When It gets colder my cars power steering goes out and my no traction light turns on, I can’t turn my vehicle properly and have no traction it’s dangerous in the winter time. I have noticed other malibu’s from 2009 were recalled for the same exact issue yet mine was not. If i can’t turn or break properly it puts others on the road in risk especially in the snow. The problem always appears when it is cold.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2009 record →
There is a recall that was preformed on my vehicle before I bought it for brake light issues NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000. The issue has come back I just bought the car. I called the dealer and they said it had been fixed in 2014 but it has started doing the same thing and they said that they can fix it but I will have to pay. I have tried to call the corporate gm office but keep getting sent back to the dealer near me
This vin number shows recall number 14v252. We called a Chevrolet new car dealership and they tell us there is no recall on this vin number. Can you help us please ? We don’t want to sell this car with this recall notice. Please call us at our business 814-942-8338. We want to get this resolved for our customer.
Steering has become increasingly stiff and harder to turn, as if the power steering doesn't work. My granddaughter hit a curb in a tight turning entrance to a 4 lane highway and broke the wheel and other component parts.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking space, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred while pulling out of a parking space. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 77,227.
The vehicle loses power steering at random moments while driving. I have had to stop and turn off the vehicle in order to regain power steering function in the middle of intersections several times and lost control while driving around corners barely avoiding accidents.
After exiting the highway, I came to a four-way stop sign, started a left-turn when I heard a chime, I think a light came on & suddenly my power steering went out completely in the middle of the turn. I had to fight to complete the turn without hitting other cars as well as a biker who was crossing the lane I was leaving. I had just left I-40, traveling highway speeds, with my daughter & 2-year-old granddaughter in the car with me. The car has NEVER done anything like this before. I am terrified to think what would have happened if it had done this while we were traveling at 70 MPH with the cruise control engaged. I called the dealership & they can't repair my car until 6/24/22, over a week after this event. I REFUSE to drive this car again until they fix it. I thank God no one was hurt.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH while and approaching a traffic light, the vehicle started driving rough. The contact that several unknown warning lights illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact scheduled an appointment for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 83,763.
My brake lights illuminate when the brake pedal is not pressed and fails to illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed. This issue is part of a previous recall and has not been repaired.
The headlights continually burn out and melt connectors on multiple malibus around this year model, myself, my friends and many online have all been effected, the issue seems to have started as early as 2014 and still continues to this day. I have been fighting this issue myself for many years now. I once had a connector smoke so bad I had to run to turn everything off and make sure it wasn't burning.
Just bought the car and it started acting funny. The windshield wipers haven't worked almost the whole time we've had the car. We have attempted to fix them and we think the problem is fixed all for them to stop working again. So needless to say we either can't drive while it's raining or we attempt to risk ours and others lives by driving with no windshield wipers at all. Now the temperature gauge, and ac are randomly deciding to stop working. Plus the check engine light would randomly come on and off. Found that there was a recall out for these exact problems. So we took it to the dealership and they told us there's nothing they can do the recall has expired almost 3 years ago. Now we just bought the car and all this stuff started and now we're being told it's pretty much our problem because the last owner didn't stay up to date on the car and it's recalls. so I'm trying to figure out how we can still get this fixed specially since we have kids and even grandkids that ride in this car. But now as of these last few days we haven't been able to drive it at all. So we're trying to figure out how we can get the problem that is now ours and shouldn't be fixed.
After I’ve been driving the car for a while, the steering wheel doesn’t just shakes, it jerks violently very quickly in the left/right direction as if it’s trying to turn. It happens so fast to where I couldn’t stop the wheel if I wanted to without injuring myself. It also places grave danger while driving anywhere. I’ve turned the car off & back on, it’s fine for maybe 20-30 mins. But now it’s worsen to where immediately once I start the car, the steering wheel spins left and right as if it’s trying to find a direction to turn. No one (mechanic) seems to be able to identify the issue leaving me with a vehicle I’m unable to drive or fix.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights would illuminate briefly but for a shorter period than the normal time duration. Additionally, the brake lights would illuminate spontaneously without depressing the brake pedal. The electronic stability control warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the driver’s side lock would malfunction causing the door to remain locked. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 181,326.
