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.
Steering, Sep 2, 2013
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AND DOESN'T UNLOCK UNTIL I LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN I TRY AND PASS OTHER CARS IT WILL LOCK UP. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT ITS THE POWER ASSIST UNIT GETTING TOO HOT AND SHUTS OFF SO IT DOES NOT FRY THE MOTOR OF THE UNIT. I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT WILL LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. *JS
Steering, Aug 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Exterior lighting, Aug 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED DESPITE THE BRAKE PEDAL NOT BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A BRAKE SENSOR FROM A DEALER AND INSTALLED THE COMPONENT HIMSELF HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. HE THEN INSTALLED A SECOND SENSOR BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 224,821.
Seats, Aug 30, 2013
DRIVERS SEAT BROKE, THE LATCH THAT SECURES IT TO THE FLOOR.
Steering, Aug 25, 2013
THIS HAS HAPPENED DOZENS OF TIMES BEFORE GM DID THE "CAMPAIGN" TO LESSEN THE AFFECT ON THE STEERING. NORMALLY WHILE ACCELERATING HARD AROUND A CORNER OR UP A HILL, THE POWERSTEERING WOULD LITERALLY JERK THE WHEEL FROM YOUR HANDS AND ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEEL. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS EXTREME DISCONCERTING AND DANGEROUS AT ANY SPEED. SYMPTOMS ARE THE DING DING DING WARNING AND THE VERY BRIEF FLASH, LIKE THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO SEE IT, OF POWER STEERING ON THE RADIO DISPLAY. THAT LASTS MAYBE 1.5 SECONDS BEFORE IT GOES AWAY, SO YOU HAVE TO KNOW TO LOOK AT THE RADIO VERY QUICKLY WHEN THE DING DING DING GOES TO SEE THE "ERROR" MESSAGE. IT TOOK 2 TRIPS TO THE DEALER ON THE RECALL TO "RESOLVE" THE PROBLEM IN GM'S EYES. WHAT THEY DO IS REPLACE THE COLUMN, AND SOME SETTINGS IN THE COMPUTER THAT REDUCES THE AMOUNT OF FORCE THE MOTOR EXERTS AGAINST THE DRIVER. THE WHEEL NO LONGER COMPLETELY JERKS FROM YOUR HANDS, BUT IT STILL WILL CHANGE YOUR COURSE WHEN ON A TURN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A TIGHT GRIP ON THE WHEEL. I CONSIDER THIS SUCH A SAFETY ISSUE, THAT I RARELY ALLOW ANYONE BUT MYSELF TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT WOULD JUST SCARE THE BEJEAVIOUS OUT OF THEM FOR THE CAR TO TAKE THE WHEEL FROM THEIR HANDS. WAS BACK IN THE DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY ON THE EXTENDED CAMPAIGN OF 150K MILES OR 10 YEARS. THEY INDICATED THE FAULT WAS THAT THE MOTOR TOSSED AN OVERHEAT CODE AND THAT WAS CAUSING COMPUTER INPUT ISSUES OUT OF WHAT WAS EXPECTED. I ADVISED IT DOES IT EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS COLD, NOT DRIVING FOR MORE THAN A MILE. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THE MOTOR HAS AN INTERNAL FAULT THAT CAUSES IT TO OVERHEAT QUICKLY, JUST BY STARTING THE CAR. REPAIRS COSTS ARE WELL OVER $700 PARTS AND LABOR, AND READING ON THE INTERNET, THIS PROBLEM MAY NOT EVEN BE RESOLVED BY SUCH A COSTLY REPAIR. *TR
Steering, Aug 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN AS THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF FOR A MOMENT AND THE STEERING WHEEL BRIEFLY RETURNED TO NORMAL FUNCTION BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD EXCEEDED THE POWER STEERING MOTOR REPLACEMENT MILEAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,000. UPDATED 10/24/13*CN UPDATED 02/18/15*LJ UPDATED 10/2/2015*JS
Steering, Aug 17, 2013
I ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY 06 MALIBU MAXX. WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO THE INTERSTATE, I CANNOT GET MY SPEED UP NORMALLY. I HEAR DING, DING, DING... THEN THE STEERING LOCKS UP. CAN NOT MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO HAPPENS WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS. ALMOST THREW ME INTO A DITCH ONCE AND ALMOST BOUNCED ME INTO THE GUARD RAIL ONCE. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT CHEVROLET HAS NOT RECALLED THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A TRUE SAFETY HAZARD. I AM A LOYAL PURCHASER OF CHEVY PRODUCTS, AND I EXPECT CHEVROLET TO STAND BY ME AS WELL. APPEARS THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE BY ALL THE COMPLAINTS I READ. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 10, 2013
