“The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. Additionally, the traction and power steering assist motor warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with power steering assist failure.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 12, 2026 at 70,560 miles
“The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact noticed a vibrating and clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. The “Service ESC” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the failure reoccurred.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 23, 2026 at 111,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the steeringRecall (red: the steering)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2009 Malibu peaked in 2015, with 231 filed that year. Owners had filed 37 complaints about the steering before the first recall that covers it, 14V153000 in March 2014; 530 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 13 so far.
Filed Jul 21, 20147,304 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.
Defect. Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
Risk. A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Filed May 14, 20142,440,524 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC
Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Risk. Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Filed Mar 31, 20141,373,177 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC
Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Risk. If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)12V460000
Defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
Risk. If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift09V073000
Filed Mar 6, 2009276,729 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".
Risk. THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP IS FULLY ENGAGED. IN THE EVENT THAT THE CLIP DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Defect. GM IS RECALLING 77 MY 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEM." THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIRCONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE BLOWER WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND THE MODE SELECTOR WOULD REMAIN IN THE LAST KNOWN SETTING.
Risk. IF THE WINDSHIELD BEGAN TO FOG OR FROST, THERE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH AIRFLOW TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD, RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE HVAC CONTROL HEAD MODULE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2009 Malibu.
Opened Nov 18, 2010Closed Dec 28, 2015unknown or other
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of …
Technical service bulletins
1,097 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2009 Malibu. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
equipment 407engine 170electrical system 163transmission 71equipment adaptive/mobility 56fuel system 37visibility 32tires 29
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …
PIT5236GService campaignMar 31, 2016electrical system
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …
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.
This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
Showing the newest 6 of 17 bulletins about the steering, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 202668,000 milesPA
The contact owned a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side air bag deployed without impact. The air bag struck the ear of the contact. The contact sustained a loss of hearing in the left ear. The contact received medical treatment for the injury. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was deemed as a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Steering
Filed Oct 27, 2026NY
Power steering and esc lights came on, Lost power assist.
Steering
Filed Jun 20, 2026OH
The power steering motor failed ,ESC , TRACTION and power steeringg lights came on, i am a woman and coould NOT control the car and my safety and others was at risk for an accident or crash ,there was nothing prior to this just suddenly loosing control of my car and a very scary position to be in , yes the chevy dealer has the component.I know ther was a recall on this problem and other s beside myself are still having this problem so with the low milage on this car this should NOT have happened , General Motoors should stand behind a recall no matter how long, a recall is a recall 10 years or the life off the car.
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jun 17, 202668,000 milesPA
The contact owned a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the driver's side curtain air bag erroneously deployed and struck the left side of the contact's head. The contact immediately pulled over to the side of the road. No warning light was illuminated before or after the failure. Police Officers arrived at the scene, but no police report was filed. The contact sustained a headache and a partial left-ear hearing loss. The contact received a paramedic evaluation. The following day, the contact was taken to the Emergency Room, where it was confirmed that the contact had not sustained a concussion. The vehicle was towed to an autobody shop, where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a field inspector would be sent to investigate the failure; however, the contact was later informed that the case was closed because the root cause of the air bags deployment could not be determined upon inspection. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Steering
Filed Mar 15, 2026IL
POWER STEERING WENT OUT
Steering
Filed Mar 12, 202670,560 milesIL
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. Additionally, the traction and power steering assist motor warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with power steering assist failure. The contact was informed that the power steering assist motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not associated. The failure mileage was approximately 70,560.
Steering
Filed Mar 4, 2026IN
I was cruise control 80mph and my.power steering went out. Esc power steering warning on dash. Car is incredibly hard to steer. When I turn car off and back on it might go away for a few minutes but then come.back randomly in a scary scenarios. Thing is a death trap.
Steering
Filed Feb 23, 2026111,000 milesAZ
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact noticed a vibrating and clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. The “Service ESC” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was purchased. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed torque sensor within the steering column. The contact was informed that the torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Feb 11, 2026234,000 milesOK
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 120,000 however, the contact researched and discovered in a Carfax Report that the mileage was approximately 234,000. The contact stated that the vehicle had several issues, leading the contact believe that the odometer had been tampered with. The contact stated that the current approximate mileage on the vehicle was 141,000, which the contact believed to be inaccurate.
