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, Mar 15, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING LOCKED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR RELATED WARRANTIES FOR THIS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Seats, Mar 14, 2011
1 YR AFTER PURCHASING 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX HEATED SEATS STARTING COMING ON WHEN CAR WAS STARTED. DEALER KINDA SAID THAT WE WERE LIARS BECAUSE THEY SAID NO ONE IN THE WHOLE US HAD A PROBLEM WITH THEIR SEATS. WE WENT BACK 17 TIMES IN 3 MONTHS AND THEY CHANGED EVERYTHING AND STILL SEATS COME ON . NOW THEY COME ON WHEN YOUR DRIVING AND THEY GET VERY HOT. DEALER DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE NOR GM. WE HAVE STOPPED GOING AND TELLING THEM. WE HAVE COMPLAINED FOR 4 YEARS AND THEY KEEP GIVING US EXCUSES THAT THEY ARE WAITING FOR GM WITH A SOLUTION. WE WOULD GO TO THE DEALER WEEKLY AND THEY WOULD SAY THEY HAD NOT HEARD FROM GM. THAT'S WHY WE STOPPED GOING THERE. PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE AS ITS MOSTLY THE PASSENGER SEAT AND IT GETS HOT IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT COMES ON. I WOULD SAY WITHIN 5 TO 10 SECONDS AFTER SEAT IS ON. AFRAID OF GETTING BURNED AND ALSO A FIRE. WHAT MORE CAN WE DO? ANY SUGGESTIONS? *TR
Steering, Mar 10, 2011
THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED IN 2007 WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 30,000 MILES AND WAS UNDER WARRANTY. IT HAS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AT 83,00 MILES. THIS IS DEFINITELY A GM DESIGN ISSUE. THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE RACK/PINION HAS BEEN REPLACED AND NEITHER PART SHOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS UNDER 80,000 MILES.. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSES TO ACCEPT THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OF A VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THIS WILL BE THE SECOND REPLACEMENT OF THIS PART. HUNDREDS OF OWNERS OF THIS 2006 MALIBU MAXX HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE THEREFORE IT CAN NOT BE THE DRIVER BUT IS DEFINITELY A ENGINEERING DESIGN ISSUE. GM NEEDS TO BE HONEST AND OWN UP TO THE FAILURES OF THEIR VEHICLE DESIGNS. THERE ARE LOSING LOYAL CUSTOMERS BECAUSE OF THEIR INABILITY TO PROVIDE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE THE CONSUMERS WITH SAFE VEHICLES. STEERING ISSUES ARE DEFINITELY A SERIOUS HAZARD. GM MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR VEHICLE FAILURES. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND AT THE VERY LEAST GM SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS.
Steering, Mar 4, 2011
STEERING COLUMN LOCKS WHILE PRESSING GAS PEDAL, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN CHANGING LANES ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS TO ME DAILY AS I TRAVEL TO AND FROM WORK ON THE INTERSTATE. *TR
Steering, Mar 1, 2011
2006 CHEVY MALIBU POWER STEERING WILL LOCK UP WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Mar 1, 2011
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK THIS MORNING WHEN THE INTERIOR BELL SOUNDED 4 TIMES AND THEN THE POWER STEERING QUIT. I WAS ON THE THRUWAY AND VERY CONCERNED ABOUT BEING ABLE TO EXIT. THE FORCE I NEEDED TO USE TO TURN MY VEHICLE WAS GREATER THAN ANY ELDERLY PERSON WOULD BE ABLE TO MANAGE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING WITH CHEVY. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE CHEVY WILL MAKE THIS RECALL? WHEN THE WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUITS BECOME MORE EXPENSIVE THAN HAVING TO FIX THEIR OWN MISTAKE? *TR
Steering, Mar 1, 2011
AT 102,600 MILES POWER STEERING BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY FAIL. IT WOULD RETURN WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN STARTED AGAIN. MY WIFE VERY NEARLY WRECKED IN A PARKING LOT WHEN IT FIRST HAPPENED. GM HAD A SECRET WARRANTY TO 100K...COST ME 660, REGION REFUSED TO HELP. IT WAS A SENSOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN. "OLD PART" IS NOT AVAILABLE, DON'T KNOW WHAT THE DEALER WOULD DO WITH SUCH. AS MY WIFE SUFFERS FROM REDUCED ARM STRENGTH, IT WAS NOT AN OPTION AS TO REPAIR. *TR
Steering, Feb 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 2-3 MPH IN REVERSE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED SEVERAL MINUTES LATER AND THE STEERING WHEEL HAD RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Steering, Feb 8, 2011
ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING COLUMN (EPS) IN MY CAR, AND MANY OTHERS OF THE SAME YEAR OR OLDER HAS/WILL FAIL. VERY DANGEROUS, CAR WILL NOT TURN WHEN DRIVER WANTS IT TO. FORESEE ACCIDENTS AND INJURY IF LEFT UNREPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE 2005 MODEL, WHICH USES THE SAME EPS AS THE 2006. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM HAPPENING AT DIFFERENT MILEAGE MILESTONES, HOWEVER, CHEVY/GM IS BASICALLY SAYING THEY DON'T EXPECT THEIR SEDANS TO LAST LONGER THAN 100,000 MILES BY NOT REMEDYING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE 3 KIDS, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THERE MUST BE A LOGICAL REASON AS TO WHY IN 2007 THEY SWITCHED TO POWER STEERING FLUID INSTEAD OF THE JUNK EPS. GM/CHEVY CAN EXPECT ME, AN OWNER OF 5 CHEVY VEHICLES, TO NEVER PURCHASE THIS TYPE OF POWER STEERING AGAIN. I AM ASKING FOR A RECALL, A REPAIR, A COMPROMISE FORM GM/CHEVY TO FIX THE VEHICLE AND KEEP MY LOYALTY TO THE BRAND. IT'S VERY UPSETTING A RECALL WOULD GO OUT FOR AN OLDER VEHICLE, YET THIS ONE GETS IGNORED. HOW MAY OF MY CHILDREN NEED TO BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE GM/CHEVY TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CRAPPY HANDIWORK. I HAVE AN ESTIMATE ON THE REPAIR, WHICH WOULD RUN BETWEEN $740-$940. A RECALL ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WOULD SHOW THEIR CONCERN; AND DEDICATION TO CONSUMERS. *TR
Steering, Feb 3, 2011
WHILE ON THE ROAD, MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED JAMMING UP AND THEN STRUCK, DASH BOARD LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTER RESTARTING ENGINE, IT WORKED FINE. FOR HAVING THIS PROBLEM REPEATED FOR SEVERAL TIMES, I GOT THE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALERSHIP AND CALLED CHEVY CUSTOMER SERVICE. I WAS TOLD OF THE PROBLEM BEING KNOWN AND COMMON IN ALL THE 2006 MALIBU AND OTHER MAKE AND MODEL IN WHICH SUCH POWER STEERING MODULE/ PARTS HAVE BEEN USED. WHEN I ASKED, WHY I WAS NOT INFORMED OF SUCH PROBLEM, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WILL REPAIR AT NO COST IF ONLY THE PROBLEM IS DUPLICATED AT THE SHOP. AFTER REPAIR ON (FEB 01 20011), IN A PHONE CALL, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO PAPER WORK FOR PROBLEM/RECALL/ WARRANTY/ WHAT SO EVER, BUT THE WORK IS COVERED FOR 12 MONTHS AND/OR 12000 MILES ALTOGETHER. THIS PARTICULAR CAR HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S ATTENTION UNDER LEMON LAW IN 2008, BUT IT WAS NOT JUSTIFIED BASED ON HEARING WAS SCHEDULED AFTER ALLOWED TIMELINE. WHAT A BUMMER!!! THIS TIME KNOWING THE PROBLEM, GMC IS NOT RECALLING OR ADDRESSING IT BEFORE ANY DISASTER STRIKE AND SOMEONE LOOSE HIS/HER LIFE. THANKS A LOT CHEVY.... YOU ARE THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. *TR
Steering, Jan 30, 2011
THE STEERING IN MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU LT IS VERY FAULTY. I HAVE READ AND RESEARCHED THE CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING IN THIS CAR AND IT POSSES A BIG PROBLEM CONSIDERING I DRIVE THIS CAR 200 MILE ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS AND THE CAR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. *TR
Steering, Jan 30, 2011
THE POWER STEERING COLUMN STARTED TO CLUNK WHEN TURNING WHEN CAR WAS A YEAR OLD..TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY GREASED THE COLUMN...DIDN'T WORK...TOOK IT BACK,L THEY GREASED IT AGAIN... SAME THING....NOW I GET A MESSAGES - POWER STEERING AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER WHEN DRIVING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS CUZ I HAVE LITTLE POWER SO I LOSE SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY AND ITS VERY HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL. *TR
Steering, Jan 27, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT(NA). WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE ALL POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY AND THE POWER STEERING SYMBOL WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL; IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER AT THAT POINT. THE CONTACT WOULD TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART IT AGAIN IN ORDER TO RESET THE POWER STEERING. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,440 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Steering, Jan 21, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER STEERING, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 77,444. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Jan 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND ONLY FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. ALSO THE CONTACT STATED SOMETIMES THE IGNITION WOULD HAVE TO BE TURNED OFF IN ORDER FOR THE POWER STEERING TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR BUT THERE WAS AN APPOINTMENT SET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Steering, Jan 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INCREASINGLY STIFF. THE POWER STEERING WOULD RESET ITSELF RIGHT AWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND THEN BACK ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Steering, Jan 10, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF, RENDERING THE VEHICLE DISABLED. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE WITHIN MOMENTS. THE STEERING WHEEL HAD RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,734.
