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, Aug 26, 2012
WHILE I AM DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP AND MY DASH BOARD WILL START BLINKING THEN THE MESSAGE CENTER WILL SAY "POWER STEERING" NOW EVERYTIME I AM GET TO 45 MPH THE MESSAGE CENTER WILL START BLINKING. *TR
Steering, Aug 24, 2012, crash
WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN TO ENTER ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY AND STEERING EITHER LOCKED UP OR BECAME VERY HARD TO STEER (IT ALL HAPPENED QUICKLY) CAUSING THE CAR TO HIT THE CURB AND SEVERELY DAMAGING THE WHEEL, ALIGNMENT, ETC. GM REPLACED THE FAULTY POWER STEERING BOX (RECALL) BUT HAS FOUND THEMSELVES NOT LIABLE FOR THE COLLATERAL DAMAGE SUSTAINED BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY POWER STEERING. GM SAYS I HAVE NO PROOF THAT THE DAMAGE THAT IS VISIBLE ON THE VEHICLE WAS DIRECTLY CAUSED BY STEERING FAILURE. REALLY??!! I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A BIG CHEVY FAN, BUT THIS LEAVES A VERY BITTER TASTE THAT MAY NEVER GO AWAY!!!!! *TR *JS
Steering, Aug 19, 2012
I WAS DRIVING AND MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT-COMPLETELY. IT WAS THE HARDEST THING TO TURN THAT I HAVE EVER DRIVEN AND I OWN A 66 MUSTANG THAT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH POWER STEERING. THERE IS LITERALLY NO WAY TO STEER THE CAR WHEN DRIVING VERY SLOW LIKE WHEN YOU GO TO PULL INTO THE DRIVEWAY. MY FATHER-IN LAW BUILDS/DESIGNS PRODUCTION CARS FOR A LIVING AND HE TOOK MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP HE WORKS WITH AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT THE DEFECTIVE PART GOES OUT ABOUT EVERY 30,000 MILES. THE COST TO REPLACE JUST THE PART IS AROUND $800 WITHOUT LABOR. THE ACTUAL PART THAT IS DEFECTIVE IS NOT SOLD ON ITS OWN SO YOU HAVE TO BUY A WHOLE NEW STEERING COLUMN SINCE THE SMALL PART THAT IS DEFECTIVE IS RIVETED TO THE COLUMN. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR MY CAR. THE COLUMN HAD BEEN REPLACED ONCE BEFORE BY A DEALERSHIP AND APPARENTLY DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. CHEVY WILL NOT COVER THEIR BAD PARTS/DESIGN AND IT IS ONE OF THE MOST UNSAFE THINGS THAT CAN HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. ITS LIKE WHEN TOYOTAS PRIUSES ACCELERATOR WOULD GET STUCK-ITS JUST AS DANGEROUS. WHAT NEEDS TO MAKE A RECALL HAPPEN? IT HAS AFFECTED SO MANY PEOPLE AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. DO WE NEED TO WAIT UNTIL THE PROBLEM CAUSES MULTIPLE TRAGEDIES TO SAY NOW ITS WORTH THE TIME TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND DO GOOD BUSINESS? BACK YOUR PRODUCT CHEVY. *TR
Steering, Jul 26, 2012
THE ELECTRIC STEERING ASSIST STOPPED WORKING. VERY HARD TO CONTROL CAR. WHEN I PULLED OVER AND SHUT CAR OFF, AND RESTARTED THE MALIBU, THE POWER STEERING CAME BACK LONG ENOUGH TO GET IT BACK HOME. HAD IT FIXED AND COST ME OVER $600.00 AT THE CHEVY DEALER. AT 56000 MILES I WAS CONTACTED BY GM, AND THEY RE-IMBURSED ME FOR THE COST. SINCE THEN, I AM NOW EXPERIENCING A SOMEWHAT LOUD AND AGGRAVATING CLUNKING OR SHIFTING NOISE WHEN TURNING EITHER DIRECTION OR TAKING OFF FROM A START. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE WHOLE STEERING MECHANISM AND THE STRESS BEING PUT ON OTHER COMPONENTS MAKING THEM FAIL. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS ON THE CAR. MY PROBLEM IS THAT NOT ONLY THE SAFETY ISSUE, BUT THE RESALE VALUE IS SEVERELY REDUCED. WHO IN THERE RIGHT MIND WOULD BUY THE CAR KNOWING ITS PROBLEMS? THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE TO ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES. *TR
Steering, Jul 19, 2012
WAS VERY SATISFIED WITH PERFORMANCE OF CAR UNTIL THIS EPISODE. FORTUNATELY, MY SON & I MADE IT BACK FROM CALIFORNIA, THE DAY BEFORE WE CAME DOWN DONNER PASS. NEXT DAY STARTED TO TAKE CAR AND VERILY GOT GOING WHEN I COULDN'T STEER, VERY HARD ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE IT BACK HOME. POWER STEERING MESSAGE DISPLAYED ACROSS RADIO SYSTEM ALONG WITH BELL SOUND. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK CAR TO DEALERS WHICH COST $120. FOR THEM TO DIAGNOSIS. THEY REPORTED THE BRAIN (MOTOR/MODULE CODE CO807) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR $958. FIRST, THEN THEY WOULD CHECK STEERING COLUMN WHICH WOULD INVOLVE ADDITIONAL COST. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY FOR REPAIR & ENDED UP BRINGING CAR HOME SAFELY AFTER PAYING FOR DIAGNOSIS. I HAVE THE INVOICE WHICH THEY GAVE WITH THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS AND MY DECLINE OF SERVICE. HERE IT SITS, I'M TOO SCARED TO DRIVE AND AM LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE ACCESS TO ANOTHER VEHICLE FOR THE TIME BEING. GOING TO TRADE IN AND WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY PRODUCT! THIS IS DEFINITELY A HAZARD AND AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. A "RECALL" NEEDS TO BE ISSUED FOR EVERYONE'S SAFETY. *TR
