2007 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

71 owners have reported steering problems with the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu, 78% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 135,000 mi.

Steering complaints
71
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
135,000 mi

Specific components reported

Steering covers: Power steering, steering column and wheel, loss of steering assist.

ComponentComplaints
Steering70
Steering:steering control module1

Steering complaints across Chevrolet Malibu years

492005105712007672622009117842011693320136520151635201732220191622021252023112025
Steering complaints by model year. The 2007 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k430k–60k860k–100k12100k–150k13150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 15V064000Feb 4, 201569,633 vehicles
    STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

    Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14772. Note: This is an expansion of recall 14V-153 to cover additional vehicles built between April 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jun 12, 2026MISteering
    No power steering for 25min drive home. Next day it worked. Dealership said it had an expired recall for power steering fix. No work was done by dealership.
    NHTSA complaint #11743766 · source
  2. Filed Feb 5, 2026NYSteering
    The power steering on my vehicle is not working. I believe it may be a malfunction with the torque sensor. It is available for inspection upon request. This was a safety risk because the steering wheel was shaking as I was driving. Thankfully, it never locked up on me while on the road, however if it had, it could've caused a life-threatening accident as I am constantly driving on large 4 lane highways. I know that there is a safety recall open for 2007 chevrolet malibu's…
    NHTSA complaint #11715777 · source
  3. Filed Jan 22, 202690,000 miNCSteering
    The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while reversing, the message "Power Steering Fault" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle became difficult to steer, requiring extra effort in maneuvering the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel was vibrating abnormally with the message “Power Steering Fault” displayed. While driving at an undisclosed speed on another occasion, the…
    NHTSA complaint #11712769 · source
  4. Filed Apr 19, 2025CASteering
    After several years of instability, the power steering on my 2007 Chevy Malibu has started to lock up while driving. Turning of the vehicle is then difficult. The issue resolves only by turning the engine off and then on again, but does not remain resolved.The readout on the dash informs me that there is an issue with the power steering. I spoke with Chevrolet customer service and was told that they would not assist me financially in fixing the problem. They explained that…
    NHTSA complaint #11655619 · source
  5. Filed Mar 4, 2025NJSteering
    The power steering fails. Chevrolet (manufacturer) and Pine Belt Chevrolet (NJ) both claim that our vehicle was in for the recall and did not have an issue. The power steering has failed since we bought the car new in 2006. The problem was intermittent for years, but recently the power steering fails 5 or more times during a 10 mile trip. We shut the car off and restart it and the power steering comes back on. We contacted Chevrolet. They told us our car was repaired/checked…
    NHTSA complaint #11646333 · source
  6. Filed Feb 11, 2025135,000 miWYSteering
    The contact's mother owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist intermittently failed to operate as needed with the "Power Steering Fault" message displayed. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the power steering failure occurred, and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number:…
    NHTSA complaint #11641947 · source
  7. Filed Feb 1, 2025CASteering
    My 2007 Chevy Malibu began experiencing intermittent power steering failure at around 103,000 miles. This issue makes the vehicle extremely dangerous to drive, even though it is not classified as an official recall because it only affects certain VIN numbers. However, I see multiple other owners reporting the same problem, proving this is a widespread defect. I had the issue diagnosed as a failing torque sensor, which was previously covered under Chevrolet’s Special Coverage…
    NHTSA complaint #11640112 · source
  8. Filed Jan 26, 2025NCSteering
    UNKNOWN Power steering randomly shakes and turns and goes out even if fire is stealing is in the common fluid. It is super dangerous and stops working on the highway periodically and I cannot turn it. I’ve saw other safety concerns about this and it has been recognized so I’m hoping that someone will do the same
    NHTSA complaint #11638678 · source
  9. Filed Sep 30, 2024TXSteering
    Hello, my 2007 Malibu has a problem with the power steering. The steering wheel becomes hard. This is a problem that has already been detected, but why does this campaign not appear on my car? I am attaching a link to the information: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
    NHTSA complaint #11617286 · source
  10. Filed Mar 27, 2024WISteering
    Vehicle loses power steering at times, turn vehicle off, it works for a bit, then loses power again making if very difficult to steer, on going problem and every time take to mechanic, it is working fine, and told to bring when it is malfunctioning, hard to do that, for never know when it will, on going issue with other 07 malibus
    NHTSA complaint #11579773 · source
  11. Filed Mar 14, 2024NJSteering
    On [XXX] we experienced sudden loss of electronic power steering while driving, at the same time the power steering indicator light came on the dash. We were not able to turn the wheel and had to stop in the middle of the road. We had the vehicle brought to Chevrolet of Turnersville NJ on [XXX] and they diagnosed the problem as need torque sensor replaced. This is the exact same symptom/issue and part that was recalled under safety recall #[XXX] but for some reason this…
    NHTSA complaint #11577419 · source
  12. Filed Mar 5, 2024104,000 miWVSteering
    The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact immediately pulled to the side of the roadway. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel started shuddering, was making an abnormal ticking sound, and was significantly difficult to turn. The contact was able to continue driving. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11575547 · source

Other 2007 Chevrolet Malibu problem areas

  • Electrical System (10)
  • Engine (7)
  • Airbags (6)
  • Brakes (5)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (5)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (5)
  • Lighting (3)
  • Other / Unknown (3)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (3)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (2)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (2)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)
  • Suspension (1)

Back to all 2007 Chevrolet Malibu problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology