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: exterior lighting
71 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Feb 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT LATER NOTICED THE TAIL LIGHTS COMPLETELY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,900.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE AND WHEN IT WOULD ILLUMINATE, IT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. IN ADDITION, SHE NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING FROM THE ENGINE FOLLOWED BY A VIOLENT JERKING. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO SEIZED INTERMITTENTLY, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE OXYGEN BANKS ONE AND TWO, CORE PACK, SPARK PLUGS AND THE PRONGS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 155,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Nov 8, 2011
THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU WORK ALMOST COMPLETELY OPPOSITE OF WHAT THEY SHOULD. MOST OF THE TIME, I PRESS THE BRAKE AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS TURN OFF, WHEN THE BRAKE IS RELEASED, WITHIN 10 SECONDS THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME BACK ON AND REMAIN STEADY ON. WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THIS MAY TURN THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON OR OFF. MOST OF THE TIME MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON, UNTIL THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND THE LIGHTS USUALLY TURN OFF. I HAVE ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE TO NO AVAIL FROM THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM, AS WELL AS WITH CHEVROLET. I EVEN BROUGHT IT TO A CHEVROLET DEALER AFTER TAKING ADVICE FROM CHEVROLET TO DO SO, AND THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM TO FIX IT. THEIR COMPUTER SAYS THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM, BUT THERE IS!!! I HAVE VIDEO OF IT TOO. THIS IS ALWAYS WHAT IS TOLD TO ME, HOWEVER, THE SECOND I GET MY CAR BACK, THE PROBLEM OCCURS FOR ME. I THINK THIS IS TOTAL BS. *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, Exterior lighting, Jan 1, 2011
STEERING PROBLEMS. I WAS IN A TURNING LANE WITH MY SON IN THE CAR. I HEARD A DING AND POWER STEERING SHOWED UP ON MY DISPLAY. I HAD NO POWER STEERING! I AM A SMALL PERSON AND COULD BARELY TURN THE CAR AND STAY IN MY LANE. WHEN I GOT HOME I TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR AWHILE, THEN WENT AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE CAR WAS FINE. I HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR ONLY WHEN I NEED TO BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I HEARD IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. THE CAR GOES INTO THE SHOP 1/3/11. THERE IS ALSO A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END WHEN I MAKE A TURN. EXTERIOR LIGHTS. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE MY HEAD LIGHT BULBS ABOUT EVERY THREE MONTHS THIS PAST YEAR. BECAUSE OF THE LIGHTS GOING OUT. FIRST ONE SIDE THEN THE OTHER. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 15, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE NOT BEING DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09E012000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING).THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Exterior lighting, Nov 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD ENGAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKE LIGHT DISENGAGED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH INSTEAD OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. AFTER REPLACING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IT MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. THE CONTACT TRIED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH BUT THE WIRING FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAUSED A CRASH BECAUSE IT CONFUSED OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Exterior lighting, Nov 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE NOT APPLIED. WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE BY SWITCHING THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON AND OFF TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT FURTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR FROM THE FLOORBOARD TO THE FUSE PANEL WAS THE CAUSE AS IT HAD NOT SUFFICIENTLY MAINTAINED ELECTRICAL CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 31,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 26, 2010
WHILE DRIVING MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE STAYING ON, I ONLY KNOW WHEN SOMEONE TELLS ME I HAVE BEEN TAKING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SINCE 2007 AND THE PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. I HAVE CARS HUNK THE HORNS AT ME AND OTHER DRIVERS ARE FLASHING THEIR LIGHTS BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW IF I AM STOPPING OR GOING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2010
THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU WORK IN REVERSE. APPROX 45 SECONDS AFTER THE CAR IS PUT INTO DRIVE THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THIS IS NOT AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM BUT IS CONTINUOUS. I ALSO CANNOT ENGAGE MY CRUISE CONTROLS. IT IS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A REAR END COLLISION OCCURS. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON LINE AND IT APPEARS THAT MANY OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM TOO. ALL OF WHICH COMMENT THAT THEIR AREA DEALERS CHARGED THEM A LOT OF MONEY, WERE UNSURE OF THE FIX, AND IN SOME CASES THE REPAIRS MADE WERE ONLY TEMPORARY FIXES. SEVERAL HAVE MENTIONED REPLACING PART # 15940467 WHICH IS A MODULE. *TR
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
Exterior lighting, Aug 31, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE PEDAL SENSOR. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONTACT COULD NOT GET SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM EXHIBITED A NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT SINCE THE BRAKE PEDAL SENSOR DID NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE, THE ECM MAY NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED UNTIL THE DEALER SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000. UPDATED 11/11/10 *BF
Exterior lighting, Aug 23, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,700.
