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, Sep 26, 2009
GM/CHEVROLET/MALIBU 2006 1ST OCCURRENCE ABOUT A MONTH AGO. THREE TIMES - SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES APART. POWER STEERING FAILS WHEN CAR IN MOTION - MANUAL STEERING REQUIRES SIGNIFICANT EFFORT TO GET CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD. TURNING THE IGNITION OFF THEN RESTARTING THE CAR RESET THE POWER STEERING. NO INDICATION ON INSTRUMENT PANEL BEFORE OR AFTER. IMMEDIATELY CALLED DEALER. THEY SAID THERE MIGHT BE AN OVERVOLTAGE PROBLEM AND WOULD ORDER THE PART. HAVE HEARD NOTHING MORE. (SPRINGHILL MOTORS - SPRINGHILL, LA) TODAY THE POWER STEERING FAILED THREE TIMES IN LESS THAN A MILE. FINALLY MUSCLED THE CAR HOME WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO RESET THE POWER STEERING WHILE IN PARK. WHILE STILL IN PARK, TURNING THE WHEEL THE SLIGHTEST BIT TO THE LEFT CAUSES POWER STEERING TO FAIL. IF WHEEL TURNED RIGHT IMMEDIATELY AFTER RESTART, THE STEERING DOES NOT FAIL - BUT TURNING IT BACK TO THE LEFT BRINGS IMMEDIATE FAILURE. IF THIS HAS NOT BECOME AN ISSUE AND A RECALL, IT CERTAINLY NEEDS TO BECOME ONE. I DOUBT I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REACT IN TIME HAD I BEEN ON AT HIGHWAY SPEED IN A CURVE. THE INITIAL FEELING IS NOT THAT STEERING HAS BECOME DIFFICULT, RATHER THAT STEERING HAS BECOME LOCKED AND IMPOSSIBLE. *TR
Steering, Sep 21, 2009
TODAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2009, THE ELECTRONIC ASSIST POWER STEERING ON OUR 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU STOPPED FUNCTIONING, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE AGGRESSIVELY PULLING TO THE LEFT. THE RESULT OF THIS FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED MAKES THIS VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR PASSENGERS AND FOR OTHER VEHICLES ADJACENT TO THE CAR. ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE BY RESETTING THE ECU HAVE FAILED, AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO PULL AGGRESSIVELY TO THE LEFT EVEN WHILE STATIONARY. *TR
Steering, Sep 16, 2009
2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU DISPLAYED "POWER STEERING" ON INFORMATION SCREEN WHILE DRIVING. OTHER TIMES, ALL THE DASH DISPLAYS GO DARK FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. SOMETIMES THE DASH DISPLAYS TAKE SEVERAL SECONDS TO "LIGHT UP" ON STARTING THE CAR. DEALER FOUND NO "CODES" TO INDICATE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. DEALER SPECULATES THERE IS AN INTERNAL SHORT IN STEERING MOTOR. *TR
Steering, Sep 16, 2009
WE HAVE A STEERING PROBLEM. THE CAR NOW HAS 19,636 MILES ON IT. EARLIER THIS YEAR WHILE I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK THE STEERING LOCKED UP ON IT. I MANAGED TO GET OFF THE ROAD. BUT IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. A POWER STEERING WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON. LAST WEEK THE SAME THING HAPPENED BUT THIS TIME I WAS STILL ON THE PARKING LOT. WHEN YOU TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART, THE STEERING WILL BE OK BUT I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT'LL LOCK UP AGAIN. IT MAKES ME SCARED TO DRIVE IT. MY HUSBAND TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT NOTHING SHOWED UP WHEN IT WAS TESTED. I CONTACTED GM WITH THE PROBLEM. IT'S AWFUL TO HAVE A NICE CAR AND TO BE AFRAID YOU'LL HAVE AN ACCIDENT WHEN YOU DRIVE IT. *TR
Steering, Sep 15, 2009
POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ON DIC, EPS MOTOR FAILURE. THE STEERING WILL LOCK UP WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. TYPICALLY, WORSE IN HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VERY DANGEROUS! THE VEHICLE IS 3 YEARS OLD AND HAS BEEN REPLACE 14 MONTHS AGO. NOW, NEEDS THE EPS MOTOR REPLACED AGAIN. SCREAMS OF PRODUCT FLAW/DEFEAT TO ME. CHEVY SHOULD DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
Steering, Sep 12, 2009
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LOCKS UP AT ANY SPEED. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 7, 2009
POWER STEERING FAILURE ON CHEVY MALIBU 2006 GM. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ALMOST ALWAYS POPS UP ON THE DASHBOARD. IT WAS MOST WORST WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON ME ON A 70 MPH HIGHWAY AND I WAS GOING ABOUT 65. THIS PUT MY FAMILY'S LIFE IN DANGER AND MINE, BUT WERE ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. BY PUTTING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND RESTARTING THE CAR. *TR
Steering, Sep 1, 2009
THE POWER STEERING ON OUR 2006 CHEVY MALIBU LOCKS UP INTERMITTENTLY. JUST PURCHASED IT AS A USED VEHICLE TWO WEEKS AGO FOR OUR 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND IT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED TWICE. EACH TIME WE HAVE BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP. THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG AND IT CHECKED OUT FINE. WE DIDN'T EVEN HAVE THE CAR BACK A WEEK AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. IT IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY FOR A NEW AND INEXPERIENCED DRIVER. IT IS IN THE SHOP NOW AND THEY SAY IT NEEDS A NEW STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM VIA INTERNET AND FOUND NUMEROUS SIMILAR STORIES. THERE HAVE BEEN PEOPLE WHO HAVE HIT GUARD RAILS AND OTHER VEHICLES BECAUSE OF THE STEERING LOCKING UP. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT DATE IS LISTED BELOW. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 28, 2009
STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING - HAPPENS AT RANDOM - AT ALL DIFFERENT TIMES. DEALER ACTED LIKE IT WAS NO BIG DEAL AND OF COURSE THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT WHEN I HAVE NOW FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IT IS DANGEROUS, AND IT COULD CAUSE FATALITY. SOME KIND OF NEW STEERING SYSTEM - GM BETTER IDEA - PROBABLY BECAUSE IT IS CHEAPER!!! *TR
Steering, Aug 19, 2009
2006 MALIBU POWER STEERING STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND EVEN A RECALL ON 2005 FOR THE SAME THING. THIS PROBLEM MAKES THE CAR UNSAFE. THE DEALER THINKS THEY CAN FIX IT FOR ABOUT $1000.00 DOLLARS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OFF BY GM. I AM AFRAID TO LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT. EVERY OTHER DAY THE '!@#$% THING QUITS WORKING. *TR
Steering, Aug 18, 2009
LOSS OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENS ANYTIME, ANYPLACE, WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN YOU STOP AND RESTART IT WORKS AGAIN SOMETIMES. RESTARTED 20 TIMES TODAY AND DID NOT WORK. WAITED 3 HOURS STEERING WORKED FINE. MY WIFE WILL NOT DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE, NOR DO I WANT HER TO. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED AND A RECALL ISSUED. IT IS A GM DEFECT AND THEY SHOULD TAKE SOME OF THE MILLIONS IN TARP MONEY TAXPAYERS ARE GIVING THEM AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. I CALLED GM AND THEY PRETTY MUCH TOLD ME TO GET OUT MY WALLET AND TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. *TR
Steering, Aug 4, 2009
THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU LT 2.2L CUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A TICK AND MAKES A GRINDING NOISE. WHEN IT FIRST STARTED, IT ONLY OCCURRED OCCASIONALLY. NOW IT HAPPENS WHEN I START MY CAR, IDLING, AND WHILE I'M DRIVING. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER MALIBU OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THANKFULLY, THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY CRASHES BUT MANY CLOSE CALLS. *TR
Steering, Jul 27, 2009
STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING P.S ITS NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENS. *TR
Steering, Jul 20, 2009
MY CAR WAS DRIVING DECENT THEN ONE DAY OUT OF THE BLUE I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. AFTER SITTING FOR A WHILE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG IT RESET ITSELF. THEN WHILE TURNING IN A MAJOR INTERSECTION IT WENT OUT AGAIN LEAVING ME BARELY ABLE TO GET THROUGH THE INTERSECTION ON TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OUT OF TRAFFIC. AGAIN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT 4 MORE TIMES THAT DAY ON MY WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TELL ME IT HAS TO HAVE A NEW STEERING COLUMN AND MOTOR WHICH WE DO TO THE SOUND OF $500. TWO MONTHS LATER BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND IT STARTS AGAIN. I HAVE 3 YOUNG CHILDREN AND AFRAID THAT ONE DAY WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET THROUGH THE INTERSECTION SINCE THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN THIS MAY OCCUR. THIS IS A SEVER DANGER TO NOT ONLY ME BUT TO THOSE UNFORTUNATE TO BE AROUND ME WHEN THIS HAPPENS, NOT TO MENTION I AM NOW OUT $500 DOLLARS AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. *TR
