2006 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,385 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 53 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 31 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Steering, electric power assist systemFeb 4, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14772. Note: This is an expansion of recall 14V-153 to cover additional vehicles built between April 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006.
Campaign 15V064000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringJul 21, 2014
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Campaign 14E044000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 14, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Campaign 14V252000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 30, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the PARK position, the transmission may not be in PARK. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
Campaign 14V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMar 31, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Campaign 14V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpFeb 28, 2011
TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.
Campaign 11E009000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalOct 31, 2006
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
Campaign 06V417000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsOct 19, 2005
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE TIRE LABEL TABLE SPECIFIED THE 15 INCH SPARE FOR THE FRONT DISC/REAR DRUM BRAKE SYSTEM AND IT SHOULD SPECIFY A 16 INCH SPARE TIRE SIZE.
A 15" DIAMETER REPLACEMENT SPARE TIRE CAN NOT BE INSTALLED ON THE FRONT AXLE DUE TO A FIT INTERFERENCE WITH THE BRAKE CALIPER.
OWNERS WILL BE MAILED A CORRECTED LABEL WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS OR THE CUSTOMERS COULD HAVE THEIR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Campaign 05V486000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
170 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 1, 2013
I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 1/23/2010. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON ALL THE TIME, AND WHEN YOU PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP , THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OFF. ON LOTS OF OCCASIONS, VEHICLES BEHIND YOU TEND TO ALMOST SLAM YOU IN THE REAR END BECAUSE YOUR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OFF WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED AND THEY THINK YOU HAVE LET OFF THE BRAKES TO PROCEED. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN TIMES WHEN THERE ARE NO TAIL LIGHTS AT ALL. ALSO, THERE IS AN ISSUE OF SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. I HAVE SEEN LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE COMPUTER, BUT NO RECALL THAT I CAN FIND. THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME KIND OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEM SOMEWHERE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AT THE MANUFACTURERS EXPENSE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 10, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH 60 MPH. I SUDDENLY RECOGNIZED THAT IT WAS VERY HARD TO STEER. IT WAS VERY HARD FOR ME TO PULL IT OVER . AS I KNEW THIS ISSUE WITH 2006 MALIBU CARS (READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT ON THE INTERNET BEFORE), I DID NOT PANIC, AND ACHIEVED IT TO PULL OVER WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT. (BY THE WAY, I AM A MALE DRIVER AND I DO NOT THINK ANY FEMALE DRIVER WITHOUT ANY KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH PROBLEM IN ADVANCE COULD PULL THE CAR OVER) I HAVE SEEN THE "POWER STEERING" FLASH ON THE SCREEN DURING THE INCIDENT. AFTER TURNING OFF AND ON THE IGNITION, EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER IT WILL REPEAT AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. I SEARCHED FOR ANY RECALLS ABOUT THE POWER STEERING, AND FOUND THAT 2005/2006/2008 MALIBU CARS WERE RECALLED ON OCTOBER 2012 IN CANADA. (PLEASE SEE THE LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION HTTP://WWWAPPS.TC.GC.CA/SAF-SEC-SUR/7/VRDB-BDRV/SEARCH/RECALLDETAIL.ASPX?LANG=ENG&RN=2012331 ) HOWEVER, THERE IS NO SUCH ACTION IN THE USA. IT IS A VERY CRUCIAL SAFETY PROBLEM AND THESE CARS ARE TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY IN THE USA AS WELL. GM SHOULD DEFINITELY TAKE AN ACTION BEFORE ANY DEADLY ACCIDENT HAPPENS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 2, 2013
TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO STEER GOT THE VEHICLE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AFTER HAVING TO MUSCLE THE WHEEL THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER.WAS TOLD IT WAS A ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST MOTOR THAT HAD WENT OUT CAUSING THE PROBLEM AND AFTER QUESTIONING ABOUT A RECALL WAS TOLD THEY WERE RECALLED IN CANADA BUT NOT THE US THIS IS A VERY CONCERNING MATTER THAT GM NEEDS TO CORRECT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 23, 2013
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHENEVER IT WANT TO WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE GAS HAND GOES DOWN TO E WHEN THE CAR REALLY HAVE GAS IN IT, BUT IT WILL GO BACK UP ON ITS OWN. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, AND THE CAR DO NOT GET AS MUCH POWER HAVE TO HIT THE GAS ALL THE WAY RPM GO ALL THE WAY UP. I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD THIS CAR FOR TWO YEARS BUT HAVING ALL THESE PROBLEMS WITH IT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 10, 2013
WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH LANES TO THE LEFT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND PULLED TO THE LEFT TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS AND PULL OVER WITHOUT INCIDENT. MY INFO CENTER INDICATED A "POWER STEERING" ERROR AND CHIMED 3 TIMES. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON THE PROBLEM REMEDIED ITSELF. SINCE THEN THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE ERROR WITHOUT REPRODUCING IT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 27, 2012, crash
WE PURCHASED OUR 2006 MAILBU MAXX IN NOVEMBER 2005. TWO MONTHS LATER THERE WAS A VIOLENT SHAKE IN THE FRONT END, THE DEALERSHIP TURNED THE ROTORS BECAUSE THEY WERE WARPED. THEN WE STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY RAN OUT.THE REAR WIPER COMES ON BY ITSELF, INTERIOR LIGHTS BLOW CONSTANTLY AS WELL AS HEADLIGHTS. DOOR LOCKS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO. KEYLESS HAS NOT WORKED FOR THREE YEARS EVEN WITH NEW REMOTE BATTERIES. SINCE THE CAR HAS HAD 40,000 MILES ON IT THE POWER STEERING HAS BEEN ACTING UP. MY WIFE HAS HIT OUR GARBAGE CANS AND EVEN MY TRUCK PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY. WE CANT EVEN TRADE THIS PIECE OF CRAP IN BECAUSE EVERYBODY KNOWS THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. OUR MALIBU HAS 78,000 MILES ON IT AND WE HAVE PUT 4 SETS OF BRAKES ON THE FRONT WITH HEAVY DUTY ROTORS AND THREE SETS ON THE REAR. GM IS NOT CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. THIS CAR IS CRAP AND THEY KNOW IT. WE SHOULD AT LEAST GET 200 PERCENT OVER TRADE IN VALUE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. LIKE A ROCK....MORE LIKE A TURD!!!!! *TR
Electrical system, Jun 19, 2012
WE ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY DYING INTERMITTENTLY. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 04/11. SINCE WE HAVE PURCHASED THE CAR WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY 3 DIFFERENT TIMES, EACH TIME WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY WE TAKE IT TO THE SHOP AND LET THEM TEST THE BATTERY AND THERE IS ALWAYS A DEAD CELL IN THE BATTERY.THE BATTERY IS ONLY LASTING FROM 4 TO 6 MONTHS WE HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE GARAGE AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT IS GOING ON. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ALSO. WE ALSO HAD THE SAME POWER STEERING ISSUE AS EVERY ONE ELSE WHILE WE WERE ON VACATION IN TENNESSEE, BUT WE WERE VERY LUCKY THAT THE DEALER WE TOOK OUR CAR TO NEW OF THE ISSUES AND NEW THAT THERE WAS A CLAUSE YOU MIGHT SAY ABOUT THIS VEHICLE AND WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE CAR REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. *JS
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 27, 2012
I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING AND FROM WHAT I HAVE HEARD IS ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS. MY STEERING IS REAL STIFF WHERE IT NEEDS TWO HANDS TO TURN THE WHEEL AND A GOOD STRONG GRIP. I THINK THIS IS UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE FIXED THROUGH GM BEFORE THIS FAILS ON OTHERS AND CAUSE A ACCIDENT. THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 31, 2012
