2016 Chevrolet Malibu Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 5%of 841 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of the 841 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 miles. 1 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.
“Power steering is locking up when make a turnaround or for a turn wheel in motion. The car will be on and when the power steering is about to lose the power, my stereo screen will black out along with the steering wheel locking. It feels as though my power steering is out while making a turn. This does not happen, only happens randomly.”
NHTSA complaint #11402687, filed 2021-03, 81,286 miles“When at a stp light, and press excelerator the total electrical system h will go out & car hesitate to move. Then, it will kick on. Also, this throws my sirus radio out completely & I have to cut the car off completely to get station back on or call for a refresh, but local stations will remain. Now I get a waring about the steering ability-drive carefull.”
NHTSA complaint #11270142, filed 2019-10, 57,000 miles“Takata recall. The 2016 chevy Malibu 2016 stopped working while in motion, the engine shut off and steering wheel locked. Leaving me hanging and in a dangerous situation. The car completely turned off and I was unable to move the steering wheel. This happened while driving. No prior issues until this. I was completely in motion while it happened on my neighborhood street.”
NHTSA complaint #11205079, filed 2019-05, 36,563 miles“The car steeering wheel locks up when releasing the brake sometimes. The car steering wheel locks during a turn and says auto steering turned off while being locked up. While driving my car I can be stopped at a light when I let go of the brake the steering wheel will lock in place sometimes turning the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11180652, filed 2019-02, 70,000 miles“Shows reduced steering assist, drive with caution message. I have a 2016 chevy Malibu. 53000 miles. I've seen this message 3 times this morning & I saw it last month also. I am always on the highway when this happens. First time I was on a curve. Today I was in traffic & barely moving. How many times have I not noticed this message? I can't watch the road and message box at the same time”
NHTSA complaint #11266794, filed 2019-10, 53,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11014577Feb 18, 2025This 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…
- 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.
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 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
304 complaintsElectrical system
222 complaintsOther or unknown
177 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
166 complaintsVehicle speed control
152 complaintsBrakes
104 complaintsElectronic stability control
76 complaintsFuel system
54 complaintsBody and structure
40 complaintsExterior lighting
19 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 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