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, Jun 24, 2010
2005,06 CHEVY MALIBU POWER STEERING FAILURE. SYSTEM LOCKS UP AS AS RESULT NO STEERING. *TR
Steering, Jun 21, 2010, crash
2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX. POWER STEERING LOCK UP ON TURNS, PULLING AWAY AT A LIGHT, GOING STRAIGHT STEERING MOVES INTERMITTENTLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AND BECOMES HARD TO CONTROL. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR DOES NOT ALWAYS SHOW ON MESSAGE CENTER, SOMETIMES IT ONLY DINGS REPEATEDLY. AND YOU CAN HEAR A TICKING NOISE FROM THE DASH. WHEN IT STOPS WORKING THE STEERING ALSO WILL GO IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION YOU ARE DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Jun 19, 2010
I PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS LOOSE. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE END OF THE ROAD BUT AFTER A FEW SECONDS, IT STARTED TIGHTENING UP AND THEN IT LOCKED. I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND WHEN I RESTARTED IT, THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I HAD TO DO THIS 3 TIMES TO GET BACK TO MY DRIVEWAY. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS ONLY A RECALL ON THE CHEVY COBALT STEERING BUT NOT THE MALIBU. *TR
Steering, Jun 18, 2010
THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY STATE THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE 06 MALIBU AND THAT THE REPAIR IS $928.00. THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE BECAUSE THOUSANDS OF VEHICLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR THEIR DEFECT? *TR
Steering, Jun 18, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR HAD FAILED. THE MOTOR WAS REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 18,600.
Steering, Visibility, Structure, Jun 15, 2010
2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX - 2 PROBLEMS 1. METAL TO METAL NOISE AS STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED 2. VIBRATING NOISE AROUND DASHBOARD ALL THE TIME. *TR
Steering, Jun 15, 2010
2006 MALIBU MAXX POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON STEERING WHEEL FREEZES WHILE CAR IS MOVING STEERING COLUMN VIBRATES AND YET NO CODES ARE PRESENT. *TR
Steering, Jun 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE DEALER ADVISED BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING WAS ELECTRICAL, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 14,000.
Steering, Jun 11, 2010
CHEVROLET MALIBU 2006 LT 4CYLINDER. STEERING MALFUNCTION. THIS VEHICLE HAVE A ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM. MY VEHICLE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE, FIRST WHEN YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE TURNING TO THE LEFT, THE POWER STEERING TURNS OFF. NOW THE VEHICLE MOST OF THE TIME WHEN YOU MAKE LEFT TURN. STIFFENS UP THE WHEEL. I ACTUALLY HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON IN ORDER FOR IT TO LOOSEN UP THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
Steering, Jun 11, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN REVERSING, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY TIGHT AND DIFFICULT TO STEER. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED FOLLOWED BY A WARNING CHIME. THE DEALER ADVISED HE HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS OF POWER STEERING FAILURE IN HIS MODEL VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED BRINGING THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,095. UPDATED 8/2/10 *CN UPDATED 08/09/10
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE POWER STEERING LOCKED WHICH CAUSED HIM TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES AND DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE HE REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AND THE SPARK PLUG WIRES. HE ALSO TESTED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE NO ELECTRICAL FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000. UPDATED 08/13/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN ACCELERATING UP A GRADE/HILL. ALSO WHEN THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THERE WAS A CHIME SOUND AS IF THE DOOR WAS BEING OPENED. THERE WAS A SUDDEN AND INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING HAS OCCURRED WHILE ACCELERATING UP A SLIGHT GRADE, ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT OR ACCELERATING WHILE MERGING UP A SLIGHT GRADE. UPDATED 08/23/10*JB
Steering, Jun 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 PH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING SEEMED TO RESET ITSELF AND FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,000.
Steering, Jun 9, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MAILBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING A CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED. ALSO A POWER STEERING ALARM LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. THE FAILURE NORMALLY OCCURRED WHEN THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 15 MPH AND TURNING. THE CONTACT WOULD TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTART AND THE VEHICLE WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO GET PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. SHE WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,900.