Lost power steering while driving on the highway. The display board is reading power steering, service ESC, and the traction control symbol is on.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the power steering failed to operate with the electronic stability control and power steering warning lights illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
The contact's son owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while his son's wife was driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light was illuminated. The driver parked on the side road, restarted the vehicle, and was able drive to her residence. The contact's son called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E044000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The contact attempted to call the manufacturer but was unable to speak to a representative. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Power steering shut off
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the power steering warning light and the message to "Service ESC" illuminated. The contact stated he turned off and restarted the vehicle, the warning light and warning message were no longer illuminated; however, the vehicle lost power steering while driving and making a turn. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and assisted the contact with setting up an appointment with the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist control motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring daily while driving. The failure mileage was approximately 149,450.
Experience a sudden loss of electric power steering assist. If power steering assist is lost, a message displays on the Driver Information Center and a chime sounds to inform the driver. Steering control can be maintained because the vehicle will revert to manual steering, but greater driver effort would be required at low vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash. the power steering motor, the steering column, the power steering motor control unit or a combination of the steering column and the power steering motor control unit.
I was diving when my power steering stops working. Stop the car, turn it off restart it and it works again. It's been happening for the past few weeks and is happening more often as time goes on.
The power steering light comes in every time car is turned on and I don’t want to be driving like this
Service traction light/ service esc / esc off has come three times replace what was told to be to problem three times
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I COULD NOT STEERING MY CAR AT ALL.
I OWN A 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. I noticed a few times while stopped at a traffic light, the steering wheel started to vibrate. On start up, intermittently the power steering assist and traction control warning light will illuminate. I also noted no power steering when this happened. I shut the vehicle off. Upon restart the problem was solved.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 40 MPH and the warning messages; “Service ESC” and “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed. The contact continued to drive the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body and the accelerator pedal needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who replaced the computer software; however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic advised the contact to purchase the throttle body from the dealer and have it replaced by an independent mechanic. The contact purchased the part from an unknown dealer and it was replaced by an independent mechanic; however, the failure persisted with the Traction Control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,224.
My car keep showing the engine reduced light and esc service light I have paid to get a new computer and gas petal and a throttle body from the Chevy computer and it’s still doing the same thing
Electric power steering randomly shuts off
Power steering intermittently fails.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the steering wheel started to vibrate. The contact stated that the power steering assist and traction control warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that the vehicle needed further diagnostic testing and should be taken to an authorized dealer. The dealer was contacted and informed her of an unknown recall however, the recall had expired. The contact stated that she then contacted the manufacturer who referred her to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 103,967.
I went to move the Lever to the driver side seat to adjust the back of the seat for support. And I went to go pull the level and the seat assembly snapped and broke off causing the seat to move backwards and forwards(up and down) and won't sit still. the seat can move at almost all angles. It does not slide just moves side to sides. It was a perfectly fine and I never used that level before until the first time ever and it just complete fell apart. It still looks like it's intact but I took it to the dealership and they said part of the assembly snapped.
I was driving and my steering wheel got extremely tight not allowing me to turn the car steering left or right. My service ESC light is on and power steering came across the dash.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly seized. The power steering warning light and the traction warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted however, the vehicle failed to regain power steering functionality. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,025.
Steering affected, unable to control direction of vehicle. Luckily I was not on highway driving at high speed ....it very well had caused a serious accident. Warning lights on : dashboard monitor messaged " power steering " traction control light First time it happened was on December 22, 2021 . The most recent time was on February 21, 2022.
I was driving on a main road when my steering wheel locked up and was almost impossible to turn. It read SERVICE ESC and POWER STEERING. Barely made it home without an accident.
I started to smell a slight burning smell, as I pulled off the road to investigate at the gas station my power steering failed upon restarting the vehicle. On the message center it says power steering, service ESC, ESC off. This could have caused an accident if i had not pulled off the road. Upon research, it shows a recall bulletin has been issued for 2008-2009 Chevy Malibu for a torque sensor, which appears to be the same issue. Bulletin No.: 14116B Date: October 2014 GM recall search returns no results for this VIN#, so we were not notified of a recall. This appears to be a mistake, as the recall is for the same issue as what we have experienced.
