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
1,385 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Aug 17, 2014
I HAVE RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTICES IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS, ONE FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL; AND THE OTHER FOR THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE, WHICH MAY FRACTURE AT ANY TIME. BOTH NOTICES INFORMED ME THAT THE DEALER WOULD PERFORM REPAIRS AT NO COST, BUT THAT PARTS ARE NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. AM I TO CONTINUE DRIVING MY DEFECTIVE CAR AND HOPE THAT I WON'T GET INTO AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY THE ABOVE PROBLEMS? I AM VERY LOW INCOME AND CAN'T AFFORD TO RENT A CAR. *TR
Steering, Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 16, 2014
LAST NOVEMBER, 2013, I WAS DRIVING MY 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX LT ON SIMSBURY RD. IN AVON, CT WHEN I EXPERIENCED A VERY DANGEROUS LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. CAUSING MY FRONT RIGHT TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THIS MADE MYCAR TO SWERVE AND VEER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. T I WAS AT RISK OF BEING HIT BY OTHER CARS. WHILE WAITING FOR ROADSIDE ASSIST I WAS HELPED BY THE CT DOT AND AVON PD. THIS WAS A HARROWING, DANGEROUS, AND STRESSFUL EXPERIENCE FOR ME. I WOULD LIKE CHEVROLET TO COVER ALL OF THE REPAIR EXPENSES RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT AND ALL PROBLEMS & REPAIRS THAT FOLLOWED SINCE THIS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING& ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RECALLS FROM GM CHEVROLET. THEY DID NOT NOTIFY ME DIRECTLY ABOUT THE POWER STEERING& ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RECALLS. I FOUND OUT ONLY THIS WEEK AUGUST 10, 2014 AFTER I CALLED THIS WITH REGARDS TWO ADDITIONAL RECALL NOTICES I RECEIVED OF LATE REGARDING FAULTY TRANSMISSION AND BRAKES. THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS OR AN EXPECTED DATE FOR REPAIRS AND HAVE REFUSED MY REQUEST FOR A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE IN ANY FORM. I HAVE SPOKEN AT LENGTH TO THEIR CUSTOMER RELATIONS DIRECTOR AS WELL AS ALL THREE OF THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS I HAVE USED FOR SERVICE AND PURCHASE; ONEILL CHEVROLET, AVON, CT, GENGRAS CHEVROLET, EAST HARTFORD, CT AND CARTER CHEVROLET IN MANCHESTER, CT, WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. NONE OF THEM ARE WILLING TO ARRANGE A TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT VEHICLE AND HAVE NO FURTHER INFORMATION ON A DATE FOR REPAIRS OR PARTS AVAILABILITY. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND UNACCEPTABLE. PLEASE ADVISE CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND ME AS TO HOW I SHOULD PROCEED. I AM A DISABLED AMERICAN AND HAVE NO OTHER TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS OTHER THEN MY OWN CAR. THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2014
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. NO POWER TO ANYTHING. *TR
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS FOR RECALLS NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V153000 (STEERING). HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE IN ORDER TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Steering, Engine, Aug 13, 2014
MERGING ONTO INTERSTATE AT 55 MERGE SPEED AND AS ENTERING ONTO FIRST THRU LANE THE POWER STEERING DIED OUT AND ACCELERATION DROPPED ON ITS OWN. NEARLY HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER THAT HAD BEEN SAFELY BACK FROM MY ENTRY POINT BEFORE THE STEERING AND ENGINE BOTH FAILED. I PULLED AS HARD AS I COULD TO THE RIGHT AND A BELL RANG BUT THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANY OTHER INDICATOR LIGHT FOR THE STEERING. WHEN I BRAKED, THE STEERING CAME BACK AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT OUT OF HARMS WAY. THERE WAS NO OTHER CAR ON THE ENTRY RAMP OR I AM SURE WE WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED AT HIGH SPEED THIS HAPPENS OFTEN IN ORDINARY TRAFFIC AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 35 AND 45 ONCE THE CAR IS WARMED UP WHEN I ATTEMPT TO CHANGE LANES AND SOMETIMES A BELL RINGS AND OTHER TIMES IT DOES NOT. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE #13036 AND IT DESCRIBES SYMPTOMS INCLUDED HERE AND ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL PROBLEMS. THE PART IS NOT YET AVAILABLE AS GM HAS BEEN TELLING ME SINCE MARCH OF THIS YEAR. I HAVE DISCONTINUED DRIVING THIS CAR UNLESS IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY AND IF THE DISTANCE IS LESS THAN 5 MILES BECAUSE IT HAS NOT YET WARMED UP TO CAUSE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT AND WE WERE LUCKY TO HAVE NOT BEEN KILLED BY THE 18 WHEELER. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Service brakes, Aug 13, 2014
I WAS UN ABLE TO GET MY CAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE. I HAD TO PULL EXTREMELY HARD ON THE SHIFTER TO GET IT TO MOVE. *TR
Power train, Aug 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Engine, Aug 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT STALLED AGAIN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE TIMES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 11, 2014
ON 5/07/2014 I GOT IN MY CAR THAT MORNING TO TAKE MY 4 CHILDREN TO SCHOOL THE CAR STARTED AND DIED 3 TIMES. WHEN IT FINALLY DID START I COULDN'T GET IT OUT OF PARK! WHILE ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL I WAS NEARLY HIT FROM BEHIND BECAUSE MY BRAKES LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION! THE PROBLEMS HAVE GOTTEN WORSE DAILY SINCE THEN. WHEN I WOULD DRIVE THE CAR IT WOULD TAKE OFF ON ITS ON, THE CRUISE CONTROL NO LONGER FUNCTIONS, I HAVE TO TRY AT THE MINIMUM OF 7 TIMES TO GET IT TO CRANK!! NOW IT IS VERY UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE I CAN'T EVEN TAKE MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL MY NEIGHBOR HAS TO TAKE THEM AND PICK THEM UP! I WAS FINALLY SENT A RECALL LETTER THE LAST DAY OF JULY 2014. IN THIS RECALL ARE ALL THE PROBLEMS I AM HAVING. THEY SAY WHEN CALLED THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS TO FIX IT WILL BECOME AVAILABLE. WHAT AM I TO DO? I HAVE A CAR I AM PAYING FOR AND CAN NOT DRIVE!! I CAN'T AFFORD TO GO BUY A DIFFERENT CAR. I TOLD THEM SINCE THEY HAD NO IDEA WHEN PARTS WOULD BE IN TO JUST REPLACE MY CAR AND THE ANSWER WAS NO!! THEY ALSO WANT ME TO PAY TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. THIS IS THEIR FAULT NOT MINE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING!!! *TR
Air bags, Tires, Aug 8, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE TIRE BECAME FLAT, THE VEHICLE FLIPPED FOUR TIMES AND LANDED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. ..UPDATED 08-26-14 *BF UPDATED 08/29/2014 *JS
Steering, Aug 6, 2014
TRYING TO ACCESS INTERSTATE, PICKING UP SPEED TO ENTER TRAFFIC IN HIGH DENSITY AREA--STEERING QUIT WORKING. APPLIED BRAKES TO AVOID ENTRANCE INTO TRAFFIC OR HIT THE BRIDGE ABUTMENT. WAS ABLE TO STRAIGHTEN CAR OUT AND CONTINUE. UPON BRAKING--STEERING RETURNED. WENT TO LOCAL CHEVY DEALER--COMPLAINT--LOCKING UP SITUATION, NOISE AND WHEN COLD-- VIBRATION OF STEERING WHEEL IN OLDER MODELS WAS CALLED "MORNING SICKNESS". REGAL CHEVY PASSED IT OFF AS NORMAL--SHOWED ME A NOTICE OF DEFAULT (SHUT DOWN) IF SYSTEM DRIVEN TO HARD. REFUSED TO REPLACE MOTOR IN SPITE OF OTHER ISSUES. NOISE HAS CONTINUED AND GOTTEN WORSE--MORNING SICKNESS (TURNING VIBRATION/STICKING) STILL PRESENT. NOTED: NOW A NEW CAMPAIGN---N140115. *TR
Steering, Aug 2, 2014
