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, Aug 17, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A WARNING CHIME INSIDE THE VEHICLE. SECONDS LATER, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Electrical system, Aug 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAILBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON ALL OF THE TIME. THE BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COULD BE OVERLOADED. HE ALSO SAID THAT WHEN YOU PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKE LIGHTS SHUT OFF AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THERE WAS A TSB IN EFFECT BUT THE OWNER WAS CONCERNED SINCE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE BRAKES AFFECT THE CRUISE CONTROL MAKING IT DECELERATE AND THEN IT WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Steering, Aug 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHENEVER SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE, IT MADE A DINGING NOISE AND THE POWER STEERING LOCKED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. SHE HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY A HALF HOUR BEFORE IT WOULD RESET ITSELF. SHE DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, SHE CALLED AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS AND SHE HAD TO PAY THE REPAIR COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CALLED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Steering, Aug 6, 2010
I DRIVE A 2006 MALIBU, AND HAVE BEEN FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS. THE STANDARD 2006 MALIBU HAS EPSA (ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST). THERE IS NO RESERVOIR TO FILL FLUID AS WITH OLDER MODELS. I FOUND OUT TODAY THROUGH EXPERIENCE THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LOCKS/UNLOCKS ON ITS OWN WHICH HAS CREATED AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING AND AS I WAS PULLING INTO ANOTHER DRIVEWAY (MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN), THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED SO THAT I COULDN'T TURN, AND I WAS INCHES AWAY FROM HITTING A POLE. I AM FEARFUL OF THIS VEHICLE ESPECIALLY SINCE A CHILD RIDES IN THIS VEHICLE REGULARLY. I AM THANKFUL THAT MY CHILD WASN'T IN THE VEHICLE DURING THIS TIME. I CAME IN TO WORK TO DO SOME RESEARCH SINCE THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THERE IS NO RESERVOIR FOR THE POWER STEERING FLUID. NO PUMP, NO HOSE, NOTHING TO TOP OFF. WHAT I FOUND THROUGH MY RESEARCH IS SCARY AND IRRESPONSIBLE OF GM. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY GM IMMEDIATELY. I AM DISAPPOINTED TO FIND THAT GM HAS NOT RECALLED THIS VEHICLE NOR IDENTIFIED AND ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM (OR OTHERS). I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY MAILINGS OR NOTIFICATIONS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. IT'S OUTRAGEOUS THAT GM CAN LEGALLY PUT OUT A VEHICLE FOR MASS PRODUCTION WITH SUCH HAZARDOUS FLAWS SUCH AS THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING PROBLEM (AMONG OTHERS). AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND BLOGS ABOUT THE EPS SYSTEM, I AM CONVINCED THAT THE MAILBU IS SUFFERING FROM THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE COBALT AND OTHER VEHICLES IDENTIFIED IN A 2005 (MODEL) RECALL. THIS ISSUE IS A LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
Steering, Aug 5, 2010
WITHIN 1 WEEK OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE USED I COULD HEAR A CLUNK WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS A 'STEERING COLUMN GEAR' AND FIXED IT. WITHIN 6 MONTHS THE SOUND STARTED AGAIN, I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC HE SUGGESTED REPLACING THE RACK AND PINION. THIS STOPPED THE SOUND FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS, THIS TIME THE SOUND NOT ONLY CAME BACK BUT THE STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE MERGING ONTO THE FREEWAY, WHEN I LET MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR THE STEERING CAME BACK. THIS LOCK UP HAS OCCURRED 2 MORE TIMES, MAKING A TOTAL OF 3 STEERING LOCK UPS IN A YEARS TIME. *TR
Steering, Aug 2, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE HAD AN ADEQUATE AMOUNT OF POWER STEERING FLUID. BASED ON THE CONTACT'S RESEARCH, HE BELIEVED THE FAILURE TO BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR. NEITHER THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Jul 30, 2010, crash
FRONT END COLLISION WITH THE REAR OF A PICK UP TRUCK TOTALING CAR. *TR
Steering, Jul 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AT TWO MPH THE POWER STEERING STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, RESTARTED IT AND THEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER SINCE THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION WAS VERY COMMON. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 10/15/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED. UPDATD 10/2110*JB
Steering, Jul 29, 2010
POWER STEERING FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY. WARNING LIGHT LIT UP ON DASHBOARD. CAR JERKED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT. SEVERAL HOURS LATER SAME THING HAPPENED UPON BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE. *TR
Steering, Jul 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD INTERMITTENTLY LOCK WHILE ATTEMPTING A TURN. THE CONTACT WOULD SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE POWER STEERING WOULD RESET ITSELF. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND ADVISED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL TORQUE INPUT SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD SPEAK TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE WHO WOULD BE LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS HELD LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 51,000. UPDATED 11/9/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER STEERING AND PULL THE LEFT IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CAUSE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. UPDATED 11/16/10
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 23, 2010
POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON CAR PULLING OUT OF A MALL PARKING LOT ONTO HIGHWAY. ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING/TURNING ON TO HIGHWAY. DROVE CAR HOME AND PARKED. RESTARTED NEXT MORNING AND WORKED FINE. *TR
Steering, Jul 22, 2010
POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. DIFFICULT TO STEER AND TURN. POWER STEERING DEFAULT LIGHT ON DASH. DEALER UNWILLING TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. GM HAS ALREADY RECALLED OTHER BRANDS FOR SAME PROBLEM: RECALL SUMMARY GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Jul 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLES CHIME AND POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND UNLOCKED WHEN RELEASING THE PEDAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES AND WAS REPAIRED TWICE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE ELECTRONIC STEERING MOTOR WAS BEING REPAIRED BY THE DEALER WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 86,000. UPDATED 10/01/2010. *LJ UPDATED 10/04/10*JB
Steering, Jul 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED FORCING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 17000.
Steering, Jul 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, WAITED A FEW MINUTES TO SEE IF THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AND IT FAILED TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY SEVEN TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,700. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,900.
Steering, Jul 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS FROM 1 TO 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE FOLLOWED BY A SERIES OF THREE WARNING CHIMES. THE FAILURE PERSISTED INTERMITTENTLY. THE ILLUMINATION BEGAN TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY AND EVENTUALLY, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST BEGAN TO FAIL SPORADICALLY. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD HAD TO UTILIZE EXTREME FORCE IN ORDER TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND STATED THAT THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING UNIT AND INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 81,467.
Steering, Jul 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH A STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. HE COASTED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND WAS ABLE RESTART IT. THE VEHICLE STARTED AND THE STEERING WARNING LIGHT SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. TWICE THE DEALER REPLACED THE INTERMIT SHAFT, AND ANOTHER THEN THE STEERING TORQUE SENSOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS VERY EASY TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT BUT DIFFICULT WHEN TURNING IT TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR $580. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Steering, Jul 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 16 MPH, A CHIME SOUNDED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, FOLLOWED BY THE LOSS OF THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES WITHIN A THREE WEEK PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE STEERING WHEEL TORQUE INPUT SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED A SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,300. UPDATED 10/05/10. *LJ
Steering, Jul 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX LT. THE CONTACT STATED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE POWER STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED AND RESET. FIVE MINUTES AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO RESET THE CODES FIVE TIMES TO NO AVAIL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD LOCK WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OF 3 TO 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Steering, Jul 18, 2010
2006 CHEVY MALIBU ELECTRIC STEERING PROBLEMS. STEERING NON-RESPONSIVE AND HAD TO STOP SHUT ENGINE OFF AND RESTART TO REMOVE POWER STEERING CHECK LIGHT ON DASH AND WORKED AGAIN OK FOR SHORT WHILE. *TR
