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, Nov 6, 2008
STEERING WHEEL JERKS UNCONTROLLABLY. HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR TWICE. STEERING COLUMN REPLACED FIRST TIME AND SECOND TIME WAS TOLD NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. HOWEVER DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS SO BAD THAT IT WILL PULL VEHICLE FROM ONE LANE TO NEXT OR IT WILL PULL VEHICLE ALL OVER THE ROADWAY. *TR
Steering, Nov 3, 2008
BUMP SOUND IN FRONT END WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP OR BRAKING AND TURNING. DEALER SAYS IT IS A POWER STEERING SHAFT. THEY LUBRICATED IT AND TIGHTENED IT BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRED. WITHIN 1,000 MILES PROBLEMS RETURNED. NOW WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND IT'S MY PROBLEM ALTHOUGH GM HAS A REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFT THAT WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Nov 1, 2008
CHEVROLET MALIBUS AND OTHER MAKES HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. MINE HAS BEEN REPLACED ABOUT A YEAR AGO. IT HAD A BUMPING NOISE THAT YOU COULD HEAR EVEN STANDING OUTSIDE OF THE CAR WHILE SOMEONE ELSE IS DRIVING. GM NEEDS TO DO A RECALL BEFORE SOMEBODY LOOSES THEIR STEERING AND HAS A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON ON THESE CARS AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I AM AN ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN AND HAVE BEEN FOR MANY YEARS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 22, 2008
2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU POWER STEERING ILLUMINATES ON DASH(RADIO) , 2005 MODELS WERE A RECALL AND IT KEEPS COMING ON AND SOMETIMES LOSE OF STEERING WHEN STARTED. IT HAS 43,000 MILES AND NOT ON WARRANTY BECAUSE STEERING COLUMN IS NOT COVERED , ITS A PROBLEM NATIONWIDE AS I RESEARCHED. I COULD POTENTIALLY BE DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING AROUND TURNS IF LOSS OF POWER. I BOUGHT IT USED BUT WAS FINE UNTIL 2 MONTHS AFTER. *TR
Steering, Oct 2, 2008
ON JULY 27,2008 I STARTED MY 2006 MALIBU. ACROSS THE CONTROL PANEL IT SAID POWER STEERING AND I COULD NOT TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. I TURNED MY CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND IT WAS OK. IT HAS DONE THIS NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE. IT HAS ALSO STARTED GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. MAKING THE CAR VERY HARD TO STEER/CONTROL. THERE IS ALSO ALOT OF SHAKING OF MY STEERING WHEEL. SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL JERK TO ONE SIDE. IT MAKES ME VERY NERVOUS TO DRIVE IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE IT IS VERY UNPREDICTABLE. I FEEL LIKE THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. IT IS REALLY SAD THAT SO MANY FAMILIES LIVES ARE IN DANGER BECAUSE OF THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF THIS PROBLEM. NOT ONLY IS MY FAMILY IN DANGER BUT THE LIVES OF OTHERS AS WELL. *TR
Steering, Sep 14, 2008
I HAVE A 2006 MALIBU MAXX 3.5 V6. MY WIFE WAS PARALLEL PARKING WHEN THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP ON HER. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PARK AND MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE. I WENT ONLINE TO FIND OUT ABOUT WHY IT JUST SHUT OFF AND FOUND THE LINK TO THIS WEB-SITE. I SURE DON'T WANT TO SEE THIS GO OUT WHEN TURNING AROUND A CORNER. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD NOT FOR US BUT ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD AS WELL. *TR
Steering, Sep 9, 2008
I OWN A 2006 CHEV MALIBU SS. ALL WAS FINE UNTIL A YEAR AGO. I NOTICED A "BUMP" IN THE STEERING WHILE TURNING LEFT. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD LUBE THE STEERING SHAFT. NOW THERE IS A "BUMP IN STEERING AND FOLLOW UP BUMP AS THE WHEELS RETURN TO STRAIGHT. THERE IS ALSO A RUBBING NOISE WHILE TURNING. THE CAR IS ALSO PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED AND IT WAS IN PERFECT ORDER. AFTER THE "CHECKUP" THE CAR PULLED HARDER TO THE RIGHT AND THE "NOISES" WERE MORE PRONOUNCED. I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 1997 FOR ISSUES THAT SOUND ALL TOO FAMILIAR. CHEVY IS FIXING MY CAR UNDER MY WARRANTY. APPROXIMATE INCIDENT DATE IS "ABOUT" WHEN THE ISSUES FIRST STARTED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 31, 2008
SHAKING IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED,THIS HAPPEN EVERYTIME I APPLY THE BRAKES. THE DEALER RESURFACED FRONT ROTORS AND REPLACED PADS..CAR STILL HAVE A GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT WHEELAREA DEALER SAID THAT THE REPLACEMENT PADS ARE CAUSING THE GRINDING AND THERE'S NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO STOP THE GRINDING BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE REPLACEMENT PAS ARE DESIGNED. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP THIS AND THEY CLAIM IT IS SAFE. *TR
Steering, Aug 19, 2008
THE ELECTRIC STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM CONTINUES TO FAIL ON A REGULAR BASIS. IT WILL LOCK UP AND THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TURN. SO FAR, THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED AT LOW SPEEDS AND HAS NOT CAUSED A CRASH. I HAVE HAD IT INTO DEALERSHIPS 4 TIMES SO FAR. ALTHOUGH DEALERSHIP PERSONNEL HAVE EXPERIENCES THE FAILURE, NO CODE IS GENERATED THEREFORE CHEVROLET WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIR. THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AND ONLY HAS 25,000 MILE ON IT. *TR
Steering, Aug 17, 2008
APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO, I STARTED FEELING A TUG IN MY STEERING WHEN I WOULD MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. THEN IT GRADUALLY MOVED TO A PULLING OF MY STEERING WHEEL, WHERE YOU COULD VISIBLY SEE MY STEERING WHEEL MOVE WITHOUT ME TOUCHING IT. THEN AT TIMES IT ALMOST FELT LIKE YOU WERE STEERING ON AN ICY ROAD. WITHIN THE LAST MONTH I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING MY POWER STEERING GOING COMPLETELY OUT. NUMEROUS TIMES I HAVE HAD TO TURN OFF MY CAR THEN RESTART IT TO RESET IT. THERE HAS BEEN THREE INSTANCES WERE MY HUSBAND OR MYSELF HAS BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY MESSAGE BOARD SOUND WITH A MESSAGE "POWER STEERING", THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT, THEN IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. WE HAVE HAD TO QUICKLY TRY TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON. MY HUSBAND CAN PHYSICALLY STEER THE CAR WHEN IT IS LIKE THAT, I CAN NOT THOUGH. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A TREMENDOUS HAZARD AND I AM CONCERNED WITH GETTING IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. WE WENT TO THE REPAIR SHOP (CAR IS PAST THE WARRANTY) AND THEY SAID THE ESTIMATE WILL BE CLOSE TO $3,500. APPARENTLY THEY HAVE HAD TO FIX 2 MALIBU'S ALREADY AND KNEW EXACTLY WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. IT IS ASHAMED THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINT ON THE INTERNET, BUT HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING FROM CHEVROLET. *TR
Steering, Aug 12, 2008
I STARTED THE CAR AND THOUGHT IT HAD STALLED BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING HAD FAILED. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND FOUND IT WAS THE POWER STEERING. THE CAR SAT FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS AND WHEN RESTARTED THE POWER STEERING HAD RETURNED. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT FAILED AGAIN AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. *TR
Steering, Aug 4, 2008
POWER STEERING UNIT (EPS) FOR 2006 CHEVY MALIBU FAILS CAR BECOMES DIFFCULT TO TURN OR MANEUVER. *TR
Steering, Jul 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 1 -75 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD HAVE A LOT OF "PLAY". THE WHEEL WOULD MAKE DRIVING EASY AT TIMES, BUT HARDER AT OTHER TIMES. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD CONTINUE TO MOVE AROUND. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OR TURNING INTO A TIGHT SPACE, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE HOW FAR TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN DUE TO A FAULTY TORQUE SENSOR AND THE STEERING WHEEL PONSITION SENSOR. UPDATED 09/18/08. *JB
Steering, Jul 2, 2008
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY AND SLOWED DOWN TO TURN TO GO TO THE PHARMACY. MY STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT AND I HAD TO COAST OFF ROAD INTO PHARMACY PARKING LOT. UNABLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED. STEERING MOTOR WAS OUT ON CAR. IT COSTS ALMOST $900 FOR REPAIR. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE DEPT TOLD ME HE HAD SEEN OTHER CHEVY MALIBU'S WITH SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Equipment, Jun 24, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2006 USED CHEVY-MALIBU ON FEB. 22-2008. WITH 3600 MILEAGE. AFTER DRIVING FOR 2 WEEKS THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK-UP ALONG WITH A BELL GOING OFF AND A LIGHT FLASHING STEERING WHEEL PROBLEMS (THE LIGHT STAYED ON FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME). I TRIED TO STEER WITH THE CAR OPERATING IN MANUAL STEERING WHICH WAS VERY HARD TO DO SINCE I'M 72 YEARS OLD. I LET THE CAR DRIFT TO A PARKING LOT AND PROCEEDED TO CUT THE MOTOR OFF AND START AGAIN TO TRY TO GET POWER STEERING IN AN OPERATIVE MODE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME A NUMBER OF TIMES . COMING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY THERE IS A FIRE HYDRANT AND THE WHEEL LOCKED AND I COULD NOT TURN AWAY FROM THE HYDRANT IN TIME AND I HIT IT. I WAS TURNING A CORNER IN TO TRAFFIC AND IT LOCKED AGAIN. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID TO TAKE IT TO SOMEONE THAT REQUIRED THAT I LEAVE IT OVERNIGHT . BUT THE SHOP WAS QUITE A DISTANCE FROM MY HOME. I WAITED UNTIL JULY AND CALLED THE SALESMAN WHO WORKS AT A DIFFERENT PLACE NOW AND HE SAID I COULD TAKE TO ANY CHEVROLET DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH ZURICH . THE REPAIR SHOP STATES THAT THEY DON'T COVER ALL THE COST TO GET IT REPAIRED LESS $200.00 OUT OF POCKET. I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN SOME OTHER COMPLAINTS OR IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS TYPE VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Jun 13, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING BECAME LOOSE. THE CONTACT OVERCORRECTED HER TURN. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE NOT HAD ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THE STEERING; THEREFORE, THEY REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA TO FILE A SAFETY COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,050.
