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, Feb 1, 2012
THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHEN MY WIFE WAS ON HER WAY HOME AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN DOWN OUR STREET. THE BULLETIN SAYS THAT WHEN THIS POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS, THE VEHICLE CAN STILL BE SAFELY TURNED, BUT I TAKE EXCEPTION TO THAT. MY WIFE IS OF AVERAGE STRENGTH AND IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN WALKING ON OUR STREET SHE COULDN'T HAVE STEERED CLEAR OF THEM OR IF A CAR WAS PARKED WHEN SHE TURNED THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT.I HAD THE CAR IN THE GM DEALERSHIP SERVICE AT 100,000 MILES FOR FRONT END ISSUES AND HAD OVER $1000.00 OF REPAIRS INCLUDING NEW FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS. I FEEL THAT WHENEVER A VEHICLE COMES IN THAT HAS A SPECIAL COVERAGE LISTED THAT IS AS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AS THIS, THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE REPLACED. WHEN IT FAILED COMPLETELY IT HAD 106,000 MILES AND WE ARE TOLD BY GM THAT WE ARE OUT OF LUCK FOR ANY HELP. THIS PROBLEM IS LIKE RUSSIAN ROULETTE AND EVEN THOUGH IT RESETS ITSELF WHEN TURNED OFF AND BACK ON, IT MAY GO OUT AGAIN IN A WEEK, A MONTH OR AN HOUR AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN WITH CONFIDENCE. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH GM THAT THEY WON'T AT LEAST COVER SOME OF THIS REPAIR. THIS IS NOT THE TYPE OF PROBLEM THAT GOES OUT GRADUALLY AS TO ALERT YOU OF AN ISSUE, BUT RATHER ALL AT ONCE AND TAKES YOU TOTALLY BY SURPRISE. I'M SURE ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT AND IS MUCH MORE SERIOUS THAN GM MAKES IT OUT TO BE. THEY SHOULD EITHER FIX THE PROBLEM PARTS OR AT LEAST COVER A PART WITH PROVEN DEFECTS EVEN IF IT IS JUST PAST THEIR MILEAGE. *TR
Steering, Jan 31, 2012
GOT IN MY CAR THIS MORNING TO GO TO WORK AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY POWER STEERING DOESNT WORK AND POWER STEERING COMES ON UP ON MY DISPLAY. BEEN READING ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A HIGH NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS WITH THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS YET. OF COURSE THE $2000 EXTENDED WARRANTY I BOUGHT ISN'T GOING TO COVER IT....*TT
Steering, Jan 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE AS THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER ASSIST WAS FAILING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED, BUT THE CLOCK AND RADIO HAD TO BE RESET WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,700. UPDATED 03/28/12 *BF UPDATED 04/09/12
Steering, Jan 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF AND RESTARTING, THE POWER STEERING REGAINED NORMAL FUNCTIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,277 .
Steering, Jan 19, 2012
KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. HAD TO HAVE IIT FIXED TWICE AND IT NOW DOES IT AGAIN. THIS IS A REPETATIVE PROBLEM AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS CAR HAS A DESIGN ISSUE. *TT
Steering, Jan 18, 2012
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHEN MAKING RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURNS. OR WHEN THE TEMP IN THE VEHICLE IS HOT THE STEERING WON'T STAY ON AT ALL. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A SPECIAL WARRENY ENANCEMENT ISSUED BUT NO RECALL. THIS MEANS THAT A MILAGE LIMIT OF 100,000 MILES IS IN PLACE. SO THIS WILL COST ME $1200 TO FIX FOR SOMETHING THAT THEY KNOW IS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. I GUESS SOMEONE HAS TO BE KILLED OR INJURED BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE.