Steering, Jan 5, 2011
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS 2006 CHEVY MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND RIGHT AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST POWER MAKING IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE FAILURE HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE RANDOMLY AND IT WOULD WORK AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 120,000. PM
Steering, Jan 5, 2011
POWER STEERING FAILS. IT STARTED WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE WORK. I STARTED MY CAR, AND THE POWER STEERING IMMEDIATELY FAILED AND "POWER STEERING" SHOWED UP ON THE DIC. I TRIED TO TURN THE WHEEL, AND IT WAS ALMOST LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND THEN BACK ON, AND IT WAS FINE. THEN, THIS PAST WEEKEND, IT DID THE SAME EXACT THING. I AGAIN, TURNED THE CAR OFF, THEN ON, AND IT WAS FINE. I DROVE TO THE CLOSEST CHEVY DEALERSHIP, AND OF COURSE THEY WERE CLOSED (IT WAS NEW YEARS DAY). I WENT TO LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP, TURNED MY WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT AND POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN! TURNED THE CAR OFF, THEN BACK ON, DROVE TO THE STOP SIGN, TURNED THE WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT, AND POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN. I'M VERY SCARED THIS WILL HAPPEN UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE I'M DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE INTERSTATE. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE, ESPECIALLY WITH HOW MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS I'VE SEEN POSTED ALL OVER THE NET! *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Jan 1, 2011
STEERING PROBLEMS. I WAS IN A TURNING LANE WITH MY SON IN THE CAR. I HEARD A DING AND POWER STEERING SHOWED UP ON MY DISPLAY. I HAD NO POWER STEERING! I AM A SMALL PERSON AND COULD BARELY TURN THE CAR AND STAY IN MY LANE. WHEN I GOT HOME I TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR AWHILE, THEN WENT AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE CAR WAS FINE. I HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR ONLY WHEN I NEED TO BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I HEARD IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. THE CAR GOES INTO THE SHOP 1/3/11. THERE IS ALSO A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END WHEN I MAKE A TURN. EXTERIOR LIGHTS. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE MY HEAD LIGHT BULBS ABOUT EVERY THREE MONTHS THIS PAST YEAR. BECAUSE OF THE LIGHTS GOING OUT. FIRST ONE SIDE THEN THE OTHER. *TR
Power train, Jan 1, 2011
LOOSE POWER STEERING DURING PARKING AND DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Dec 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX LT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE LATER ON IN REFERENCE TO THE STEERING BUT THE VEHICLE WAS OVER THE MILEAGE LIMIT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
Steering, Dec 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF AND WHEN IT WAS RESTARTED, IT OPERATED PROPERLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD INVOLUNTARILY TURN TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND OR IN MOTION. THE CONTACT CALLED BOTH THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A COMMON FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 101,000.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Dec 20, 2010
STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING - HAPPENS AT RANDOM - AT ALL DIFFERENT TIMES. DEALER ACTED LIKE IT WAS NO BIG DEAL AND OF COURSE THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT WHEN I HAVE NOW FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IT IS DANGEROUS, AND IT COULD CAUSE FATALITY. PROBLEM SEEMS TO GO AWAY FOR A WHILE AFTER I CHANGE OUT THE SPARK PLUGS. BUT I AM AT 160,000 MILES AND ON MY 8TH SET OF SPARK PLUGS. SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT, SPARK PLUGS SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN 20,000 MILES. GM SHOULD TAKE THIS COMPLAINT SERIOUSLY BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. SOMETHING IS WRONG, OTHERWISE WHY WOULD THERE BE SO MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM WORKING AT PAYING OFF THIS CAR AS FAST AS POSSIBLE SO THAT I CAN GET INTO A SAFER VEHICLE. SADLY, I WILL *NEVER* BUY A CHEVY AGAIN :-( *TR
Steering, Dec 15, 2010
2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. STEERING ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM FAILS AS YOU ARE DRIVING. COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING ASSIST. MUST STOP CAR, TURN OFF ENGINE. WHEN ENGINE IS RESTARTED, POWER STEERING IS WORKING AGAIN. *TR