K miles; symptoms progress over months
Symptoms owners cite: Clanking or clunking noise from steering column; Steering column rattle, especially at low speeds or during turns; Steering feels loose or unresponsive; Difficulty turning in either direction; steering becomes very heavy
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced steering column; noise persisted after initial repair per notice PI0372 (adding wave washers to brake pedal connector). Another owner experienced steering column replacement under repair, damage appearing later.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Notice PI0372 directed dealers to add wave washers to brake pedal connector pin; remedy was ineffective in at least one case.
Steering Wheel Vibration and Shake
Steering wheel vibrates or shakes while driving at various speeds or while vehicle is stationary with engine running. Vibration may occur intermittently or consistently.
When: Starting around 40K miles; some as early as 40K, others ongoing at 92K
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel rattles or shakes at freeway speeds (40–75 mph); Steering wheel vibrates while vehicle is parked with engine running; Steering wheel oscillates or jerks by itself; Slight movement felt in steering wheel coincident with rattling
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair method cited by owners; one owner noted power steering fluid levels were normal.
Loose Power Steering Fuse
The 80A power steering fuse was found loose in the fuse block, with loose rivets on the fuse body itself. Tightening the fuse temporarily improved steering response.
When: Complaint received on a vehicle that had experienced recent power steering failure and cold weather
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering failure intermittent, triggered in cold weather; Steering wheel twitching when vehicle stationary and running; Fuse with visible loose rivets and movable lug (approximately 1/32 inch of play)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse tightened but rivets remained loose; fuse was replaced. Issue improved but twitching recurred.
Steering Gear/Rack and Power Booster Issues
Reports of steering gear and power steering rack requiring replacement; some mention power booster issues. One owner reported damage to clock-spring in steering hub after steering control was lost.
When: Approximately 3 years post-purchase; one case at around 44K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rubbing or grinding noise when steering, especially during turns or in parking; Steering becomes very difficult; power assist ineffective; Steering wheel suddenly free-wheeled (complete loss of control); Clock-spring damage to steering hub after loss of steering
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear and rack replacement quoted at approximately $800–$1,000+. Clock-spring damage repair estimated at ~$1,000.
Electrical Issues Contributing to Steering Failures
Battery drain, loose battery cables, and electrical system issues coincide with power steering failures. Some owners discovered loose battery cables or dying batteries during power steering failures; others experienced persistent electrical drain.
When: Various; some reported within months of purchase, others after several years
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely dead during power steering failure; Loose battery cables (one side); Battery draining overnight despite battery replacement; Multiple electrical warning lights (air bag, traction control, ESC) flickering or illuminating; Power steering light accompanied by reduced engine power light
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced battery ($120–unspecified cost); one owner changed battery cables. Battery replacement alone did not permanently resolve steering issues in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued extended electrical warranty (extension mentioned to cover 15 years or 120,000 miles for some electrical issues).
Synthesized from 211 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
The night of 12/29/2018 about 10pm at an approximate speed of 45mph I experienced a loss of power steering while driving my 2011 Chevrolet malibu home from the mountains and steering became very difficult and we almost ran off of the road down a steep embankment. A service ESC and power steering light was on the dash. I restarted the engine and the warning lights went out and the power steering…
Started the car to go to work . On the screen came up power steering ESC and service traction control, the traction control was also on and the car had no power steering. I had it towed to the dealership they replaced the cable and battery. Was going to go to the store today and the same thing happened no power steering. Not really driving the car this weekend. It's dangerous if it would shut…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet malibu. While driving at various speeds, the check engine, electronic stability control, traction control, and electric power steering warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, in rainy weather conditions, water leaked through the hood onto the brake lever and the steering wheel seized.…
Steering wheel "shakes" as of 12/2016 vehicle has approx 92,000 miles purchased vehicle new in nov 2010 four new tires june 2015 full alignment august 2016. Brand new brake pads and brand new rotors, all 4 wheels, november 2016. Description of incident (and condition): steering wheel has been rattling noticeably at freeway speeds (40 MPH to 75 MPH) and while tracking a straight line.…
As I was driving my 2011 Chevy malibu home to tulsa ok from arkansas my car dropped speed, I lost my power steering, the reduced engine power light came on, service traction ESC light came on too. When this happened I was on the highway driving 65 MPH and then the car lost speed down to 15 MPH. I was almost hit on the highway. I made it off the highway and stopped at a store but could not figure…
Power steering failed and locked up the steering wheel. Had to stop car mid road to restart car. Car no longer has any power steering. This is a very dangerous issue!
The power steering light just came on my car while driving down the road
Had steering trouble with your 2011 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 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a meaningful issue. 211 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 141 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 60,070 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,070; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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/2011/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.