2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 251about this part
- Share
- 58%of 434 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,766miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 251 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, 58% of the 434 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,766 miles. 16 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Steering out of whack. I have had my control arm on both sides changed along with axles and a alignment. No luck its still all over road. I drive from sylvester ga to tifton ga everyday. It does the same thing everytime. Also I have had my lights replaced 3 times in the last year. Why arent the lasting. Gas cap keeps reading error. Whole car. I can let someone drive it to see what I am saying.”
NHTSA complaint #11193420, filed 2019-04, 140,000 miles“I turned my car on, and the power steering light came on. Couldn't steer. Turned car off and on, then my steering wheel jerks like crazy for a week. Now driving home from work my steering died completely. Reading about this and I see this is a huge problem for the malibu and Malibu Maxx. Chevy needs to do a recall!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10564954, filed 2014-02, 159,900 miles“I've had my car for five years and the power steering has went out and replace 4 times!! I am a mother with three kids driving is very difficult I cannot afford to pay to replace the same part over and over there needs to be a recall on this steering problem there are to many complaints for is not to be an issue!”
NHTSA complaint #10562210, filed 2014-01, 90,000 miles“I just exited the highway and was turning into a parking lot and heard a loud clunk and the steering failed. The dealership informed me that the steering rack and gears to the steering column needed to be replaced along with the spring and sensor for airbag on the steering column. The steering column would then have to be re-centered and the car realigned.”
NHTSA complaint #10453318, filed 2012-03, 47,000 miles“Driving down the road and the steering wheel loses power and locks up, my daughter is 19 years old and I'd like her to see her 20th birthday, please help, this is ridiculous the amount of chevy customers that have had this issue and it is being ignored by GM, this needs to be recalled, asap!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10568965, filed 2014-03, 210 milesRelated recalls
- 14V153000Mar 31, 2014General 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…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2004–2006, Malibu 2004–2006, 2008–2009, Saturn Ion 2004–2007 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10090080Mar 5, 201514327 - special coverage. Some vehicles may have been built without a steering gear umbrella seal. Without the seal, water and dirt may enter the system and could cause the rack…
- 10057960Mar 1, 2015This tsb comntains an owner notification letter. General motors 2004-2005 chevrolet malibu, malibu maxx , pontiac g6: bulletin coverage regarding loss of steering due to water…
- 10245882Sep 1, 2014Electric Power Steering Assist
- 10061096Mar 31, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10025672Jun 1, 2010Loss of power steering assist, power steering warning message displayed in dic, ipc/radio displays erratic, dtc c0900, b1325 set (replace ignition coil/module assembly and add…
- 10019478Jun 1, 2010Normal operating characteristics of electric power steering (eps) system during extended lock-to-lock (maximum steering wheel rotation) usage. *tt updated 3/30/11.
- 10032292Aug 1, 2009Chevrolet/pontiac/saturn: steering column tilt wheel release lever inoperative/broken (replace tilt wheel release lever kit and/or release lever retainer (tilt teeth)).
- 10020816Mar 1, 2008Clunk, knock or rattle noise from front of vehicle while driving or turning over bumps at low speeds. *kb (diagnose noise - lubricate inner and outer steering shaft, reposition…
- 10020217Aug 18, 2006Loss of power steering assist at high engine rpm. *tt updated 08-15-07. *kb updated on 10/03/07.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
93 complaintsElectrical system
37 complaintsExterior lighting
37 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology