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.
Child seat, Mar 5, 2013
LATCH ATTACHMENT ON ONE SIDE OF THE SEAT DOES NOT STAY TIGHT. JUST A SLIGHT TUG AND THE ATTACHMENT PULLS ALL THE WAY OUT. SINCE THE SEAT ISN'T LISTED IN THE DROP DOWN ON THE NEXT PAGE, IT IS THE GRACO AFFIX BOOSTER. MODEL 1852665. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2006, MAKE=MALIBU, MODEL=CHEVY). *TR
Steering, Feb 19, 2013
THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON 2 LANE HIGHWAY AT 45 MPH SUDDENLY POWER STEERING WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED IN DISPLAY, WARNING NOISE CAME ON (DING) AND THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER ANF THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND THE VEHICLE WAS RE-STARTED AND THE WARNING MESSAGE WAS GONE AND THE POWERSTEERING STARTED WORKING AGAIN. I CHECKED FOR, (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES), DTC'S WITH A SCANTOOL AND THERE WERE NO CODES LISTED. I LOOKED FOR SERVICE BULLETINS FOR THIS AND FOUND THE FOLLOWING. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT - POWER STEERING ASSIST2012/05/2310183A THIS BULLETIN COVERS MY VEHICLE AND WILL REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Feb 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING A SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,280. UPDATED 03/15/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE EXPERIENCED TWO FAILURES AT 25 MPH AND ONE AT 5 MPH. UPDATED 03/27/13
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 10, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH 60 MPH. I SUDDENLY RECOGNIZED THAT IT WAS VERY HARD TO STEER. IT WAS VERY HARD FOR ME TO PULL IT OVER . AS I KNEW THIS ISSUE WITH 2006 MALIBU CARS (READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT ON THE INTERNET BEFORE), I DID NOT PANIC, AND ACHIEVED IT TO PULL OVER WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT. (BY THE WAY, I AM A MALE DRIVER AND I DO NOT THINK ANY FEMALE DRIVER WITHOUT ANY KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH PROBLEM IN ADVANCE COULD PULL THE CAR OVER) I HAVE SEEN THE "POWER STEERING" FLASH ON THE SCREEN DURING THE INCIDENT. AFTER TURNING OFF AND ON THE IGNITION, EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER IT WILL REPEAT AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. I SEARCHED FOR ANY RECALLS ABOUT THE POWER STEERING, AND FOUND THAT 2005/2006/2008 MALIBU CARS WERE RECALLED ON OCTOBER 2012 IN CANADA. (PLEASE SEE THE LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION HTTP://WWWAPPS.TC.GC.CA/SAF-SEC-SUR/7/VRDB-BDRV/SEARCH/RECALLDETAIL.ASPX?LANG=ENG&RN=2012331 ) HOWEVER, THERE IS NO SUCH ACTION IN THE USA. IT IS A VERY CRUCIAL SAFETY PROBLEM AND THESE CARS ARE TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY IN THE USA AS WELL. GM SHOULD DEFINITELY TAKE AN ACTION BEFORE ANY DEADLY ACCIDENT HAPPENS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 2, 2013
TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO STEER GOT THE VEHICLE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AFTER HAVING TO MUSCLE THE WHEEL THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER.WAS TOLD IT WAS A ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST MOTOR THAT HAD WENT OUT CAUSING THE PROBLEM AND AFTER QUESTIONING ABOUT A RECALL WAS TOLD THEY WERE RECALLED IN CANADA BUT NOT THE US THIS IS A VERY CONCERNING MATTER THAT GM NEEDS TO CORRECT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 23, 2013
THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHENEVER IT WANT TO WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE GAS HAND GOES DOWN TO E WHEN THE CAR REALLY HAVE GAS IN IT, BUT IT WILL GO BACK UP ON ITS OWN. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, AND THE CAR DO NOT GET AS MUCH POWER HAVE TO HIT THE GAS ALL THE WAY RPM GO ALL THE WAY UP. I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD THIS CAR FOR TWO YEARS BUT HAVING ALL THESE PROBLEMS WITH IT. *TR
Steering, Jan 16, 2013
WHILE DRIVING A WARNING CHIME APPEARED THRU THE RADIO DISPLAY "POWER STEERING" AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING THE CAR THE POWER STEERING CAME BACK ONLY TO GO OUT AGAIN. HAD THE COMPUTER RESET AND PROBLEM HASN'T HAPPENED AGAIN, YET! CHECK ONLINE AND THIS VEHICLE AND OTHER MODELS WITH THE SAME POWER ASSIST STEERING HAVE BEEN RECALLED AS RECENT AS 1212 IN CANADA, BUT NOT IN THE USA. EVERYTHING ON THE INTERNET, INCLUDING GMS WEBSITE SAY THE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACED. WE CHECKED WITH THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER AND THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS VIN #. THIS VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS EVERYDAY, SO I AM HAVING THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AT A COST OF $550 OUT OF POCKET.GM'S WEBSITE SAYS IT IS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE IT CAN STILL BE STEERED OFF THE ROAD. THIS IS MY DAUGHTER'S CAR AND SHE CAN BARELY HANDLE THIS CAR WITHOUT THE POWER ASSIST. I DROVE IT AND LOST THE POWER ASSIST AND I BUMPED A CURB TRYING TO TURN IT INTO A PARKING LOT. HOW CAN THIS NOT BE A SAFETY ISSUE? CAN I BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF FIXING THIS PROBLEM? *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 10, 2013
WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH LANES TO THE LEFT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND PULLED TO THE LEFT TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS AND PULL OVER WITHOUT INCIDENT. MY INFO CENTER INDICATED A "POWER STEERING" ERROR AND CHIMED 3 TIMES. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON THE PROBLEM REMEDIED ITSELF. SINCE THEN THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE ERROR WITHOUT REPRODUCING IT. *TR
Steering, Jan 10, 2013
UPON RETURNING FROM VACATION, WE RETRIEVED OUR 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU FROM A FRIENDS HOUSE AND THE CAR BEEPED ONCE AND MY HUSBAND WAS LIKE "WHAT'S THAT", THEN I NOTICED IN THE MESSAGE CENTER AREA THAT IT WAS FLASHING POWER STEERING, WHICH IT HAD NEVER DONE BEFORE. NOW, EVERY TIME I GET INTO THE CAR, THE CAR BEEPS AND THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE COMES ON IN THE MESSAGE CENTER. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND HAVE NOTICED THAT GM IS NOT ACCEPTING FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMNS/POWER STEERING MOTORS, ONLY THOSE SELECT FEW (COBALTS, ETC.)?? APPARENTLY QUITE A FEW ARE BEING RECALLED IN CANADA, BUT NOT IN THE U. S. AND IT ONLY LEADS ME TO THE QUESTION: WHY?? I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL MALIBU OWNER (THIS IS MY THIRD ONE) BUT IF GM IS NOT WILLING TO STEP UP AND ADMIT A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT, I MAY HAVE TO RETHINK MY CHOICE OF VEHICLE OWNERSHIP. *TR
Steering, Jan 8, 2013
THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO JERK. SO I PUT OFF THE ROAD TURN THE CAR OFF LOOK UNDER THE HOOD FOR A POWER STEERING PUMP FLUID HOLDER NOTICE THERE WASN'T ONE. SO I STARTED THE CAR AND IT DROVE FINE. SO LATELY, IT KEEP HAPPEN VERY OFTEN BUT THE CHEVROLET COMPANY SAY THAT IT IS NOT A DEFECT IN THE CAR. BUT I HAVE READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING WITH THIS CAR. I HAVE CARRY THE CAR IN TO GET IT SERVICE TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT AND IT WAS THE POWER STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER WITH NOT PAID FOR IT BECAUSE I HAVE TO MANY MILES ON MY CAR. BUT IF I HAVE ONLY 150,000 MILES THEY WOULD. BECAUSE THE MECHANIC SAY THAT IT IS NOT A DEFECT IN THE POWER STEERING THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. IT'S CAUSE I HAVE A LOT OF MILES ON IT AND THAT I DIDN'T BUY IT NEW ACCORDING TO THE CHEVROLET COMPANY BUT IF THERE ARE A LOT COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING THEN I FEEL THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE CAR NOT HOW MANY MILES YOU PUT ON THE CAR. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING. *TR
Steering, Dec 26, 2012
ON ACCEL LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST ,STEERING VERY HARD TO MOVE HIT BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN STEERING RECOVERED. ACCELERATED VEHICLE AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO REPRODUCE EFFECT MENTION ABOVE. STEERING VERY HARD TO TURN IN THE MORNING HOURS AND LOSE OF STEERING HAPPENS. *TR
Steering, Dec 25, 2012
WHEN DRIVING AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT..THE STEERING GETS STIFF AND THE POWER STEERING ALARM COMES ON. ONCE STOPPED I CAN TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND CRANK IT AGAIN...THE POWER STEERING RESETS. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO DO EACH AND EVERYTIME. THE DEALER FINDS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT WHEN I TAKE IT IN..SO PLEASE ADVISE. THE FLUID IS GOOD AND THERE IS NO LEAKS. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 12, 2012
HARD TO TURN STEERING LEFT 4 BRIEF MOMENT. POWER STEERING LIGHT DISPLAY???? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Nov 20, 2012, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE ON 11/18/2012, WHEN A CAR CUT ACROSS ALL THREE LANES. IT HAD NOT BEEN RAINING, AND THE ROADS WERE DRY, BUT WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR THAT CUT ME OFF, MY WHEELS LOCKED UP SENDING ME FISHTAILING AT 70+ MPH. I SLID INTO THE CENTER LANE, STRIKING A VEHICLE ON MY RIGHT REAR CORNER PANEL. I THEN REPEATEDLY TRIED TO PUMP MY BRAKES AND TURN INTO THE SKID TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND EACH TIME THE WHEELS LOCKED UP AGAIN. AFTER FAILING TO REGAIN CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE I HIT THE CENTER GUARD RAIL, STILL GOING 60+ MPH, COLLAPSING THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. AFTER SKIDDING TO A STOP, MY "SERVICE AIRBAG" WARNING CAME UP ON MY CENTER DASHBOARD DISPLAY, WITHOUT EVEN DEPLOYING. MY CAR HAS BEEN DEEMED TOTALED BY INSURANCE, AND IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. I WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN THE CAR AT THE TIME, AND EMT'S AND FIRE FIGHTERS THAT ARRIVED TO THE SCENE SAID IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE LACK OF CARS ON THE ROAD, I MAY NOT HAVE SURVIVED.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 2, 2012
VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING. THEN, I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE, AND SUDDENLY GAS WAS POURING OUT NEAR THE MUFFLER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR. TRACED THE LEAK ONCE WE GOT IT HOME. THE PLASTIC LINE ON THE FUEL PUMP HAD CRACKED. I LOST OVER 1/8 OF A TANK AFTER I PARKED IT. I'M NOT SURE EXACTLY HOW MUCH I LOST WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I AM THANKFUL THAT THERE WERE NO SPARKS BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PARK THE CAR. I FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MY YOUNG CHILDREN. I MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET THEM OUT OF THEIR CAR SEATS FAST ENOUGH HAD I NOT IMMEDIATELY TAKEN PRECAUTION. *TR
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Nov 2, 2012
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE I WAS BEING FOLLOWED BY MY DAUGHTER WHO THOUGHT I WAS RIDING MY BRAKES. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE GOING OFF WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND COMING ON WHEN BRAKES ARE RELEASED. THIS ALSO AFFECTS THE CRUISE CONTROL AS IT WILL NOT WORK WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE. PEOPLE DRIVING BEHIND ME DON'T KNOW IF I'M STOPPING OR NOT! THERE ARE COUNTLESS NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIPS DON'T HAVE THE ANSWER TO FIX IT. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL IF THERE EVER WAS ONE! *TR
Steering, Oct 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AS THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF THE EXACT REPAIRS THAT WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 116,000. UPDATED 12/14/12*LJ
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 22, 2012
THE FUEL SENSOR IS VERY ERRATIC. AS SOON AS THE CAR IS FILLED UP WITH GAS, THE FUEL SENSOR WILL GO FROM F TO E IN THE MATTER OF SECONDS. WHEN THIS PROBLEM FIRST BEGAN, THE GAUGE WOULD GO FROM FULL TO EMPTY UNTIL I DROVE JUST ENOUGH THAT THE CAR'S FUEL LEVEL WAS NOT COMPLETELY FULL. AT THIS POINT, THE SENSOR WOULD WORK AND I WAS ABLE TO RELY ON THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE DASHBOARD. AFTER SOME TIME, HOWEVER, THE SENSOR STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER. NOW THE SENSOR IS CONSTANTLY MOVING FROM FULL TO EMPTY FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AND I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK. I HAVE TO KEEP TRACK WITH THE TRIP MONITOR. AUTO REPAIR SHOPS HAVE QUOTED THIS REPAIR AT AROUND $600 STATING THAT THE CAR NEEDS A NEW FUEL ASSEMBLY KIT. THIS ISSUE MUST BE FIXED IN ORDER TO PASS EMISSIONS TESTING. *TR
Steering, Oct 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DECIDED TO REPLACE AN UNKNOW PART WITHIN THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 16, 2012
FUEL GAUGE WOULD GO FROM FULL TO EMPTY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON! NOW LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME AND FUEL GAUGE DOESN'T WORK AT ALL! *TR
Steering, Power train, Oct 10, 2012
POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. INTERMITTENT FAILURE. SEVERAL MONTHS OF DRIVING IT WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL AND THEN RETURN BACK TO NORMAL. EVENTUALLY IT FAILED COMPLETELY. WENT TO HAVE THE PS MODULE REPLACED ONLY TO DISCOVER THE COLUMN IS TO BE REPLACED WITH IT. THE VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE, BUT FEELS UNSAFE AND PUTS OTHERS AT RISK. VEHICLE IS NOT EASILY MANEUVERABLE AT LOW SPEEDS. NEEDS LARGE SPACE TO TURN AROUND. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THIS VEHICLE AS I HAVE SEEN MANY MANY COMPLAINTS. WHY IS THERE NOT YET A RECALL ON THE PS MODULE/COLUMN FAILURE OF THE MALIBU?? *TR
Steering, Oct 8, 2012
WHILE ACCELERATING ON TO THE FREEWAY, MORE WHILE HITTING THE PASSING GEAR, POWER STEERING IS ALL OF A SUDDEN LOST OR EVEN CORRECTING ITSELF BACK TO CENTER. THE "POWER STEERING" MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE RADIO DISPLAY AND A CLICKING SOUND IS MADE. IT HAS SINCE HAPPENED AT SLOWER SPEEDS AS WELL. IT FEELS LIKE A VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS VERY COMMON AMONG CHEVROLET OWNERS OF VARIOUS MODELS AROUND THAT YEAR. *TR
Steering, Oct 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND NOTICED WHEN TURING THE STEERING WHEEL INTO THE LEFT DIRECTION A LOUD NOISE WOULD EMIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FRONT SWING ARM SUSPENSION WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT TECHNICIAN WHO STATED THE DEFECT WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Oct 2, 2012
TURNED LEFT ONTO AN UPHILL ROAD AND GAVE IT A GOOD AMOUNT OF GAS TO ACCELERATE UP TO SPEED. HAD THE RPMS UP AND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN THE STEERING WHEEL JUST LOCKED UP. I IMMEDIATELY LET OFF THE GAS AND THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. IT WAS QUITE UNNERVING BUT I WORKED ON MANY CARS YEARS AGO AND REACT ACCORDINGLY TO THINGS LIKE STUCK THROTTLES, AND THIS. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR SO I DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY OF IT OTHER THAN THE CARFAX CHECK WAS CLEAN. IT APPEAR THAT I SHOULD HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH ON THIS VEHICLE WITH THIS STEERING PROBLEM BEFORE BUYING IT. THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE THAT I CANNOT BELIEVE A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED. HOWEVER, THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT EXTENDS THE WARRANTY ON THIS ITEM, TO ANY OWNER, TO TEN YEARS AND 150 K MILES. DO A SEARCH FOR IT ONLINE. GM WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS PROBABLY WHAT I WILL END UP DOING. *TR
Steering, Sep 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED VIOLENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT'S HANDS TO BE THROWN FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL REGAINED NORMAL FUNCTION AS THE CONTACT DECELERATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES, ONLY LASTING MOMENTARILY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY FAULTY ELECTRONICS IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 88,000.