# Chevrolet Malibu power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 134 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (40) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 134 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Chevrolet Malibu (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (40). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. ## Chevrolet Malibu power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 12 | 270 | 4% | | 2016 | 26 | 865 | 3% | | 2017 | 40 | 727 | 6% | | 2018 | 28 | 700 | 4% | | 2019 | 6 | 193 | 3% | | 2020 | 14 | 200 | 7% | | 2021 | 1 | 90 | 1% | | 2022 | 4 | 99 | 4% | | 2023 | 1 | 73 | 1% | | 2024 | 2 | 44 | 5% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Malibu power steering warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Chevrolet Malibu has 19 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Chevrolet Malibu page](/vehicles/chevrolet-malibu) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Chevrolet Malibu owners report - "The whole electric system screen a/c steering lighting has blacked out while I am driving on the interstate and residential streets. I brought it to two dealerships and they state number one they cannot remedy the open camera recall because there is no remedy at this time and number two the esc light is related to a..." -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, complaint filed 2026 - "The vehicle has also had multiple safety-related problems, including Service ESC warnings, jerking/poor acceleration, Service Safety Restraint System and airbag warnings, and a "Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care" warning. On or about XXX, while driving, I experienced what felt like the brakes, wheel, and..." -- owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, complaint filed 2026 - "When coming from a stop the steering wheel jerks and a warning message appear on the dashboard display, "Power Steering Assist Is Reduced. Drive with care."" -- owner of a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the power steering warning light means The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common) 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common) 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common) 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Malibu power steering light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Chevrolet Malibu years have the most power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Malibu model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 40 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Malibu with the power steering light on? Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ### How do I check if my Chevrolet Malibu has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Chevrolet dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Chevrolet Malibu warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-malibu): 22 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-malibu): 53 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-malibu): 63 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-malibu): 14 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints ## Power steering warning light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints ## Chevrolet Malibu - [Chevrolet Malibu specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-malibu) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-malibu Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.