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, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Oct 30, 2011
THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD CAR FOR THE MOST PART GREAT ON GAS BUT LAST WEEK THE BRAKES FELT REAL HARD TO PUSH SO I REPLACE WITH NEW BRAKES FRONT AND REAR THE OLD BRAKES LOOKED ALMOST NEW NOW THE BRAKE TAIL LIGHT COME WHEN YOU START THE CAR AND DON'T GO OFF UNLESS YOU DEPRESS THEM. DRIVERS THINK YOUR STOPPING WHEN YOUR DRIVING AND WHEN BRAKING THEY CANT TELL BECAUSE LIGHTS GO OUT.ALSO FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND YOU LOSE YOUR STEERING CONTROL I WONDER IF AND WHEN SOMEONE HAS TO DIE BEFORE GM RECALLS AND FIX THE PROBLEMS. *TR
Steering, Oct 24, 2011
I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT AND MY STEERING COMPLETELY LOCKED UP ON ME. I ALMOST HIT MY NEIGHBORS VEHICLE. WITH MUCH EFFORT I WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR OUT OF THE STREET AND ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Oct 19, 2011
POWER STEERING LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON FOR LIKE YEAR AND ALMOST LIKE ONCE A DAY THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT BUT IF YOU TURN THE KEY OFF AND THEN TURN IT BACK ON IT WILL BE OK. KNOW IT IS EVEN STARTING TO SAKE WHILE DRIVING. SO I TOOK MY CAR T A SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. SO I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM AND THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND THE POWER STEERING I AM JUST NOT SEEING WHILE THERE IS NO SAFETY RECALL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WANT THIS VEHICLE. THANKS *TR
Steering, Oct 17, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ALSO SEIZE SPORADICALLY WHEN DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,100.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 13, 2011
MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY TODAY AND I WAS SO CLOSE INTO HITTING MY SISTERS CAR, I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH THAT I WAS ABLE TO STEER AS MUCH AS A COULD WENT A LITTLE BIT ONTO THE BUSHES . BUT THIS IS A DANGEROUS HAZARD IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS I WOULD HAVE NEVER HAVE BOUGHT THIS CAR.THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO GIVES SOMEWHAT OF A VIBRATION WHICH I THOUGHT WERE THE STRUTS WHICH WERE REPLACED AND THE DISC BRAKES. WHICH ALOT OF MONEY WENT INTO REPLACING THOSE PARTS. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE I PURCHASED IT IN AUGUST 2010 AND NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE AROUND BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL LOCK UP AGAIN. I DON'T HAVE THE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE AND I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THIS TO GET FIXED AS I AM ALREADY PAYING FOR COLLEGE. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS OTHER MESSAGES FROM OTHER CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS FACING THE SAME ISSUE. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO FIX THIS? *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 5, 2011
STEERING- WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS STEERING COLLUMN POPS AS IF LINKAGE IS SLIPPING. APPARENTLY A KNOWN DEFECT AT CHEVROLET. STEERING COLUMN SHOULD BE REPLACED. LOSS OF POWER STERRING IN THE PAST AT HIGHER SPEEDS, ONE COMPLETE LOCKUP OF STEERING WHEEL WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. BRAKES- INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT OVER TIME TO SLOW VEHICLE TO A STOP SAFELY. BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY REPLACED AT 51K MILES DUE TO AN ISSUE OF WEAR AT RATES EXCEEDING MECHANICAL ESTIMATES. DEALERSHIP INSPECTION YIELDS NO DAMAGES OR PROBLEM YET TEST DRIVE SHOWS HOW DIFFICULT VEHICLE IS TO STOP EFFECTIVELY.