Steering, Jul 15, 2010
POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILS INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT ANY ADVANCED WARNING. ONCE THE POWER STEERING MODULE FAILS, THE STEERING WHEEL IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN BUT IS STILL TURNABLE. THE INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM SAYS POWER STEERING AND A CHIME NOISE IS AUDIBLE. THE FIRST TIME THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED ON ME WAS DURING A TURN AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO COLLIDE WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE FREQUENT, ABOUT EVER 30 MINUTES. THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL FUNCTIONING ONCE THE CAR IS SHUT OFF AND STARTED AGAIN. WHY IT FAILS IS NOT KNOWN TO ME OR WHY IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL OPERATION AFTER IT IS RESTARTED. IN ADDITION, THE IGNITION KEY WAS EXTREMELY HOT WHEN IT WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 13, 2010
POWER STEERING GOING OUT AND CANNOT STEER. POWER STEERING WILL NOT WORK AFTER STARTING THE CAR. 2006 MALIBU LT. PURCHASED NEW IN 2006. ONLY 40,000 MILES ON IT. ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN FIRST YEAR. WHEN USED IN MOUNTAIN DRIVING THEY WARP AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Steering, Jul 11, 2010
MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU IS HAVING POWER STEERING PROBLEMS. THIS PROBLEM RESULTS IN LOSS OF STEERING. ON JULY 8, 2010 I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED MOVING THE CAR TO LEFT AND THEN TO THE RIGHT THEN I COMPLETELY LOST STEERING. AFTER A MINUTE OR SO THE STEERING CAME BACK BUT ONLY TO THE POINT WHERE I HAD TO PUT ALL MY MUSCLE INTO IT TO STEER. POWER STEERING FLASHED ON MY RADIO DURING THIS OCCASION. AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF A COUPLE TIMES THE POWER STEERING FLASH DISAPPEARED AND MY STEERING WAS BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE LOST STEERING COMPLETELY FOR A SHORT TIME DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE ON JULY 9, 2010. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY STEERING COLUMN AND IT WOULD COST CLOSE TO 600 DOLLARS TO FIX. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND FOR SOME REASON IT DOES NOT COVER THIS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL SITUATION. IT IS VERY UNSAFE FOR ME TO BE DRIVING AND I FEAR DRIVING MY SON IN THE CAR WITH ME. AFTER READING ONLINE I HAVE LEARNED THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH A 06 MALIBU WHO HAS STEERING COMPLAINTS. ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE PAID HUNDREDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM ONLY FOR IT TO RETURN. I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THIS TIME LET ALONE IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN AFTER IT IS FIXED. I REALLY FEAR NOT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE. AS OF NOW MY VEHICLE CONTINUES TO FLASH POWER STEERING ON MY RADIO AND THE STEERING IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN I TURN THE CAR ON AND OFF A COUPLE TIMES IT FIXES IT FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN IT RETURNS WHILE I AM DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Jul 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE RPM'S SUDDENLY INCREASED TO 3000. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND BEGAN WORKING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 74000.
Steering, Jul 8, 2010
THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING ON MY 2006 MALIBU MAXX LT HAS FAILED REPEATEDLY. I TOOK IT TO A CHEVROLET DEALER, THE UNIT LOCKED ON THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DOING SIMPLE PARKING LOT MANEUVERS. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND EPS UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS PROBLEM CAN NOT BE FIXED, IT CAN ONLY BE REPLACED WITH DEFECTIVE PARTS SINCE THE DEFECT IS INHERENT IN THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING SYSTEM. I HAVE REPORTED THIS SAFETY ISSUE TO THE CHEVROLET HOT LINE AS HAVE OTHER OWNERS AND STILL NO RECALL. I WAS ON THE ATLANTA INTERSTATE 85, IT LOCKED ON ME AND I THOUGHT THAT FOR SURE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WAS GOING TO OCCUR OR WORST DEATH. THIS FAILURE HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN ONE DAY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND HAS BEEN REPORTED FOR SEVERAL YEARS, PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR DIES AS A RESULT. A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS SAFETY ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED WITHOUT RESULTS. AGAIN, I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE RECALL THIS VEHICLE AND PROTECT THE AMERICAN CONSUMER FROM A DEATH TRAP. I CAN NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE KNOWING THAT THIS FAILURE CAN OCCUR AT ANYTIME WITHOUT WARNING. EVEN IF CHEVROLET DOES PAY TO FIX MY VEHICLE, THIS FAILURE WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR