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, Feb 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,990. UPDATED 02/19/08 *TR
Steering, Structure, Jan 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT OFF BALANCED AS IF THE ALIGNMENT WAS INCORRECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS PROPERLY ALIGNED. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPAIR, THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHTENED AND THE VEHICLE DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,759 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,000. UPDATED 3/4/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED BOTH SIDES OF THE BUMPER WERE OUT OF PLACE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM
Steering, Jan 1, 2008
TIE ROD END FAILURE.*CN
Steering, Dec 9, 2007, crash
ON FRIDAY NOV.16,2007 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:30AM WHILE I WAS TRYING TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY,THE POWERSTEERING IN MY 2006 MALIBU STOPPED WORKING AND I SIDESWIPED MY HUSBANDS CAR, SCRATCHED THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE MALIBU AND CRACKED THE HUB CAP. I CONTACTED ROADSIDE SERVICE TO PICKUP THE MALIBU AT MY RESIDENCE. . ONCE THE MALIBU ARRIVED AT FRANK Z CHEVEROLET,WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE DEPT. REP. CALLED ME AND STATED THAT I HAD A FAILURE IN THE POWERSTEERING ELECTRIC MONITOR AND TOLD ME TO CALL CHEVROLET TO FILE A CASE. I WAS VERY CONCERNED AND FRIGHTENED ABOUT THE INCIDENT BECAUSE IF I HAD OF BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY I COULD OF BEEN HURT,KILLED OR INJURED SOMEONE ELSE. CHEVROLET'S CUST. ASSIST. REP. DID NOT COMFORT ME AT ALL. I EXPRESSED THAT I WANTED TO TERMINATE MY LEASE ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I DID NOT FEEL SAFE IN IT ANYMORE. SO HE TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD TO GO THROUGH CERTAINS STEPS AND NOT TO OVERREACT. CHEVROLET CALLED OUT THEIR 3RD PARTY GROUP OF ENGINEERING SPECIALIST TO INSPECT THE CAR AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT A COMPONENT IN THE POWERSTEERING MONITOR DID IN FACT FAIL. CHEVROLET'S REP. STATED THAT THE ONLY OPTION I HAD WAS TO REPAIR THE CAR. IF I REFUSED,THEY WOULD TAKE THE RENTAL CAR BACK ASAP. SO IN SO MANY WORDS THEY TOLD ME THAT IT IS EITHER THEIR WAY OR THE HIGHWAY. SO I AGREED TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED AND THEY QUICKLY CHANGED THEIR MIND ON TERMINATING THE RENTAL. THEY EVEN EXTENDED IT UNTIL AFTER THE CAR IS REPAIRED AND STATED THAT THEY STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. AS OF TODAY, ON DEC. 8,2007 THE CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. I TRULY FEEL THAT MY SECURITY AND SAFETY WAS NOT TAKEN IN CONSIDERATION, ONLY THE PROFIT THEY WERE GOING TO LOSE. ANYTIME THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE MEN DO NOT WANT TO TOUCH THE VEHICLE,ANYTIME CHEVROLET CUST ASSIST. REP. HAVE TO CALL ENGINEERING ANALYST TO INSPECT THE CAR AND CONFIRMS THE FAILURE, THAT MEANS THAT THIS IS NOT A MINOR CASE, IT WAS SOMETHING MAJOR,ESP. TO ME. MILEAGE ABOUT 13,900. *TR
Steering, Nov 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT ACCELERATED AND THE STEERING FROZE FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Steering, Nov 23, 2007
WHEN I PURCHASED MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU FROM STEVE ROGERS FORD ON 12/12/06 IT HAD ABOUT 24,600 MILES ON IT. AROUND JULY/AUGUST OF 2007 I BEGAN BEEN FEELING AN OCCASIONAL POPPING WHEN I TURNED. SOON IT BECAME MORE CONSISTENT, AND ALSO STARTED TO PULL TO ONE SIDE, ESPECIALLY WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP. WE TOOK IT FOR A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT ON 10/30/07, AND THE TECHNICIAN IMMEDIATELY KNEW SOMETHING MORE WAS WRONG WHEN HE TURNED THE KEY ON AND THE WHEELS WANDERED TO THE LEFT ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT THE STEERING WHEEL EVEN BEING TOUCHED. IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE RACK AND PINION. AFTER THE ALIGNMENT, THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE. THEY SENT US NEXT DOOR TO YARK CHEVROLET, WHERE THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD EXCEEDED THE WARRANTY BY A MERE 600 MILES. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR IS $550, WHICH DOES NOT INCLUDE THE "REPROGRAMMING" OF THE "COMPUTER ASSISTED" POWER STEERING SYSTEM OR AN ADDITIONAL ALIGNMENT. I DO NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY LAYING AROUND TO FIX IT NOW. I WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO BORROW IT. I THOUGHT IN BUYING A NEWER VEHICLE, I WOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MAJOR REPAIRS FOR A WHILE. PERSONAL RESEARCH INDICATES THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE MALIBU, AND I BELIEVE RECALLS SHOULD BE ISSUED SINCE IT IS APPARENT GM HAS NOT REMEDIED THIS PROBLEM YET. *TR
Steering, Nov 10, 2007
AT APPROXIMATELY 35,000 MILES AND REPLACEMENT OF FRONT TIRES TWICE, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND FOUND THAT THE STEERING RACK AND LEFTSIDE OUTER TIEROD END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ITEMS. AT 60,000 MILES AND AFTER REPLACEMENT OF RIGHT SIDE TIRE 2 TIMES, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RIGHT SIDE TIEROD END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T MAINTAIN ALIGNMENT. CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT AND GIVE AN ESTIMATE TO REPAIR IT. *TR
Steering, Oct 30, 2007
POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. *TR
Steering, Oct 21, 2007
