2011 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

84 owners have reported steering problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 41% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 99,250 mi.

Steering complaints
84
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
99,250 mi

Specific components reported

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

ComponentComplaints
Steering84

Steering complaints across Chevrolet Malibu years

492005105712007672622009117842011693320136520151635201732220191622021252023112025
Steering complaints by model year. The 2011 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k130k–60k1560k–100k7100k–150k8150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 22, 2026MISteering
    My power steering went out while pulling out of a parking spot. The message read “power steering/service ESC. I have read that these vehicles between the years 2007-2012 had a recall for this issue. My car has less than 46000 miles on it. I am confirming the recall so I can have this repair done. Thank you
    NHTSA complaint #11766141 · source
  2. Filed Aug 28, 2026TXElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering
    Power steering assist motor is out and it was under recall in 2011 but it was out of the recall window but it has less than 150000 miles
    NHTSA complaint #11760511 · source
  3. Filed Jun 25, 2026ARSteering
    Everytime I turn on my car, I get a warning for ESC power steering and I have no power steering. Usually it will fix itself have shutting it off once and starting it again immediately. There has been a couple times where it has taken multiple starts to fix itself.
    NHTSA complaint #11746504 · source
  4. Filed Apr 22, 2026WIElectrical SystemSeats & Seat BeltsSteering
    I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu LS related to the electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and electric power steering systems. My vehicle is currently experiencing the following problems: * “Service ESC” warning message * “ESC Off” displayed * Traction control disabled * Electric power steering warning * Airbag warning light illuminated These issues occur while driving and directly impact the vehicle’s safety systems and…
    NHTSA complaint #11732967 · source
  5. Filed Mar 27, 2026CASteering
    The Powersteering is failing in my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu with 93K miles on it. The warning light on the dashboard appears randomly then it becomes difficult to steer. This has become a safety issue because when driving on the highway or trying to navigate turns requires a lot of strength and can be a hazard while driving in traffic or alone. I have taken the vehicle to an auto repair shop for a diagnostic and they were unable to fix it due to the Chevrolet dealership who no…
    NHTSA complaint #11727609 · source
  6. Filed Feb 4, 2026MOSteering
    apparently, there was a recall on these cars for the power steering suddenly shutting off. Apparently it’s also electric so there’s nothing you can do at home to remedy it. It is incredibly dangerous to drive. I just bought my car it has under 100,000 miles on it, but I guess they have also 10 year age policy that they won’t service the recall. This was a brand new car for me and it is very dangerous for a company to allow cars to be out on the street with no power steering…
    NHTSA complaint #11715719 · source
  7. Filed Oct 30, 2025MISteering
    Power steering jerks violently left/right at 35–65 mph. Nearly lost control — happens intermittently and while in park. This is a KNOWN GM DEFECT — Special Coverage #10183 (EPS module) and TSB PIP4473. Michael Bates Chevrolet REFUSES to repair under #10183 — wants $1,500+. GM Customer Care also denied coverage. I use this car for WORK DAILY — it is UNSAFE TO DRIVE. If I crash and die, GM is liable. Component failed: Electric Power Steering (EPS) module Available for…
    NHTSA complaint #11696546 · source
  8. Filed Mar 11, 2025MOBrakesElectrical SystemSteering
    While driving down the road my power steering went out , driver side head light and it was like my breaks tried to lock up on me when I would press on them. I was driving down the interstate and pretty much had zero control of my car . Very scary. While trying to slow down and get off the interstate it's like it all just turned back on I had power steering back but my head light stayed out. So I went and purchased a new one put it in worked drove 2 miles up the road head…
    NHTSA complaint #11647573 · source
  9. Filed Jan 31, 2025OHElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering
    My electrical power steering is going out. A “power steering” flashes on my dash. I turn off my car and turn it back on and is able to be steered. However, my steering wheel read only moves/jiggles on its on at idle and in park. When I drive I feel the steering wheel jiggling on it’s on requiring to constantly correct so I stay in the lines.
    NHTSA complaint #11640009 · source
  10. Filed Jan 27, 2025MOAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering
    We own this vehicle with 147,xxx miles on it. There was extended warranty coverage of 10-years or 150,000 miles for the power steering position sensor and torque sensor, all part of the electronic stability control system the bulletin is 15356. A very costly repair that could result in a crash if a driver has the steering wheel lock up while driving. Zero help from GM because the period has "expired." I feel it should be covered since it is under the 150k mileage.
    NHTSA complaint #11638754 · source
  11. Filed Dec 18, 202468,000 miINSteering
    The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11631492 · source
  12. Filed Nov 26, 2024OHBrakesElectrical SystemSteering
    About 8 weeks ago first my driver side speaker in the front went out then my passenger low beam light had went out and I had replaced twice then my AC quit working. I thought it was a fuse or battery or alternator issue even checked if it was it a relay fuse and it was not. Then my dash lit up ESC off and then my back driver side brake has been locked up and squealing really bad than my power steering light came on and it’s really hard to turn all of this happened within…
    NHTSA complaint #11627507 · source

Other 2011 Chevrolet Malibu problem areas

  • Electrical System (69)
  • Lighting (41)
  • Engine (21)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (19)
  • Airbags (18)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (15)
  • Other / Unknown (15)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (14)
  • Brakes (14)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (11)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (6)
  • Suspension (3)
  • Body & Structure (3)
  • Wheels & Tires (3)
  • Visibility & Wipers (2)

Back to all 2011 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