I BOUGHT CAR FROM LOCAL DEALER AND ON MY WAY HOME I HEARD THE DING AND THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR CAME ON AND IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 85N. LUCKILY MY EXIT WAS THE NEXT ONE. CALLED GM DEALER, THEY SAID THAT IT WAS A WARRANTY ISSUE NOT A RECALL. AFTER READING ABOUT THIS VEHICLE MANY PEOPLE BESIDES ME HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THIS POWER STEERING. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY OUT $600 EACH TIME IT GOES BAD DUE TO ISSUES WHEN MANUFACTURED. *TT
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 11, 2011
THE VEHICLE UNLOCKS THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY BY ITSELF WITHOUT THE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCHES OR UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE REMOTE KEY FOB BEING ACTIVATED. THE PROBLEM OCCURS DURING DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. IN ADDITION, THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE AUXILLARY POWER IS ON (AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND THERE IS POWER TO THE WINDOWS AND RADIO - BEFORE THE DOORS ARE OPENED) AS WELL AS AFTER THE AUXILLARY POWER IS TURNED OFF (AFTER THE DOORS HAVE BEEN OPENED AND POWER TO THE RADIO AND WINDOWS HAS BEEN TURNED OFF). THE VEHICLE IS FOUND WITH ITS DOORS UNLOCKED WHEN THE DRIVER RETURNS TO THE VEHICLE (DRIVER LOCKED THE DOORS AND CONFIRMED THEY WERE LOCKED WHEN LEAVING THE VEHICLE PARKED). THE VEHICLE ALSO DISABLES THE SECURITY SYSTEM WHEN IT UNLOCKS THE DOORS CAUSING ANYONE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE ALARM OR SECURITY SYSTEM ACTIVATING. THIS CREATES A SECURITY AND SAFETY CONCERN FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. THE VEHICLE DOORS MAY NOT STAY LOCKED WHEN LEAVING THE VEHICLE WHICH CREATES A SECURITY CONCERN. IN ADDITION, THE DOORS MAY UNLOCK WHEN DRIVING CAUSING SAFETY CONCERNS.*TR
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 2, 2011
POWER STEERING FAILURE. HAD BEGAN TO DRIVE OUT OF A PARKING LOT WHEN POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. CAR HAS ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING. I TRIED TO STEP ON BRAKE, SHIFT GEAR INTO PARK THEN BACK IN DRIVE BUT STILL COULD NOT GET STEERING WHEEL TO TURN. WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF HAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY WITH MY KIDS. I HAVE FOUND A MULTIPLE SITES WITH THE SAME SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2006 CHEVY MALIBU FROM PEOPLE WHO HAD THIS HAPPENED TO THEM. THEY HAVE EVEN HAD MECHANICS TRY TO TROUBLESHOOT AND CHARGE THEM HORRENDOUS AMOUNTS FOR REPAIRS BUT CONTINUED HAVING ISSUES AFTER EITHER THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WAS REPLACED, COILS AND HARNESS WERE REPLACED, OR OTHER PARTS THAT MECHANICS TRIED TROUBLESHOOTING. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM TO BE CORRECTED BEFORE IT DOES TAKE SOMEONE'S LIFE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 31, 2011
MADE A TRANSPONDER KEY, PARTS PERSON AT THE GM DEALERSHIP JUST STARTED THE ENGINE WITH IT AND SAID IT WAS ALREADY PROGRAMMED.( HE JUST TESTED TO SEE IF THE KEY WILL START THE ENGINE.) WHEN GOT HOME WITH ORIGINAL KEY AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE I TRIED TO SECURE CAR WITH THE REMOTE AND IT DID NOT WORK. TRIED ORIGINAL KEY TO START CAR EVERYTHING WAS DEAD INCLUDING BATTERY. DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT BATTERY, NOW THE SECURITY LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON, CAR CAN'T START, THERE IS NOTHING ONLY THE LIGHTS ON DASH WITH OTHER ICONS. I DON'T KNOW IF THE CHIP KEY THAT WAS MADE CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO FAIL. I HATE TO HAVE TO TOW THE CAR CAUSE I KNOW THE DEALER WOULD CHARGE ME AN ARM AND A LEG. I HATE TO GET THE PARTS PERSON IN TROUBLE. IS THERE SOMEONE ON LINE CAN HELP SOLVE THIS PROBLEM? *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Oct 30, 2011
THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD CAR FOR THE MOST PART GREAT ON GAS BUT LAST WEEK THE BRAKES FELT REAL HARD TO PUSH SO I REPLACE WITH NEW BRAKES FRONT AND REAR THE OLD BRAKES LOOKED ALMOST NEW NOW THE BRAKE TAIL LIGHT COME WHEN YOU START THE CAR AND DON'T GO OFF UNLESS YOU DEPRESS THEM. DRIVERS THINK YOUR STOPPING WHEN YOUR DRIVING AND WHEN BRAKING THEY CANT TELL BECAUSE LIGHTS GO OUT.ALSO FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND YOU LOSE YOUR STEERING CONTROL I WONDER IF AND WHEN SOMEONE HAS TO DIE BEFORE GM RECALLS AND FIX THE PROBLEMS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 6, 2011
RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS OR ACCELERATING THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL FLICKER ON AND OFF ON THE DASHBOARD. THIS TIME WHILE ACCELERATING ON A ENTRANCE RAMP TO THE HIGHWAY THE BATTERY LIGHT ALONG WITH ALL THE IDIOT LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD FLASHED AND I TEMPORARILY LOST POWER STEERING. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN A PERIOD OF TWO MINUTES. NORMALLY WHENEVER THE BATTERY LIGHTS OR OTHER IDIOT LIGHTS FLICKER A CHIME IS HEARD. THIS IS KIND OF SCARY SINCE IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND TENDS TO HAPPEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 30, 2011
2006 MALIBU LT POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS THEN RESUMES INTERMITTENTLY. MECHANIC'S DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER CANNOT COMMUNICATE WITH VEHICLE COMPUTER DURING FAILURE, RESUMES COMMUNICATION WHEN ASSIST RESUMES. CANNOT DETECT FAULTY SWITCHES, WIRING, FUSES. NO RECALL NOTICES OR SERVICE BULLETINS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 10, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE ODOMETER FAILED. WHILE DRIVING 39 MPH THE MILEAGE INCREASED FROM 76,000 TO 107,700. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THEY WOULD RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT THE CONTACT DOES NOT WANT TO PAY THE REPAIR COST OF $112. THE VEHICLE ALSO SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,700. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS ALSO A FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEM. UPDATED 06/14/11
Electrical system, Service brakes, Electric, Oct 4, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHTS. WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON AS IF YOU ARE "RIDING YOUR BRAKES" AND THEN WHEN YOU DO APPLY YOUR BRAKES THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OFF! THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN PEOPLE DON'T KNOW YOU ARE SLOWING DOWN AND ALMOST REAR END YOU! I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN THE SHOP FOR ALMOST A WEEK AND THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP CANNOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM TO FIX IT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE AND SOMEONE GETS HURT! *TR
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER DRIVING DURING THE DAY AT ANY SPEED, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING ACCORDING TO THE STANDARDS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000. UPDATED 12/30/10. *LJ UPDATED 04/06/11
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 21, 2010
THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU LTZ SOMETIMES WORK THE OPPOSITE FROM HOW THEY SHOULD (I.E. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON). THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT; SOMETIMES THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORK NORMALLY. THE ISSUE WAS FIRST NOTICED ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER. THEY THOUGHT IT WAS A BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR SWITCH SO THEY REPLACED IT. THE PROBLEM REAPPEARED WITHIN A MONTH. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL IS AFFECTED BY WHATEVER IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORK NORMALLY, THE CRUISE CONTROL ALSO WORKS. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OPPOSITE FROM NORMAL THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 20, 2010