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT, WITHOUT ANY WARNING. YOU MUST SHUT OFF THE CAR AND RESTART TO GET THE POWER STEERING WORKING AGAIN. THERE IS NO PLACE TO ADD POWER STEERING FLUID, AS THIS IS AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING UNIT. *TR
Steering, Oct 14, 2007
THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ON MY 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX (51,500 MILES AT OCCURRENCE) WENT OUT SUDDENLY AS MY DAUGHTER WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND THE CAR WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A HOME DEPOT PARKING LOT AND CALL ME. SHE COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND I AM REALLY CONCERNED WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED IF SHE HAD BEEN TAKING A CURVE AT A HIGHER SPEED OR HAD BEEN IN HEAVIER TRAFFIC. WOULD YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE AS I AM FINDING THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCUR WITH THE ELECTRIC STEERING WITH THIS CAR? *TR
Steering, Sep 4, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A THUMPING NOISE AND HE COULD ALSO FEEL THE VIBRATION FROM THE STEERING GEAR BOX WHENEVER HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING GEAR FIRST AND THEN THE STEERING SHAFT. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN RELEASED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,600.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Structure, Tires, Aug 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS PULLING TO ONE SIDE AND MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND AS SHE WAS PULLING OUT OF HER DRIVEWAY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN AT LESS THAN 20,000 MILES. THE DEALER ALSO GROUNDED DOWN THE ROTORS AND CLEANED THE BRAKES, BUT THEY WERE NOT REPLACED. THE POWERTRAIN AND FAILURE SPEED WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. THE CONSUMER STATED 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE SHE CAUGHT A FLAT AND LEFT HEADLIGHT BURNT OUT, THERE IS AIR BLOWING THROUGH THE VENTS ALONG WITH A VACUUMING NOISE, AND THE PANEL NEAR THE GAS PEDAL WAS PULLED OUT, THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WILL NOT CLOSE, AND VEHICLE'S DOOR WILL NOT STAY OPEN. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED SEVERAL REPAIR INVOICES. UPDATED 08/27/07 *TR
Steering, Jul 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A GRADUAL RIGHT TURN WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE STEERING WHEEL SPUN OUT OF THE CONTACTS HANDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IN LESS DANGEROUS SCENARIOS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COMPUTER DOES THAT WHEN IT SENSES THE WHEELS ARE NOT STRAIGHT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 31,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE COMPUTER TO CENTER THE FRONT WHEELS INFORMING OTHER CUSTOMERS OF THE SAME SITUATION. UPDATED 08/09/07 *TR
Steering, Dec 17, 2006
WE BOUGHT A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU ON 29 MAY 2006 FROM JEFF GORDON CHEVROLET IN WILMINGTON NC. WE HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING SINCE DELIVERY OF THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLES STEERING IS VERY ERRATIC AND IT FEELS AS THOUGH YOU ARE ABOUT TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AS IF IT IS ON ICE. IT HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS (3) WITH NOTHING FOUND AND NOTHING DONE ABOUT THE STEERING PROBLEM. THIS MORNING MY WIFE TRIED TO PULL INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YARD BECAUSE THE STEERING MALFUNCTIONED! IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SHE IS I *NM
Steering, Dec 8, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE LEFT AND LOCKED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED.
Steering, Suspension, Parking brake, Equipment, Dec 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO CHATTER AT VARIOUS SPEEDS UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THE PARKING BRAKE CABLES WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE CONSUMER DROVE OVER BUMPS. THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE AC COMPRESSOR. UPDATED 01/10/07. *JB
Steering, Nov 10, 2006
I HAD AN UNCONTROLLABLE IMMEDIATE RIGHT HAND TURN AT A VERY HIGH SPEED THAT WAS NOT INITATED BY ME. I HAD PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO PASS ANOTHER CAR WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL DID AN EXTREMELY HARD RIGHT HAND TURN TAHT TOOK THE CAR OFF OF THE REGULAR ROADWAY AND ONTO THE OUTER EDGE OF THE SHOULDER. WHEN I RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE WHEEL SNAPPED BACK TO THE LEFT AND MY VEHICLE WAS NOW SIDEWAYS ON A MAJOR FREEWAY AT 60 MPH! I WAS LUCKY IN THAT NO ACCIDENT/INCIDENT WITH ANYONE ELSE OCCURED. I TURNED THIS VEHICLE INTO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS IMMEDIATELY THAT SAME DAY. THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM AND CORRECTED IT. THE VEHICLE, 2005 MALIBU MAXX HAS ELECTRONIC STEERING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT A ELECTRONIC PART WAS PUTTING OUT TOO MUCH VOLTAGE AND THAT IS WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SINCE THAT TIME HAD OTHER STEERING RELATED PROB LEMS THAT HAVE BEEN CORRECTED BY THE SAME DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN VERY HELPFULL WITH THE CORRECTIONS TO THIS VEHICLE. MY CONCERN IS THAT SOMEONE ELSE THAT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE A SITUATION LIKE THIS WOULD LOSE COMPLETE CONTROL SHOULD IT HAPPEN TO THEM. I'M A DEFENSIVE DRIVER AND USUALLY KEEP BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL. IF I HADN'T OF HAD BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE ROLLED THE CAR OR AT THE LEAST SPUN OUT INTO OTHER TRAFFIC. I WAS LUCKY! *NM