Steering
Filed Feb 10, 2026107,000 milesNY
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, it lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. The failure reoccurred every mile while driving, requiring the driver to pull over to the side of the road to restart the vehicle. The power steering, ESC, and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated who was a retired independent mechanic, determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Steering
Filed Feb 6, 2026VA
Driving down the interstate I noticed the steering wheel lightly jumping intermittently like it wanted to take control and turn itself. A few minutes later the power steering completely went out and the dash board display ESC OFF, Power Steering. I had no control of the vehicle. After turning the car off and then back on it would go away but happen later. Tried the recommended disconnect of the battery and hard restart and it would be fine for a little bit but happen again. Fast forward 2 weeks later and now completely out. This is extremely dangerous and a recall was already conducted for this year, make and model, but not on ALL VINs associated. This recall needs to be reinstated covering all VINs of this year before someone is seriously hurt or possibly killed.
Steering
Filed Jan 20, 2026KY
Power steering has failed. There are numerous complaints for these model and year cars. There has also been recalls for certain VIN numbers but not all. Very unsafe!
Steering
Filed Jan 12, 2026MO
So just recently I was on my way home from my parents house, and I take a highway to get there from my home. It’s a direct shot, fastest way to get to and from. I was merging right to get in the turn lane to the highway I take, and I heard a click, and my steering wheel felt like it locked up. I look at the dash, and see it says “power steering” and then “ESC OFF”. The turn to merge onto the highway is a pretty sharp turn over a very steep hill. I had to force the steering wheel to the right, and crush on the brakes to get on the side of the road, where I could stop and inspect. I inevitably ended up giving up, because it’s freezing outside and I am not a mechanic. But it didn’t happen the rest of the way to my home. Since then though, it happens every time I drive the car. Turning the car off and on, while moving the steering wheel from left/right seems to temporarily fix the issue. Until the cars is idling again, and then it clicks off. I have a video of my steering wheel shaking and moving on its own, but this website only lets you upload pics or files. This started the next time I drove the car. Which was the day after the incident. I have not had any service done to it, as I can’t afford it. It is available for servicing upon request. I have had an check engine light and ABS light on for sometime. But I think that’s because the warning lights weren’t reset after my dad changed my oil, and my brake pads.
Steering
Filed Dec 21, 2025KY
Power steering went out and Esc warning came on the dash . This has happened multiple times mostly while sitting at idle. Turned off car and restarted and it was corrected. This is becoming more frequent.
Steering
Filed Dec 3, 2025MO
The power steering fails and SERVICE ESC is displayed on the dash. This has been happening intermittently on my daughter’s car and she struggles to control the vehicle when it loses power steering. A quick internet search revealed is a known issue and is extremely dangerous. Please consider recall immediately.
Steering
Filed Dec 1, 2025WA
Power steering will shut off when moving at slow speeds or when stopped with car running such as at a stop light. warning lights will flash. Saw that there was a recall in 2014 for the same issue and was never informed. when checking recall alerts, i don't see my VIN however i am having the same issues as the recall.
Steering
Filed Nov 19, 2025IN
The power steering went out while driving and is available for inspection right now. The car has 145k miles. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center and reproduced but has not been inspected by manufacturer/police/insurance. There were no indicators on dash before the power steering went out. Now the power steering ESC indicator as well as traction light and ABS warning show on dash now and the power steering is still out.
Steering
Filed Aug 30, 2025CA
2009 chevy malibu i lost of Electric Power Steering it happened to me twice both when i was driving one was in the freeway the bad thing my car or vin wasn't included in the recall the dealer said its not included in the affected cars unfortunately it deed my vehicle has 40k miles on the odometer although its a 2009 its very clean. I brought it at firestone auto they said after diagnosing it that they can't fix it because it had a recall so i bring it to were we bought it at Guaranty Chevy in Santa Ana i paid $240. to have it diagnose and they said it was wiring issue so i went home after a day drove the car the next day the STEERING went out again and i was driving it again i was on the freeway this could cause an accident. So when i brought it back to the dealer they fix it for a whopping $1144.87 plus the initial $240 to diagnose says on my receipt the sensor that was actually on their recall again my Vin wasn't included in the affected cars obviously it did. I ask the dealer if they could contact the manufacturer to at least give me a discount or at least cover the expense because this shouldn't happen but to no avail. Hope you could help me recover what i paid this should been recalled by the manufacturer again my car wasn't included for repairs i have all receipts and documentation and pictures of my car hope you guys help me! It could have been worst what if i hit someone on the freeway and i can't steer. They know the vehicles was affected but they didn't want to fix
Steering
Filed Aug 30, 2025CA
My 2009 chevy malibu is 40k miles only! The Electronic Power Steering failed almost causing me into an accident they had a recall on this but unfortunately the dealer said my car was not on the list. I went to the dealer and had it diagnose for $240 i paid out of pocket a day later they called me Chevy Guaranty at Santa Ana CA. That my car was fix so i was happy a day later i was driving at the 5 highway and it happened again the steering wheel was locked engine running ac and everything but i can’t steer it there was no power assist so i had to call AAA again i used my towing 3 times in a soan of almost 3 days just to fix this when i told the dealer what had happen they had the car for kike 4 days and when it was done the cost of repair and parts was $1144.87 i feel kike they should have done this in good faith because its a known issue but my car wasn’t in the affected vin so there were no recalls but at 40k i could have been in an accident worst it could have out me in danger and other all i ask is GM pays me back what i paid the initial diagnostic of $240 plus the $1114.87 i think aftertax i paid almost $1200 the 2nd time but the taught that i almost crashed is not something i could let go they knew it but wouldnt help me!
Electrical System
Filed Jun 28, 2025SC
The power steering keeps going in and out and the vehicle only has 85,000 miles on it. I also keep having weird electrical issues. I had to replace my headlight wiring harnesses as well as my taillights harnesses. But the power steering issue is coming from the rack and pinion. The steering wheel will shake while sitting still and the power steering will completely go out basically every other time I turn the car on.
Steering
Filed Apr 24, 2025OH
Experiencing power steering issues, Power steering goes off randomly and airbag light has come on and won’t go off.
Steering
Filed Mar 14, 2025IL
While driving the car, the power steering suddenly goes out and a message displays saying something like "service ESC Power Steering". It seems completely random. Some days, power steering works all day and other days it is completely intermittent. There is a recall for this exact car, Recall 14V153000 from 3-31-2014 but somehow according to the VIN this car is not in that group. It needs to be expanded. I have researched this problem extensively, and it is identical to the symptoms described in Recall 14V153000. I do not know why this car is not included in the recall. It is the identical electrical power steering system, and clearly it is faulty.
Steering
Filed Feb 19, 2025NJ
The steering recently failed in my 2009 Chevrolet Malibu (VIN # [XXX] ) and I feel that my car should have been included in the October 2014 safety recall related to the Torque Sensor. I called General Motors/Chevrolet on [XXX] and they told me that my car would not be covered. However, my torque sensor needed to be replaced (see attached repair bill) and I would like the manufacturer to reimburse me for the expense ($924.48). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering
Filed Feb 17, 2025MT
The power steering in my 2009 Chevy Malibu went out on . The car is available for inspection upon request. This is very unsafe because I am unable to turn the car quickly, if needed. This is a safety risk to not only me, but other drivers on the road. I took the car to Tire Rama in Helena, Montana on February 12, 2025. The receipt stated that there was a steering column internal wire issue. The car has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. The message, ESC (electronic steering control) occurred at the same time the power steering stopped working. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering
Filed Feb 13, 2025IN
My Power Steering stops working. I have to shut the car off and on several times and it will come back on. There is a recall for the 2009 Malibu, although my VIN is showing it’s not part of the recall. The air conditioner works some days, but other days not at all. It also shows that this is under recall, although my VIN shows not affected by this recall either. The air conditioner is inconvenient, but the steering is a safety issue. My wheel will barely turn when it stops working.
Steering
Filed Feb 11, 2025OH
My chevy malibu has been losing power steering multiple times per day. It comes back on after turning the car off and on again, but then goes out again after just a few miles. I understand this is an issue with the 4 cylinder, electric power-steering malibus from that year. However, my VIN is not covered by the recall for this.
Steering
Filed Feb 4, 2025FL
After no issues with my electric power steering for the vehicles whole life, it randomly started shutting off and back on. If I were to park and restart the car, the power steering will return, then shut off again once I steer while driving. The next day, no power steering at all and none since. After taking it into a shop, they told be the steering sensor needed to be replaced and would cost about $1000. I read on this and found there was a recall for '09 Malibus for the electric power steering, but my car was not part of the recall. All of the symptoms of the issue listed in the recall are the same and many people online report the same. Same issues, same shutting on and off and a complete shutdown.
Steering
Filed Jan 30, 2025WI
Powering steering intermittently goes out. Sometimes when backing up sometimes while driving straight and sometimes while trying to take a ramp on the highway. The battery on the car was replaced and the alternator was checked and all there is good. This model has an electric power steering pump and the same pump was recalled on other malibus. Why has this one not been recalled?
Steering
Filed Jan 30, 2025NJ
Power steering failing intermittently. While driving get message power steering and check ESC. After stopping and restarting the car the failure goes away but returns few miles later. It's very hard turning with no power steering. If I had to avoid something I probably wouldn't be able to respond quickly enough. I probably will go to car shop to have it checked. I see that on Chevy forums this issue is common. Some VINS recalled and some not? No warning lamps other than when it happens I get the power steering indication and check ESC.
Steering
Filed Jan 23, 2025PA
Power Steering light and function kept shutting on and off. Stated with shaking wheel. Eventually just stopped working completely. Took to Dealership to get diagnosed. I see this is a common issue/recall on 2009 chvy malibus.
Steering
Filed Jan 23, 2025IL
Without notice, as I was driving down the road, I turned the turn signal on to turn right and then the steering wheel stiffened up and was unable to turn so I hit the curb ,as i kept on struggling to force hardened steering wheel to the right.. I managed to straighten it to pull over safely.. I was very fortunate not to be rear-ended or hit something else in front of me besides the curb.. I was thinking I could pour power steering fluid into it, but I was unaware until someone else looked at it , that it is not like the cars back in the day where you can pour it in …I was told (not by a mechanic, just someone who stopped to help me get home.) that there was no reservoir and that it was an electrical power steering unit , that needed to be replaced, from inside the car, & that they had heard of a recall on this problem. Sooo, can you help me with this in some way ?? 😳
Steering
Filed Jan 21, 2025IA
Driving and suddenly lose power steering. Service ESC comes on and service power steering. Seems dangerous has happened multiple times past few years
Steering
Filed Dec 27, 2024IN
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 a recall repaired yet it still randomly my brake lamps still don’t function correctly
Electrical System
Filed Nov 24, 2024SC
I've been trying to fix the car I've put alternator new starter wires everything you can think of new fuses and the esc light burnt out 2 brand new battery's I've lost my job because it's unfixable almost killed after the power steering went out because of what's going on with this problem I can't fix it I've spent over 1000 trying to find the problem.
Steering
Filed Nov 20, 2024VA
When driving my 2009 chevy malibu out of nowhere my car steering wheel became difficult to turn. Then "Service Power Steering Loss SC" illuminated. I was able to steer the vehicle using extra effort to drive the vehicle. I turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. Then as I continued driving the power steering failure reoccurred. I pulled off the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. It was dangerous that out of nowhere the power steering started that issue as I was driving and could have caused a serious accident.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 31, 2024KY
While driving at night with the lights on, the rear taillights are bright all the time. when you press the brake pedal, the rear taillights go dim or completely dark. brake lights are working opposite what they should be doing. Fixed once with local mechanic. Fixed second time at dealership with a 'technical service bulletin' and now it is having the same problem for third time.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Sep 27, 2024OH
Sunroof glass seperated from frame And broke
Steering
Filed Sep 18, 2024245,000 milesOK
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact was able drive to the residence by using excessive force to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering (EPS) assist motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.
Steering
Filed Sep 7, 2024IN
I recently bought this car used a month ago, currently I still do not have any check engine lights. The other day while turning my power steering went out and “service esc” flashed on my dash. My vehicle is normal when you start it but as soon as I start driving and make a turn in any direction my power steering goes out and the traction control gets turned off.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 5, 202485,000 milesWI
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the lights became inoperable. When the brake pedal was released, the lights returned to normal functionality. The contact also stated that the cruise control failed to engage as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that the failure recurred after the repair. The dealer informed the contact the recall repair was a one-time free repair. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Steering
Filed Apr 30, 2024AL
The component that’s messing up is the power steering causing a warning light to come up I got the car in January and been dealing with this issue since it’s making my car hard to drive and I been getting stuck in places the warning lamps been popping up about two months after I got the car and it’s been acting up since my steering wheel shakes uncontrollably and sometimes it slips and tries to turn on its own I haven’t been in a accident but the issue is getting worse and will cause that
Steering
Filed Apr 14, 2024OH
Power steering intermittently went out while driving. It is unsafe and can cause a wreck
Steering
Filed Mar 21, 2024CO
Loss of Power Steering Assist while driving, increasing risk of crash, occurred on 3/8/24. No warning of failure, but upon failure the dash indicated Power Steering malfunction. When able to schedule into repair shop, system error codes indicated the Electronic Power Steering Motor Control Module and Steering Column required replacement (shop mechanic said these parts have worn out). Vehicle has not been repaired due to excessive cost ($1400 parts, plus $385 labor and shop supplies, plus sales tax). Vehicle only had 96,227 miles when malfunction occurred and has never been driven hard. Malfunctioning parts are still in vehicle and are thus available for inspection upon removal. Vehicle is still in use and probably poses an elevated and unnecessary risk to the general public and occupants of this vehicle due to poor manufacturer design and/or quality assurance. I have driven the vehicle 11 miles to date, without re-occurrence of malfunction (yet).
Steering
Filed Mar 20, 2024NC
Power steering intermittionly turns off and on
SteeringCrash
Filed Mar 20, 2024KY
In 2012, I was driving down a somewhat of a curvy road when all of a sudden when approaching a curve, the car would not turn!!! I was headed straight for a tree as well as traveling into opposing traffics lane. Fortunately, no one was coming. Eventually the steering came back which sent me back in the other direction as I was pulling on the wheel trying to get it to turn. This sent me over a curb that was on my side of the road, resulting in damage that had to be repaired at a collision center. I was scared to drive the car after this because of what happened, but everyone I talked to said there wasn't nothing wrong with the car. I started driving it again and everything was fine, until in 2022 as I was pulling into my mother's driveway, and it happened again!! I started the turn and boom no steering and ended up in her front yard. I haven't drove it since because I am terrified it will happen again. Today I decided to look into if anyone was having the same issue as I, and I found that my car was under a GM special coverage 15356 which has now expired. This should have been a RECALL!! If I wouldn't have thought to look into the problem I would have never known. Not only am I out money for the repair from the first incidence this could have ended poorly not just for me but other drivers around me as well.
Steering
Filed Mar 12, 2024CA
See attached document for complaint
Steering
Filed Mar 11, 2024VA
Power Steering suddenly quit working while driving. Code reader said steering wheel input torque sensor was bad.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 4, 2024170,000 milesPA
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the third brake light failed to illuminate intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the third brake light would randomly illuminate while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the third brake light was defective. Additionally, the local dealer and an unknown dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist due to the mileage on the vehicle. Additionally, the manufacturer informed the contact that the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) was previously performed on the vehicle and that the repair was one-time free of charge. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 1,511, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Malibu years to avoid: owners filed 1,511 complaints, 2.0 times as many as a typical Malibu year. The most common complaint is about the steering (38%).
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?
The steering: 567 of the 1,511 complaints (38%) are about it. Owners most often say it sets off warning lights on the dash (30%), loses steering assist or the wheel locks (28%) and loses power (14%). The typical report comes at 113,856 miles.
How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu have?
6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jul 21, 2014. The largest, 14V252000, covered 2,440,524 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Malibu problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 100,000 miles. For the steering the midpoint is 113,856 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes, once. AQ10001 ("Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit") was opened Nov 18, 2010 and closed Dec 28, 2015.
Are there service bulletins for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?
The manufacturer filed 1,097 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (170), the electrical system (163) and the transmission (71). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
3 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jul 21, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.