Problems · by component

2011 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems

214 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu cite steering, 22% of all 978 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
214
22% of all complaints
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
12
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My power steering went out while pulling out of a parking spot. The message read “power steering/service ESC. I have read that these vehicles between the years 2007-2012 had a recall for this issue. My car has less than 46000 miles on it. I am confirming the recall so I can have this repair done. Thank you”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026SteeringODI 11766141
“Everytime I turn on my car, I get a warning for ESC power steering and I have no power steering. Usually it will fix itself have shutting it off once and starting it again immediately. There has been a couple times where it has taken multiple starts to fix itself.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2026SteeringODI 11746504
“I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu LS related to the electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and electric power steering systems. My vehicle is currently experiencing the following problems: * “Service ESC” warning message * “ESC Off” displayed * Traction control disabled * Electric power steering warning * Airbag warning light illuminated These issues occur while driving and directly impact the vehicle’s safety systems and handling. I am aware of a prior safety recall issued by General Motors under Recall Number 13036, which involves electrical wiring, the body control module (BCM), and brake assist system (BAS). According to the recall, this defect can result in the loss of electronic stability control, traction control, and other critical safety features. My vehicle is experiencing the exact same symptoms described in Recall #13036, including the disabling of ESC and traction control systems. However, I have been informed that my VIN may not be included in this recall, despite the identical safety-related failures. This presents a significant safety risk because: * Electronic stability control and traction…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 22, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Seat beltsODI 11732967
“The Powersteering is failing in my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu with 93K miles on it. The warning light on the dashboard appears randomly then it becomes difficult to steer. This has become a safety issue because when driving on the highway or trying to navigate turns requires a lot of strength and can be a hazard while driving in traffic or alone. I have taken the vehicle to an auto repair shop for a diagnostic and they were unable to fix it due to the Chevrolet dealership who no longer makes the part. I have researched and found that GM had a special coverage 15356 for this problem but no recall. The special coverage is now expired. I am not sure if it has been inspected by the manufacturer as I am the 2nd owner. The message that appears on the dashboard when there is a loss of power steering says ESC Power steering then it becomes difficult to steer. The problem started about 1 month ago.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 27, 2026SteeringODI 11727609
“apparently, there was a recall on these cars for the power steering suddenly shutting off. Apparently it’s also electric so there’s nothing you can do at home to remedy it. It is incredibly dangerous to drive. I just bought my car it has under 100,000 miles on it, but I guess they have also 10 year age policy that they won’t service the recall. This was a brand new car for me and it is very dangerous for a company to allow cars to be out on the street with no power steering and decide after a certain amount of time it’s no longer their problem. Is their product and people are going to get into accidents. I’m very disappointed in this car.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 4, 2026SteeringODI 11715719
“Power steering jerks violently left/right at 35–65 mph. Nearly lost control — happens intermittently and while in park. This is a KNOWN GM DEFECT — Special Coverage #10183 (EPS module) and TSB PIP4473. Michael Bates Chevrolet REFUSES to repair under #10183 — wants $1,500+. GM Customer Care also denied coverage. I use this car for WORK DAILY — it is UNSAFE TO DRIVE. If I crash and die, GM is liable. Component failed: Electric Power Steering (EPS) module Available for inspection: YES — at Michael Bates Chevy, Woodhaven MI Safety at risk: YES — driver and public Confirmed by dealer: NO — they refuse to honor #10183 Warning lamps: NO — no codes, intermittent First appeared: About a week ago and has progressively gotten worse.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2025SteeringODI 11696546

Showing 6 of 214 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Steering

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported Jul 21, 2014NHTSA 14E044000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.