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, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 14, 2022
I started losing steering when I accelerated. Then the vehicle security system would t allow me to take the gear out of park then the car suddenly stopped working all together and all the lights on dash flash, the radio says power steering loss, the steering wheel starts moving back and forth all on its own, the vehicle dies and fries the alternator and won't start.
Steering, Sep 19, 2022
Noticed the steering was a little loose one day. It alarmed me so I kept a check on it. Now it's progressed and squeals. My steering is loose and almost free spinning for most of my driving.
Steering, Sep 6, 2022
Driving at 20mph, increasing speed to merge onto grand central parkway (up to around 45mph), steering wheel seized. All lights came on the dash, then disappeared. The car let out a few chimes, possibly 5 chimes. The car was unable to be steered and crossed 3 lanes before regaining control. Recall for the steering was completed on this car in 2020. The issue has occurred multiple times since the recall was completed.
Steering, Aug 7, 2022
Steering wheel locks up if you take off to quick.
Steering, Aug 7, 2022
on dash display beeped and said power steering.
Steering, Jun 15, 2022
Power steering turns off while driving. Steering wheel shakes then power steering turns off. Power steering will turn back on occasionally but turns back off.
Steering, Apr 20, 2022
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while the driver was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.
Steering, Apr 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 206,203.
Steering, Apr 10, 2022
EPS irregularities locks up..as previous reported. Steering column now feels lose when using tilt steering wheel lock won't engage. Steering wheel jumps back and forth Steering column moves. According to VIN number there is no recall. Other sites state April 2006 malibu was recalled. According to prior owner after being in touch ..they said recall was mailed to them around 2016 but didn't follow up because no issues at that time.this is my only transportation I cannot afford to attain another vehicle. I am a nurse. I need resolution
Steering, Mar 31, 2022
Power steering failure. Locks up while driving. Locks right after starting also backing out of driveway. Bell goes off but motor didn't lose power. This happened 2 times
Steering, Mar 27, 2022
Power steering light kept coming on for a long time and steering was affected sometimes making it very hard to steer now its really causing a hard time steering I'm afraid to drive the car. I understand there was a recall about this problem in the 2006 malibu I never got a notice. Sandra Cusson.
Steering, Mar 13, 2022
Power steering goes out with out warning while driving. Says add power steering fluid no way to add some. Also makes a clunking noise and steering wheel is very shaky. The loosing of power steering is not safe as it can cause an accident. After looking up issue many have same issues. This needs to be recalled and fixed.
Steering, Mar 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electric power steering failed and the contact nearly lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with electric power steering failure. The contact was informed that the electric power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been serviced under an unknown steering recall in 2015 and provided no further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Steering, Jan 31, 2022
sudden loss of steering power almost ending on a crash
Steering, Jan 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that prior to owning the vehicle, his parents had serviced the vehicle at a dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). Recently while the contact's son was driving the vehicle at an unknown speed, the power steering failed without warning. The contact then called the manufacturer who informed him that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Steering, Jan 28, 2022
POWER STEERING SENSOR INTERMITTENT FAILURE - LOSS OF POWER STEERING
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 15, 2022
While driving on I95 the major highway my cars steering wheel started to shake and I heard like a popping noise then, a bell or chime rang and the information center read POWER STEERING. Suddenly the steering wheel was hard,I was taken by surprise, and almost went into the other lane. Thank God my son was with me he helped me get onto the first exit off the highway while other cars were speeding by. The next day I looked on the internet for any other people who had the same problem and I found out about the recall, called Chevrolet and spoke to the information about the recall and was told that the original owner had the work done and I was not eligible for any kind of help. The car now has 63000 miles on it after me buying it in June of 2020 with around45,000.have a car fax report given at time of sale shows no recall imfo,at all.I am a senior citizen getting not enough money to pay my bills and am on assistance from the government for.. I need help and am starting with you. I would like to know how long the parts were warranted because in 2014 the original owner had35000 miles on the car so that would make the part only lasting less than 30,000 miles,I love this car and it is the first one that I have ever given a name, though it might sound a little weird, oh well to each their own. I looked up the part on a well-known internet site and as electronic power steering assist module runs close to 300.00 and that does not include labor and god knows what else.
Steering, Jan 6, 2022
the power electric steering message not working comes on in the info center at times i believe it said shaft needed to be replaced this has happened a few times this past year comes on a few times then goes out for a while i dont believe it was fixed on a recall
Steering, Dec 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space, the vehicle inadvertently lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the steering wheel remained difficult to steer. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence with manual steering. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Consumer stated "Failed component/part Information", it is incorrect to identify the failure in the hydraulic power assist/power steering fluid. The power steering on my car is electrical assist.
Steering, Nov 29, 2021
Power steering going out intermittently
Steering, Oct 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while stationary or while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist would fail to operate, and the power steering warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the steering wheel would lock as the failure occurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with power steering failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was given a case number. The vehicle has been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 4, 2021
Steering locks up when accelerating onto highway or any heavy acceleration. Car also will make clicking sounds when this happens.
Steering, Sep 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated the dealer completed an unknown recall repair on the vehicle however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle and reversing, the steering wheel was engaged but failed to respond and made an abnormal clunking sound. The contact stated that she was unable to drive the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering wheel had failed, and the steering column and shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,356.
Steering, Jul 2, 2021
The power steering light came on while driving and I could barely turn the wheel. I took car to Firestone and was told electric power steering pump and they couldnot fix it and may have to take to dealer. I had to leave car so it get tow to a dealer.When got ready to leave I could not turn at all. I been notice that the wheel use to pull back when I turn. This can cause an accident.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Jun 28, 2021
The rack and pinion needs to be replaced at the speed of 65 the steering feels loose and I was told that the rack and pinion is out, so I am having to replace the entire thing, I dont have a receipt yet because it's going to the shop next week, it seems odd that a car with only 75k miles would need a new rack and pinion. Also the high mount brake light is out..which seems crazy on a car with low miles, I understand that the car is old but to me it's a new car, I only just purchased it in October 2020.