2011 Chevrolet Malibu Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 214about this part
- Share
- 22%of 978 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 214 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 22% of the 978 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,500 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving 35 MPH on city street, a chime sounded and power steering, service ESC message came on. The steering wheel became very difficult to turn. Although very hard, I was able to turn into a parking lot. After turning the car on/off for about 20 min, the message finally went away and the steering worked again. Today when I started my car, the same message appeared.”
NHTSA complaint #11397218, filed 2021-02, 102,430 miles“Buzzer sounded, red light flashed power steering service. Then I had trouble steering and had to fight to make turns. Hurt my arms. Vehicle had just begun moving and the minute I touched the steering wheel it wouldn't move. If I put all my might into the steering while moving, I could turn corners, but it hurt. Stayed stable going straight.”
NHTSA complaint #11290761, filed 2019-12, 52,449 miles“Service ESC message - ESC off message - and power steering messages come on and I cannot turn my car. Happens multiple times while driving on daily commute and causes me to be put in dangerous situations especially on the expressways. There is not always a place to pull over. These indicators happens whether driving or sitting still. Service air bag message stays on.”
NHTSA complaint #11180952, filed 2019-02, 126,000 miles“My cars steering wheel started to make noise in the steering wheel then it started to move slightly.very slightly while I was driving. After a little bit more of driving the same day. The problem got worse and the steering wheel would lock and only locked once while I was driving at low speed”
NHTSA complaint #11383044, filed 2020-12, 83,581 miles“My electronic power steering will stop working and the check power steering light will come on. If I shut off the car, it will start working, but shakes when at a stop. You can also feel it shaking from left to right while driving. This has happened numerous times and in numerous situations. Please add this to 14v153000”
NHTSA complaint #11082587, filed 2018-04, 91,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 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…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This 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.
- 10235561Apr 4, 2023This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This 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.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 16 | 8% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 42 | 6% |
| 2017 | 47 | 7% |
| 2016 | 42 | 5% |
| 2015 | 9 | 3% |
| 2014 | 26 | 7% |
| 2013 | 181 | 22% |
| 2012 | 191 | 21% |
| 2011 | 214 | 22% |
| 2010 | 454 | 33% |
| 2009 | 769 | 51% |
| 2008 | 460 | 47% |
| 2007 | 667 | 68% |
| 2006 | 812 | 73% |
| 2005 | 506 | 52% |
| 2004 | 798 | 70% |
| 2003 | 21 | 4% |
| 2002 | 13 | 2% |
| 2001 | 41 | 6% |
| 2000 | 45 | 5% |
| 1999 | 37 | 5% |
| 1998 | 74 | 8% |
| 1997 | 80 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
235 complaintsElectronic stability control
174 complaintsEngine
160 complaintsExterior lighting
130 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
112 complaintsAir bags
93 complaintsVehicle speed control
87 complaintsOther or unknown
75 complaintsSeat belts
53 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsSeats
38 complaintsFuel system
37 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
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