Steering, Jul 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE DRIVEN WITHOUT POWER STEERING CAPABILITIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL STRONGLY TO THE LEFT AND IT WOULD BECOME VERY HARD TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 102,000.
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
Steering, Jun 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FORCED ITSELF TO DRIVE STRAIGHT AND BECAME UNRESPONSIVE WHILE MAKING TURNS. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND THE VEHICLE PERFORMED AS NORMAL UPON RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Steering, May 14, 2012
THE POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK WHEN I TURN THE CAR ON SOMETIMES. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I TURN THE IGNITION ON, THERE IS A BELL, AND THE ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SAYS "POWER STEERING." I TURN THE CAR OFF, WAIT SEVERAL MINUTES, RE-START IT, AND THEN IT WORKS AGAIN. *JS
Steering, May 7, 2012
POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY FAILS ON VEHICLE. RESETS AFTER TURNING CAR OFF. *TR
Steering, Apr 20, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHEN MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE FAILURE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,754 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,320.
Steering, Apr 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BUT IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THE SAME FAILURE WITH THE POWER STEERING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,800. UPDATED 5/11/12 *CN THE CONSUMER ATTACHED A LETTER FROM GM REGARDING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING.
Steering, Apr 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS . THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Steering, Mar 23, 2012
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING COLUMN ON THE 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU, LOCKS UP. *TR
Steering, Mar 20, 2012
I JUST PURCHASED MY 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU ABOUT A MONTH AGO. IT HAD REALLY LOW MILES FOR A CAR THAT OLD( (99939 AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE). I LOVE MY CAR AND IT HAS DONE NOTHING REALLY TO ANGER ME. I GOT A POWER STEERING WARNING THROUGH MY RADIO DISPLAY. THE CAR DROVE NORMAL SO I PAID IT LITTLE OR NO ATTENTION. THE ONE DAY I WALKED TO THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDER THE CAR. SINCE I ONLY HAD THE CAR A VERY SHORT TIME I TOOK IT TO THE WARRANTY CENTER TO BE LOOKED AT, THEY PUT MY CAR ON THE COMPUTER AND NO DEFECT CODES CAME UP. THE MECHANIC ASKED ME WHAT COLOR WAS THE FLUID THAT WAS LEAKING, LIKE I WOULD REMEMBER THAT! I TOLD HIM I DIDN'T KNOW. PUT A WHITE PIECE OF PAPER UNDERNEATH THERE AND WAIT A LITTLE WHILE. THE SHOP HAS HAD MY CAR OVER A DAY AND CAN TELL ME NOTHING. I AM NOT ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT WAITS ON SOMETHING TO HAPPEN. WARNING LIGHTS AND DEFECT CODES POP UP FOR A REASON. THE REASON I DON'T KNOW BUT I WILL EVENTUALLY. WITH ALL I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE STEERING ALL THE PROBLEMS STARTED WITH DEFECT CODES. IS THERE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING OR WITH THE FAULT DISPLAY SYSTEM? *KB
Steering, Mar 20, 2012, crash
(APRIL 2011) LEAVING WORK ONE AFTERNOON, I BEGAN TO DRIVE OFF THE CAMPUS AND AS I BEGAN TO DRIVE THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO TIGHTEN AND AS SOON AS I TRIED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT TURN. THAT DAY I ENDED UP IN THE DITCH AND I'M THANKFUL THAT NO ONE WAS HURT. EVERY TIME I PROCEED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN AND IT'S HOT OUTSIDE, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP CAUSING ME TO GRAB THE WHEEL AS HARD AS I CAN AND MERGE TO THE SHOULDER TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART SO THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES DRIVABLE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY GAVE AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1500 PLUS DOLLARS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY AND JUST SUFFERED THROUGH THE PROBLEM. PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE CAR. WHEN THE WEATHER COOLED OFF IN SEPTEMBER OR SO THE CAR HAD NO PROBLEMS AND DROVE FINE. NOW ITS MARCH 2012 IN MISSISSIPPI AND EXTREMELY HOT AND HUMID AND NOW THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKING UP BASICALLY EVERY TIME I GET IN THE CAR. I CAN JUST BE DRIVING AND IT LOCK UP. I CANNOT GAMBLE WITH MY LIFE NOR MY CHILDREN AND I'M FEARFUL THAT THIS CAR IS GOING TO COST US OUR LIVES IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT AROUND. HELP! *KB