Exterior lighting, Apr 27, 2010
4/16/2010 - BRAKE LIGHTS FLICKER EVEN WHEN NOT DEPRESSED. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR ON 4/17/2010. DEALER STATED THAT BRAKE PEDAL WAS "OUT OF POSITION" AND REPOSITIONED PEDAL. 4/26/2010 - BRAKE LIGHTS ON SOLID WHEN THE CAR IS ON. TOOK TO A DEALERSHIP; REPLACED BRAKE SENSOR SWITCH. ONLY 28K MILES ON THE CAR. CONSEQUENCES - CARS BEHIND ARE UNABLE TO TELL WHETHER THE CAR IS TRULY BRAKING OR NOT, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST THAT HER BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATING EVEN WHEN SHE WAS NOT BRAKING. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A COMPUTER CHIP WAS FAILING, WHICH CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $250. A YEAR LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,900 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Aug 3, 2009
I JUST FOUND OUT LAST NIGHT THAT MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WHEN I DO PRESS THE PEDAL IT GOES OUT. THIS WOULD CAUSE ANYONE FOLLOWING MY VEHICLE NOT TO SEE THAT I AM BRAKING AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH. ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL AND MY CIGARETTE LIGHTER WENT OUT. I AM NOT SURE IF THEY ARE ALL CONNECTED SOMEHOW BUT THE BRAKES ARE DEFINITELY A CONCERN. I WILL SAY THAT MY CAR DOES HAVE A SALVAGED TITLE BUT I DON'T KNOW IF THAT WOULD CAUSE THE SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 4 MONTHS AND THEY HAVE WORKED UNTIL NOW. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET IT FIXED AND AM NOT DRIVING IT TILL THAN. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2009
38K MILE 2006 CHEVY MALIBU V-6-CAR SHAKES/VIBRATES/SHIMMIES. IT ALSO RATTLES AND CLUNKS UNDERNEATH AT ALL SPEEDS, FEELS LIKE THE BOTTOM IS FALLING OUT. DEALER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE A MINIMUM OF 7 COMPLAINTS. HEADLIGHTS LENSES ARE LOOSE AND THE LIGHTS SHAKE ALL OVER THE PLACE. DEALER DID FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGE HEADLIGHT ISSUE AFTER THE 4TH COMPLAINT AND I WAS TOLD IT IS A GM PROBLEM BUT THEY HAVE NO FIX AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. NOW THAT THE WARRANTY IS UP, THEY ARE ACKNOWLEDGING ALL PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS (MANY MORE THAN JUST THE COUPLE I LISTED HERE) BUT AT MY EXPENSE WHEN THESE ISSUES S/H/B TAKEN CARE OF AT THE TIME OF THE ORIGINAL AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 26, 2008
BRAKE LIGHTS TURN ON WITHOUT PRESSING PEDAL, YET LIGHTS TURN OFF WHEN PEDAL IS PRESSED. REQUIRES ALMOST FULL PEDAL PRESSURE TO ACTUATE BRAKE LIGHTS, SO LIGHTS ACTUALLY DO NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY UNTIL ALMOST FULLY BRAKING, SUCH AS DURING A QUICK STOP. HAVE HAD MANY INSTANCES IN TRAFFIC OF OTHER VEHICLES NEARLY COLLIDING WITH ME WHILE SLOWING DOWN, OBVIOUSLY FROM THE LACK OF CORRECTLY FUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHTS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 3, 2007
CLEAR PORTIONS OF BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DUAL COLORED (I.E. CLEAR/RED) TAIL-LIGHT LENSES HAVE SUCCUMBED TO SPONTANEOUS APPEARANCE OF CRACKS. CRACKS ARE LARGELY PARALLEL AND DO NOT YET COMPLETELY REACH THE OUTER SURFACE. CONJECTURE: APPEARS AS THOUGH POSSIBLY DUE TO DIFFERENTIAL EXPANSION/CONTRACTION OF SURROUNDING RED PLASTIC PORTION OF LENS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 4, 2007
WHILE ON A TRIP TO LONG ISLAND, NY, HEADING HOME, A TRUCK DRIVER PULLED UP NEXT TO THE CAR AND SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE CAR, WHEN DRIVING THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON, WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKES THE LIGHTS WENT OFF. WE PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE BRAKES, DID NOT SEE A PROBLEM. WE CHECKED THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE LONG DRIVE HOME BUT WE GOT SEVERAL HORNS BEEPING DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. SEVERAL DAYS AFTER WE GOT HOME A LADY FOLLOWED ME TO A THE DOCTORS OFFICE TO TELL ME ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. MY HUSBAND TOOK IT TO HIS MECHANIC, HE WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. WE CALLED THE NEAREST CHEVY DEALER, DROPPED THE CAR OFF AND IT TOOK THEM SEVERAL HOURS TO SEE THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT. THE PART THEY PUT IN WAS #15940467, MODULE 2.560, COSTING ME $533.48. THE CAR, A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU LS, HAD SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 36,000 MILES AT THE START OF THE PROBLEM(WHILE WE WERE ON OUR TRIP), WHEN WE TOOK IT TO THE CHEVY DEALER IT HAD ABOUT 37000 MILES, JUST PAST THE WARRENTY. TO ME THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, SINCE THIS A NEWER CAR THERE MUST BE A PROBLEM WITH THIS PART. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE INJURY HAPPENS.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Structure, Tires, Aug 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS PULLING TO ONE SIDE AND MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND AS SHE WAS PULLING OUT OF HER DRIVEWAY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN AT LESS THAN 20,000 MILES. THE DEALER ALSO GROUNDED DOWN THE ROTORS AND CLEANED THE BRAKES, BUT THEY WERE NOT REPLACED. THE POWERTRAIN AND FAILURE SPEED WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. THE CONSUMER STATED 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE SHE CAUGHT A FLAT AND LEFT HEADLIGHT BURNT OUT, THERE IS AIR BLOWING THROUGH THE VENTS ALONG WITH A VACUUMING NOISE, AND THE PANEL NEAR THE GAS PEDAL WAS PULLED OUT, THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WILL NOT CLOSE, AND VEHICLE'S DOOR WILL NOT STAY OPEN. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED SEVERAL REPAIR INVOICES. UPDATED 08/27/07 *TR