Steering, Jul 17, 2009
WIFE, MOTHER-IN-LAW, AND TWO DAUGHTERS ON 400 MILE TRIP WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70MPH ON INTERSTATE, THE CAR MAKES A SUDDEN AND VIOLENT LEFT TURN. MY WIFE PULLS HARD TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND MANAGES TO KEEP CONTROL. AFTER DETERMINING THERE WAS NO FIX, THEY PROCEEDED HOME WITH CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE WHEEL TO KEEP IT FROM TURNING LEFT. AT HOME I INSPECTED THE CAR. WHEN YOU START IT, THE WHEEL WILL TURN FULL LEFT ALL BY ITSELF. I CAN TURN IT RIGHT WITH ALOT OF EFFORT, BUT IF I LET GO OR SLIP, IT TURNS FULL LEFT. THERE IS NO LIGHTS, BELLS, WARNINGS OR ANYTHING. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING COLUMN WAS WAY OUT OF CALIBRATION, AND I HAD THEM CALIBRATE IT. IT WORKED FOR 1 DAY AND NOT TURNS RIGHT. GM REFUSES TO ADMIT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT I DON'T SEE HOW IT CANNOT BE. THE OWNER IS A 65 YEAR OLD LADY ON SS AND CANNOT AFFORD THE $850 REPAIR BILL AND GM DOES NOT ADMIT ANY ISSUES. SHE CANNOT SAFELY DRIVE THE CAR WITHOUT IT TRYING TO TURN TO THE DITCH AT ANY MOMENT. RIGHT NOW IT IS CONSTANTLY TURNING TO THE RIGHT. *TR
Steering, Jul 16, 2009
WHILE DRIVING, I ACCELERATED AND TURNED RIGHT TO SWITCH LANES, IT WAS FAIRLY HARD ACCELERATION. SUDDENLY DURING THE ACCELERATION I LOST THE POWER STEERING ASSIST, IT ALMOST FELT LIKE THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND FOUGHT MY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER I LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR THE POWER ASSIST RETURNED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED, THE FIRST TIME IN JUNE 2009. AT THAT TIME A WARNING CHIME WENT OFF AND A POWER STEERING WARNING FLASHED BRIEFLY ON THE DIC DISPLAY. *TR
Steering, Jul 12, 2009
2006 CHEVY MALIBU 3500 3.5 L V6 POWER STEERING GOES OUT. MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP. ALMOST HIT A CAR IN THE OTHER LANE. *TR
Steering, Jul 8, 2009
I HAVE A 2006 MALIBU WHICH WE PURCHASED LAST MAY WITH 50K MILES. THE CAR ORIGINALLY STARTED MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER WE BOUGHT IT. THAT I CAN LIVE WITH BUT NOW WE HAVE POWER STEERING PROBLEMS. THE POWER STEERING COMES & GOES & THE STEERING WHEEL STARTS VIBRATING & TURNING ALL ON ITS OWN. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP & DISCOVERED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS REPLACED. AFTER RESEARCHING THE LAST FEW MONTHS ON THE NET I'VE SEEN THAT THIS PROBLEM IS HUGE IN ALL MALIBU'S 2004 - 2008 MODELS. I FIND A GM PARTS BULLETIN IN WHICH YOU CAN GET THESE PARTS REPLACED AT GM'S COST FOR A 2005 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NOTHING FOR A 2006. I FEEL LIKE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE IT CAN BE LIFE THREATENING. THE CAR GIVES YOU NO WARNING OF A PROBLEM, THE STEERING WHEEL JUST STARTS GOING CRAZY. SPECIAL BULLETIN IN REFERENCE TO THE 2005 MODEL IS #07126. HOW CAN GM JUSTIFY ONLY REPLACING 2005 MODELS WHEN ALL SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME DEFECT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS A PARTS BULLETIN & IF I'M JUST OVER LOOKING IT. *TR THANKS RHONDA BARNES
Steering, Jul 8, 2009
MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP TIGHT .. CANNOT USE HAVE TO PULL OFF ROAD WHEREVER I'M AT...2006 CHEVY MALIBU...WAS LOOKING ONLINE AND IT IS VERY COMMON WITH THE MAKE... WILL GM WAIT UNTIL PEOPLE DIE BEFORE THEY GO GOOD WITH THIS PROBLEM? THEY ARE AWARE AND DON'T SEEM TO CARE...THIS YEAR AND MODEL SHOULD HAVE RECALL ON THE STEERING COLUMN....VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Steering, Jul 7, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILS INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE HAS PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP WHEN IT IS TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION, WHICH MAKES CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. THE CONTACT MUST TURN OFF AND RESTART THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT SEVERAL OTHER CONSUMERS WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. THE MECHANIC FURTHER STATED THAT THE COMPUTER MODULE IN THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT FEELS THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 08/04/09 *BF UPDATED 08/06/09.*JB
