2006 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,385 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 53 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 31 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Steering, electric power assist systemFeb 4, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14772. Note: This is an expansion of recall 14V-153 to cover additional vehicles built between April 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006.
Campaign 15V064000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringJul 21, 2014
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Campaign 14E044000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 14, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Campaign 14V252000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 30, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the PARK position, the transmission may not be in PARK. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
Campaign 14V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMar 31, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Campaign 14V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpFeb 28, 2011
TI AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN FUEL PUMPS, PART NUMBERS TU456 AND TU303, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AS AFTERMARKET AND REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MAY SEIZE, STOPPING THE FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE CREATING A STALLING CONDITION.
A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP WITH A NEW OR REWORKED FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-866-867-3759 OR LOG ON TO WWW.RECALLRESPONSE.COM.
Campaign 11E009000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalOct 31, 2006
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
Campaign 06V417000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsOct 19, 2005
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE TIRE LABEL TABLE SPECIFIED THE 15 INCH SPARE FOR THE FRONT DISC/REAR DRUM BRAKE SYSTEM AND IT SHOULD SPECIFY A 16 INCH SPARE TIRE SIZE.
A 15" DIAMETER REPLACEMENT SPARE TIRE CAN NOT BE INSTALLED ON THE FRONT AXLE DUE TO A FIT INTERFERENCE WITH THE BRAKE CALIPER.
OWNERS WILL BE MAILED A CORRECTED LABEL WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS OR THE CUSTOMERS COULD HAVE THEIR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Campaign 05V486000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,385 reports, newest first.
Steering, Jun 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE. SECONDS LATER, THE POWER STEERING STOPPED FUNCTIONING AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INCREASINGLY HARD AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 118,000. UPDATED 07/29/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP ND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 08/03/10*JB
Steering, Jun 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. SHE STATED THAT ON JUNE 1, 2010, WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND ON WHICH CORRECTED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 90,000.
Steering, Jun 1, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND UPON RESTART, OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AT 25,700 MILES AND WAS NOT TAKEN IN TO BE EXAMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,700.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, May 31, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU THAT MY DAUGHTER DRIVES TO WORK 5 DAYS A WEEK. IT HAS APPROX. 76,000 MILES. I WENT AND DRIVE THE CAR ON THIS DATE AND NOTICE THE STEERING FLUID DISPLAY WAS ON THE RADIO DISPLAY. I ASKED MY DAUGHTER HOW LONG IS WAS ON THERE, SHE SAID APPROX. A WEEK. I CALLED THE GMC DEALER AND GOT AN APPOINTMENT ON THE THIRD OF MAY. THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEED A NEW STEERING COLUMN AND A SHAFT WHICH WOULD BE ABOUT $1000. THEY SAID WE COULD STILL DRIVE THE CAR THAT I WOULD ACTUALLY WOULD LOSE JUST THE POWER STEERING. ON MAY 10, I TOOK THE CAR IN AND GOT IT FIXED. $850 LATER IT IS FIXED. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACED A STEERING COLUMN ON ANY OF MY OTHER CARS, WHICH HAD OVER 95,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON THAT ONE. PLUS I TRIED TO REFILL THE STEERING FLUID, AND WHO KNOW THAT MY CAR HAD AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. SOMEONE SHOULD INFORM THE CONSUMER ON THIS. MY MAIN CONCERN WAS FOR MY DAUGHTER WHO DRIVES THIS CAR IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. WHAT IF IT LOCKED UP? IT IS A THOUGHT I WOULD NOT WISH TO THINK OF! *TR
Steering, May 22, 2010
