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, Jun 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE PARKING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE BRAKES BEING DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. *TR
Steering, May 13, 2013
I PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING LOT OF MY JOB ONE DAY AND MY POWER STEERING WARNING FLASHED ON MY RADIO. AT THE SAME TIME MY CAR SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO SO INSTINCTIVELY I CUT MY CAR OFF AND CUT IT BACK ON. IT TEMPORARILY FIXED THE ISSUE. NOW OUT OF NO WHERE IF I MAKE ANY SHARP TURNS THE POWER STEERING SHUTS THE CAR DOWN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ESPECIALLY IF IT HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE RECALLED BECAUSE IT IS VERY SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THESE CARS. I READ ONLINE ABOUT HOW A LOT OF CHEVY MALIBU'S ARE DOING THIS. WHY HASN'T THIS ISSUE BEEN ADDRESSED? *TR
Steering, May 11, 2013
STEERING LOCKED UP WHEN I WAS EXITING THE HIGHWAY. I WAS GOING ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR. I HEARD THE WARNING BELL DING AND THE WARNING DISPLAYED "POWER STEERING FAILURE". I ALMOST CRASHED BECAUSE I COULDN'T STEER. IT TOOK ALL THE POWER I COULD MUSTER TO STEER. IF MY WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT WOULD HAVE KILLED HER. ALSO MY STEERING WHEEL SOMETIMES WILL JOLT BACK AND FORTH SOMETIMES WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING IN PARK. FINALLY THE STEERING MAKES A LOUD AUDIBLE "THUNK" WHENEVER I TURN THE WHEEL OUT OF NEUTRAL POSITION, AND IT SOUNDS LIKE THE WHEELS ARE GOING TO FALL OFF WHEN I HIT ANY KIND OF BUMP OR ROUGH ROAD. AS FOR THE POWER STEERING FAILURE I TOOK IT TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT. IT HAPPENED ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES SO FAR AND THE DEALERSHIP SHRUGS THEIR SHOULDERS AND SAYS "IT DIDN'T DO IT FOR ME". THE KNOCKING OR THUNKING NOISE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM ON EVERY 06 MALIBU ON THE ROAD. IS SOMEBODY GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? OR DO WE JUST HAVE TO HAVE ENOUGH FATALITIES TO FORCE SOMETHING TO HAPPEN? *TR
Steering, May 8, 2013
SINCE 4/24/13 MY POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON AT LEAST FIVE TIMES. THANKFULLY AT THIS POINT I HAVE NOT LOST STEERING BUT IT DOES SCARE ME WHEN IT HAPPENS BECAUSE I ALMOST ALWAYS HAVE HAD MY CHILD IN THE CAR WITH ME WHEN THE WARNING HAS COME ON. WITH AS MANY COMPLAINTS I'VE SEEN ON THIS MATTER I FEEL AS A SINGLE PARENT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY UP TO $500 FOR REPAIRS. A RECALL SHOULD BE IN PLACE TO PROTECT THOSE OF US WHO HAVE THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE. IF STEERING SHOULD GO OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN I COULD BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. I THINK IT IS TERRIBLE THAT A RECALL MAY NEVER BE PUT IN PLACE UNLESS AN ACCIDENT WITH SERIOUS INJURY OCCURS. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 2, 2013
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING FROM WORK WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING. THIS HAPPENED AS SHE WAS LEAVING THE PARKING LOT OF HER COMPANY. SHE PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. WHEN SHE RESTARTED THE CAR THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY BUT THE POWER STEERING SEEMS DIFFERENT AND NOT AS SMOOTH. *TR
Steering, Power train, May 1, 2013
THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR SOMETIME NOW. I START MY VEHICLE UP TO GO, PUT IT IN DRIVE AND THE CAR LOSES ITS POWER STEERING(STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT MOVE) AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING SHOWS UP ON THE DASH DISPLAY. I ALSO NOTICE AT A STOP OR AT SLOW SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL JUMPS FROM RIGHT TO LEFT QUITE FREQUENTLY. *TR
Steering, Apr 27, 2013
MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHEN I WAS TURNING, WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL SOMETIMES IT MAKES A POPPING SOUND. THEN POWER STEERING WILL APPEAR ON MY MESSAGE SCREEN ON MY RADIO. *TR
Steering, Apr 24, 2013
I LOST POWER STEERING WHEN I IGNITE MY CAR. THERE IS CHIMING AND MESSAGE FOR CHECKING POWER STEERING. TURN OFF THE MOTOR, AND POWER STEERING WAS BACK. WHILE I ACCELERATED ONTO HIGHWAY, I HEARD THE SAME CHIMING. HAD NO TIME TO LOOK AT THE MESSAGE. I SEARCHED ONLINE, AND FOUND THAT MY POWER STEERING WAS LOST FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THIS IS HORRIBLE. THIS IS ABSOLUTE A SAFETY ISSUE. I WONDER WHY THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS. GM TOOK BILLIONS OF DOLLARS FROM TAX PAYER'S POCKETS TO BAIL IT OUT, BUT CAN NOT MAKE A RIGHT CAR. SHAME ON GM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Apr 23, 2013
CRUISE CONTROL WENT OFF. TRIED TO RESET TO NO AVAIL. DROVE APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES. RESET CRUISE CONTROL AND IT WORKED THEN STOPPED WORKING. STOPPED THE CAR AND CHECKED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WHICH WERE STEADY ON. PUSHED THE BRAKE HARD AND THEY WENT OFF WHEN THE PEDAL WAS RELEASED. PUSHED THE BRAKES AGAIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS FLASHED OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY. DROVE ANOTHER 10 MILES AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS WORKING. A PERSON FOLLOWING ME STATED MY BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON WHETHER I WAS ACCELERATING OR STOPPING. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 18, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 60 MILE PER HOUR THE POWERSTEERING WARNING CAME ONTO THE RADIO DISPLAY. SHORTLY AFTER THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ONCE I DONT THAT THE CAR CUT OFF. I WAS TOWED TO HAVE THE CAR LOOKED AT, ONCE THE CAR WAS LOOKED AT I HAD THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SERVICED, WHILE DRIVING IT HOME THE CAR LOCKED UP AGAIN AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AGAIN TO THE PLACE. ONCE AT THE PLACE THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED AND THE CAR RAN FINE FOR TWO DAYS. WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ONCE PULLED IN PARKING SPACE THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT IN FEAR THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 16, 2013
I FILLED MY TANK UP WITH GAS AND AFTER DRIVING A FEW FEET THE GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT. THE GAUGE WENT BACK UP TO FULL, BUT AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN A MILE IT WENT TO EMPTY AGAIN. I STOPPED THE CAR AFTER REACHING MY DESTINATION AND LET IT SIT FOR A FEW HOURS. I THEN RECHECKED THAT THE GAS CAP WAS ON TIGHTLY. IT SEEMED FINE AND THE GAUGE WAS REMAINING AT FULL. AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS OF DRIVING THE GAUGE IS STILL READING COMPLETELY FULL AND THE OPTION THAT TELLS ME HOW MANY MILES I HAVE LEFT REMAINS AT 295. AT THIS POINT, I DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE VEHICLE. I AM FORCED TO STOP AND FILL THE TANK EVERY FEW DAYS SO THAT I DO NOT RUN OUT OF GAS. *TR
Steering, Wheels, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 14, 2013
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU,FIRST INCIDENT WAS PROBABLY JAN 2013 I FILLED GAS TANK AND INSTANTLY THE GAUGE GOES TO EMPTY AND ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON , THEN GAUGE GOES FROM FULL TO EMPTY FOR UP TO 3 DAYS , THEN IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL. NOW I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING PULLING ME FROM LEFT TO RIGHT , SOMETIMES VERY SUDDENLY. HAD THE ALIGNMENT DONE AND NEW TIRES STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. GETTING SCARY TO DRIVE. CANT FIGURE OUT WHAT PROBLEM IS WILL HAVE TO TAKE TO DEALERSHIP. *TR
Steering, Apr 13, 2013
WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP AND MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN THE POWER STEERING QUITS - MAKING IT VERY HARD TO STEER, POWER STEERING COMES UP IN THE DISPLAY CENTER, AND THE WARNING CENTER DING IS SOUNDED. STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT ONCE A WEEK AND NOW HAPPENS A COUPLE TIMES EACH TIME THE CAR IS DRIVEN. WHEN THE CAR IS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED EVERYTHING IS BACK TO NORMAL, UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN WHEN MAKING ONE OF YOUR NEXT RIGHT TURNS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Apr 9, 2013
EITHER WHILE I AM DRIVING OR WHEN I START MY CAR THE POWER STEERING LIGHT FLASHES ON THE DISPLAY AND DINGS THREE TIMES, AND THE POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING ESPECIALLY WHILE I AM DRIVING, FORTUNATELY IT HAS NOT HAPPENED WHILE I AM DRIVING AROUND CORNERS, BUT I AM VERY FEARFUL THAT IT WILL AND I WILL BE IN THE DITCH WITH MAJOR ISSUES. WHEN I START THE VEHICLE THIS SOMETIMES HAPPENS AND I NEED TO SHUT THE CAR OFF SEVERAL TIMES ON OCCASIONS TO GET THE POWER STEERING TO START WORKING. THIS IS AND COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AM TRULY AMAZED THAT GM CARES ABOUT THE CANADIAN DRIVERS BUT NOT ABOUT USA DRIVERS. AS THEY HAVE ISSUED A RECALL IN CANADA BUT NOT IN THE UNITED STATES. *TR
Steering, Apr 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE STEERING CONTROL MOTOR MODULE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THE STEERING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 2, 2013
FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATES BETWEEN FULL AND EMPTY, NEVER GIVING AN ACCURATE READING. THE FLUCTUATION OCCURS MORE RAPIDLY AFTER FILLING THE TANK. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. WHEN THE LIGHT IS RESET, IT IMMEDIATELY COMES BACK ON. IF THERE WERE A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT NEEDED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF TO AVOID POTENTIAL ENGINE DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY, I WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO TELL FROM THIS LIGHT. *TR
Steering, Apr 1, 2013
I WAS TAKING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AND THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN PULLED TO THE RIGHT, I HEARD THE DING DING SOUND THE CAR MAKES WHEN THERE'S A PROBLEM, THE POWER STEERING FLASHED ON AND OFF RAPIDLY. THE WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN BUT IT QUICKLY RETURNED BACK TO NORMAL. I WENT ONLINE AND NOTICED THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO WHAT I EXPERIENCED. I AM REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS. THE 2006 MALIBU HAS HAD A RECALL ON THE STEERING COLUMN IN CANADA BUT NOT IN THE US. I THINK THAT GM SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF IT IS NOT FIXED. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 1, 2013
I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 1/23/2010. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON ALL THE TIME, AND WHEN YOU PRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP , THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OFF. ON LOTS OF OCCASIONS, VEHICLES BEHIND YOU TEND TO ALMOST SLAM YOU IN THE REAR END BECAUSE YOUR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OFF WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED AND THEY THINK YOU HAVE LET OFF THE BRAKES TO PROCEED. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN TIMES WHEN THERE ARE NO TAIL LIGHTS AT ALL. ALSO, THERE IS AN ISSUE OF SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. I HAVE SEEN LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE COMPUTER, BUT NO RECALL THAT I CAN FIND. THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME KIND OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEM SOMEWHERE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AT THE MANUFACTURERS EXPENSE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 1, 2013
WHEN I PUT GAS IN MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU THE GAS GAUGE IS SAYING FULL THAN I DRIVE IT SAYS EMPTY. I DON'T KNOW WHEN I NEED GAS.. AS I DRIVE AROUND THE GAUGE GOES WHERE EVER. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS SENSOR ISSUE BECAUSE I KNOW 4 OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE MALIBU WITH SAME ISSUE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 1, 2013
I PULLED IN GAS STATION SHUT CAR OFF, ATTENDANT FILLED TANK, WHEN HE WAS DONE I PAID AND STARTED CAR, CAR DINGED A LOT AND GAS GAUGE REGISTERED EMPTY, AND MESSAGE ON SCREEN SAID LOW FUEL, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. LONG STORY SHORT IF YOU BOUNCE CAR GAUGE COMES BACK UP TO FULL, THEN DROPS BACK DOWN UNTIL YOU DO THIS A COUPLE TIMES, THEN RUNS OK. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY 03/31/2013, SEEM TO ONLY HAPPEN WHEN I FILL THE TANK. I NOTICED THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS, IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS? *TR
Service brakes, Mar 18, 2013
BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON, OR WOULD STAY ON. SPEED CONTROL COULD BE ACTIVATED, BUT WOULD KICK OFF BY ITSELF. WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE AGENT SAID BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. TOOK CAR TO DEALER BUT THEIR REPAIRS DID NOT FIX CAR. *TR
Steering, Mar 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCKED UP, AS THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN HAD AN INTERNAL SHORT IN ONE OF THE SENSORS. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,708. *TR UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ
Steering, Power train, Mar 12, 2013
MY FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS WHILE DRIVING ACROSS A RAILROAD TRACK AT A SPEED OF 35 MPH....WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A DINGING AND LOOKED TO SEE MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME THAT I WAS CROSSING THE TRACKS....TRACKS WHERE UNEVEN SO I KINDA WENT AROUND THE UNEVEN PART AND COULDN'T HANDLE MY STEERING SO I ALMOST HIT A CAR COMING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION...SECOND OCCURRENCE HAS EVEN MORE LIFE THREATENING....WHILE DRIVIN ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF 65MPH...I HEARD THE DINGING SOUND AND MY STEERING LOCKED UP COMPLETELY(LIKE WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF) I COULD NOT USE STEERING AT ALL AND I HAD A SEMI RIGHT BEHIND ME ....I WAS APPROACHING A CURVE IN THE HIGHWAY SO I SLOW DOWN SO THE TRAFFIC WOULD GO AROUND ME TO HOPEFULLY GET A CHANCE TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT TO RESET POWER STEERING....I HAD READ ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND THAT WAS THE SOLUTION..I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC WHERE HE DID A ROAD TEST AND OF COURSE NOTHING HAPPENED....I ONLY HAVE 2 MORE PAYMENT ON THIS CAR AND TO FIND OUT THAT THE SITUATION WHEN FIXED ALWAYS RECURS IS VERY DISAPPOINTING....PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE BEFORE THIS PROBLEM KILLS SOMEBODY...MY FAMILY IS ALREADY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND IF I GET INTO A ACCIDENT THEY WILL BE LOOKING CLOSELY INTO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Mar 6, 2013
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE CAR GAVE ME THE 'DING' THAT TELLS ME SOMETHING IS WRONG. I LOOKED AT THE DASH AND IT FLASHED POWER STEERING. THE WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING STALL. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR BACK UP THE STEERING WAS NORMAL AGAIN. I WENT ONLINE AND NOTICED THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO WHAT I EXPERIENCED. I AM REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS. THE 2006 MALIBU HAS HAD A RECALL ON THE STEERING COLUMN IN CANADA BUT NOT IN THE US. I THINK THAT GM SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF IT IS NOT FIXED. *TR