2007 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 992 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2007 reports, 37 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 34 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Steering, electric power assist systemFeb 4, 2015
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 15V064000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringJul 21, 2014
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Campaign 14E044000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 14, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Campaign 14V252000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 30, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the PARK position, the transmission may not be in PARK. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
Campaign 14V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpFeb 28, 2011
TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.
Campaign 11E009000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
675 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 20, 2022
I can hear the U joint clicking like it wants to fail and suddenly randomly there is a loss of powersteering. This issue caused my father who is on oxygen to go to the hospital.
Steering, Sep 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that once the temperature fell below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the power steering assist would fail to operate as needed with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering). The contact called the manufacturer on several occasions but received no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Steering, Mar 31, 2022
Power steering failed. Available for inspection. Safety of myself and others were put at risk because my steering wheel became stiff and was extremely difficult to move while driving. Car is at an independent service center and the problem can be confirmed. The vehicle/component has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others. A power steering light appeared as soon as the problem occurred.
Steering, Mar 1, 2022
Intermittent power steering failure. For the second time in 3 years now the power steering is gone. I paid once, but I understand that there is a recall on certain models. It’s a documented issue , but they won’t help.
Steering, Feb 24, 2022
power steering stopped working while driving . steering would work again after stopping and tuning engine off. after a few days of this power steering was completly gone. dangerous to drive in traffic.
Steering, Feb 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the power steering message suddenly displayed on the instrument panel and the steering wheel began to move from side to side. The vehicle became difficult to control. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 228,000.
Steering, Feb 9, 2022
While driving in traffic in a round about, the power steering failed. I narrowly avoided colliding with a semi tuck that was along side me. I spoke with the dealer here locally and they said the power steering is electric and has failed. This situation is extremely dangerous. I could have easily been in a horrific crash. I drive on the freeway daily. If I had been driving 75 mph and the steering had gone out, there might have been fatalities.
Steering, Feb 8, 2022
The contact’s granddaughter owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. While her granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering malfunctioned and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the power steering assist motor however, shortly after retrieving the vehicle the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a second mechanic who replaced the steering torque sensor. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
Steering, Feb 5, 2022
I was driving my vehicle home from work when it suddenly lost power steering. At that point I was unaware it had a power system module instead of a power assist pump. I pulled over to the side of the road to check and see what was going on. That was when I realized I had a power system module. The odd part for me was after looking at it on the side of the road for a while I cranked the vehicle and my power assist was working again. If it had gone out in a curve instead of straight road the outcome probably would have been different. I noticed for my year Malibu there is a recall but mine is not listed. From the description of the issue it's exactly what happened to mine but, again, it's not listed. I guess I need to know what steps I need to take to get it at least checked.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 31, 2022, crash
I was driving in the country and my vehicle power steering and electronic setting started messing up while I was driving 50 miles an hour while it was locking up I was confused and then pulled over and thought it was just a glitch in the computer system I then turned off my car and then turned it back on and everything seemed fine while I was driving after a minute the steering wheel locked again and there was a deer in front of me my insurance went up because of this incident and I lost my car for a month once I got my car again from the body shop it stopped locking up on the steering wheel then last Friday I brought it to the mechanic and he told me the steering is electronic so there is nothing he can do and that I will have to take it to a dealer the computer system in these cars are messed up and they are dangerous to drive there are thousands of complaints just like this and recalls for GM but for some reason the 2007 Chevy Malibu didn't make the cut.
Steering, Nov 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering became inoperable. The power steering message was displayed and there was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The contact called the local dealer but, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 250,000.
Steering, Sep 23, 2021
My power steering will just stop randomly and it will be very hard to turn. This is very dangerous and it was recalled on some models of the malibu but not all of them and mine is doing it alsmot everyday now and im in college so money is a little tight i think that the whole problem should be recalled and fixed.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Sep 14, 2021
My power steering goes out when driving randomly. This has been happening for the last three or four weeks a few times a day. It happens when I'm driving on the highway it happens at all speeds the steering wheel consistently shakes. I have called many dealerships and they want to charge a fee for checking on my recalls. Nothing has been inspected by anyone but I do get warning messages about power steering failure and needing to check my air bag.
Steering, Aug 25, 2021
The power steering emergency light in the radio activated and the wheel started to shake. took it to my mechanic and he said that there is a recall on it. i have been calling the local NJ dealer and he is telling me he can't find it.
Steering, Mar 28, 2021
THE MALIBU STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHILE RUNNING WHILE STOPPED AND SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING LOCKS UP AND STOPS ALLOWING ME TO TURN, THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AS WELL AS ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T TURN. I HAVE SEEN REPORTS THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSISTANCE IS RECALLED ON NEWER MODELS OF THIS MALIBU BUT I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE ON THIS ONE AND I AM UPSET THAT CHEVROLET DIDN'T RECALL ALL OF THE VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME SYSTEM AND ISSUES.
Steering, Mar 22, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HIS WIFE STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME DIFFICULT TO STEER. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER HARVEST CHEVROLET (1600 E YAKIMA AVE, YAKIMA, WA 98901) WHERE THE POWER STEERING WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Steering, Mar 17, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V064000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PINEGAR CHEVROLET BUICK GMC OF BRANSON (163 ADAIR RD, BRANSON, MO 65616) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE POWER STEERING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THEIR LOCAL DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 165,000.
Steering, Mar 12, 2021
LOSS OF POWER STREERING. DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. GOT OFF THE FREEWAY AND USED BACK ROADS TO GET HOME SAFELY. LOOKING UP RECALLS, I WONDERED WHY MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON IT. EVEN THOUGH IT WAS THE SAME YEAR FOR THE RECALL ISSUED FOR CHEV MALIBU WITH THE SAME THING HAPPENING WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT.
Steering, Mar 2, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP OR WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT CALLED DUTEAU CHEVROLET (7300 S 27TH ST, LINCOLN, NE 68512, (866) 735-2310) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE SPECIAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO REPAIR THE POWER STEERING SINCE THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE BEING OVER 150,000 MILES. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V064000 (STEERING) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 176,000.
Steering, Wheels, Engine, Mar 1, 2021
STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WITHOUT WARNING. I'VE REPLACED POWER STEERING 2 YEARS AGO AND VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LOCK WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL VEHICLE.
Steering, Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2021
POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT COMES ON SAME AS RECALLS THAT WERE ISSUED FOR 2008 MALIBU MODELS AND CAR OFTEN SHAKES NOISE TICKING UNDER HOOD RPMS GO ABOVE NORMAL AT HIGHER SPEEDS
Steering, Dec 4, 2020
POWER STEERING FAILED DURING LOW SPEED LEFT TURN, POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. OCCURRED ON A CITY STREET. CAR HAS LESS THAN 30,000 MILES.
Steering, Oct 4, 2020
STEERING WHEEL SHAKES ON ITS OWN WHILE IDLING. PULL CAR IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS WHILE DRIVING
Steering, Sep 24, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT'S SIGNIFICANT OTHER OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS SIGNIFICANT OTHER WAS DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER PARKED AT A NEARBY PARKING LOT AND WAS STATIONARY FOR 45 MINUTES BEFORE CONTINUING TO DRIVE TO HER DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERB CHAMBERS CHEVROLET OF DANVERS LOCATED AT 90 ANDOVER STREET, MA-114, DANVERS, MA 01923, (978) 774-2000, AND THE REPAIRS WERE STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,000.
Steering, Aug 12, 2020
THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING AND THE POWER STEERING INFO LIGHT APPEARS.