2018 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 4, 2026NCAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   My chevy stopped while driving. The engine light came on and engine power reduced. The brakes locked up and I could not go anywhere. Code P1101, Vacuum Pump Failure and ECM came up. Financing this vehicle. Have not been able to drive it in 3 weeks.

   NHTSA complaint #11768885 · source
2. Filed Jul 19, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   Just bought the car and the car is receiving error: "shift to park". This appear to be a know issue for 2018 chevy malibu hybrid. Car cut off in middle of traffic

   NHTSA complaint #11751389 · source
3. Filed Mar 4, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   In 2020, I received multiple red recall notices in the mail regarding a safety issue. I scheduled an appointment with a Chevrolet dealership in Los Angeles and have a voicemail confirming the appointment. At the time, I did not follow through with ensuring the repair was fully completed, which I take responsibility for. However, the vehicle has continued to experience the same dangerous symptoms. My vehicle continues to display sudden “Engine Power Reduced” warnings while…

   NHTSA complaint #11721889 · source
4. Filed Jan 28, 2026ILSteeringSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I've taken my car in now 4 times to Chevy dealers just to be told there was nothing wrong. Turnes out that my torque converter (transmission) is going bad. And I can't get a Chevy dealer to honor my almost expired warranty.

   NHTSA complaint #11713990 · source
5. Filed Nov 12, 2025127,605 miLASteering

   The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking, and the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,605.

   NHTSA complaint #11698957 · source
6. Filed Aug 30, 2025MOOther / UnknownSeats & Seat BeltsSteering

   Steering asst warning came on. This happened in 2022 when I got the vehicle and it’s now happening again. When stopped with foot on brake and auto stop engaged , you take foot off brake steering wheel jerks and steering asst warning comes on. There is also a problem with shift to park. Vehicle shifted into park vehicle doesn’t recognize that it in park and vehicle can’t be shut off until it recognizes that it’s actually in park. Chevy knows this is an issue and will cover it…

   NHTSA complaint #11684092 · source
7. Filed Oct 3, 2024WAElectrical SystemSteering

   While driving high speed such as are on the highway vehicle jerks and has gotten worse now so aggressively it almost jerks from my grip to the left. It’s without notice and over correcting at those speed could cause my vehicle to roll, or jerking into on coming traffic or into another vehicle to the left of me and the direction each time it’s occurred it’s jerked to the left. I’ve previously blamed it on the road or the wind when it’s happened since I’ve had it now almost 5…

   NHTSA complaint #11617987 · source
8. Filed May 6, 2024FLElectrical SystemSteering

   Regular electrical issues that cause the steering assistance to become disable while driving. Faulty sensors that the Chevrolet certified service center cannot resolve, engine light has been on for over 6 months. faulty mass airflow sensor Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control See attachment for additional codes over 2 years. I have contacted as many people as possible in order to understand the issue and find a resolution. Began having electrical…

   NHTSA complaint #11587187 · source
9. Filed Nov 16, 202350,000 miNC1 injuredEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that a "shift to park turn the vehicle off" message was displayed while the vehicle was in the park position. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled. The steering wheel was tight. After slowing down, the driver depressed the start/stop button, and the vehicle shut off and restarted. The vehicle was randomly shut down. After waiting, the vehicle restarted. While depressing the brake pedal, there was an…

   NHTSA complaint #11555469 · source
10. Filed Nov 10, 2023INElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    My car will stall in the middle of driving will say it is not in drive, the power steering is reduced, and I cannot use the brakes properly. This is a safety issue. As I drive on interstates and highways on my commutes.

    NHTSA complaint #11554537 · source
11. Filed Sep 13, 2023MSElectrical SystemSteeringSuspension

    My car has auto stop and every time it cranks back up my radio blinks off, my lights blink off, all the lights on my dashboard come on and the error message Steering Assist is Reduced comes on the message center. Sometimes it doesn’t want to crank back up. Today when all that happened the message service stabilitrac also came up. I can’t find any recalls.

    NHTSA complaint #11544208 · source
12. Filed Aug 22, 2023TXElectrical SystemEngineSteering

    My check engine light will come on, a message will pop up on the screen saying, "steering assist reduced drive with care." When i come to a stop and my car goes into auto stop the car will completely shut down. This can be in the middle of the street or during traffic. It will take my car awhile to start back up. I was told it is a sensor that is going bad consistently, this has happened to me 3 times. This is a known issue with a lot of Chevy Malibu.

    NHTSA complaint #11540051 · source

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