2018 Chevrolet Malibu Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 6%of 700 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,484miles
- 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 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 6% of the 700 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,484 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving my car this morning this happened 4 times, I was in a stop when I would restart the car to go my steering wheel would do a quick shift to the left then back to its original position then I would get the steering assist reduced sign for second then disappear. It did it 4 times in a matter of an hour and a half. And did it once last week with no massage display.”
NHTSA complaint #11373860, filed 2020-11, 62,000 miles“When car shuts down while waiting for green light to change, car shuts off and when it turns back on, I have a warning sign that appears on my dashboard that says steering assist is reduced, drive with care and then it disappears. No issues with car just that warning sign.”
NHTSA complaint #11374559, filed 2020-11, 70,952 miles“I rented a 2018 chevy Malibu. It seemed to drive and handle great in town, however when I began driving on the interstate I noticed problems. While driving straight for a few miles the steering would 'stick' meaning I had to apply extreme force in order to turn the wheel, once it broke free it was back to normal but after I'd drive straight for a few miles I'd encounter the same issue. When I arrived at my first destination (about 750 miles) I noticed that when I would turn in the parking lot the steering was clicking. …”
NHTSA complaint #11191498, filed 2019-03, 400 miles“I have taken my car into the dealership 2 different times now because of the steering wheel randomly shaking while going down a straight road. They have tried to replicate it but it seems to do it randomly. Ive noticed it is around 38 MPH. If my hands barely come off of the steering wheel it starts shaking back and forth. This is happening just driving around the city on straight roads. Once I put my hands back on the wheel it stops. They cannot seem to figure out what it is. It has happened randomly ever since I purchased my car brand new about a year ago.”
NHTSA complaint #11256536, filed 2019-09, 100 miles“My car has been in and out of the dealership service department for months because of a sticking sensation in the steering while driving the car at highways speeds. The first time I noticed this issue was shortly after buying the car in sept of 2018. During a trip out to east texas I noticed the steering wasn't responding to the slight adjustment I was making to remain in my lane of traffic, like it was stuck or turned off . I had to apply a little greater force to the steering to remain in my lane of traffic and when I did I overcorrected and almost hit another vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11255598, filed 2019-09, 1,000 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…
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 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
281 complaintsElectrical system
192 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
171 complaintsOther or unknown
153 complaintsVehicle speed control
114 complaintsFuel system
101 complaintsBrakes
69 complaintsElectronic stability control
21 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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