Steering, Oct 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING AND THE WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Steering, Oct 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITH A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND UPON RESTART, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE POWER STEERING FAILURE ECURRED TWELVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Oct 2, 2011
PULLED UP TO THE STOP SIGN LEAVING MY STREET GETTING READY TO PULL ONTO BUSY HIGHWAY ....STEERING WHEEL WENT COMPLETELY STIFF....POWER STEERING FAILURE MESSAGE CAME ON THE DASH....MANAGED TO TURN IT AROUND AND PARK IT BACK IN MY DRIVE WAY ....I HAVE BEEN READING ALL THE OTHER CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS DESCRIBING THE SAME PROBLEM AND HOW IT HAS COST THEM HUNDREDS EVEN THOUSANDS TO GET FIXED AND SOME STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM....I DO NOT HAVE HUNDREDS TO POUR INTO MY CAR....CAN BARELY MAKE PAYMENTS AND INSURANCE.....I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO.... *TR
Steering, Sep 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT NOTICED A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE TURNS. ALSO, THE POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,242 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Steering, Sep 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION OR DRIVING OVER ROAD BUMPS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Steering, Sep 17, 2011
OWN A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF MAKING STEERING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES & PARKED THE VEHICLE. THOUGHT IT NEEDED POWER STEERING FLUID. WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT THIS WAS A HUGH PROBLEM WITH THE 2006 MALIBU VEHICLES. HE PERSONALLY HAD REPAIRED MANY, MANY CARS WITH THIS STEERING COLUMN ISSUE. THE COST WOULD RUN $900 +. RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND THE CAR WAS DRIVING FINE. OWNER RESEARCHED THE WEBSITE FOR RECALLS. FOUND OUT THAT WITH IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE 2006 MALIBU & GM DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE A RECALL FOR IT. UNFORTUNATELY, IT WILL TAKE LOSS OF LIVES BEFORE ANY ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. TOO MANY OF THESE CARS HAVE THIS DEFECT. GM SHOULD "MAN UP" AND EITHER REPAIR THE PROBLEM PERMANENTLY OR ALLOW FOR TRADE-IN'S WITH APPROPRIATE TRADE IN VALUE. ALSO, IT SOUNDS LIKE EVEN AFTER REPAIR HAVE BEEN DONE, THE PROBLEM MAY OR MAY NOT COME BACK. NO GUARANTEE FOR PERMANENT SOLUTION. OWNER IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR FEAR OF THE STEERING ISSUE OCCURRING AT ANY TIME & MAYBE CAUSING A MINOR OR EVEN WORSE FATAL ACCIDENT. APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 118,000. *TT
Steering, Sep 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN EXHIBITING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHEN TURNING OR DRIVING OVER ANY ROAD BUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC ASSIST POWER FOR THE STEERING SHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Sep 15, 2011
I PURCHASED MY 2006 MALIBU IN 2007. SINCE THE TIME OF PURCHASE I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR'S STEERING COLUMN. IT WOULD MAKE A CLUNKING SOUND EVERY TIME I WOULD MAKE A TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. I KNEW SOMETHING WASN'T RIGHT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER ONCE AND THEY REPLACED SOMETHING IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I STILL HEAR THE CLUNKING NOISE TODAY. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE CAR AT TIMES IT SEEMED LIKE THE CAR WAS CRANKING AND RUNNING ON ITS OWN. HARD TO EXPLAIN IT UNLESS YOU WERE STARTING THE CAR. THAT WAS AN ISSUE AS WELL. NOW THIS 2006 MALIBU WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY AFTER GOING TO THE STORE AND THE NEXT DAY WHEN I TRIED TO START IT IT WOULD NOT START. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE BATTERY AND HAD THAT CHECKED OUT. NOT THE BATTERY, THEN I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE SHOP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND NOW I AM TOLD THAT THE ROCKER ARM BROKE AND IN TURN IT BENT THE RODS AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE IS NOW CEASED AND DAMAGED. *KB
Steering, Sep 13, 2011
WE STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY IN WARM WEATHER, ONLY OCCASIONALLY. THEN THE PROBLEM WORSENED WITH THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT FREQUENTLY WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT. ONLY AFTER WE HAD OBTAINED 100000 MILES ON THE CAR DID WE RECEIVE A LETTER FROM THE GM COMPANY STATING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING AND UPON CONTACTING GM COMPANY THEY REFUSED TO FIX THEIR FACTORY INSTALLED DEFECTIVE PROBLEM STATING IT WAS OUR PROBLEM. THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE STEERING PROBLEM AND IT HAS CAUSED US TO HAVE CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH CRASHES. THE CAR IS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN FOR MY WIFE AND IS A REAL CRASH HAZARD. IT WAS THEIR MISTAKE, BUT THEY REFUSE TO HONOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO CAR SAFETY LIKE THEY ADVERTISE ON TV. IT IS THEIR PROBLEM AND THEY SHOULD HONOR THEIR SAFETY COMMITMENT TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE CAR FIXED AT THEIR EXPENSE NOT OURS SINCE IT IS THEIR MISTAKE. *TR
Steering, Sep 13, 2011
MAKING A RIGHT TURN, I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING, THE CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL FELT LIKE IT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO, I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE AT THE DEALERS FOR A KNOCKING IN THE STEERING AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *TR
Steering, Sep 12, 2011
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU WITH A SERIOUS STEERING PROBLEM. JUST LIKE THE COBALT THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED. IS THE SAME STEERING SYSTEM IN THE MALIBU AS THE COBALT ? THE STEERING JUST DECIDES TO "STOP WORKING ON IT'S OWN". NO MATTER HOW SLOW OR FAST I MIGHT BE GOING, IT PULLS TO THE LEFT , IT POPS WHEN I STEER, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON, BUT RESETS. SO BY THE TIME I TAKE IT TO THE SHOP AND PAY FOR ANOTHER SERVICE TIME, IT IS DONE AND THEY SAY DO THIS DO THAT. I HAD THE STEERING FIXED TWICE NOW BECAUSE IT WAS POPPING. THEY SAID THE STEERING WAS "OUT OF PLACE". WHEN THE STEERING STOPS, IT IS TO HARD TO GRASP AND STEER OUT OF HARMS WAY. BUT GM STATES.. THE STEERING NEVER GOES COMPLETELY OUT.... THEY SHOULD DRIVE ONE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I DRIVE MY GRAND-KIDS AROUND IN THIS CAR ....... IF THEY FIXED THE COBALT,THEY NEED TO FIX THIS NOW BEFORE MORE ACCIDENTS HAPPEN ! DON'T THEY FEEL A OUNCE OF REMORSE ? OR IS THIS LIKE THE TOYOTA DEAL ? THEY DON'T CARE AS LONG AS YOU ARE MAKING MONEY AND THERE ARE"THAT MANY DEATHS" MAYBE THEY SHOULD LET THEIR KIDS AND GRAND-KIDS RIDE IN OR DRIVE THESE CARS....... THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS AND ALL GM SAID WAS" TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND MAYBE WE CAN OFFER COST ASSISTANCE . " *TR
Steering, Sep 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THE STEERING FAILURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,225 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,231.
