1. Chevrolet Malibu
  2. Problems
  3. 2005
  4. Steering

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Steering Problems

413
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Among these 413 stored complaint records:

  • 16 indicate a crash
  • 11 indicate injury
  • 0 indicate fire
  • 1 indicate a death

What owners report

  • power steering · 91 records
  • steering wheel · 74 records
  • failure mileage · 24 records
  • steering warning · 17 records
  • diagnosed repaired · 16 records
  • steering shaft · 13 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
100–150k mi96
60–100k mi91
30–60k mi65
150–400k mi65
1–30k mi33

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • September 11, 2011 · 100,000 miles

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu maxx. The contact stated that while attempting a turn, the power steering failed without warning. The contact stated that the power steering warning light would illuminate sporadically prior to the failure. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The failure mileage and current mileages were 100,000.

    ODI 10425073

  • September 1, 2011

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized while driving at various speeds. The power steering light illuminated on the instrument panel when the failure occurred. The contact would stop and restart the vehicle to correct the failure. The failure also corrected itself on a few occasions and the steering wheel began to function normal as the contact continued to…

    ODI 10456599

  • September 1, 2011 · 150,000 miles

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the steering wheel seized. The contact also stated that after turning the vehicle off and letting it warm up the power steering began to function as normal again. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were…

    ODI 10437282

  • August 28, 2011 · 92,500 miles

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact was driving 15 mph when the power steering system malfunctioned and caused the steering wheel to seize. The contact was unable to maneuver the vehicle without difficulty. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The failure mileage was 92,500. The vin was not available.

    ODI 10423051

  • August 19, 2011 · 97,000 miles

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the power steering assist failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and diagnosed that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000. Updated 02/27/14*lj a recall had…

    ODI 10557961

  • August 15, 2011 · 152,000 miles

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the power steering warning lamp illuminated and he was unable to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering module was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 152,000…

    ODI 10422900

  • August 1, 2011 · 150,000 miles

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that when accelerating at 30 mph and merging onto the highway, the steering wheel and wheels seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the steering column failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred a few days later. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The…

    ODI 10444861

  • July 31, 2011

    Steering

    The steering wheel in a 2005 chevrolet malibu pops and after time the pops increase and causes the steering of the vehicle to fail. This is a huge safety issue and could cause drivers to crash. If enough people die, maybe gm will recall this design flaw. This is caused from having electronic steering, which means no power steering fluid is suppose to be needed. *tr

    ODI 10416375

  • July 1, 2011

    Seats · Steering

    The drivers seat frame broke and i had to replace. Also the car makes a popping noise when steered. Currently trying to get that into the dealer because it has been doing it for almost a year. *tr

    ODI 10463242

  • June 24, 2011 · 137,000 miles

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the power steering failed while driving at an unknown speed. Prior to the failure, the contact heard a beeping noise and the power steering service light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the steering rack and column needed to be replaced. The failure and current…

    ODI 10410228

  • June 18, 2011

    Steering

    I would like to amend my previous complaint number: 10407288 the fatality that i mentioned was not proven to be of a direct result of a steering failure. However, according to complaint number: 10364224 the chevrolet malibu had steering shaft replaced prior to accident. This was performed at gm dealer due to popping noise while steering, diagnosed at dealer. Repair paid for by owner. Chevy malibu had 65,000 miles at…

    ODI 10407351

  • June 17, 2011 · 45,858 miles

    Steering

    Okay, now i am really upset. This is my third complaint about the steering on my 2005 malibu. I am a senior citizen on a fixed income and i cannot afford to pay to have the car repaired. The car has approximately 45000 plus miles on it and i am afraid to drive it, and i sure can't sell it for fear that a steering failure may occur and injure or even kill someone, and although gm can live with that on their…

    ODI 10407288

  • June 1, 2011 · 124,000 miles

    Steering

    I have a 2005 chevy malibu. The power steering is beginning to make a noise. I was told by a repair place, that my power steering electric motor is beginning to go out and i will need to replace the power steering motor. They indicate that they have had several complaints regarding the power steering motor in this peculiar car. *tr