Steering, Jan 16, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR CAME ON WITH FOUR BELL TONES - I LOST THE ABILITY TO EASILY STEER THE CAR. I HAD TO STRUGGLE TO GET THE CAR STEERED OFF THE FREEWAY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF THEN ON AND POWER STEERING RESUMED. I GOT BACK ON THE FREEWAY AND WITHIN 15 MINUTES THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN AND I HAD TO STRUGGLE JUST TO STEER. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS IF THE POWER STEERING TOTALLY LOCKS UP IT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE POWER STEERING ON THE 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU IS ELECTRONIC AND ITS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT THE 2004 VERSION WAS RECALLED FOR PER MY MECHANIC. *TR
Steering, Jan 2, 2012
I HAVE BEEN READING OVER SOME OF THE 30 PAGES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS FOR THE 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. I FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT ALONE WITH THIS CAR PROBLEM. I JUST BOUGHT MY CAR IN AUGUST 2011 - IT WAS A ONE OWNER WITH 31,000 MILES IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I THOUGHT I DID MY HOMEWORK WHEN BUYING BUT WAS NOT AWARE OF THE STEERING PROBLEMS THAT EXISTED. THERE WAS NO RECALL LISTED . I WOULD NEVER HAVE BOUGHT THIS CAR KNOWING WHAT I KNOW NOW AND EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM FIRST HAND. I HEARD THE TWO DINGS THEN THE WORDS "POWER STEERING" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I IMMEDIATELY HAD NO POWER STEERING AND WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE CAR WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO STEER AND I WAS LUCKY TO MAKE IT HOME. SINCE THEN, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS TWO OTHER TIMES. I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THIS CAR. DO I HAVE TO GET KILLED IN A CAR ACCIDENT BEFORE YOU WILL DO SOMETHING? I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY THESE COSTLY REPAIRS AND SHOULDN'T BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANUFACTURER'S DEFECTS. PLEASE SAVE MY LIFE AND EVERYONE ELSE BY TAKING ACTION NOW!!! *TR
Steering, Dec 26, 2011
WHEN PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, POWER STEERING ILLUMINATED ACROSS THE SCREEN AND THEN STEERING WAS LOST. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON 5 TIMES BUT THE SAME MESSAGE KEPT REAPPEARING WITH RETURNED INABILITY TO STEER. *TR
Steering, Dec 17, 2011
TODAY WHEN I DRIVE BACK FROM MY DRIVEWAY, SPEED IS ONLY 5KM/HOUR, WHEN I TURNED LEFT ,SUDDENLY THE STEELING LOSE POWER I CRASH TO MY WIFE'S CAR. YEAH, IT IS A ONLY A SMALL HIT AND NOTHING DAMAGE. THEN I STOPPED MY CAR , RESTART IT AND IT IS OK .BUT AFTER I DROVE 2 KM, IT LOST POWER AGAIN WHEN I TURN LEFT. I GOOGLE, I FOUND IT IS THOUSAND OF SAME ISSUES HAPPEN WHILE GM ONLY RECALL THE G6 COBALT BUT NOT MALIBU,WHY? THEY SUCK ,I WILL NEVER BUY GM AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Dec 11, 2011
I WAS JUST BACKING UP AT CHURCH AND THE DINGING NOISE CAME ON LIKE WHEN YOUR CAR DOOR IS OPEN. I LOOK AT THE INFORMATION ON THE SCREEN AND IT SAYS POWER STEERING. I COULD NOT TURN MY CAR WITHOUT USING 2 HANDS TO DO IT. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME (2 BLOCKS). AFTER LOOKING UP THE PROBLEM ONLINE AND SEEING SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM AND SUGGESTING I TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON, I WENT OUT TO TRY IT AND IT WORKED. IT'S AS IF I HAD NO PROBLEM AT ALL. I WENT AROUND THE BLOCK AND DIDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM, BUT WHAT IF I'M ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT DOES IT AGAIN. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY FRONT END. LEFT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT AND BOTH STABILIZER END LINKS LOOSE, REPLACED CONTROL ARM, AXLE FALLING OFF, SHAFT, YOU NAME IT. AND I DON'T ABUSE MY CAR. JUST WANT TO ADD YET ANOTHER COMPLAINT TO THE REST. AND YES, THIS WILL BE MY LAST CHEVY. WE ARE NOW DEPENDING ON OUR 1997 FORD RANGER WITH 212,000 MILES ON IT. MY CHEVY HAS 85,000. TO SAY THE LEAST, I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR ANYMORE. I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE I'M JUST MINUTES AWAY FROM SOMETHING GOING WRONG WITH THE FRONT END. I FEEL LIKE I NEED A SAFETY INSPECTION EVERY MONTH. *TR
Steering, Dec 8, 2011
2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU 2.2 / 4CL. THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING, THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A REGULAR POWER STEERING SYSTEM , I BELIEVE IT IS ELECTRONIC. THE PROBLEM IS WHILE YOU DRIVE AT ANY SPEED THE STEERING BECOMES HARD TO STEER, NO POWER AT ALL, CREATING A VERY DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT CAN CAUSE A DEADLY ACCIDENT. THERE IS NO RECALL YET WE BELIEVE. BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL, MANY SITUATIONS LIKE THIS ONE, NO POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, SUDDENLY STOPS WORKING. *TR
Steering, Dec 2, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY ABRUPT FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
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.
