TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT SEIZE, BUT IT WOULD TAKE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT EASILY RETURN BACK TO ITS CENTERED POSITION AFTER COMPLETING TURNS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILED TO OPEN WHEN TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN PARK. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR WAS TO PULL UP ON LOCK KNOB WHICH WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO LIMITED MOBILITY (ARTHRITIS IN SHOULDER). NEEDED TO REMOVE SEAT BELT, SLIDE OVER AND SIT ON CONSOLE TO REACH LOCK KNOB. AUTOMATIC LOCKS STILL ENGAGE WHEN CAR IS PUT IN DRIVE BUT WILL NOT OPEN WHEN PUT BACK IN PARK. I CAN NOT EASILY OR QUICKLY EXIT THE CAR WITH THIS FAILURE. GM SAYS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE AUTOMATIC LOCKS ARE ONLY A CONVENIENCE AND OLDER CARS WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC LOCKS. HOWEVER, ON OLDER CARS THE DOOR WOULD UNLOCK WHEN THE DOOR HANDLE WAS PULLED. ON THE MALIBU PULLING UP ON THE LOCK KNOB IS THE ONLY WAY TO EXIT THE CAR. COST TO HAVE DEALER REPAIR $300. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FAILURES ARE VERY COMMON. *TR