2018 Chevrolet Malibu Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 41 steering complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 6% of its 697 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 15,483. No related steering recall is on file, and one injury has been reported but no crashes or fires.
- Steering complaints
- 41
- 6% of 697
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 15,484 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners describe the steering wheel 'sticking' in the straight-ahead position after driving on the highway for a while, requiring extra force to turn.
- Some report the wheel suddenly releasing tension after the stuck feeling breaks free, causing an abrupt jerk or overcorrection.
- Several drivers say the sticking happens more often or worse in cold weather.
- At least one owner reported the steering wheel seizing entirely at 45 mph before regaining control and pulling over.
- One complaint describes the steering wheel shaking or oscillating on its own around 38 mph when hands are lightly on the wheel.
- A separate complaint links a steering warning message ('power steering, drive with care') to a full loss of power steering along with dash and accessory shutdowns.
When 2018 Chevrolet Malibu steering complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 21, 2018, latest Sep 21, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Steering complaints by Malibu model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Are steering problems common on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
- NHTSA shows 41 steering complaints for the 2018 Malibu, which is 6% of the 697 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
- No. NHTSA's data for this vehicle lists no related recalls tied to the steering complaints.
- At what mileage do steering problems usually show up?
- The median mileage at failure among reported steering complaints is 15,483 miles.
- Have steering issues caused crashes or injuries in the 2018 Malibu?
- NHTSA records zero crashes and zero fires linked to these steering complaints, but one injury has been reported.
- What does the steering 'sticking' feel like according to owners?
- Owners describe the wheel feeling locked in the straight-ahead position on the highway, needing extra force to turn, then suddenly releasing and causing the car to jerk.