Steering, Mar 19, 2012, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY BACK HOME AND SUDDENLY I LOST STEERING CAUSING ME TO GET HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE , THIS HAPPEND IN PIEDRAS NEGRAS MEXICO AND MY INSURANCE DIDNT COVER THE DAMAGE , THANK GOD IT WAS JUST A SMALL HIT ON THE FENDER BUT AFTER LOOKING FOR THE ISSUE ONLINE I FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY A MALFUNCTION IN THE POWER STEERING ASSITANT MOTOR , IM NOT THE FIRST PERSON THAT HAS THAT ISSUE , IN FACT THE 2005 MALIBU AND PONTIAC G6 HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND GM ALREADY RECALL THAT TO FIX IT , I DONT SEE WHY THE ARE NOT ACCEPTING RECALLING THIS MODEL SINCE USES THE SAME COMPONENT. I HOPE THAT NO ONE ELSE GET IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS. HERE'S A LINK FROM A WEB FORUM WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE USERS WITH SAME ISSUE HTTP://WWW.FIXYA.COM/CARS/T595753-2006_MALIBU_MAXX_ELECTRIC_POWER_STEERING *JS
Steering, Mar 13, 2012
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE POWER STEERING WARNING CHIMED THREE TIMES AND "POWER STEERING" WAS DISPLAYED ON DIC. THE WHEEL WAS HAD TO TURN RIGHT. PROBLEM WENT AWAY BUT WARNING MESSAGE STILL DISPLAYED ON DIC. IF I WERE DRIVING AT A HIGHER SPEED I WOULDNT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND COULD HAVE INJURED OR KILLED MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE!! THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS!! I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR 1 WEEK! *TR
Steering, Mar 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND HEARD A CHIME INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN SUDDENLY, THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Mar 8, 2012
I WAS TAKING MY GRANDDAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AS I WAS PULLING IN TO THE SCHOOL. I TURN OFF THE CAR TO LOCATE THE POWER STEERING PUMP BUT COULD NOT LOCATE IT.WHEN I STARTED THE CAR IT WAS FINE SO WHEN I GOT HOME I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AND GM IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT.WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE FOR SOMEBODY DOES SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I BELIEVE GM WAS ONE OF THE COMPANIES THAT WAS HELP BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH TAX PAYERS MONEY THE SAME ONES THAT ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM,PLEASE YOU NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BIG PROBLEM THAT GM IS IGNORING BEFORE IS TO LATE FOR SOME BODY OR FAMILY. THANK YOU *TR
Steering, Feb 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND UNEXPECTEDLY THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITH A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THERE WAS ALSO AN ILLUMINATION OF THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THIRTY TIMES AND EVENTUALLY BECAME A PERMANENT MALFUNCTION WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
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
Steering, Feb 21, 2012
I WAS GETTING READY TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ONTO A SIDE ROAD AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THERE WAS NO HINT OF FAILURE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. A POWER STEERING NOTICE APPEARED ON THE DASH AFTER THE FAILURE, NO WARNING RING TONES OR SOUND GIVEN. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A CHEVROLET DEALER WHEN IT HAD APPX. 36,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY CHEVROLET OR THE DEALER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, WHICH SEEMS TO BE RAMPANT. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET AND IT APPEARS THAT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS YEAR CHEVROLET MODELS. THIS PROBLEM CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. GM SHOULD BE FORCED TO ISSUE RECALLS FOR ALL MODELS AFFECTED AT NO CHARGE TO THE CONSUMER. THAT IS THE ONLY FAIR AND PROPER SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 16, 2012
DRIVER INFO CENTER SAID CHECK GAS CAP,WE REPLACED IT NOW A SMELL OF GAS IN CAR WHEN STARTING IT UP. *TR
Steering, Feb 3, 2012
ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE. *KB