A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO, I NOTICED THAT WHEN I MADE A TURN ESPECIALLY A LEFT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP TO THE POINT IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. NOW I NOTICE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL GET REALLY TIGHT WHILE I AM DRIVING, AND THIS HAPPENS EVERY OTHER DAY. I AM ALMOST AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BUT IT IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AT THIS POINT, AND I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES HARD TO TURN, I HAVE TO PUT ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE THE TURN. NO WARNING SUCH AS A POWERING STEELING LIGHT COMES ON. I THINK IF THE PROBLEM CONTINUES IT COULD LEAD TO SOMEONE GETTING SEVERELY INJURED OR DYING. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN OVERWHELMING SMELL OF GASOLINE FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS CRACKED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 83,089. UPDATED 08/19/10*BF UPDATED 08/23/10*JB
Steering, May 19, 2010
2006 CHEVY MALIBU ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GOES OUT RANDOMLY AND LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING CAUSING DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET RANGING FROM YEAR MODELS 2004-2008 AND I AM WONDERING WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROBLEM. I ALSO HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT DEALERS HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND HOW TO FIX IT. I'M ALSO LEARNING THAT EVERYONE IS SAYING THAT THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY DIFFERENT THINGS, BUT THE RESULT IS ALL THE SAME. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IS FAULTY NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!!! IS GM GOING TO WAIT UNTIL PEOPLE DIE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ONE!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
Steering, May 16, 2010
STEERING PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, May 15, 2010
POWER STEERING LOCKS UP AND THEN RESETS ITSELF. HAS NOT LOCKUP YET WHILE DRIVING. HAVE RESEARCHED AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SAME TYPE CAR. I HAVE TO DRIVE IT BUT AM AFRAID THE WHOLE TIME. *TR
Steering, May 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A CHIME SOUNDED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED FOR A MINIMUM PERIOD OF FIFTEEN SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE IN NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURES WITH UNKNOWN REPAIRS PERFORMED. THE FAILURES CONTINUED AFTER THE SERVICE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT, THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, May 12, 2010
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE MY VEHICLE IS MOVING. *TR
Steering, May 10, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 54000.
Steering, May 10, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 3 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND UPON RESTARTING, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES SINCE THE INITIAL FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,459 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,659.
Steering, May 4, 2010
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE. THE POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT WITHOUT ANY SYMPTOMS OTHER THAN A MESSAGE ON THE RADIO CONSOLE. *TR
Steering, Apr 27, 2010
WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY WENT OUT. I SOON NOTICED THAT EVERY TIME THE CAR TURNED TO THE RIGHT IT WOULD LOSE THE POWER STEERING FUNCTION. THIS CAUSES THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP AND IT MUST BE HEAVILY MUSCLED TO TURN THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO A GM DEALER, AND THEY WERE FORCED TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN AS WELL AS THE POWER STEERING MOTOR, AS THE MALIBU HAS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 27, 2010
4/16/2010 - BRAKE LIGHTS FLICKER EVEN WHEN NOT DEPRESSED. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR ON 4/17/2010. DEALER STATED THAT BRAKE PEDAL WAS "OUT OF POSITION" AND REPOSITIONED PEDAL. 4/26/2010 - BRAKE LIGHTS ON SOLID WHEN THE CAR IS ON. TOOK TO A DEALERSHIP; REPLACED BRAKE SENSOR SWITCH. ONLY 28K MILES ON THE CAR. CONSEQUENCES - CARS BEHIND ARE UNABLE TO TELL WHETHER THE CAR IS TRULY BRAKING OR NOT, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 26, 2010
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 5 MILES FROM MY HOME AND THE STEERING WENT OUT ON MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU, AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN. I HAD MY GRANDCHILD WITH ME I COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT I TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR 1 0 MIN. AND STARTED IT BACK UP. THE STEERING LIGHT WENT OFF BUT THE CAR DID THE SAME THING TWICE BEFORE GETTING HOME UNHURT. I NEED MY CAR FIXED . I CANNOT AFFORD IT. *TR
Steering, Apr 23, 2010
06 CHEVY MALIBU POWER STEERING PROBLEM. WHEN I GO TO ACCELERATE WHEN GETTING ON THE ROAD, A POWER STEERING MESSAGE SHOW ACROSS THE RADIO DIAL, A WARNING BEEP SOUNDS, THEN THE STEERING IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER SAYS IT FEELS AS IF THE STEER WHEEL LOCKS ON HER, UNABLE TO TURN. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE WARRANTY IS OUT. I UNDERSTAND THE COBALTS HAVE A RECALL AGAINST THEM FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY NOT THE MALIBU'S? CHECK THE INTERNET FOR COMPLAINTS, THERE ARE HUNDRED, MAY BE EVEN THOUSANDS. THE ONLY RECALLS IS FOR STICKERS AND TWO OTHER ISSUES, WHICH WILL NOT CAUSE SOMEONE TO HAVE A WRECK POSSIBLY INJURING PERSONS. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS SITUATION. THANK YOU *TR
Steering, Apr 20, 2010
I OWN A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU AND HAD TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING FAILS EACH AND EVERY TIME WHEN DRIVING AT PARKING LOT SPEEDS AND ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING HARD TURNS TO EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT. GOING AROUND A CORNER OR PULLING ONTO A CITY STREET IS ENOUGH TO MAKE IT FAIL. UPON FAILURE, THE VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEM DISPLAYS "POWER STEERING" AND REQUIRES ME TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN BACK ON BEFORE FUNCTION RETURNS TO THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL ON FOUR CHEVY/PONTIAC MODELS WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE, I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A NEW STEERING COLUMN W/STEERING MOTOR WHICH COST ME $700 ON A VEHICLE THAT IS LESS THAN A YEAR FROM THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND EVEN THE SERVICE CONSULTANT STATES THAT THIS IS NOT SOMETHING I COULD HAVE CAUSED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE POWER STEERING FOR THE MALIBU FOR IT FAILING AT HIGH SPEEDS BUT NOT AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE AS IT IS UNEXPECTED AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NOT EASY TO STEER AS GM LIKES TO CLAIM. I FILED A COMPLAINT TO GM AND A DISTRICT REP CALLED ME AND STATED THAT I WOULD NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR ANY RE-REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE MY VEHICLE IS A MALIBU YET IT IS THE CORRECT YEAR FOR THE RECALL WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUES. *TR
Steering, Apr 20, 2010
WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING FAILS. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES WHILE I'VE HAD MY SON IN THE CAR. IT HAPPENS WHEN I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF A CURVE. I HAVE ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Apr 17, 2010
LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. *TR
Steering, Apr 10, 2010
2006 CHEVY MALIBU FAILURE OF RACK AND PINION, STEERING FAILURE REPLACED 3 TIMES STILL DEFECTIVE. *TR
Steering, Apr 8, 2010
THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2006 CHEVY HAS NOW FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME! MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER! THIS IS NOT A SAFE VEHICLE! I ALMOST RAN OFF THE ROAD WHEN IT FAILED IN A CURVE! I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE! THE FIRST TIME IT FAILED MY CAR HAD 30,000 MILES AND THE SECOND TIME ABOUT 80,000 MILES I'D SAY CHEVY MALIBUS 2006 HAD A DEFECT IN THE POWER STEERING. *TR
Steering, Apr 8, 2010
DURING NORMAL DRIVING, POWER STEERING FAILS. WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF AND TURNED BACK ON, POWER STEERING COMES BACK ON. *TR
Steering, Apr 7, 2010
LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT LOW SPEED MANEUVERS. OCCURS RANDOMLY. COMPLETE LOSS ON 4/4/10 AND SEVERAL OCCURRENCES WHERE SOME POWER ASSIST WAS LOST - ALL AT LOW SPEEDS. SEEMS TO COME BACK AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND HAS NEVER HAPPENED AT SPEEDS ABOVE 10MPH. DEALERSHIP AND GM CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID NO RECALLS - JUST TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IF STEERING DOES NOT RETURN. NOT MUCH OF A ANSWER TO WHAT SEEMS LIKE COULD BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM. NO PATTERN AS TO WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN - ALMOST HAD A LOW SPEED ACCIDENT ON 4/4/10 WHEN TOTAL STEERING ASSIST WAS LOST. I AM WORRIED ABOUT THIS HAPPENING AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND MY WIFE IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSIGNED A REF# TO MY COMPLAINT BUT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT ANYTHING WILL BE DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP OR BY GM ON WHAT I WOULD THINK IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR