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, Jan 27, 2010
I HAVE A 06 MALIBU MAXX AND THE POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT. WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR, IT WAS DRIVING FINE AND THE ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOSE POWER STEERING AND THE WORDS "POWER STEERING" IS DISPLAYED. I HAVE TO TURN OF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON SO IT CAN RESET. IT HAS BEEN DOING IT MORE AND MORE LATELY, AND A FEW TIMES I ALMOST HAVE HIT SOMEONE. I CALLED CHEVY TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAID NO. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2004 AND 2005 CHEVYS MALIBU WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING, BUT NOTHING ON THE 2006. CHEVY ALSO TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND LET THEM INSPECT. WHICH I DID AND THEY CAN FIND NO PROBLEM. *CN
Steering, Jan 26, 2010
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND ACCELERATING. USUALLY, THIS HAPPENS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, BEFORE THE ENGINE HAS HAD A CHANCE TO WARM UP. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST SIX TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. MOST RECENTLY ON JANUARY 15, 2010. *TR
Steering, Jan 26, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX THAT HAS BEEN KNOCKING NEAR THE FRONT END, INDICATING POSSIBLE CV JOINT ISSUES OR SOME OTHER SUSPENSION OR STEERING PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD THE TIE RODS REPLACED ONCE BUT THE SYMPTOMS LATER RETURNED. MOST RECENTLY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED, LOCKING DURING A RIGHT TURN AND CAUSING ME TO DRIVE OUT OF MY LANE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AT LEAST 3 OCCASIONS IN JANUARY 2010 AND THANKFULLY HAS NOT RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. HAD MY WIFE BEEN DRIVING WITH HER BAD BACK, SHE WOULD NOT HAVE HAD THE STRENGTH TO CONTROL THE CAR AND AVOID A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME IT WAS THE ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM AND THE COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT THERE ARE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF FORUMS DISCUSSING THIS EXACT PROBLEM IN THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE OVER ABOUT 4 MODEL YEARS BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. *TR
Steering, Jan 26, 2010
MY 06 MALIBU MAXX HAS A STEERING PROBLEM. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TURN EASILY AT LOW SPEEDS. IT MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I TURN. I HAVE READ AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH MY ELECTRONIC STEERING AND IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM FOR MANY OF THESE VEHICLES. I AM WORRIED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AT A HIGHER SPEED. *TR
Steering, Jan 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU. THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 15 AND 55 MPH ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON BEFORE THE STEERING SYSTEM RESET ITSELF AND BEGAN DRIVING NORMALLY. THE INPUT TORQUE SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK. . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51000. *CN UPDATED 02/17/10.*JB
Steering, Jan 6, 2010
THE POWER STEERING ASSIST IN MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX HAS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING TWICE. I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK INTO IT AND IT WAS A CONFIRMED PROBLEM FOR THE 2005 MODELS BUT NOT THE 2006. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE LIABILITY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. IF THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS ITS AN ISSUE, IT NEEDS TO GET FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. I'VE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WE NEED YOUR HELP TO FIX IT. *TR
Steering, Dec 29, 2009, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. CONSEQUENTLY THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A ROAD BARRIER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE POWER STEERING MOTOR WAS REPLACED. AN IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Steering, Dec 20, 2009
POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITHOUT WARNING. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND SHOP CANNOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSES IT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 13, 2009
POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHEN I ACCELERATE AND THE READING ON MY RADIO SAYS POWER STEERING AND THE ALARM IS ACTIVATED AS WELL TO LET ME KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS, I GET MY POWER STEERING BACK. THIS HAPPENS REGULARLY. *TR
Steering, Dec 9, 2009
POWER STEERING WENT OUT ABRUPTLY IN 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE ON CROWDED ROADWAY. CONDITION DID NOT IMPROVE UNTIL CAR WAS BROUGHT TO A COMPLETE HALT, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THIS CONDITION HAS OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY AND WAS ADDRESSED BY MY CHEVROLET DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT NO COST. APPARENTLY THE "FIX" DIDN'T LAST. WHEN I REPORTED THIS RECURRENCE TO THE SAME SERVICE MANAGER HE QUOTED ME A SUBSTANTIAL ESTIMATE COST FOR REPAIRING THE CONDITION. WHEN I MENTIONED THE GROWING NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS THAT I'VE MONITORED HE TOLD ME THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS ONLY BULLETINS AND THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO GET THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION REPAIRED AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Nov 18, 2009
THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE SENSOR COMES ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE. SO FAR IT HAS OCCURRED SPORADICALLY BEGINNING BACK ABOUT SEPT 30, THAT SAT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THEY COULD LOOK AT WHAT WAS HAPPENING, I WAS TOLD THEY COULD DO NOTHING WITHOUT THAT SENSOR ON. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN BUT AS THE FOLLOWING STATES I HAVE KIND OF FIGURED OUT HOW TO WAIT AND THEN KEEP ON GOING. SO I FINALLY FIGURED OUT IF I STARTED THE CAR AND THE SENSOR APPEARED, I WOULD TURN OFF THE CAR-WAIT ABOUT 5MIN, THEN RESTART THE CAR & NO SENSOR APPEARANCE. IT HAPPENED ONCE MORE WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO SAN ANTONIO, FRIDAY NIGHT, OCT 30 - I HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD ABOUT AN HOUR OR SO AND THE SENSOR JUST POPPED ON (IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN B/C I HAD THE CD PLAYER, THE A/C, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL ON) ANYWAY THANK GOODNESS THERE WERE NO MAJOR TURNS SO I DROVE THE CAR WITH IT ON FOR ABOUT 1MORE HR BEFORE PULLING INTO A REST STOP. THEN IT RESET ITSELF AGAIN. NOW THESE LAST 3 MORNINGS (MAYBE BECAUSE IT IS COLD) I HAVE STARTED THE CAR AND THE WARNING POWER STEERING APPEARS, I TURN OFF THE CAR, WAIT THE 5MIN AND RESTART THE CAR, IT DOESN'T APPEAR BUT AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 2-3MIN, IT WILL APPEAR AND I AM USUALLY IN AM TRAFFIC AND NEED TO TURN AT 2 LIGHTS & THANK GOODNESS THE TURN SPACE IS GREAT OR I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PROCEED. I GET TO WORK AND HAVE TO PARK ACROSS FROM WHERE I NORMALLY DO BECAUSE I AM UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL INTO MY SPACE. SINCE I WAS UNABLE TO TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP AS THEY ARE UNABLE TO CHARGE ME THE $100 DIAGNOSIS FEE W/O THE SENSOR BEING ON. I CALLED CHEVROLET. COM AND THEY HAVE CONNECTED ME WITH JUPITER CHEVROLET AND NOW I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO SHOW UP AT THE DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING AND HOPEFULLY THE SENSOR WILL TURN ON AS I GET TO THE DEALERSHIP SO I WILL NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM OF TURNING FROM TRAFFIC INTO THE CURVED DRIVEWAY (WHICH ALSO HAS ABOUT 4 TURNS BEFORE EVEN ARRIVING. WISH ME LUCK! *TR
Steering, Nov 11, 2009
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. IT CURRENTLY WILL SHUT DOWN THE POWER STEERING AND REDUCE ENGINE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS A UNSAFE CONDITION AND I HAVE READ ABOUT ALOT OF THESE INCIDENTS ON THE WEB THAT RESULTS IN THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Steering, Nov 7, 2009
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, MADE A RIGHT TURN AND MY POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT. THERE WAS NO WHERE TO PULL OVER ON SIDE OF THE ROAD, I STRUGGLED TO STEER THE CAR INTO A PARKING LOT WHICH WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. I WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND TWICE TOO MANY TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS DIAGNOSED THIS AS THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THIS EXACT INCIDENT IS STARTING TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED A YEAR AGO BUT THEN IT DROVE JUST FINE AFTERWARDS AND DIDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN UNTIL NOW AND NOW IT'S ALMOST EVERY TURN. 6 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR, I HEARD A CLICKING NOISE BUT WHEN TAKEN TO A SHOP, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO NOISE BUT AFTER HEARING IT AGAIN, THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Nov 4, 2009
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN MY 2006 MALIBU LT, WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, THE STEERING GOT REALLY TIGHT AND I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR ON THE FREEWAY, AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE STEERING WENT BACK TO NORMAL, AND A FEW SECONDS LATER IT LOCKED UP AGAIN. A POWER STEERING WARNING CAME UP ON THE DASH. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP. THEY RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND SAID THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR HAD GONE BAD. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD, THAT DID NOT RESULT FROM NEGLECT ON MY PART AS THE OWNER. HAD I NOT BEEN AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER, OR IF THE ROADS WERE WET OR SLIPPERY, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION COULD HAVE HAD BAD OUTCOME. UPON DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM FOR THE MALIBU, ACROSS MANY MODEL YEARS. *TR
Steering, Oct 28, 2009
UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THE STEERING BECOME DIFFICULT WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT. OCCASIONALLY YOU CAN FEEL "PULSING" WHILE TURNING. HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. CORRECTS ITSELF WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. PROBLEM BEGAN WITHIN THE LAST MONTH AS A SLIGHT PRESSURE WHILING TURNING. LAST 2 DAYS THE STEERING HAS BECOME VERY DIFFICULT. YESTERDAY PROBLEMS DEVELOPED WHILE TURNING RIGHT ONTO THE INTERSTATE. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ALARMS. CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE THIS ISSUE. JUST ROLLED 57,000 MILES. *TR
Steering, Oct 28, 2009
BOUGHT A NEW CHEVY MALIBU IN JULY OF 2006--WE HAVE FOUGHT TIRES ON IT SINCE DAY 1 AND NO ONE WOULD STAND BEHIND THEM--THE RIMS WON'T SEAL AROUND THE TIRES. WE HAVE REPLACED THE TIRES AND NO LUCK. WE HAVE HAD TO "AIR THEM UP" EVERY OTHER DAY SINCE WE PURCHASED IT. YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING--MY POWER STEERING JUST DECIDED TO QUIT WORKING. IF I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND WAIT 15 MINUTES--IT WILL BE FINE AGAIN--UNTIL THE CAR GETS WARM AT WHICH POINT IT LOCKS UP AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE AS YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. I AM TOLD THERE IS NO RECALL AND THE DEALERSHIP ISN'T AWARE OF ANY ISSUES WITH IT. WHEN I WENT ONLINE FOR HELP--THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Oct 26, 2009
1. INTERMITTENT POWER STEERING ALERT ON DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER 2. POWER STEERING ALERT COMES ON AND THEN THE POWER STEERING TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. (INTERMITTENT). 3. WAS BROUGHT TO REPAIR PLACE, AND IT IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. *TR
Steering, Oct 19, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH SHE LOST POWER STEERING WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNINGS. SHE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY RESTART THE VEHICLE AND RESUME NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,500. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Oct 19, 2009
LOSS OF POWER STEERING! DRIVING LESS THAN 1 MILE I LOSS ALL POWER STEERING! I MADE A LEFT HAND TURN DOWN A CUL-DE-SAC STREET AND WHEN TURNING AROUND AT THE END OF THE ROAD I LOST MY POWER STEERING! I WAS SHOCKED THAT AFTER DRIVING TO THE SAME BUS STOP MORNING AFTER MORNING WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR THAT I HAD LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL DUE TO THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT FAILED! IT WAS VERY HARD TO MAKE THE SIMPLEST TURN. THE DIFFICULTY THAT I HAD EXPERIENCED TOOK ME BY SURPRISE. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND SHUT THE CAR DOWN AS SOON AS I WAS IN A SAFE AREA. I WAITED THEN RE-STARTED THE CAR AND THE POWER STEERING HAD COME BACK. I COULD FEEL THAT IT CAME BACK IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS I BARELY ACCELERATED FORWARD WORRIED THAT I MIGHT LOSE THE CONTROL OF THE WHEEL AGAIN I WAITED FOR ALL THE KIDS AT THE BUS STOP TO BOARD THE BUS BEFORE I DROVE BACK HOME! I IMMEDIATELY LOOKED ONLINE ABOUT RECALLS FOR MY CAR INCASE THERE WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM, NOT SURE THAT THERE WAS ACTUALLY A PROBLEM WITH MY MAKE & MODEL & SOMEWHAT SURPRISED I FOUND ALOT OF SIMILAR SITUATIONS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. THERE SEEMS TO BE OTHERS THAT WITHOUT WARNING LIKE MYSELF LOSS THE POWER STEERING. I EVEN FOUND A SUGGESTION THAT READ TO TURN THE CAR OFF IF POSSIBLE THEN RE-START TO HAVE POWER STEERING COME BACK. EVEN THOUGH THAT'S WHAT I DID FOR THE SAFETY FOR THE KIDS & OTHERS. I THOUGHT ARE YOU KIDDING ME? TURN THE CAR OFF TO RE-GAIN POWER STEERING SHOULD I LOSE IT AGAIN? I SURE HOPE THAT I AM NOT ON A BUSY HIGHWAY OR WHERE KIDS ARE CLOSE TO THE ROAD SHOULD THIS HAPPEN AGAIN. I CALLED GM TO COMPLAIN OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE SEEING AS HOW I DID FIND POSTED BULLETINS ABOUT POWER STEERING LOSS I HAD BELIEVED THAT GM WOULD WANT TO INSPECT THE SAFETY OF MY CAR . SINCE IT IS AN KNOWN PROBLEM OF SAFETY.. I WAS TOLD BY GM TO BRING THE CAR IN & PAY FOR AN INSPECTION TO LOOK AT THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. GM SAID THE COST TO LOOK AT MY CAR COULD START AT $65-$95 MAYBE BE HIGHER DEPENDS ON WHAT THEY DO!!! *TR
Steering, Oct 19, 2009
THE POWER STEERING FAILED DURING A TURN AND CAUGHT ME BY SURPRISE. THIS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HIT ANOTHER CAR IN THE TURN BECAUSE THE STEERING GOT REALLY HARD TO TURN. *TR
Steering, Oct 15, 2009
2006 MALIBU POWER STEERING TROUBLE LIGHT CAME, DEALER DIAGNOSED AS SENSOR IN STEERING COLUMN. WAS TOLD STEERING COULD GO OUT IF SENSOR FAILS . FOUND OUT THERE ARE NUMEROUS MALIBU INVOLVED. *TR
Steering, Oct 14, 2009
POWER STEERING FAILURE IN A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT LOW SPEED. SAME PROBLEM WAS RECALLED IN 2004 MALIBU'S BUT NO RECALL ON 2006. WHEN POWER STEERING GOES OUT, CAR HAS TO BE MANUALLY TURNED UNTIL YOU CAN TURN CAR OFF AND RESTART SO POWER STEERING WILL BE ACTIVATED AGAIN. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE IN TRAFFIC AND HAVE TO STOP AND START CAR AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Oct 13, 2009
POWER STEERING CUT OUT AT RANDOM TIMES. *TR
Steering, Oct 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER INTERMITTENTLY EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY WHILE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED IN ONE DIRECTION AND SUDDENLY, WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE; FOLLOWED BY THE STEERING WHEEL SYSTEM LOCKING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,912.
Steering, Oct 7, 2009
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU THAT HAS A SYSTEM ERROR "LOW STEERING FLUID". THE KICKER IS THE CAR DOESN'T TAKE FLUID. I CALL THE DEALER AND THEY STATE THERE IS A DISCUSSION OF RECALL FOR THE ELECTRONIC STEERING BUT NOTHING YET. READING ON LINE THIS APPEARS TO POTENTIALLY BE A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM. IS THIS CAR AT RISK TO DRIVE IF I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM RIGHT NOW? *TR