Steering, Jul 6, 2009
2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE. CURRENTLY THE STEERING WHEEL CONSTANTLY TURNS TO THE LEFT. THIS HAPPENED WHILE ON A VACATION TO MS WITH MY WIFE, GRANDMOTHER, AND DAUGHTER WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND SHE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. IF AT ANY TIME YOU LET GO OF THE WHEEL, IT WILL TURN YOUR SHARP LEFT. WHILE SETTING STILL, WHEN YOU LET GO OF THE WHEEL, IT WILL TURN COMPLETELY LEFT ALL BY ITSELF, SO YOU CAN IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS AS IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Steering, Jul 1, 2009
I PURCHASED A MALIBU IN NOV 2007, WHEN I GOT THE CAR AND SUMMER CAME THE STEERING WENT OUT, I COULD NOT STEER. LUCKILY FOR ME ITS WHEN I WAS STILL IN MY DRIVEWAY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND ALL WAS WELL. I NOTICED AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING IT WAS AS IF A HAND TOOK OVER THE STEERING IT HAD ITS OWN MIND, I ASKED MY STEPFATHER AND HE SAID IT HAPPENED WHILE THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON SO I LET IT GO AS THAT AND NOW I AM SORRY AS MY WARRANTY IS OVER BY 2000 MILES. WELL ONLY ONE MORE TIME DURING THAT SUMMER DID I LOOSE STEERING AGAIN IN MY DRIVEWAY. YESTERDAY HOWEVER MY STEERING WENT OUT FOUR TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, I HAD TO PULL OVER FOUR TIMES AND RESTART MY CAR, IT WAS VERY HARD TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS I AM 50 AND HAD BROKEN MY ARM 2 YEARS AGO WITH NOT MUCH LESS MUSCLE TONE IN THAT ARM. I LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS AND WHEN LEAVING TOWN I GO THROUGH STEEP GRADES TO GET ANYWHERE AND THAT DAY I HAD TO TAKE MY SON TWO HOURS AWAY TO THE V.A. BY READING ON THIS SITE I SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, WILL IT TAKE A DEATH CAUSED BY THIS TO DO A RECALL? ELECTRONIC STEERING? ARE THEY CRAZY? I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR AND CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER ONE. PLEASE CONSIDER PUSHING FOR A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE LOOSES THEIR LIFE, AND WHEN THEY DO A HUGE LAWSUIT WILL BE MADE AGAINST GM FOR LOOKING THE OTHER WAY AND IGNORING THE ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Jun 30, 2009
I WAS DRIVING (WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR). I TURNED THE CORNER TO PULL INTO THE PARKING LOT AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I COULD GET IT INTO THE GARAGE AND INTO A SPOT BUT ONLY WITH A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRIC STEERING SYSTEM AND THAT IT HAD TO BE REPLACED -- THE COST WOULD BE IN THE VICINITY OF $640 PLUS. I TOOK THE CAR TO A GM DEALER TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED. THEY CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS THE STEERING COLUMN AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR HAS APPROX. 52K MILES. I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS MODEL. I AM READING A GREAT DEAL ABOUT MANY OTHER INSTANCES SIMILAR TO MINE. I SEE THERE IS A BULLETIN ABOUT THE 2005 MODEL BUT NOT THE 2006. THIS IS AN EXTREME HAZARD. GM DO RIGHT BY THE PEOPLE TRYING TO SUPPORT AMERICAN CARS. PLEASE. *TR
Steering, Jun 24, 2009
COMPLAINT ABOUT STEERING : RACK AND PINION I PURCHASED THE 2006 CHEVY MALIBU A FEW MONTHS AGO FROM A LOCAL USED CAR DEALER NEAR ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA. A MONTH OR SO LATER I BEGAN HEARING A POPPING WHEN I TURNED. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE A RACK AND PINION FAULT. THE ESTIMATED COST WITH REPROGRAMMING IS $600. I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE 06 MALIBU HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM. GM SHOULD RECALL. I JUST DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO PAY FOR THE RACK AND PINION FAULT. *TR
Steering, May 18, 2009
2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU 3500 ENGINE, CAR STEERING STOPS CONTROLLING WHEN DRIVING, ALMOST HIT COUPLE OF CARS ON THE ROAD, READ ONLINE LOTS OF PROBLEMS WITH STEERING, THIS COULD BE DEADLY, IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO ME DRIVING THE CAR GM WILL BE SUED AND AM SURE ALL THE PEOPLE HAS SAME PROBLEM WILL SUE GM TOO. *TR