2017 Chevrolet Malibu · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 29owner reports
- 64,838median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jan 31, 2024 · checked Oct 2, 2026
47 of the 702 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 29 of those describe power steering loss.
Tick what matches of 29 reports
Power steering loss on other Malibu years
No other Malibu model year has enough reports of power steering loss for a sheet of its own. See every Malibu year.
What this problem usually is
Power steering loss is the steering wheel suddenly going heavy, usually with a warning on the dash. Nearly six in ten complaints in this group mention a warning light or message, and almost two thirds mention driving or highway speed rather than parking.
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the steering system covers the 2017 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Malibu
Loss of electric power steering. Closed may 10, 2005.
Loss of electric power steering. Closed jul 1, 2004.
Power rack and pinion steering failure. Closed sep 15, 2003.
Power rack and pinion steering failure. Closed dec 10, 2002, led to recall 02V-286.
Steering rack and pinion. Closed apr 4, 2002.
None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 41,102 and 83,000 miles, from the 22 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 3 service bulletins or notices for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of "Steering Assist Is Reduced" Message and One of The Following DTCs Are Set: C056D, U0415.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles thatmay have Service Front Camera, Service Lane Departure Warning, and Service Lane Keep Assist Message.
This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
What owners wrote
“While driving the electronic power steering stopped working almost causing me to crash.”
Filed Feb 21, 2022
“I received steering assist reduce multiple times on the vehicle. I took it to the repair shop the warranty company Silver Rock recommended. The repair company stated my car is having a computer issue. The car also does not go into auto stop, when making a full stop. The car now has to be towed to a Chevy dealership to handle the issue.”
Filed Nov 23, 2021
“When driving my car and I stop at a red light and then when the light turns green I accelerate. I notice I get a message on my dashboard power assist and reduce speed. This constantly shows up on my dashboard. I have am appointment with Gm on 9/21/21 to take it in to get service.”
Filed Sep 18, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 29 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 124 reports
- "Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 98 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 90 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 71 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 53 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 46 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 31 reports