I WAS STAYING AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE IN SAN ANTONIO BECAUSE I HAD A COURT SETTING THERE. THE MORNING OF THE INCIDENT, I TURNED ON MY VEHICLE AND WAS HEADED TO THE COURTHOUSE. I WAS ABOUT TWO BLOCKS FROM MY FRIEND'S HOME WHEN I HEARD A DING AND A POWER STEERING MESSAGE POPPED UP ON THE RADIO. MY POWER STEERING IMMEDIATELY WENT OUT, AND I PULLED MYSELF INTO AN APARTMENT COMPLEX AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. I CALLED A FRIEND FOR A RIDE AND WAS ABOUT TO CALL AAA WHEN I REALIZED I WAS IN THE WAY OF A SCHOOL BUS PICKING UP COLLEGE STUDENTS FROM THE COMPLEX. I TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON TO INCH UP A BIT, BUT I NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING AGAIN. I RETURNED TO MY FRIEND'S HOME, GOT A RIDE TO THE COURTHOUSE, AND RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ONLINE. I FOUND SEVERAL OTHER REPORTS OF THIS KIND OF THING HAPPENING AND THAT IT WAS MOST LIKELY A COMPUTER GLITCH THAT COULD AND WOULD OCCUR AGAIN UNEXPECTEDLY. I TOOK MY CHANCES DRIVING BACK HOME TO AUSTIN THAT SAME DAY AND DID NOT TOUCH MY VEHICLE OVER THE WEEKEND. NOW THAT IT IS MONDAY, I WILL BE CALLING GM CUSTOMER SUPPORT. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2010
WHEN DRIVING CAR POWER STEERING ACROSS RADIO COMES ON STEERING WHEEL LOCKS CAR BEEN DOING THIS EVER SINCE I GOT IT AND WHEN IT REPLACED IT GOES OUT EVERY COUPLE MONTHS LAST ONE WAS REPLACED 5 DAYS AGO FROM RECALL N WENT OUT 4 DAYS LATER. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAILBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON ALL OF THE TIME. THE BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COULD BE OVERLOADED. HE ALSO SAID THAT WHEN YOU PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKE LIGHTS SHUT OFF AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THERE WAS A TSB IN EFFECT BUT THE OWNER WAS CONCERNED SINCE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE BRAKES AFFECT THE CRUISE CONTROL MAKING IT DECELERATE AND THEN IT WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 23, 2010
POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON CAR PULLING OUT OF A MALL PARKING LOT ONTO HIGHWAY. ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING/TURNING ON TO HIGHWAY. DROVE CAR HOME AND PARKED. RESTARTED NEXT MORNING AND WORKED FINE. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE POWER STEERING LOCKED WHICH CAUSED HIM TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES AND DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE HE REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AND THE SPARK PLUG WIRES. HE ALSO TESTED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE NO ELECTRICAL FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000. UPDATED 08/13/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN ACCELERATING UP A GRADE/HILL. ALSO WHEN THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THERE WAS A CHIME SOUND AS IF THE DOOR WAS BEING OPENED. THERE WAS A SUDDEN AND INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING HAS OCCURRED WHILE ACCELERATING UP A SLIGHT GRADE, ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT OR ACCELERATING WHILE MERGING UP A SLIGHT GRADE. UPDATED 08/23/10*JB
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 7, 2010
I BOUGHT MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THE FIRST WEEK I LOST MY POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THE MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED POWER STEERING. THE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE DEALERSHIP TOOK THE CAR TO THEIR SHOP AND SENT IT BACK SAYING IT WAS FIXED. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES INTERMITTENTLY FOR THE NEXT 20,000 MILES. THE LAST WEEK BEFORE I HAD IT REPAIRED THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT GOING 70 MILES AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY. I COULD NOT STEER AT ALL AND I LOST MY BRAKES UNTIL I SHUT THE CAR OFF. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED COMPLETELY AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN. I WAS TOLD THEN BY THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND ALSO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SEVERAL CHEVROLETS ON THEIR LOT HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS COST ME $700.00 AND ALSO I HAD A NEAR ACCIDENT DUE TO LOSING STEERING AND BRAKE FUNCTION AT 70 MILES AN HOUR. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT AND APPARENTLY WELL KNOWN. IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN HURT I WOULD HAVE HELD GM RESPONSIBLE AS THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT GM USED SAAB PARTS FOR A FEW YEARS UNTIL THE PROBLEM BECAME APPARENT. THE CHEVY MALIBU MAXX 2004 AND 2005 MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR