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: steering
1,017 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Jan 21, 2014
THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN INTO OUR DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. IT CAME BACK ON THE NEXT TIME I STARTED THE CAR, BUT THE STEERING COLUMN HAS A VERY LOUD, GRINDING NOISE. PER MY REGULAR MECHANIC, THIS IS THE SUBJECT OF THE RECALL 12221 FOR CANADIAN VEHICLES, BUT MY VIN DOESN'T COME UP SO NO DEALER WILL ASSIST ME. I CAN'T SAFELY DRIVE. *TR
Steering, Jan 8, 2014
POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING AND A WARNING SOUNDED AND POWER STEERING DISPLAYED ON STEREO INDICATOR THAT IT HAD STOPPED WORKING. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN RESTATED AND THE POWER STEERING STARTED WORKING AGAIN. A COUPLE MORE MILES DOWN THE ROAD IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND I REPEATED WHAT I HAD PREVIOUSLY DONE AND WAS ABLE TO FINALLY MAKE IT HOME. IT HAS DONE THIS NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE THEN. THIS COULD DEFINITELY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. HOPE TO GET IT FIXED SOON. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY GM. *TR
Steering, Jan 4, 2014
DRIVING 35 MPH AND ACCELERATING THE STEERING GAVE OUT AND LOCKED UP. THE CAR JERKED HARD TO THE MEDIAN TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND WAS NOT RECOVERABLE. TOOK MY FOOT OFF PEDAL WHICH ALLOWED CAR TO STOP ALMOST PERPENDICULAR TO THE ROAD. TURNED CAR OFF AND RESTARTED WHICH ALLOWED CONTROL TO MOVE CAR OFF TO THE SIDE OF ROAD. DEALER SAYS COMMON PROBLEM WITH ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING ASSIST WITH NUMEROUS RECALLS JUST NOT THE 2006 MALIBU. LOOKING AT EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND LUCKY NO ONE WAS HURT. *TR
Steering, Dec 28, 2013
I WAS WORKING ON MY MOTHER-IN-LAWS MALIBU OUT IN THE FRONT YARD AND CRANK IT AFTER LOOKING INTO SOME OTHER ISSUES THIS CAR HAS, AND THE STEERING WHEEL TURNS ITSELF ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT ON IT'S OWN.I THEN TRY TO TURN IT BACK AND NOTICE THERE IS NO POWER ASSIST. I ASK HER ABOUT IT AND SHE SAID IT HAS DONE THAT A FEW TIMES RECENTLY, WHERE SHE IS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, AS EXPLAINED BY OTHERS, A LOT OF DINGING AND THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. THANK GOD THIS HASN'T HAPPENED WHILE SHE WAS IN A TURN OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT YET, HOWEVER IF IT DOES, SHE IS 66 YEARS OLD WITH NECK INJURIES AND BACK PROBLEMS, AND IF I HAD TO GUESS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OVERPOWER THE STEERING WITHOUT THE POWER ASSIST OPERATING PROPERLY. IN LOOKING OVER THIS WEBSITE, I NOTICE OTHERS HAVE PAID UPWARDS OF $700 TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED AT NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN. HOW MANY OTHERS DOES IT TAKE TO NOTICE THAT TRANS-CANADA HAD A RECALL ON THIS A FEW YEARS BACK AND THE US HAS NEVER HAD AN OFFICIAL SAFETY RECALL. *TR
Steering, Dec 27, 2013
DRIVING AT A LOCAL GROCERY STORE AND LOST STEERING AND ALMOST CRASHED INTO CAR WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT. THIS NEEDS TO GET FIXED AND I'M NOT PAYING FOR SOMETHING THAT IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE DIES BECAUSE GM DOESN'T WANT TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT. AVERAGE COST OF REPAIR $700. AVERAGE COST OF A LIFE, PRICELESS. MAKE A RECALL HAPPEN NOW. *TR
Steering, Dec 16, 2013