Well it all started at one, i fixed the electrical myself after inspecting 6 months worth of it sitting , finally found electrical problems that i got it running afterwords 2 fuel pumps later knowing pumps werent the issue then, now I almost have it paid off, its really began to just be a piece of junk after dearly taking care of it when i bought the car I loved it, now I found on it, no steering, comes and goes, like I know how to put a steering asst. in... i pulled one from the J yard, its in the backseat now, airbags indicator saying it needs servicing, tires I bought brand new last summer, they are baby butt smooth now, the car cant even squeal the tires so whatever on that, 5 days ago I threw a new alternator in it, similar to every alternator when they go it was normal... no problem, now I'm pooped out, I want the problems fixed so when its paid off in April I can sell it legally without anyone getting hurt, also the value is poor, not even close to what you value it as on here. [XXX] if I didn't spend more on costs on parts, repair, labor (thankfully I know wyf I'm doing when I work on a GM) it would be more than the car loan I took out on the junk on October 19th 2019. I think somebody is responsible in repairing these issues as I knew nothing about the problems gm had when buying this vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
When i start my car the TC light will cut on them my steering wheel will start being rough and rough to start , i would turn my car off and turn it back on , it would run good for a few mins then it would do it again
Power steering failed at driving speed. Could have caused an accident. Research shows a recall bulletin has been issued for 2008-2009 Chevy Malibu for a torque sensor, which appears to be the same issue. Bulletin No.: 14116B Date: October 2014 GM recall search returns no results for this VIN#, so we were not notified of a recall. This appears to be a mistake, as the recall is for the same issue as what we have experienced.
Bad oss says it doesnt detect occupants in front seat
I couldbt turn tge car out of nowhere an nout ran off the road
My cars power steering failed while making a right turn the steering wheel locked up and wouldn’t move I turn the car off and the issue went away but I know it will come apparently there has been a recall on this cars EPS but there’s no open recall on my vehicle
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated with several unknown warning lights and messages displayed. The contact stated he pulled over and waited 45 minutes to restart the vehicle. Upon restart, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred several times and he was able to restart the vehicle with normal operation. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed the failure as a power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he found Manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin: 14116B however, the dealer and manufacturer declined repairs as he was over the allowed mileage. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The contact stated that the manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.
The power steering goes out and the light for service ESC and power steering comes on. The steering becomes nearly impossible to use even at higher speeds. Took to GM they acknowledged the problem and said that there is a recall on other VINs, just not mine.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel locked up. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light and power steering assist warning message were displayed. The failure nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The dealer performed a P-Module program and relearn, a T-S module unit, and a multi-point inspection; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,477.
Power steering will stop working while driving. EPS Light will start blinking. Once you shut off car and turn it back on it works again.
The car displayed a warning for the power steering and ESC service. I lost the power steering.Now after turning the car on and off it disappeared and the power steering was back.
Power Steering and ESC both failed at the same time randomly, no warning lights or signals until after the incident. Can get it to turn back on by starting car and jerking wheel, steering wheel shakes back and forth, power steering and ESC goes back out once wheel is turned even slightly. Electronic power steering is constant, so I am fighting my car just to drive it, and I have no electronic stability control in snow/ice. Impossible to react/turn quickly enough to prevent an accident in the worst case scenario. Most likely torque sensor, extremely common issue with 09 Malibu’s, no recall issued.
Steering wheel locks while driving. Only way to unlock steering is by parking the car, turning off the ignition, starting the ignition and it will unlock. Parking brake light, ABS and traction control lights come on when this happens.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact’s daughter stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be inspected. 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 and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an active recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Power steering message appeared and complete loss of power steering occurred immediately while driving. After researching, it appears this is a recall issue with these models and year, but does not apply to this vehicle? A teenage driver was behind the wheel when this known safety issue occurred.
Reading these
NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
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