THE WORST CAR I EVER HAD IN MY LIFE WILL NEVER HAVE ANOTHER ONE IT IS THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER A/C COMPRESSOR IS FROZEN HAD IT REPAIRED AND NOW IT IS BREAKING ALTERNATOR BELT THIS BELT WORKS THE ALTERNATOR AND COMPRESSOR HAD IT REPLACE TWICE IT BROKE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD LOST MY STEERING IN STEERING WHEEL ALMOST WREAK I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THIS DARN CAR AND IN DANGER MY LIFE AND KIDS LIFE THE CAR ALSO WILL COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN GOING DOWN THE ROAD I THINK CHEVY SHOULD NOT HAD PUT ANY OF THESE CARS ON THE ROAD I MISS MY HONDA NOW AND THE NEXT CAR WILL BE A HONDA ITS SAD THAT AMERICANS CANT BUY AMERICAN MADE CARS WITHOUT THEM HAVING ALL THESE DEFECTS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 7, 2013
I'M HIGHLY UPSET WITH MY VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS BACK IN JUNE AND I HAD JUST FILLED UP MY CAR AND I DROVE HOME THE CAR WAS FINE. GOT BACK IN THE CAR TO GO TO THE STORE NOT EVEN 30 MINUTES LATER, START THE CAR PULL OUT OF MY APARTMENTS AND IT IMMEDIATELY SAID NO FUEL! SO I FREAKED OUT THINKING SOMEONE STOLE MY GAS OR THE GAS STATION HAD SOME BAD GAS....THEN THE NEXT DAY IT WOULD GO BACK AND FORTH FROM F TO E. IT'S NOW ALMOST THE MIDDLE OF AUG. AND IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING. I RAN OUT OF GAS ON 8/2/13 TAKING MY MOTHER TO THE HOSPITAL FOR AN EMERGENCY! SOMETHING AWFUL COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND IT ALL WOULD'VE BEEN BECAUSE I CAN NEVER TELL HOW MUCH GAS IS REALLY IN MY CAR! THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS, I'M OBVIOUSLY NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM AND FROM THIS SITE, COMPLAINT'S GO BACK TO 2011! THAT'S 2 YEARS AND NOBODY HAS TRIED TO GET THIS ISSUE FIXED! THERE CAN BE ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS!!! I WOULD LOVE TO NOT HAVE TO PAY TO GET THIS FIXED BECAUSE I'M NOT PAYING $600+ TO GET SOMETHING REALLY SIMPLE FIXED BUT BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO DROP THE GAS TANK IT MAKES IT MORE EXPENSIVE.....PLEASE GET THIS FIXED BECAUSE I'M BOUT READY TO GET RID OF THIS CAR BECAUSE OF IT! HAD IT FOR 3 YEARS AND I REFUSE TO SPEND THAT KIND OF MONEY ON A PART THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 3, 2013
I FINANCED THIS VEHICLE IN MAY 2011 AND THREE MONTHS AFTER HAVING THIS VEHICLE THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE RUN OUT OF FUEL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TRYING TO BRING GROCERIES HOME OR COMING FROM WORK. ITS DANGEROUS BECAUSE PEOPLE DON'T HAVE CONSIDERATIONS FOR OTHERS. LUCKY FOR ME I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HOWEVER, ITS NOT ALWAYS SAFE. IT IS GOING TO COST ME A GOOD BIT TO EVEN THINK ABOUT HAVING THIS FIXED. I STILL OWE A LITTLE OVER 8K ON THIS CAR AND I BOUGHT IT USED. I HAVE BEEN THINKING OF TRADING IT AND HAVING WHAT I OWE TACKED ON TO THE END OF THE NOTE JUST TO KNOW THAT I WILL BE SAFE AS WELL AS MY CHILDREN AND NOT WORRY ABOUT WHETHER I HAVE ENOUGH FUEL OR NOT. ON TOP OF THAT MY HUSBAND HAS BEEN DOING MY OIL CHANGES AND SAYS THAT THERE IS OIL ALL OVER THE BOTTOM OF THE MOTOR AND THE OIL HAS A RED TINT. I WOULD THINK AFTER EVERYTHING I HAVE BEEN THROUGH TO EVEN END UP WITH THIS VEHICLE I WOULD NOT HAVE ENCOUNTERED ALL THESE PROBLEMS. I KNOW SOME MALIBU'S HAVE BEEN RECALLED ON PARTS AND EVERYTHING SO I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW HOW I COULD FIND OUT IF THERE ARE ANY THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED ON THIS VEHICLE. I LOVE THIS CAR BUT NEED RELIABILITY TO GET TO WORK AND HOME, TAKING KIDS TO SCHOOL AND HELPING MY PARENTS WHEN THEY NEED TO GO TO DR APPOINTMENTS THEY ARE BOTH IN REMISSION OF CANCER SO I WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS SAFE. *TR
Steering, Aug 2, 2013
I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FOR MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO TAKE WITH HER TO COLLEGE. WE HAVE OWNED IT APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS NOW. ON 7/30/13, WE WERE DRIVING DOWN A LOCAL CITY ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 45MILES PER HOUR, HEARD A DINGING ALERT SOUND, AND IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING. SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE TO THE EMERGENCY LANE TO GET OUT OF THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. ON 7/31/13 SHE WAS ALONE IN THE VEHICLE, AND WAS ONCE AGAIN TRAVELING IN TOWN AND LOST THE POWER STEERING TWICE ON THAT TRIP. THE FIRST TIME SHE WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR, AND THE SECOND TIME GOING AROUND A SHARP CURVE GOING APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES PER HOUR. I AM FRUSTRATED DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AS IT IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD WITH OVER A HUNDRED COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE ALONE. I HAVE ALSO FOUND MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS IN OTHER ONLINE BLOGS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD AT THIS POINT THAT I COULD REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN, THE EPS FUSE, THE ALTERNATOR, THE GROUNDING WIRE, AND EVEN THE MOTOR AND ASSEMBLY FOR THE POWER STEERING AND THAT IN SOME INSTANCES NONE OF THESE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE BEFORE SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING TO HOLD CHEVROLET ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR PRODUCT? IS IT GOING TO TAKE MULTIPLE DEATHS AND/OR MULTIMILLION DOLLAR LAWSUITS TO MAKE SOMEONE LISTEN AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? WHAT IF THIS VEHICLE WAS ONE THAT YOU PURCHASED FOR YOUR CHILD? WOULD YOU PUT THEM IN POTENTIAL HARMS WAY? HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE FOR ACTION????? *TR
Electrical system, Aug 1, 2013
I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW, STILL HAD THE PLASTIC ON IT. THE CAR IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. I USED THE RE-CIRCULATE FEATURE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, A LOUD THUMPING NOISE STARTED. THE NOISE STOPPED FOR A LITTLE BIT. TODAY I WAS DRIVING ALL OVER THE CITY, AND ON THE WAY HOME THE LOUD THUMPING NOISE STARTED AND DID NOT STOP. IT SCARED ME TO DRIVE, I THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING MAJOR. WE HAD TO PULL THE BATTERY TO GET IT TO STOP. I CONTACTED CHEVY, THEY SAID IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY CLAIM IT IS NOT A "SAFETY" ISSUE. I HAVE MEDICAL ISSUES, I CANT BE IN THE HEAT, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. BASICALLY THEY DIDN'T CARE, THEY SAID THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO FIX IT, EVEN THOUGH MANY OTHER CHEVY'S ARE DOING THE SAME THING. *TR
Steering, Jul 30, 2013
STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT DUE TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING. WARNING CHIMES SOUNDED AND "POWER STEERING" MESSAGE ILLUMINATED ON STEREO CONSOLE. AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING, STEERING SEEMED TO BE FINE. TWO DAYS LATER I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A TUGGING FROM SIDE TO SIDE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY DEALER AND AFTER PAYING A DIAGNOSTIC FEE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN PUBLISHED FOR THIS (10183) BUT THEY WON'T INFORM YOU UNLESS IT OCCURS. THEY ALSO ARE ONLY COVERING REPAIRS FOR A CERTAIN RANGE OF VIN NUMBERS, EVEN THOUGH THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS ON VEHICLES OF THE SAME MODEL YEAR OUTSIDE OF THAT RANGE. ANY KNOWN PROBLEM WITH STEERING SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE AND BE CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Steering, Jul 15, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AND AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN THE POWER STEERING WARNING CAME ON BUT AT THE SAME TIME I COULDN'T TURN MY WHEEL WHICH ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THREE MONTHS AGO WHILE MY TEENAGER WAS DRIVING ALONE HE TOLD ME THAT THE POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT WHILE HE WAS TURNING AND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. BUT WHEN I DROVE IT AFTER HIM I DIDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM UNTIL JUNE 28TH. BECAUSE IT HAPPENED TWICE ON THE 28TH I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO HENDRICKS AUTO MALL IN DURHAM NC ON JUNE 29TH FOR FEAR OF HAVING AN ACCIDENT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2006 MALIBU BUT MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT'S HAS THE SAME ISSUE AS THE VEHICLES BEING RECALLED. I SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE AT CHEVY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT'S MY PROBLEM AND IF I WANTED IT FIXED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY BECAUSE I WAS THE 2ND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. I ASKED THE REPRESENTATIVE AT CHEVY IF THE POWER STEERING WARNING AND BELL SHOULD GIVE ME A WARNING OR JUST GO OUT AND WAS ADVISED THAT WHEN IT APPEARS IT SHOULD ONLY BE A WARNING. I WOULD LIKE FOR CHEVY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE A PART OF THE RECALL AS IT HAS THE SAME SYMPTOMS. MY CAR IS STILL AT THE REPAIR SHOP AS I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE REP JR WHO ADVISED ME ON JULY 5TH THAT HE WOULD CALL ME BACK WITH A RESOLUTION. I FEEL THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE BECAUSE IT PUTS ME AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD AROUND ME IN DANGER. *TR
Steering, Jul 14, 2013
WHILE DRIVING MY POWER STEERING KEEPS LOCKING ON ME AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. I PULL OVER TURN OFF THE CAR AND THEN TURN IT BACK ON AND IT RESETS ITSELF BUT THEN KEEPS HAPPENING. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE THE CAR WHEN THE POWER STEERING KEEPS LOCKING ON ME AND WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *TR
Tires, Jul 14, 2013
WHILE DRIVING 70 MILES PER HR ON THE HIGHWAY A LOUD NOISE AND SLIGHT VIBRATION WAS FELT. AFTER SLOWING DOWN, THE NOISE WAS NOT AS LOUD AND THE VIBRATION WAS LESS. ON EXITING THE HIGHWAY ONTO A BUSY ROAD DRIVING NO MORE THAN 45 TO 50 MILE PER HOUR THE NOISE WAS NOT NOTICEABLE AND THE VIBRATION SEEMED TO BE GONE. ON GETTING OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOKING AT ALL FOUR TIRES IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE NOISE AND VIBRATION WAS COMING FROM THE HIGHWAY SURFACE. ON PULLING OUT OF THE GARAGE THE NEXT MORNING THE NOISE WAS BACK AND THE VIBRATION WAS VERY NOTICEABLE. ROAD SERVICE WAS CALLED TO CHECK TO SEE IF THEIR WAS A FLAT TIRE OR A PROBLEM WITH THE WHEEL LUGS. ON ARRIVAL THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN DROVE THE CAR AND DISCOVERED THE BACK RIGHT TIRE HAD SEPARATED IN SEVERAL PLACES CAUSING THE SOUND AND THE VIBRATION. HIS STATEMENT WAS "SOMEONE UP THERE MUST LOVE YOU", THIS WOULD HAVE KILLED YOU IF YOU HAD CONTINUED TO DRIVE ON IT. THE TIRE WAS REMOVED AND WILL BE TAKEN BACK TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE. THIS IS A FIRESTONE TIRE PURCHASED 11/27/2010 31. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 8, 2013
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE LAST YEAR, 2012. JUST RECENTLY THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE A MIND OF IT'S OWN. THEY RANDOMLY COME ON AND STAY ON UNTIL THE BRAKE IS PRESSED. THEY GO OFF WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED BUT COME BACK ON WITHIN SECONDS OF THE PEDAL BEING RELEASED. CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK DURING THIS ISSUE AS IT THINKS THE BRAKE HAS BEEN ACTIVATED. MY SON WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. HAD THE CONNECTORS CLEANED BUT THE ISSUE STILL CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. *TR
Steering, Jul 6, 2013
MY STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED UP AND BECAME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. IT STARTED DINGING AND THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DISPLAY SCREEN. I JUST HAD THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED IN MARCH. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING AND IT APPEARS MOST OWNERS OF THIS CAR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. MY HUSBAND HAD TO COME DRIVE MY CAR HOME AND BARELY MADE IT. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Service brakes, Jul 3, 2013
THIS CAR HAD HARDLY DRIVEN OFF THE LOT,AS A CERTIFIED USED CAR WITH 31000 ORIGINAL MILES ON THE OD AND I PUT ONLY 800 MILES,WHEN THE ROTORS,AND BRAKES,AND STEERING STARTED KNOCKING,AND BECOMING WHAT I WOULD CALL "STIFF,NON-FUNCTIONAL" POWER STEERING,AND PULL VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT,WHEN UPHILL. THE HARSH SHAKING,OF THE ROTORS,AND THE "STRINGY FEELING OF THE BRAKE PAD,LOOSE WAS NOT STOPPING AT A PROPER SAFE LEVEL. AT THE FUTURE,WITHIN 2008-2009-2012 THE STEERING COLUMN,WAS RECALLED,AND PUT IN TWICE AND THE BRAKES WERE NOT GOOD,REQUIRING MORE REPLACEMENTS,AND ROTORS SHAVED FOR MY SAFETY AS IT RATTLED THE FRONT END,AND CAUSED STEERING,AND DISTRACTING FOR DRIVING SAFELY. I HAD MULTIPLE CLOSE CALLS ON BASIC DRIVING,IN RURAL AREA,UPHILL,WHERE POWER STEERING WENT OUT,THE CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO BE CONTROLLED. PROB 10 TIMES,ON FREEWAY I COULD NOT GO PAST 60 MILES,OR THE ENGINE WOULD ACT STRANGE,PULLING,AND AGAIN THREATENING TO FAIL POWER STEERING. TO DATE,,NOW THE MAF FAILED,AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING,AGAIN LOCKING UP THE BRAKES,AND IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. IN TOTAL IT HAS 30000 NEW MILES IN LESS THEN 6 YRS AND IT REMAINS A DEATHTRAP. *TR
Steering, Jun 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Steering, Jun 27, 2013
POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON, STEERING STIFFENED. UNABLE TO TURN CAR. PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL, TURNED OFF, RESTARTED, UNTIL I COULD STEER CAR INTO A PARKING LOT. EACH RESTART GAVE ME A FEW SECONDS OF STEERING. DEALER REPLACED ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MOTOR, OTHER ADJUSTMENTS, PLUS $115 CHARGE TO DIAGNOSE, PLUS RENTAL CAR FOR 3 DAYS: FOR A TOTAL REPAIR COST OF $1,023.36. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THAT THE FRONT BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED TWICE WITHIN A YEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 21, 2013
I FILLED UP MY GAS TANK AND WHILE DRIVING FOR A LITTLE BIT THE FUEL GAUGE WHEN TO EMPTY, THE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE MESSAGE READ LOW FUEL. *TR
Steering, Jun 17, 2013
SEPTEMBER 2012 I HAD BOTH FRONT DRIVE AXLES REPLACED BECAUSE THERE WAS SHAKING IN THE STEERING AND THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THOSE AXLES. MAY 2013 THE SHAKING WAS STILL VERY PERSISTENT AND I WAS HEARING A POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEELS. MECHANIC REPLACED THE SWAY BARS. THIS STILL DIDNT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. 6-3-13 WHEN DRIVING ABOUT 25MPH "POWER STEERING" CAME UP ON RADIO DIAL AND CAR WAS VERY HARD TO STEER. AFTER TURNING CAR OFF AND RESTARTING DIDNT HAVE A PROBLEM. IT HAS DONE THIS MANY TIMES SINCE THEN. TODAY 06-17-13 I STILL HAVE POWER STEERING, BUT NOW THERE IS A SCRUBBING SOUND AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS REAL "JERKY" WHEN TURNING THE WHEELS, ESPECIALLY TO THE LEFT. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT I AM GOING TO LOSE MY POWER STEERING WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WONT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE IMMEDIATLY BEFORE LIVES OUR LOST. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Jun 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE MAKING A TURN. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE AND VIBRATION WHILE DECELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION, THE OUTER TIE ROD, THE BRAKES AND DRUMS. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000...UPDATED 08-07-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE RACK AND PINION, AS WELL AS THE OUTER TIE RODS WERE REPLACED TWICE, AND THE CONSUMER CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE RACK AND PINION AND OUTER TIE RODS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.