2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX. 3.5 ENGINE. WHEN EXITING A RAMP TO ENTER THE EXPRESSWAY THE STEERING ON OUR 2006 CHEVY MALIBU LOCKED UP PULLING THE CAR ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC ON THE EXPRESSWAY BEFORE I COULD GET THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL . THEN I PULLED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I WAS THINKING LOW TIRE OR BROKEN DRIVE BELT ON THE POWER STEERING AS THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WAS ON. AFTER STOPPING AND RAISING THE HOOD I SAW THE BELT WAS OK AND THE TIRE ALSO WAS OK. NEXT I STARTED TO CHECK THE POWER STEERING FLUID TO LEARN THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING DIP STICK. I STOOD THERE LOOKING STUPID THINKING MAYBE THIS CAR DID NOT HAVE POWER STEERING. WELL THIS WAS A VERY COLD DAY I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND STARTED THE ENGINE WITH NO POWER STEERING LIGHT. I TURNED THE STEERING WILL AND EVERYTHING WAS OK SO I DROVE SLOWLY TO THE NEXT EXIT. AFTER 500 MILES THIS HAS NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Dec 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SUDDENLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
Steering, Dec 9, 2013
THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, AND I ALMOST HIT A CAR AT INTERSECTION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE AND THERE WAS SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT #10183 (JULY 20, 2110) POWER STEERING ASSIST, BUT MY VIN # WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS COVERAGE, EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN THE COVERAGE IS THE SAME. A DIAGNOSTIC SCAN AT DEALERSHIP VERIFIED CODE CO545- POWER STEERING MODULE. THE PART THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED ON MY CAR WAS PART # 25933396- STEERING COLUMN, AS LISTED IN THE SPECIAL COVERAGE. I HAVE BEEN IN EMAIL/PHONE CONTACT WITH GM SINCE THE INCIDENT. AS OF A PHONE CALL TODAY, THEY REFUSE TO COVER THE COST OF FAULTY STEERING COLUMN OR THE LABOR TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THE TOTAL BILL WAS $645. *TR
Steering, Dec 1, 2013
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ALARMS STARTED DINGING, AND POWER STEERING SHOWED UP ON RADIO. I LOST POWER STEERING AND WHEEL STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I COULD BARELY TURN WHEEL TO AVOID ACCIDENT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED. *TR
Steering, Nov 26, 2013
WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED THE STEERING WHEEL PULLS TO THE LEFT BY ITSELF. ON OCCASION THERE IS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND THE LIGHT COMES ON AND NOW IT IS CONSTANTLY PULLING LEFT. IF I WERE TO LET GO OF THE WHEEL NOW,IT WOULD TURN LEFT AND IT FEELS LIKE I HAVE MINIMAL POWER ASSIST WHEN I TURN RIGHT. IN A NUTSHELL IT NOW FEELS LIKE IT HAS HALF ITS POWER STEERING WORKING ONLY WHEN TURNING LEFT. THERE ALSO IS A CLUNKING NOISE UNDER THE CAR WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL HARD .THIS THUMPING HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR . IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING UNDER THE CAR IS BUMPING THE STEERING LINKAGE WHEN FULLY TURNED. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 24, 2013
WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT A RECALL THAT OCCURRED WITH THE ENTIRE STEERING SYSTEMS FOR MALIBU'S. THE MANUFACTURES EXTENDED THE RECALL UP TO 150,000 MILES. ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2013, WE WERE BACKING OUT OF OUR PARKING SPOT WHEN OUR POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON US. WE HAD NONE. THEN WE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON, SUDDENLY IT WAS THERE AGAIN. HERE LIES THE PROBLEM; WE TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND "THEY" INFORMED US THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN THE U.S. HOWEVER, WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED AND SINCE OUR MALIBU WAS OUT OF THE 150,000 MILES; THEY SAID THE RECALL WOULD NOT COVER IT. HOW CAN OWNERS OF CARS/TRUCKS GET THEIR SAFETY ITEMS FIXED, WHEN THEY HAVE NEVER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE?! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, NOT A PHYSICAL APPEARANCE ISSUE. IF I AM DRIVING ALONG A CORNER AND MY POWER STEERING LOCKS UP, OR SUDDENLY STOPS AND I KILL OR MAIM ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? GM? AS I READ THE OTHER "COMPLAINTS" ON THIS SITE; THIS IS NOT ABOUT CAR OWNERS TRYING TO RECEIVE BRAND NEW CARS.WE ALL JUST WANT OUR CARS TO BE FIXED BY THE RECALL REGARDLESS OF THE MILEAGE AND TO BE SAFE! PERHAPS, WE ALL SHOULD GET TOGETHER AND SUE EVERYONE WHO IS INVOLVED WITH NOT GETTING THE INFORMATION OUT TO THE PUBLIC AND GM. JUST A THOUGHT. I DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THE OTHER OWNERS, BUT I CANNOT RESTART MY CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF A CORNER OR GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 55/65 MILES PER HOUR. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 23, 2013
AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT A MESSAGE CAME ACROSS MY RADIO/TEMP SCREEN AND SAID POWER STEERING. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I DROVE IT A FEW BLOCKS TO MAKE IT HOME WITH ABSOLUTELY NO POWER STEERING. IT WAS TOUGH, BUT I MADE IT HOME. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND DID A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET CONCERNING MY POWER STEERING. I SEEN A LOT OF PEOPLE SAID ONCE THEY STARTED THEIR CARS AGAIN THE POWER STEERING WORKED, BUT ALSO WENT OUT AGAIN INTERMITTENTLY. SO I WENT OUTSIDE AND STARTED MY CAR AND SURE ENOUGH MY POWER STEERING IS WORKING....FOR NOW. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT AGAIN FEARING IT WILL GO OUT AND I WON'T BE ABLE TO CONTROL IT AND CAUSE A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT. GM NEEDS TO RECALL THESE CARS BECAUSE THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM! *TR
Steering, Nov 15, 2013
WHEN STARTING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE, THERE WERE 4 CHIMES, AND A MESSAGE ON THE DIC 'POWER STEERING.' THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING HAD FAILED AND WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO BACK THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE. THE CAR WAS THEN SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED WITH NO RECURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM. IT HAPPENED AGAIN 3 DAYS LATER, SAME PROBLEM. THEN AGAIN, 4 DAYS LATER, SAME SITUATION. WE HAVE NOTIFIED GM OF THE SITUATION. TO US IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL IN CANADA WITH GM CARS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. WHY DOESN'T GM RECOGNIZE THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS IN THE USA? AS I STATED, IT DOES NOT OCCUR ALL THE TIME. WE WERE TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR TO OUR CHEVROLET DEALER BUT UNLESS THE PROBLEM OCCURS AT THE DEALER, THERE IS NO WAY THAT THEY CAN DETECT THE PROBLEM. THE COMPUTER ONLY STORES 'ERROR CODES' FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. WE ARE FEARFUL OF DRIVING THIS CAR. *TR
Steering, Oct 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,859.
Steering, Oct 24, 2013
MY CAR HAD A DINGING AND THEN ACROSS THE RADIO IT SAID POWER STEERING AND THE CAR WAS VERY HARD TO STEER, I LOST POWER STEERING. I AM AN OLDER LADY AND SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED TO THE SHOULDER AND I COULD NOT EVEN TURN THE WHEEL. I CALLED MY SON TO COME HELP ME. HE GOT IN AND STARTED THE CAR AND THE RADIO DIDN'T SAY POWER STEERING ANY MORE. HE PULLED OUT AND I FOLLOWED HIM. WE GOT TO OUR STREET AND HE STARTED TO TURN RIGHT INTO OUR DRIVE WAY AND HE ALL OF A SUDDEN THREW UP HIS ARMS. HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND CAME AND TOLD ME THAT THE CAR STALLED AND THE BELL DINGED AND POWER STEERING CAME ON THE RADIO. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 8/12/13. THEY DIAGNOSED THE CAR AND SAID THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MOTOR WAS SHORTING OUT AND IT WOULD COST ME 699.03 TO FIX. I HAD NO MONEY TO GET IT FIXED AND THE DEALER SAID THEY RE SET THE COMPUTER AND SAID I SHOULD HAVE IT FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY SON TOOK THE CAR HOME AND IT HAPPENED TWICE ON THE WAY HOME. ON 9/25/13 WE HAD OUR LOCAL DEALER REPLACE THE MOTOR. THEY TOLD ME THE CODE THE COMPUTER READ SAID IT WAS EITHER THE ASSIST MOTOR OR THE STEERING COLUMN. THEY SAID THE MOTOR WAS THE MOST LIKELY CAUSE AND REPLACED IT. THE TOTAL WAS 643.78 AND THE INITIAL INSPECTION WAS 99.53. ON 10/18/13 I HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN AS I WAS DRIVING INTO THE LOCAL MARKET PARKING LOT, DING,DING, DING AND I LOST POWER STEERING. I ALMOST HIT A PARKED CAR IN THE LOT AND COULDN'T STEER IT. I TOOK IT BACK AND THEY SAID IT IS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT OR THE STEERING COLUMN AND HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM AND CHARGED ME ANOTHER 90.00 TO LOOK AT IT. I CANNOT AFFORD 1200.00 TO FIX THE COLUMN. MY SON SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR 2006 MALIBU STEERING PROBLEMS AND FOUND TRANSPORT CANADA RECALLED 67,414 2005, 2006 AND 2008 MALIBU'S, PONTIAC AND SATURNS. WHY HAS THE US NOT OFFERED A RECALL. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW. *TR
Steering, Oct 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AS THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE WARNING ALARM SOUNDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TORQUE CONTROL AND STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 18, 2013
MY VEHICLE LOST ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING (EPS) ASSISTANCE WHEN BEING OPERATED IN AN UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE. THE VEHICLE GAVE AN AUDIBLE ALERT AND WARNING LIGHTS DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES. BECAUSE THE PARKING GARAGE CONTAINED TIGHT CORNERS AND REQUIRED SLOW SPEED OPERATION, I COULD NOT SAFELY OPERATE THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE PARKING GARAGE. THE NEXT DAY, THE EPS WORKED WITHOUT A PROBLEM. THIS UNPREDICTABLE AND INTERMITTENT POWER STEERING FAILURE IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN 2006 MALIBU MAXX VEHICLES. IN FACT, CHEVROLET HAS EXTENDED WARRANTIES AND CONDUCTED SPECIAL CUSTOMER SERVICE CAMPAIGNS TO SELECT 2006 MALIBU MAXX OWNERS TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE EPS. EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR AS OTHER VEHICLES DETERMINED TO BE DEFECTIVE, MY VEHICLE'S VIN FALLS OUTSIDE OF THE RANGE IDENTIFIED BY CHEVROLET. THE VIN RANGE IDENTIFIED BY CHEVROLET IS INSUFFICIENT. OWNERS LIKE MYSELF WHO OPERATE VEHICLES OUTSIDE OF THE VIN RANGE ARE NOT BEING ALERTED TO THE POSSIBILITY OF DEFECTIVE STEERING COMPONENTS. THE EPS COMPONENTS ARE KNOWN TO BE DEFECTIVE IN 2006 MALIBU MAXX VEHICLES AND SHOULD TO BE RECALLED. *TR
Steering, Oct 9, 2013
THE FIRST NOTICE OF MY EPS PROBLEM BEGAN WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO HAVE MY FRONT END ALIGNED. THE LOSS OF CONTROL TO THE STEERING BEGAN AROUND JULY OF 2013. IT HAS OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY SINCE THEN. IT'S HAPPEN TO MY WIFE ON THE STREETS AND TO ME ALSO. I DID SOME BASIC RESEARCH DUE TO THE POTENTIAL COSTS FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THIS INCLUDED THE INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT OF THE EPS FUSE, EXAMINING THE IGNITION COIL AND CHECKING THE ALTERNATOR. IT STILL RECURS. HAS THERE BEEN A FACTORY RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE'S STEERING PROBLEMS? *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 30, 2013
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY CAR OVERHEATING. THIS CAR OVERHEATED AND ANTIFREEZE CAME POURING OUT OF THE OVERFILL HOSE. I HAD A MECHANIC CHECK IT AND FIX IT, NEXT DAY SAME THING. THE CAR ANTI-THEFT LIGHT COME ON, THE STEERING WHEEL SOMETIMES FREEZE UP. THIS CAR SOMETIMES TURNS ON AND OFF BY ITSELF, YES THE KEY NEED NOT BE INSIDE. THE BRAKES ARE HORRIBLE AND I SPENT FUNDS TO CHANGE IT. HELP!!! THIS CAR SEEMS TO BE A RECALL BIG TIME. *TR
Steering, Sep 19, 2013