Steering, Nov 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 7 MPH AND UNEXPECTEDLY THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITH AN ILLUMINATION OF THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR. IN ADDITION, A CHIME SOUNDED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE INTO A PARKING SPACE AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE STEERING MALFUNCTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Steering, Nov 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATOR. THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE LOCATION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE UPON STARTING THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Steering, Nov 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Steering, Nov 15, 2011
TURNED STEERING WHEEL LEFT TO EXIT A FUELING PUMP AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. THE PANEL DISPLAY INDICATED "POWER STEERING" AND AN INDICATOR ON THE DASH HAD A AMBER COLOR ICON WITH A WRENCH. HAD TO USE A LOT OF FORCE TO TURN VEHICLE TO A SAFE PLACE AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. GOT OUT AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD BUT COULD NOT DISCERN ANY OBVIOUS PROBLEM. TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT REAPPEAR AS DRIVING HOME APPROX. 2 MILES FROM SERVICE STATION. CONCERNED BECAUSE OF THE COMMENTS SEEN ON THE INTERNET REGARDING OWNERS HAVING SIMILAR EXPERIENCES WITH THESE VEHICLES. FORTUNATELY, MY SPEED WAS MINIMAL. IT WOULD BE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE IF THIS HAPPENED AT HIGH SPEED ON A HIGHWAY. GM NEEDS TO RECALL. *TR
Steering, Nov 14, 2011
WHEN MAKING TURNS, WHETHER LEFT OR RIGHT, THE POWER STEERING IN THIS CAR FAILS. LUCKILY I AM ONE OF THE FORTUNATE ONES (SO FAR) THAT IT GOES OUT AT LOWER RATES OF SPEED. A COUPLE OF TIMES, I BARELY MADE IT INTO THE PARKING LOT AND AVOIDED HITTING ANY CARS WHILE MAKING THAT TURN. THE THING THAT I FEAR IS THAT WHEN IT STARTS TO SNOW OR IF I HAVE TO MAKE SOME EVASIVE MOVES TO AVOID OBJECTS, THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT AND I WILL BE UNABLE TO CORRECT IT. *TR
Steering, Nov 5, 2011
AFTER BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, I STARTED DOWN THE ROAD AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE CAR OFF. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT SEEMED FINE. I DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE ANY CHANCES SO TURNED AROUND AND PULLED BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. I HAVE STARTED THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE STEERING IS STILL LOCKED UP. MY CAR HAS ONLY 48000 MILES ON IT AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL. I HAVE READ MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME SITUATION. *TR
Steering, Nov 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT IT LOCKED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE IN THE POWER STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 85,000. UPDATED 12/12/11*LJ UPDATED 12/23/11
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
Steering, Nov 2, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD OCCASIONALLY SHAKE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS A MECHANIC AND AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 1, 2011
I HAVE ONLY HAD MY 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU FOR 6 WEEKS, AND I ALREADY AM EXPERIENCING 3 MAJOR PROBLEMS. 1. THE FUEL GAUGE WILL GO WILD ANYTIME GAS IS ADDED TO THE TANK, AND AS THE WEEKS HAVE GONE BY IT IS LESS ACCURATE. I ONLY KNOW WHEN MY GAS TANK IS FULL OR EMPTY. I HAVE NO IDEA ON ANYTHING IN BETWEEN. 2. WHEN I WILL START THE CAR THE POWER STEERING WILL NOT COME ON WITH THE CAR. I WILL HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF, REMOVE THE KEY AND OPEN AND SHUT THE DOOR TO REGISTER THE NEXT TRY AS A TRULY NEW START. IF YOU FAIL TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR, THE CAR DOES NOT COMPLETELY POWER DOWN SO IT WILL NOT RECYCLE. 3. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WILL BEGIN TO LOCK UP ON ME WHILE DRIVING, AND I WILL HAVE TO FIGHT THE WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT. I HAVE LET GO OF THE WHEEL ONCE OR TWICE AND THE WHEEL WILL TURN ENOUGH IN ONE DIRECTION TO NEARLY DO A UTURN. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN WHEN A DRIVER WAS INATTENTIVE, IM PRETTY SURE IT WOULD CAUSE ONE HECK OF A ACCIDENT! THE WORST PART IS THAT THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM HAD THE CAR FOR 8 MONTHS, SO THEY MUST HAVE KNOW ABOUT THESE DEFECTS AND SOLD IT TO ME ANYWAYS. THE DEALER PUT GAS IN THE CAR BEFORE WE DID THE PAPERWORK. I KNOW THE GUY SAW THE GAS GAUGE GOING NUTS, AND THAT'S WHY HE INSISTED ON BEING THE ONE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE GAS STATION. I THINK THEY MIGHT HAVE RESET THE COMPUTER TO GET THE CAR TO BEHAVE FOR TEST DRIVES, BECAUSE I HAD ONLY PUT 40 MILES ON IT BEFORE ALL THIS STUFF STARTED. CERTAINLY NOT A COINCIDENCE. *TR
Steering, Oct 30, 2011
FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS POWER STEERING FAILURE WITH LEFT TURNS. YESTERDAY COMPLETE FAILURE, FORTUNATELY IT LOCKED UP IN MY DRIVEWAY. STEERING WHEEL JAMMED UP WITH THE SLIGHTEST TURN. *TR