I STARTED UP MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU POWER STEERING HAS STOPPED WORKING POWER STEERING WARNING FLASHED ON DASH. THIS HAS BEEN A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. NOW THE POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. *TR
Steering, Aug 1, 2014
AT AROUND 40 MPH, ON A REASONABLE ACCELERATION TO PASS ANOTHER CAR, THE STEERING COMPLETELY FROZE. AN ALARM (DING DING DING), ALONG WITH A MESSAGE ON THE DISPLAY CONSOLE SAID "POWER STEERING". WHEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER -- THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THOUGH I HAVE SINCE AVOIDED ANY SUDDEN ACCELERATIONS -- THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED MANY TIMES (EVEN AT SLIGHT ACCELERATION). IN ALL CASES, THE COMMONALITY HAS BEEN -- WITH ACCELERATION THERE HAS BEEN AN ATTEMPT TO STEER (ATTEMPT TO MOVE INTO PASSING LANE). AT LOWER SPEEDS THE PROBLEM OCCURS MOSTLY DURING PARKING. ESPECIALLY WHEN A FEW FULL LEND/RIGHT TIGHT TURNS ARE REQUIRED TO GET IN/OUT OF PARKING SPOT. THE STEERING COMPLETELY FREEZES. THE ONLY SOLUTION I HAVE FOUND IS -- TO COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN THE CAR. THEN WAIT A LITTLE AND RESTART. A FEW MONTHS AGO -- THE CONSOLE MESSAGE WAS DIFFERENT -- "POWER STEERING LOSS". THIS WAS WHEN I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING AT AN APARTMENT. IT WAS A SINGLE TIGHT TURN IN REVERSE, FOLLOWED BY STRAIGHTENING AND PUTTING THE CAR IN DRIVE. AGAIN -- A FULL SHUT DOWN, ONE MINUTE OFF, AND RESTART HELPED. ONLY RECENTLY DID THE RECALL VINDICATE WHAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCE SINCE LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE DEALER CONSISTENTLY SAID -- THERE WAS NO NOTICE OR COMPLAINTS. A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE (NOW) REVEALS MANY HAVE EXPERIENCED SUCH FOR A LONG TIME. EVEN WITH THE RECALL -- PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, AND IT IS NOT KNOWN WHEN THEY CAN FIX. IT IS ABSOLUTELY CRIMINAL TO HAVE SOMETHING SO SERIOUS BE LEFT UNACKNOWLEDGED OR FIXED. THOUGH THE NOTICE SAYS -- IT WOULD TAKE A LOT MORE EFFORT TO STEER -- I CAN TELL YOU FROM NUMBER OF TIMES I HAVE EXPERIENCED -- NO AMOUNT OF EFFORT WOULD HAVE EVEN BUDGED THE STEERING (AT SPEED OR EVEN LOW SPEED). THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STEERING LIKE A MANUAL VS COMPLETELY FREEZING). *TR
Steering, Jul 31, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 30, 2014
I NOTICED THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHTS WERE VERY DIM IN FURTHER INVESTIGATION I LEARNED MY PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATING AT ALL WHEN I PUSH MY BRAKE PEDAL AND WHEN THE PEDAL IS PUSHED THE TAIL LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE AT ALL AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES INTO MY BLINKER, REVERSING INDICATOR, ETC.. ALSO WHEN I CHECK MY VIN IT TELLS ME THERE ARE NO ACTIVE RECALLS FOR MY CAR. *TR
Steering, Jul 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE POWER STEERING OPERATED NORMALLY ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 09/05/14*LJ UPDATED 12/15/2014 *JS
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 29, 2014
AROUND MARCH 2013, I FIRST BEGAN TO ENCOUNTER PROBLEMS WITH MY POWER STEERING. IT BEGAN AT A LOW SPEED WITH A CHIME, A MESSAGE DISPLAY SAYING TO CHECK THE POWER STEERING, AND MY WHEEL LOCKING UP (POWER STEERING FAIL). AT THE TIME, I DID NOT THINK MUCH OF IT BECAUSE AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, THE POWER STEERING SEEMED FINE. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THERE WERE MANY TIMES WHEN THE CHIME WOULD SOUND AND THE MESSAGE WOULD FLASH BUT THE POWER STEERING STILL SEEMED TO WORK. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR OTHER ISSUES AND HAD THIS CHECKED OUT AT THE SAME TIME. THE TROUBLE CODE IN THE SYSTEM WAS C0545 FOR TORQUE SENSOR INPUT FAILURE. MY MECHANIC EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND EVEN CHECKED FOR A RECALL AT THAT TIME. I LEFT WITH MY CAR THAT DAY DUE TO HAVING TO WAIT FOR PARTS. TWO DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING 45MPH, THE POWER STEERING ENTIRELY FAILED. IT FELT AS IF MY WHEEL LOCKED ENTIRELY. LUCKILY THERE WERE NOT MANY CARS ON THE ROAD AND I WAS ABLE TO DIRECT IT INTO A PARKING LOT. MY CAR WAS TAKEN BACK IN IMMEDIATELY AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. THIS REPAIR COST AROUND $500. IN JULY 2014, IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT GM FINALLY ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. SO, I CALLED GM TO TO SUBMIT MY INFORMATION TO BE REIMBURSED. I WAS TOLD THAT ONLY SOME 2006 MALIBUS WERE BEING RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE AND THAT MY 2006 MALIBU WAS NOT ONE OF THEM...EVEN THOUGH MY 2006 MALIBU HAD THE PROBLEM THEY WERE RECALLING FOR! COME TO FIND OUT, THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER 2006 MALIBU OWNERS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, GM HAS DONE A TERRIBLE JOB CORRECTING A SERIOUS MISTAKE. *JS
Steering, Jul 29, 2014
THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. I RECEIVED THREE RECALL NOTICES, NOS. 14152, 13036 AND14116 FROM THE CHEVROLET CO. ALL THREE DESCRIBE VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS THAT MAY OCCUR WHILE DRIVING MY CAR. THEY ARE NOTIFYING ME THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS TO REPAIR MY CAR BUT WILL NOTIFY ME WHEN THEY ARE SENT TO MY DEALER. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON A LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY I MAY EXPERIENCE A TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE FRACTURE, A POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE OR AN INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE CONNECTION SYSTEM. DOES THIS MEAN I SHOULD NOT DRIVE MY CAR UNTIL THE COMPANY CAN MAKE THE REPAIRS? ALL SOUND LIKE SERIOUS FAILURES. ARE YOU AWARE THE CHEVROLET COMPANY IS SENDING THESE OUT TO COVER THEMSELVES IF A FAILURE OCCURS? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) UPDATED 7/22/2015*JS
Power train, Jul 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V224000. (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.
Steering, Jul 29, 2014
PER NHTSA BULLETIN 10020816 AND GM BULLETIN 060232007 COVERING STEERING INPUT SHAFT #22687711. THIS SHAFT BEGINS TO MAKE A CLUNKING SOUND BETWEEN 0 AND 16 MPH WHEN TURNING. IN ORDER TO STOP THE NOISE, I BELIEVE CAUSED BY THE WORN U-JOINTS AT BOTH ENDS OF THE SHAFT,THIS PART MUST BE REPLACED EVERY TWO YEARS. YOU DO NOT HEAR ANY CLUNKING ABOVE 16/17 MPH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THE PART CAN NOT COME APART, AND I CAN REPLACE THE PART EVERY TWO YEARS OR LIVE WITH THE NOISE. REALLY. DOES ANYONE REMEMBER REAR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE AND WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WHEN THE U-JOINTS ON THE DRIVE SHAFT BEGAN CLUNKING WHEN YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN GEAR. YOU REPLACED THEM OR YOU COULD BE WALKING. THIS IS A STEERING SHAFT. WHEN WILL THE U-JOINT(S) FAIL? WHEN I AM TURNING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE, OR PERHAPS AT HIGHWAY SPEED AVOIDING AN ANIMAL. WHAT IS AMAZING IS THAT GM KNEW ABOUT THIS DEFECTED DESIGN/PART AND YET KEPT USING IT INTO 2008. THE BULLETINS COVER MALIBU CARS FROM 2004 TO 2008, PONTIAC G6'S 2005 TO 2007, AND SATURN AURA'S 2007 TO 2008. I FEEL GM SHOULD BE GIVEN TWO CHOICES, FIX THIS PART WHEN IT STARTS CLUNKING FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, OR BUY THEM BACK. *JS
Steering, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 28, 2014