Steering, Jun 8, 2010
POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITH NO PARTICULAR CAUSE. OCCURS IN VERY COLD WEATHER, OCCURS IN VERY WARM WEATHER, GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING (FREEWAY/CITY STREETS), MAY GO OUT WITH SLIPPERY CONDITIONS WHERE STEERING MOVES FREELY. DEALERS CAN NOT DO ANYTHING IF THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. ONCE THE VEHICLE IS RESTARTED, THE SYSTEM APPEARS TO RESET ITSELF AND YOU HAVE POWER STEERING. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE WILL DO NOTHING UNLESS A DIAGNOSTIC FROM A DEALER IS DONE (COSTING FROM $120 - $200) WHERE IF IT IS NOT OCCURRING, THE DIAGNOSTIC WILL DO NOTHING. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE RECOMMENDATION, WHEN THE POWER STEERING DOES GO OUT, FIND A DEALER AND HAVE THEM RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. SO A DEALER IS GOING TO GET US IN ANYTIME WE HAPPEN TO STOP WITH POWER STEERING OUT, DON'T TURN CAR OFF AND WAIT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TO BE COMPLETED, PAY THE COST OF DIAGNOSTIC TEST, THEN GM MAY GIVE SOME HELP IN HOW TO FIX THEIR ISSUE. THIS IS A HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BY GM. MY BELIEF THIS IS SAME ISSUE THEY ISSUED RECALL FOR THE COBALT ON. DESCRIPTION OF THAT ISSUE IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS IS HAPPENING WITH MALIBU. MUST BE SIMILAR COMPONENTS WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING???? MAY GO 4 MONTHS WITHOUT IT OCCURRING, MAY HAPPEN FOR 4 DAYS IN A ROW OFF AND ON, VERY SPORADIC IN OCCURRENCE. FIRST OCCURRED AT 40,000 MILES, OUT OF WARRANTY, AND CONTINUES NOW WITH 75,000 + MILES. *TR
Steering, Jun 8, 2010
POWER STEERING GOES OUT. THIS JUST STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT 5 DAYS AGO. IT HAS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEEDS; IN PARKING LOT AND PARKING GARAGE AND I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL. I ALMOST RAN INTO THE CONCRETE WALL IN MY PARKING GARAGE WHEN I WAS TURNING A CORNER AND IT FAILED. THERE WAS A DING AND THE DISPLAY READ POWER STEERING. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND THE ISSUE CLEARED. ONCE I HAD TO RESTART IT TWICE FOR THE ERROR TO CLEAR. IT HAS HAPPENED APPROX 5 TIMES NOW, THE LATEST BEING YESTERDAY. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 7, 2010
I BOUGHT MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THE FIRST WEEK I LOST MY POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THE MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED POWER STEERING. THE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE DEALERSHIP TOOK THE CAR TO THEIR SHOP AND SENT IT BACK SAYING IT WAS FIXED. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES INTERMITTENTLY FOR THE NEXT 20,000 MILES. THE LAST WEEK BEFORE I HAD IT REPAIRED THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT GOING 70 MILES AN HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY. I COULD NOT STEER AT ALL AND I LOST MY BRAKES UNTIL I SHUT THE CAR OFF. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE TORQUE SENSOR FAILED COMPLETELY AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN. I WAS TOLD THEN BY THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND ALSO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SEVERAL CHEVROLETS ON THEIR LOT HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS COST ME $700.00 AND ALSO I HAD A NEAR ACCIDENT DUE TO LOSING STEERING AND BRAKE FUNCTION AT 70 MILES AN HOUR. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT AND APPARENTLY WELL KNOWN. IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN HURT I WOULD HAVE HELD GM RESPONSIBLE AS THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT GM USED SAAB PARTS FOR A FEW YEARS UNTIL THE PROBLEM BECAME APPARENT. THE CHEVY MALIBU MAXX 2004 AND 2005 MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Jun 7, 2010
THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO A HARD LEFT TURN. THE PROBLEM OCCURS WITH OUT WARNING. IT TAKES A VERY STRONG PERSON TO OVER POWER THE ELECTRIC STEERING MOTOR AND MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. REPROGRAMMING THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR CORRECTS THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. REPLACING THE STEERING COLUMN WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR A FEW THOUSAND MILES. *TR
Steering, Jun 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE. SECONDS LATER, THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INCREASINGLY HARD AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 118,000. UPDATED 07/29/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP ND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 08/03/10*JB
Steering, Jun 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. SHE STATED THAT ON JUNE 1, 2010, WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND ON WHICH CORRECTED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 90,000.
Steering, Jun 1, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND UPON RESTART, OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AT 25,700 MILES AND WAS NOT TAKEN IN TO BE EXAMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,700.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, May 31, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU THAT MY DAUGHTER DRIVES TO WORK 5 DAYS A WEEK. IT HAS APPROX. 76,000 MILES. I WENT AND DRIVE THE CAR ON THIS DATE AND NOTICE THE STEERING FLUID DISPLAY WAS ON THE RADIO DISPLAY. I ASKED MY DAUGHTER HOW LONG IS WAS ON THERE, SHE SAID APPROX. A WEEK. I CALLED THE GMC DEALER AND GOT AN APPOINTMENT ON THE THIRD OF MAY. THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEED A NEW STEERING COLUMN AND A SHAFT WHICH WOULD BE ABOUT $1000. THEY SAID WE COULD STILL DRIVE THE CAR THAT I WOULD ACTUALLY WOULD LOSE JUST THE POWER STEERING. ON MAY 10, I TOOK THE CAR IN AND GOT IT FIXED. $850 LATER IT IS FIXED. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACED A STEERING COLUMN ON ANY OF MY OTHER CARS, WHICH HAD OVER 95,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON THAT ONE. PLUS I TRIED TO REFILL THE STEERING FLUID, AND WHO KNOW THAT MY CAR HAD AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. SOMEONE SHOULD INFORM THE CONSUMER ON THIS. MY MAIN CONCERN WAS FOR MY DAUGHTER WHO DRIVES THIS CAR IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. WHAT IF IT LOCKED UP? IT IS A THOUGHT I WOULD NOT WISH TO THINK OF! *TR
Steering, May 22, 2010
A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO, I NOTICED THAT WHEN I MADE A TURN ESPECIALLY A LEFT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP TO THE POINT IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. NOW I NOTICE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL GET REALLY TIGHT WHILE I AM DRIVING, AND THIS HAPPENS EVERY OTHER DAY. I AM ALMOST AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BUT IT IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AT THIS POINT, AND I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES HARD TO TURN, I HAVE TO PUT ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE THE TURN. NO WARNING SUCH AS A POWERING STEELING LIGHT COMES ON. I THINK IF THE PROBLEM CONTINUES IT COULD LEAD TO SOMEONE GETTING SEVERELY INJURED OR DYING. *TR
Steering, May 19, 2010
2006 CHEVY MALIBU ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GOES OUT RANDOMLY AND LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING CAUSING DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET RANGING FROM YEAR MODELS 2004-2008 AND I AM WONDERING WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROBLEM. I ALSO HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT DEALERS HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND HOW TO FIX IT. I'M ALSO LEARNING THAT EVERYONE IS SAYING THAT THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY DIFFERENT THINGS, BUT THE RESULT IS ALL THE SAME. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IS FAULTY NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!!! IS GM GOING TO WAIT UNTIL PEOPLE DIE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ONE!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
Steering, May 16, 2010
STEERING PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, May 15, 2010
POWER STEERING LOCKS UP AND THEN RESETS ITSELF. HAS NOT LOCKUP YET WHILE DRIVING. HAVE RESEARCHED AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SAME TYPE CAR. I HAVE TO DRIVE IT BUT AM AFRAID THE WHOLE TIME. *TR