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 2, 2008
WHILE PASSING ANOTHER CAR, ACCELERATING AROUND A CURVE, OR TAKING OFF FROM A STOP. THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SHUTS DOWN LEAVING YOU FIGHTING A STEERING WHEEL THAT ALMOST FEELS LOCKED. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A BULLETIN OUT ON THE COIL PACK . THAT IT IS SPIKING A VOLTAGE ABOVE 16 VOLTS AND AS A SAFETY FEATURE IT SHUTS DOWN THE ELECTRONIC STEERING TO PROTECT IT. IT MIGHT PROTECT THE STEERING FROM THE ELECTRIC SURGE, BUT IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO FIGHT THE DEAD STEERING WHEEL WHERE IF I WAS A SMALLER MALE/ FEMALE THERE WOULD BE A CHANCE THAT I COULDN'T. *TR
Steering, May 10, 2008
THE GEAR BOX ON THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES A POPPING SOUND WHEN YOU TURN ALSO THE STEERING WHEEL JOLTS WHEN IT DOES THIS IT HAS BEEN REPLACED EVERY MONTH SINCE THEN AND IT STILL DOES IT. IT WILL NOT DO IT FOR ABOUT A WEEK WHEN I HAVE IT REPLACED BUT THEN IT STARTS TO DO IT AGAIN. *TR
Steering, May 4, 2008
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AND WAS GETTING ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WENT OUT MAKING IT VERY HARD TO STEER THE CAR. IT HAPPENED TWICE THAT TRIP AND THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT IT IS TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT. TOOK IT IN TO THE SHOP AND FOUND THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE NEEDS REPLACED. NOTICE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS LIKE MINE AND WONDER IF IT IS GOING TO TAKE AN INJURY OR DEATH TO GET IT NOTICED? I HOPE NOT. *TR
Steering, Apr 23, 2008
AT 46,500 MILES , MY STEERING STARTED MAKING A CLICKING NOISE. THE CHEVROLET DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A BAD RACK AND PINION AND STEERING SHAFT. THE BOOTS ARE INTACT. THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF OVER $1,200 FOR REPAIRS. *TR
Steering, Apr 18, 2008
I PURCHASED THE 2006 MALIBU 11/2006. SINCE THAT TIME, THE RIGHT FRONT SPEAKER HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT FIXTURE REPLACED, THE ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN IS INOPERABLE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE STEERING MAKES A THUMPING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND PULLS TO THE LEFT. I AM OPTING TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE AS THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL GO WRONG NEXT. *TR
Steering, Apr 16, 2008
IN WEEK LEADING UP TO THE PROBLEM, STEERING WAS SOFT WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT, AND TIGHT WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT. A SHORT TIME LATER, WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ON BOARD DISPLAY LISTED ISSUE AS POWER STEERING. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE POWER STEERING MOTOR 3 TIMES AND TODAY, IT HAS GONE OUT AGAIN. I LOVE THE CAR, BUT I AM TIRED OF TAKING TIME OUT TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
Steering, Mar 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED A SECOND LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT ACCEPT A TRADE-IN BECAUSE THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,536 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,526. UPDATE 04-02-08 *BF
Steering, Feb 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED. AS SOON AS THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, HE REGAINED CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000. UPDATED 04-07-08 *BF
Steering, Feb 19, 2008, crash
I WAS MAKING A TURN A TURN THAT I HAVE DONE FOR FOUR YEARS OF MY LIFE AND THE VEHICLE STEERING FAILED. INSTEAD OF TURNING THE VEHICLE WENT STRAIGHT INTO A WALL. *TR