I WAS TURNING OFF OF A BRIDGE AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP. I ALMOST HIT A HOUSE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, I BOUGHT IT FROM THEM NEW, NOT USED. THEY KEPT IT FOR 2 WEEKS AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT HAS BEEN LOCKING UP OFF AND ON EVER SINCE. NOW I HAVE NO POWER STEERING. THEY TOLD ME EVERY TIME I BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALER, THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. NOW IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY SAY THEY CAN FIX IT. I HAVE TO BUY A NEW STEERING COLUMN AND PAY THEM TO INSTALL IT. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. WILL IT TAKE PEOPLE GETTING KILLED FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION? *TR
Steering, Sep 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN, STEERING BOX, AND SEVERAL OTHER UNKNOWN COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Sep 9, 2013
I HAVE HAD ISSUES SINCE THE DAY AFTER I GOT IT. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR LESS THEN A MONTH AND WITHIN 24 HOURS OF HAVING IT THE ISSUES STARTED. THE FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO EMPTY, WHEN I FILL THE TANK. THE STARTER WILL CRANK BUT THE CAR WILL NOT ALWAYS START, SOMETIMES THE START IS A LONG CRANK & SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT START AT ALL, NOW TODAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A POPPING NOISE. *TR
Steering, Sep 2, 2013
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AND DOESN'T UNLOCK UNTIL I LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN I TRY AND PASS OTHER CARS IT WILL LOCK UP. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT ITS THE POWER ASSIST UNIT GETTING TOO HOT AND SHUTS OFF SO IT DOES NOT FRY THE MOTOR OF THE UNIT. I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT WILL LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. *JS
Steering, Aug 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Steering, Aug 25, 2013
THIS HAS HAPPENED DOZENS OF TIMES BEFORE GM DID THE "CAMPAIGN" TO LESSEN THE AFFECT ON THE STEERING. NORMALLY WHILE ACCELERATING HARD AROUND A CORNER OR UP A HILL, THE POWERSTEERING WOULD LITERALLY JERK THE WHEEL FROM YOUR HANDS AND ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEEL. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS EXTREME DISCONCERTING AND DANGEROUS AT ANY SPEED. SYMPTOMS ARE THE DING DING DING WARNING AND THE VERY BRIEF FLASH, LIKE THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO SEE IT, OF POWER STEERING ON THE RADIO DISPLAY. THAT LASTS MAYBE 1.5 SECONDS BEFORE IT GOES AWAY, SO YOU HAVE TO KNOW TO LOOK AT THE RADIO VERY QUICKLY WHEN THE DING DING DING GOES TO SEE THE "ERROR" MESSAGE. IT TOOK 2 TRIPS TO THE DEALER ON THE RECALL TO "RESOLVE" THE PROBLEM IN GM'S EYES. WHAT THEY DO IS REPLACE THE COLUMN, AND SOME SETTINGS IN THE COMPUTER THAT REDUCES THE AMOUNT OF FORCE THE MOTOR EXERTS AGAINST THE DRIVER. THE WHEEL NO LONGER COMPLETELY JERKS FROM YOUR HANDS, BUT IT STILL WILL CHANGE YOUR COURSE WHEN ON A TURN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A TIGHT GRIP ON THE WHEEL. I CONSIDER THIS SUCH A SAFETY ISSUE, THAT I RARELY ALLOW ANYONE BUT MYSELF TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT WOULD JUST SCARE THE BEJEAVIOUS OUT OF THEM FOR THE CAR TO TAKE THE WHEEL FROM THEIR HANDS. WAS BACK IN THE DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY ON THE EXTENDED CAMPAIGN OF 150K MILES OR 10 YEARS. THEY INDICATED THE FAULT WAS THAT THE MOTOR TOSSED AN OVERHEAT CODE AND THAT WAS CAUSING COMPUTER INPUT ISSUES OUT OF WHAT WAS EXPECTED. I ADVISED IT DOES IT EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS COLD, NOT DRIVING FOR MORE THAN A MILE. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THE MOTOR HAS AN INTERNAL FAULT THAT CAUSES IT TO OVERHEAT QUICKLY, JUST BY STARTING THE CAR. REPAIRS COSTS ARE WELL OVER $700 PARTS AND LABOR, AND READING ON THE INTERNET, THIS PROBLEM MAY NOT EVEN BE RESOLVED BY SUCH A COSTLY REPAIR. *TR