2008 Chevrolet Malibu Steering
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
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Chronological view of owner reports
The EPS malfunctions and turns off during normal driving operations at random intervals. Happens more when temperature outside is below 50 degrees. This has made it difficult to steer and has almost caused me to get in an accident on multiple occasions
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The check engine and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 14116B; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Recurrence of Sudden loss of electric steering. Apparently this was supposedly fixed under recall N140115. It did not last.
I bought a used car, 2008 Malibu a couple years ago. I just found out that it had a recall back in 2014. I called a dealership about getting it fixed and they refused to do it. Is there anything I can do? I am retired and live on a limited income. Can you please let me know.
Power steering esc not working properly
Warning light on dash (power steering) I had no power steering at all !thank God I was at a Drive Thur at that moment . Took car to my mechanic(Steve Brook)Family Auto 26937 Eckel Rd. Perrysburg Ohio 43551 419-931-1900 they diagnosed power steering needs to be replaced and they looked up recall on 2008 Chevy Malibu’s so I called around and I’m getting no where on a recall on this but when looking it up, it shows a recall, this is something that needs to be addressed very dangerous cause that day I was getting on the highway to pick up my grandchildren and I don’t even wanna know the outcome of that would’ve been. I bought this car new and I have low mileage and I take care of my vehicle
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knock, clicking, and looseness in the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.
My power steering locking up when I trying to back up out of my driveway and a service warning light coming on
Unknown. Power steering warning appears every now and then.
The power steering stops working making it difficult to control. Those has been an ongoing issue for several years.
Driving my 08' Chevy Malibu and suddenly in a turn my steering locked. It was so hard to turn. The dash stated power steering with the failure symbol. I turn car off then back on and it's fine. Then it happens again. My safety and others was at risk do to child with Autism in my car & suddenly having to really break around the sharp turn that could of taken me over the embankment and killed us. I am disabled and the scared me bad because on a country road and nobody to help me & my daughter. Very scary and life threatening.
The car is hard to steer.
Power steering
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while attempting to make a left turn. The contact pulled off to the side of the road where the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14E044000 (Steering) and 14V153000 (Steering. The contact called the dealer who confirmed that the power steering had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not currently under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the recall repairs were already completed and that a second free repair would not be offered. The failure mileage was 82,000.
The vehicle pulls to the left while driving. I have taken the vehicle to get aligned 3x and the issue is still the same; the repair shop says it's not the alignment (since it's well aligned) but another problem with the steering. Also, the left and right turn signs do not click back, and I have to push it back into place to stop the signals, and every time I turn my steering wheel, it clicks all the time too.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was steering faulty functionality. There were no failure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering inadvertently with the power steering message displayed. The contact then used extra effort to steer the vehicle while pulling into a nearby parking lot, where she turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle regained power steering functionality however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering had become more stiff, and at some instances, the steering forced the wheel in one or the other direction and would shake vigorously. Power steering has now completely gone. I had to swerve with all arm strength to avoid a collision in which caused muffler to come off when I pulled onto a curb. I also read online that there was a recall on this issue a few years back and i am unable to determine if my vehicle was included. I am also experiencing a message on my dash that says Power Steering.
The power steering system has been failing and my steering wheel has been locking up on me while driving and while parked. The steering wheel shakes when idling, and also stopped in gear. This is dangerous to be on the road and have that happen and a risk to my life. Once the power steering fails, “Service ESC” comes up on the dashboard
The owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The ABS and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V153000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 187,110.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and felt that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
Steering column shakes when I exceed 60 miles and higher. I am forced to break to reduce speed. Which is dangerous. Based on all the recalls I'm kind of scared to drive my vehicle. I have an 8 yr old little girl who I have to pray for protection over because I need my car to maintain daily responsibilities.
The car shakes and becomes hard to steer and the instrument panel reads service ESC, service traction.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STANDSTILL, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTATED AND REGAINED POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A&T CHEVROLET (801 BETHLEHEM PIKE, SELLERSVILLE, PA 18960, (610) 890-7312) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING GEAR TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,000.
While driving I randomly lose power steering. Happens at various speed but usually slower speeds or stopped. Power steering warning light comes on in the dash panel. Sometimes can be reset by shutting off the car and restarting it. Still not 100% after resetting. Constant pulsing felt in the steering wheel and vehicle always wants to pull to the left.
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Quick Summary
The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has 345 Steering complaints on file. 6 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.