Steering, Sep 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BEGIN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL THE VEHICLE TOWARDS THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 6, 2011
RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS OR ACCELERATING THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL FLICKER ON AND OFF ON THE DASHBOARD. THIS TIME WHILE ACCELERATING ON A ENTRANCE RAMP TO THE HIGHWAY THE BATTERY LIGHT ALONG WITH ALL THE IDIOT LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD FLASHED AND I TEMPORARILY LOST POWER STEERING. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN A PERIOD OF TWO MINUTES. NORMALLY WHENEVER THE BATTERY LIGHTS OR OTHER IDIOT LIGHTS FLICKER A CHIME IS HEARD. THIS IS KIND OF SCARY SINCE IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND TENDS TO HAPPEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Aug 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER MADE THREE ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THEY REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN TWICE AND THEN THE STEERING SHAFT HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,688 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 30, 2011
2006 MALIBU LT POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS THEN RESUMES INTERMITTENTLY. MECHANIC'S DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER CANNOT COMMUNICATE WITH VEHICLE COMPUTER DURING FAILURE, RESUMES COMMUNICATION WHEN ASSIST RESUMES. CANNOT DETECT FAULTY SWITCHES, WIRING, FUSES. NO RECALL NOTICES OR SERVICE BULLETINS. *TR
Steering, Aug 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISED WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR AND THE STEERING SHAFT WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE HAD TO REPLACED THE SAME PART A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,909 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Steering, Aug 14, 2011
INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING THAT OCCURS UNDER TWO DIFFERENT SCENARIOS. UPON HARD ACCELERATION (AS WHEN ENTERING A HIGHWAY), STEERING WILL PERIODICALLY LOCK-UP WITH A SERIES OF 4 CHIMES COMING FROM THE INFORMATION DISPLAY PANEL ON THE DASHBOARD. POWER STEERING ASSIST RETURNS UPON DECELERATION. ALSO, I'VE HAVE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES OF POWER STEERING LOSS WHEN BACKING UP IN COLDER WINTER TEMPERATURES. POWER ASSIST RETURNS AFTER TURNING OFF AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO RECREATE EITHER SCENARIO AS IT HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THIS DEFECT NOR HAS IT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BUT LET'S NOT WAIT FOR ONE. IT'S QUITE OBVIOUS FROM THOUSANDS OF INTERNET POSTS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT GM REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE. AN NHSTA RECALL WOULD BE NICE. SECONDLY, THE VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS REPAIRS TO FRONT SUSPENSION, STEERING AND BRAKE COMPONENTS THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL WITHIN THE FIRST THE 60K MILES OF OWNERSHIP (SOME WERE REPLACED WITH LESS THAN 35K). COMPONENTS REPLACED INCLUDE; STRUT TOWER ASSEMBLY, BOTH TIE RODS (INNER AND OUTER), STEERING COLUMN, RIGHT REAR CALIPER (SNAPPED PARKING BRAKE CABLE), ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS REPLACED. FOR THE FOLKS WHO SPENT THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY ON THIER MALIBU MAXX AND ARE READING THIS ONLINE, PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO POST YOUR STORIES. GM SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR INACTION AND REFUSAL TO ACKNOWLEDGE SERIOUS STEERING RELATED DEFECTS. IT WON'T HAPPEN UNTIL THE NHTSA RECEIVES ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO FORCE A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Aug 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.