AFTER FINDING OUT THAT THERE ARE RECALLS FOR MY CAR PER DOT.GOV, I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR REPAIRS WITH VANDERGRIFF CHEVROLET IN ARLINGTON FOR 7-21-14. I REQUESTED THAT THEY REPAIR THE PARTS UNDER RECALL AND ISSUE A REFUND FOR THE AMOUNT I PAID PREVIOUSLY FOR REPAIR TO POWER STEERING ON MY VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT SOMEONE WOULD BE IN TOUCH WITH ME. WHEN I DID NOT GET CONTACTED, I RETURNED TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO SPEAK WITH A TECHNICIAN IN REGARD TO MY SERVICE REQUEST. ONCE AGAIN, AS PREVIOUSLY, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON MY CAR. WHEN I DIRECTED THE TECHNICIAN TO THE INFORMATION RELEASED BY THE DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION, HE STATED THAT GM SENT OUT ADDITIONAL RECALL LETTERS TO RECALL THE ORIGINAL RECALL NOTICES BECAUSE THEY WERE ISSUED IN ERROR, AND THAT THERE ARE NONE IN EFFECT FOR MY VEHICLE. NO REPAIRS WERE DONE. *JS
Steering, Jul 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE POWER STEERING SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM AND THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,688.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 28, 2014
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING TO APPROACH A STOP OR WHEN A TURN WAS MADE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE KEY TO START THE IGNITION ALONG WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING INTERMITTENTLY. THE ANTI-THEFT SENSOR ILLUMINATED, SERVICE ENGINE SENSOR AND A LOCK SYMBOL ON THE RADIO CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE RADIO WAS NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. DYD
Power train, Jul 28, 2014
THIS IS A FOLLOW-UP TO ODI CONFIRMATION NUMBER: 10610590 WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. ALL POWERED FUNCTIONS WERE LOST. THE DISPLAY SCREEN WOULD SIGNAL: "ENGINE DISABLED." PER THE CHEVY DEALER, THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A IMPROPER WORKING PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE), WHERE THE FOLLOWING ERROR CODES WERE PRESENT: P0601 TO P0606 AND U2109. ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR, AT THIS POINT, IS $740.00 + TAX. FOR PEACE OF MIND AND OF COURSE, REASONS OF PERSONAL SAFETY, WE HOPE THAT THIS IS THE PROBLEM. *JS
Steering, Jul 27, 2014
AROUND 60000 MILES YOU COULD HEAR AND FEEL A CLUNKING OR POPPING COMING FROM INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS HAPPENED ESPECIALLY WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL OR GOING OVER BUMPS. AT APPROXIMATELY 65500 MILES WHILE MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING AT 20 MPH MAKING A TURN THE POWER STEERING INSTANTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING LOCKED UP. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN THE POWER STEERING WOULD RESET BUT WOULD STILL RANDOMLY LOCK UP. I CALLED CHEVROLET AND EXPLAINED WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND HOW THIS WAS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED AT HIGH SPEEDS MY WIFE COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CHEVROLET INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS FAILURE. THEY ALSO STATED THEY WOULD NOT HELP WITH THE $1081.31 DOLLAR REPAIR BILL FOR A NEW STEERING COLUMN MODULE. AS OF MAR 31, 2014 CHEVROLET HAS POSTED A RECALL FOR THE SUDDEN LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IN THE 2006 MALIBU MAXX. AFTER CALLING CHEVROLET TO INFORM THEM I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS NEW PART TO FIX THE ISSUE THEY INFORMED ME MY 2006 MALIBU MAXX WAS NOT WITHIN THE VIN NUMBERS AFFECTED. THIS IS TERRIBLE IF CHEVROLET KNOWS THIS PROBLEM EXISTS BUT IS WAITING FOR MORE COMPLAINTS OR DEATHS I GUESS. NOW I'M JUST WAITING AND HOPING MY PREGNANT WIFE IS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT FROM SUDDEN LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. *JS