TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE MADE A POPPING SOUND AND STOPPED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND THE STEERING LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,661.