    ODI 10407091

  • May 12, 2011

    Steering

    This is my second complaint for my 05 malibu ls, i purchased in 2006, approximately 20,000 miles, noticed shortly after the popping noise in the steering area. I was told at that time gm was aware and working on it. Kept taking it back for repairs/service. In 08 had the steering gear box replaced, now i'm told it needs to be replaced again along with the i shaft. Current mile 109,000, it has only been 50,000 miles…

    ODI 10401017

  • May 9, 2011

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the power steering would lock abnormally when the vehicle was both in motion and stopped, making it difficult to turn the wheel at any given moment. The dealer was contacted but was unable to assist. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable and the current mileage was 121,000.

    ODI 10402540

  • May 8, 2011 · 24,000 miles

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that when making a right or left turn, the vehicle would make a loud clunking noise. The dealer replaced the steering shaft, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 24,000 and the current mileage was 26,000. The vin was unavailable. Updated 09/21/11*lj updated 09/23/11

    ODI 10417992

  • May 7, 2011 · 50,000 miles

    Steering

    Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 35 mph the contact stated the steering wheel pulled to the left. The power steering also stopped functioning; however, within a few minutes it began to function normally. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact will not drive the vehicle or take it to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate…

    ODI 10402703

  • April 21, 2011 · 119,850 miles

    Steering

    Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated while driving 25 mph the power steering light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who informed her to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer within a couple of days. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,850.

    ODI 10402732

  • April 7, 2011 · 46,000 miles

    Steering

    Ii have a 2005 chevrolet malibu lt that i bought used in september 2010. It had 43,000 miles when i purchased it, and now has just over 46,000 miles. Soon after we bought it i heard a loud 'clunking' sound coming from the steering column. I did the customary on line research and found this to be a common problem for that year and model. I contacted gm customer service and requested that they repair the vehicle as i…

    ODI 10395340

  • April 6, 2011

    Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, there was a sudden loss of power steering without any warning. The steering wheel was difficult to turn even though force was applied continuously. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice where the electric power steering motor was replaced each time. In…

    ODI 10578629

  • March 30, 2011

    Steering

    2005 chevy malibu steering is failing. Loud clunking noise coming from steering column and the steering wheel turns wile the tires do not. This is very dangerous and a complete safety hazard! I am being told this will not be covered by gm. A safety recall is needed. *tr

    1 injury

    ODI 10393768

  • March 2, 2011 · 50,098 miles

    Steering

    Slack in the intermediate steering shaft, felt the knocking noise in the steering gear and the intermediate shaft. Noise was noticeable in the steering shaft, replaced immediate steering shaft. *tr

    ODI 10682672

  • February 24, 2011 · 107,250 miles

    Steering

    I own a 2005 malibu. The electric power steering light comes on and power steering randomly quits working. Its happened three times at 107,000 miles. There is an extended warranty special coverage # 1-0183, may 2015 or 100,000 miles. I had the dealership diagnose the problem ,cost me $100.00. To fix it is $700.00 to $800.00. The dealer will give me 10% off of parts. Gm will not assist with cost because it is not…

    ODI 10386364

  • February 20, 2011 · 61,000 miles

    Steering

    2005 chevy malibu vehicle did not drive due to "power steering" issues as i was pulling out of the street. I managed to reverse the car and out it back in the parking spot nearly hitting another parked vehicle because i could not move the steering wheel. I came back a few hours later to attempt to straighten out the car and the power steering worked fine. This vehicle does not inspire confidence in me and chevy must…

    ODI 10383401

  • February 15, 2011 · 90,000 miles

    Steering

    I have a 2005 chevy malibu, and the steering power goes on and off, one time i was driving it, then the power steering went off in the freeway, i was so scary, i took the first exit right always, it was almost impossible to turn the steering wheel. *tr

    ODI 10414915