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, Dec 6, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO EXHIBIT AN UNUSUAL NOISE WHEN TURNING AND BEGAN SHAKING EXCESSIVELY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR UNTIL MOST RECENTLY WHEN THE FAILURE BECAME ONGOING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE STEERING CAPABILITIES WOULD FAIL AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 02/02/11 *CN
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND FUEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 83,000.
Steering, Nov 29, 2010
THE POWERSTEERING UNIT IN THIS CAR HAS QUIT WORKING SEVERAL TIMES. THE INFORMATION CENTER READS POWERSTEERING. AND THE WHEEL JERKS BACK AND FORTH. THE WHEEL IS VERY HARD TO TURN AND IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. SOMETIMES THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT THE WHEEL WILL TURN TO THE LEFT BY ITSELF. IF YOU SHUT THE CAR OFF AND LEAVE IT SIT FOR FIVE MINUTES IT WILL RESET ITSELF AND BE ALRIGHT FOR AWHILE AND THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. GENERAL MOTORS KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND WONDER IF SOMEONE HAS TO BE KILLED FIRST BEFORE ANYTHING IS DONE. THIS AUTO BELONGS TO MY STEPSON AND HE HAS A 8 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER, I WON'T SIT AND WATCH ANYBODY GET KILLED BECAUSE A STUPID MISTAKE LIKE THIS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING.
Steering, Nov 24, 2010
POWER STEERING QUITS WORKING ON A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. *TR
Steering, Nov 22, 2010
CLUNKING IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF MY 06 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX LT. PERSISTENT ISSUE IS WORSENING. *TR
Steering, Nov 15, 2010
MY STEERING WHEEL HAVE BEEN JUMPING TO THE LEFT EVEN WHILE PARKED. THEN MY POWER STEERING MESSAGE CAME ON. IT LOCKS ON ME WHILE I'M DRIVING AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON. IT STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT ONCE A WEEK, BUT NOW IT HAPPENS TWICE IF NOT MORE TIMES A DAY. AFTER I BOUGHT THE FLUID I LEARNED THAT IT'S A MOTOR AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I CALLED CHEVY AND THEY TOLD ME MY MOTOR HAS TO BE REPLACED AND WILL COST ME OVER $600. I DON'T THINK THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL OF THAT MYSELF. I'VE READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS AND THIS IS MAKING ME WANT TO TRADE MY CAR IN. NOW MAY CAR HAS OVER 100,000 MILES BUT THE PROBLEM STARTED AT ABOUT 83,000. I HAVE KIDS AND WHEN IT LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY,IT'S TOO DANGEROUS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 15, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE NOT BEING DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09E012000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING).THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Steering, Nov 11, 2010
LOOSE OF POWER STEERING, GM HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THIS PART, FOR 10YR OR 100,000 MILES, OUR CAR HAS 126,000 MILES WHEN THIS WAS ISSUED, BUT WE HAVE DOCUMENTATION THAT WE WERE HAVING THE TROUBLE AT 76,000 MILES BUT GM DOES NOT WANT TO HELP US WITH THE PROBLEM, WE ASK TO TALK TO A SUPERVISOR BUT NO ONE WILL CALL US BACK. YOU CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND TURN INTO SOMEWHERE AND A BELL WILL GO OFF AND YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING, YOU HAVE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART IT TO REGAIN POWER AND SOME TIMES IT IS A SHORT TIME BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE COST TO REPAIR THIS IS OVER $600 AND WE CAN'T AFFORD IT. OUR CAR IS A 2006 MALIBU. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD ENGAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKE LIGHT DISENGAGED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH INSTEAD OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. AFTER REPLACING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IT MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. THE CONTACT TRIED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH BUT THE WIRING FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAUSED A CRASH BECAUSE IT CONFUSED OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Exterior lighting, Nov 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE NOT APPLIED. WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE BY SWITCHING THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON AND OFF TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT FURTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR FROM THE FLOORBOARD TO THE FUSE PANEL WAS THE CAUSE AS IT HAD NOT SUFFICIENTLY MAINTAINED ELECTRICAL CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 31,000.
Steering, Nov 1, 2010
MY 2006 MALIBU MAXX LOSES POWER STEERING RANDOMLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE WHEEL TIGHTENS, IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER, THE WARNING BELL SOUNDS AND THE PHRASE "POWER STEERING" FLASHES ON THE DISPLAY. CAR MUST BE STOPPED AND TURNED OFF REPEATEDLY SOMETIMES TO RESET. CAR HAS DONE THIS IN TRAFFIC, ON HIGHWAYS AND FREEWAYS, AND IN PARKING LOTS. THE FAILURE OCCURS RANDOMLY AND AT RANDOM DRIVING SPEEDS. THE REPLACEMENT COST IS OVER $1000 AT THE DEALERSHIP. CHEVY CLAIMS THE PROBLEM CAN ONLY BE CORRECTED BY REPLACEMENT PARTS THAT CAN ONLY BE ISSUED AND INSTALLED AT A CHEVY DEALERSHIP. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED SINCE THE CAR REACHED 40,000 MILES. AFTER THE CORRESPONDING RECALL OF CHEVY COBALTS AND PONTIAC PURSUITS, I EXPECTED THE RECALL TO EVENTUALLY COVER MALIBU MAXX. *TR
Air bags, Nov 1, 2010
SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON PREMATURELY DO NOT KNOW IF BAGS WILL DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT. I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH AIRBAG SYSTEM SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT RECOURSE I SHOULD TAKE. 2006 CHEVY MALIBU. *TR
Steering, Oct 30, 2010
I HAVE A CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX AND THE POWER STEERING HAS FAILED ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS WHEN I WAS TAKING A LEFT TURN AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED HALF WAY THROUGH THE TURN. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A DING AND THE FRONT DISPLAYED "POWER STEERING." THE NEXT DAY WHEN REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING LOT I HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN ALTHOUGH THIS TIME THE STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIED, THEN THE DING, FAILURE OF POWER STEERING, AND THE DISPLAY. I WAS ONCE AGAIN ABLE TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTART. UPON RESTARTING THE POWER STEERING RESUMED. SINCE THESE TWO INCIDENTS I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS A LITTLE WITH ANY TURNS. I AM SO GLAD I WAS NOT GOING AT A FAST SPEED OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AS AN ACCIDENT DEFINITELY COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED. I HAVE CALLED AND REPORTED IT TO CHEVROLET AND SET UP AN APPT WITH A DEALER ON MONDAY. CHEVROLET STATED THAT IT IS INFACT A "SPECIAL COVERAGE ON POWER STEERING" AND IN OTHER CASES HAVE INVOLVED REPLACING THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. I AM SHOCKED THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL AND THAT OTHER CUSTOMERS ARE PUT IN THIS DANGER. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING FURTHER INTO THIS. *TR
Steering, Oct 28, 2010
THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX LT THAT THE POWER STEERING LOCKS UP CAUSING ME TO TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL OF MY CAR. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN ACCELERATING. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AND IT STAYS IN ITS LAST POSITION AND THE CAR DINGS. I HAVE NO MESSAGE ON MY DASH OR RADIO. USUALLY LETTING OFF THE GAS CORRECTS THE ISSUE WITHIN A COUPLE SECONDS. IN THOSE SECONDS BEFORE I REGAIN CONTROL OF MY CAR, I HAVE NO CONTROL TO KEEP ME FROM HITTING SOMETHING. I'VE SEEN MANY REPORTS ONLINE FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I'VE READ SOME THAT HAVE SAID IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE CHEVY COBALT FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 26, 2010
WHILE DRIVING MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE STAYING ON, I ONLY KNOW WHEN SOMEONE TELLS ME I HAVE BEEN TAKING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SINCE 2007 AND THE PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. I HAVE CARS HUNK THE HORNS AT ME AND OTHER DRIVERS ARE FLASHING THEIR LIGHTS BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW IF I AM STOPPING OR GOING. *TR
Steering, Oct 21, 2010
I OWNED A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU,IN WHICH I HAVE ONLY HAD 1 1/2 YEARS,THE FACTORY WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED 3 MONTHS AGO. I AM NOW HAVING VERY SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING (EPS) IT HAS A TENDENCY TO GO OUT ON ME EVERYTIME I TURN LEFT IF I TURN THE WHEEL ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT OR IF I JUST TURN IT A LITTLE BIT JUST ENOUGH TO MAKE THE TURN I CAN FILL THE STIFFNESS IN IT AS IF ITS GETTING READY TO SHUT DOWN,THIS HAS HAPPEN OFF AND ON FOR 2 WEEKS NOW AND ONCE IT SHUTS DOWN I HAVE TO CUT THE CAR ALL THE WAY OFF AND CRANK IT BACK UP AND THEN THE POWER STEERING IS RESTORED,THIS NEVER HAPPENS WHEN I TURN TO THE RIGHT IT JUST GO ALONG AS IF NOTHING IS WRONG. I CONSIDER THIS PRETTY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT CAN HAPPEN TO ME IN TRAFFIC AFTER MAKING A LEFT TURN AND GET ME HIT IN THE REAR SERIOUSLY. I HAVE BEEN ONLINE READING SOME OF THE OTHER COMMENTS WITH THE CHEVY MALIBU AND ALL THEM SEEM TO EXPERIENCE MY PROBLEMS AS WELL. I HAVE MADE AN APPT AT THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT TO SEE WHAT OFFICIALLY IS THE PROBLEM WITH IT AND HAVE IT FIXED.BUT,I REALLY THINK THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON ALL THE VEHICLES WITH THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING BECAUSE THERE IS A GLITCH SOMEWHERE IN THE SYSTEM THAT IS KILLING THE CONSUMER'S POCKET. IS THERE A RAINBOW AT THE END OF THIS TUNNEL? *TR
Steering, Oct 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED UP; HE HAD TO JERK THE WHEEL SO THAT IT WOULD MOVE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,528. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,400.
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2010
THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU WORK IN REVERSE. APPROX 45 SECONDS AFTER THE CAR IS PUT INTO DRIVE THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THIS IS NOT AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM BUT IS CONTINUOUS. I ALSO CANNOT ENGAGE MY CRUISE CONTROLS. IT IS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A REAR END COLLISION OCCURS. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON LINE AND IT APPEARS THAT MANY OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM TOO. ALL OF WHICH COMMENT THAT THEIR AREA DEALERS CHARGED THEM A LOT OF MONEY, WERE UNSURE OF THE FIX, AND IN SOME CASES THE REPAIRS MADE WERE ONLY TEMPORARY FIXES. SEVERAL HAVE MENTIONED REPLACING PART # 15940467 WHICH IS A MODULE. *TR
Steering, Oct 13, 2010
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IN THE 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX IS DEFECTIVE. IT GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL BLOG AND COMMUNITY WEBSITES THAT SEVERAL OTHERS THAT OWN 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE COMPANY SHOULD RECALL THIS AT ONCE AND FIX ALL IMPACTED VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. *TR
Steering, Oct 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX . THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING WILL FAIL AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT WOULD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO RESET THE POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE EXACT CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Electric, Oct 4, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHTS. WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON AS IF YOU ARE "RIDING YOUR BRAKES" AND THEN WHEN YOU DO APPLY YOUR BRAKES THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OFF! THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN PEOPLE DON'T KNOW YOU ARE SLOWING DOWN AND ALMOST REAR END YOU! I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN THE SHOP FOR ALMOST A WEEK AND THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP CANNOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM TO FIX IT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE AND SOMEONE GETS HURT! *TR
Steering, Sep 30, 2010
ON A 2006 MALIBU, THE ELECTRICAL ASSIST HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES IN THE PAST 10 MONTHS. EACH TIME THE STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE LUCKILY. IN 5 DAYS, THE CAR GETS TAKEN IN TO HAVE THE STEERING COLUMN AND RACK AND PINION STEERING REPLACED. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS AT APPROXIMATELY, 50,000 MILES, THE SECOND WAS AT APPROXIMATELY 65,000 AND THE THIRD AT ABOUT 80,000. THE CAR IS AT 95,000 MILES NOW WHICH IS A LOT, BUT TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING REPLACED AT A CERTIFIED MECHANIC SOON TO BE 4 TIMES WITHIN A YEAR IS NOT GOOD. THE ELECTRICAL ASSIST POWER STEERING AND ALL ASSOCIATED DESIGNS IS UNSAFE AS THE WHEEL IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN WHEN FAILURE OCCURS. *TR
Steering, Sep 28, 2010
MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX HAS LOST POWER STEERING THREE TIMES. IT HAS BEEN TO THE MECHANIC TWICE. DRIVING AT ANY TIME, BUT ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY, IS FRIGHTENING BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING MY GO OUT UNEXPECTEDLY. *TR
Steering, Sep 28, 2010
THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OFF AS YOU ARE DRIVING. SOMETIMES IT WILL JUST BECOME HARDER TO STEER AS YOU DECREASE SPEED, AND SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO STOP, TURN OFF THE MOTOR AND THE STEERING WILL RESET. VERY DISTURBING AND QUITE DANGEROUS. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER DRIVING DURING THE DAY AT ANY SPEED, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING ACCORDING TO THE STANDARDS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000. UPDATED 12/30/10. *LJ UPDATED 04/06/11