Why did my Chevy Malibu suddenly lose power steering?

Short answer: On 2007–2012 Malibus with electric power steering (the four-cylinder cars; many V6s used hydraulic steering), assist can cut out with a chime and a power-steering or ESC message. GM special coverage 15356 paid to replace the steering-column torque sensor or the EPS motor/controller for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date. Owners on Chevrolet Malibu Forum got it fixed free when still inside that window; outside it, one owner paid about $160 for a sensor plus labor, and another paid about $1,600 for a motor and angle sensor.

Symptom: Power steering warning, Check ESC / Service Traction messages, intermittent assist that returns after a restart, or steering that stays heavy.

What to check first

1. Ask a GM dealer to check special coverage 15356 by VIN. It may not show in a basic recall search because it is a special coverage, not a safety recall.
2. Scan for EPS codes that point to the torque sensor vs the motor/controller.
3. Confirm you have EPS (usually the 2.4L) not hydraulic (many 3.6L cars).
4. Note whether a restart brings assist back. That pattern is common in the owner threads.
5. If you already paid for the repair, ask about reimbursement while coverage paperwork still exists.

Likely causes

1. Steering-column torque sensor failure. GM's special coverage text (posted by owners) says the torque sensor or EPS motor/controller can cause sudden loss of assist. One 2008 owner paid about $159 for the sensor and $132 labor after arguing through multiple shops.
2. EPS motor / controller failure. A 2008 LTZ owner out of coverage paid about $1,604 for a power-steering assist motor and angle sensor.
3. Poor electrical connections / column issues. Forum replies suggested checking electrical connections before replacing large parts; one temporary trick owners mentioned was working the tilt column, which is not a real fix.

What it usually costs

Inside special coverage 15356: free at a GM dealer for eligible VIN/mileage. Outside coverage: about $150–$300 class for a sensor job in one DIY-adjacent report, and about $1,600 for motor plus sensor at a shop in another.

Is it safe to keep driving?

The car reverts to manual steering. At parking speeds it can take a lot of muscle; at highway speed it is still a distraction and a risk in an emergency swerve. Get it fixed. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

Dealer preferred while coverage may apply. Sensor/motor work is specialty steering work.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• GM special coverage 15356 (Aug 2015): 2007–2012 Malibu (also 2007–2010 Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura) with EPS — replace torque sensor or EPS motor/controller based on DTCs, free for 10 years or 150,000 miles from original in-service date, regardless of ownership.
• Recall 14V153 covered certain older build ranges for EPS; run your VIN. Special coverage is broader for many 2007–2012 cars.
• NHTSA complaints: 2,502 keyword-matched complaints for Chevrolet Malibu 2008–2012 (of 5,776 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-19; keywords: steering, power steering, eps, assist).

What owners report

• In Power steering failure on Chevrolet Malibu Forum, a 2008 2.4 owner described hit-or-miss assist that became constant. Replies posted special coverage 15356 details. The owner fixed a torque sensor for about $159 parts and $132 labor; another owner out of coverage paid about $1,604 for a motor and angle sensor.
• In Special Coverage 15356, owners confirmed the bulletin covers EPS assist motor/controller and torque sensor failures, described free dealer repairs when still under 10 years/150k, and warned that some dealers try other diagnoses (like a battery) before applying the coverage.

My take

My advice as a former lot tech: on a late-2000s Malibu 2.4 with an EPS light, I ask about 15356 before I quote anything. A lot of owners paid shops that never mentioned the special coverage.

Vehicle focus: 2007–2012 Chevrolet Malibu with electric power steering (typically the 2.4L; confirm before buying hydraulic parts).

Safety / mechanic note

Sudden loss of assist is hardest at low speed and in parking lots. Verify with a mechanic.