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 5, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX. THE POWER STEERING IS LIGHTING UP ON THE STEREO. THERE IS A RECALL FOR OTHER CHEVY CARS THAT HAVE THE SAME POWER STEERING AS OUR CAR, YET OUR CAR ISN'T PART OF THE RECALL. WHY? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Seat belts, Mar 5, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU THAT I BOUGHT IN SACRAMENTO CA. VIA PAUL BLANCO DEALER ON FRANKLIN AND FLORIN RD. (THEY ARE NO LONGER IN BUSINESS AT THAT SITE). THE CAR ACCELERATES DANGEROUSLY WHEN ON CRUISE CONTROL. THE CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE (OIL LUBE PLACE DETECTED AN ENGINE GASKET THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT CONTINUES TO OVERHEAT; UNLESS I KEEP THE HEATER AND OR AC GOING; THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE RE GREASED AND RE-ADJUSTED AT FIRESTONE A FEW MONTHS AGO BECAUSE ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WOULD LOCK. THE A/C COMPRESSOR IMMEDIATELY WENT BAD AFTER PURCHASING THIS CAR. I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER ONE WHICH COST A GOOD AMOUNT! SOON AFTER PURCHASE (USED VEHICLE WITH APPROX. 10,300 MILES) THE BRAKES WENT OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED! IN JAN. 2010, I NOTICED THE SEAT BELT LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, EVEN AFTER IT WAS LOCKED IN (WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHEN AND IF ITS GOING TO KEEP ME SAFE WHEN DRIVING); ERC. ETC.. I NEED SOMEONE TO CONTACT THE DEALER OF CHEVY SO THAT OWNERS CAN GO GET THESE THINGS CHECKED OUT AND FIXED THE RIGHT WAY. I ATTEMPTED TO CALL THE NUMBERS GIVEN RE: WARRANTY ETC. AND NOTHING WAS RESOLVED. *TR
Steering, Mar 5, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT HAS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PROBLEM HAPPENS RANDOMLY. THE MESSAGE BOX STARTING FLASHING AND THE POWER STEERING STARTED GOING OUT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88000.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 3, 2010
INCIDENT: FAILURE OF POWER STEERING ON 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU 1) A WEEK LEADING UP THE EVENT, I RETURNED FROM VACATION TO FIND "CHECK POWER STEERING" LIT UP ON MY MESSAGE CENTER, HOWEVER, POWER STEERING WAS STILL AVAILABLE. THIS OCCURRED ON A PARTICULARLY COLD MORNING, AFTER A COLD FEW WEEKS. THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP TOLD ME NOTHING WAS WRONG (BY PHONE). I CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT RECURRENCE OF THE WARNING MESSAGE. 2) ON ANOTHER PARTICULARLY COLD MORNING, I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL GAS STATION, FILLED UP, AND DROVE APPROXIMATELY TWO CAR LENGTHS WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MOVE, AND THE "CHECK POWER STEERING" MESSAGE DISPLAYED. I APPLIED THE BREAKS, STOPPING THE VEHICLE. 3) I HAD READ ABOUT THE FAILURE ONLINE, AND THE FIX SEEMED TO BE A RESTART OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. THE POWER STEERING WAS RESTORED, AND I HAVE DRIVEN IT SINCE WITHOUT INCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Mar 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE POWER STEERING WOULD FAIL WITHIN MINUTES. THE FAILURE OCCURRED 8 TIMES. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, THE FAILURE SEEMED TO CORRECT ITSELF. HE HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO-DATE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,500.
Steering, Mar 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HIS POWER STEERING FAILED WHENEVER HE STARTED THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER ALSO STATED THAT HIS STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON. WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE GEAR AND ACCELERATES, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING EXCESSIVELY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Steering, Mar 3, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU LS . POWER STEERING KEEPS COMING ON. THE WHEEL TURNS SLIGHTLY IN IDLE. WELL NOW POWER STEERING IS LOST WHILE DERIVING MAKING IT HARD TO MOVE AT HIGH SPEEDS. DANGEROUS. AFTER CAR IS TURNED OFF THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO GO AWAY UNTIL MINUTES LATER YOU HEAR CHIMES AND IT LOCKS AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE STEERING COLUMN MADE A POPPING AND SNAPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE NOISE WOULD CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 04/05/10 *BF UPDATED 05/05/10.*JB
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
WHEN STARTING MY CAR IT IS VERY HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL UNTIL I GAIN A LITTLE SPEED. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
POWER STEERING FAILS WHILE DRIVING. WHEEL TURNS SUDDENLY TO THE LEFT AND THEN THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. I LOOKED ONLINE AND SAW THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND BACK ON SO THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT A WARNING. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. UPDATED 03/14/10 *BF UPDATED 05/06/10.*JB
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
POWER STEERING INDICATOR KEEPS COMING ON WHILE DRIVING. TYPICALLY HAPPENS EVERYTIME I GET IN THE CAR TO DRIVE IT. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
POWER STEERING BECAME INOPERATIVE, WOULDN'T TURN. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU THAT I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW. I WAS HOPEFUL THAT THE RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED RECENTLY INCLUDES MY CAR, BUT IT DOES NOT...WHICH REALLY DISAPPOINTS ME SINCE I JUST PRINTED OFF AROUND 15 PAGES OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS TO TAKE TO MY DEALER. THE FAILURE ON MY CAR STARTED LAST SPRING-SUMMER AND HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS DRIVING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS FREEZING AND THEN WOULDN'T ALLOW ME TO DRIVE STRAIGHT, IT WOULD EITHER GO FAR RIGHT OR FAR LEFT. I THOUGHT I NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT (WHICH I HAD DONE), BUT THAT DIDN'T HELP AT ALL. THIS TERRIFIED ME. IT HAPPENS AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES A DAY ALL WEEK LONG. WE HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN (ON OUR OWN-RECALL ON 2005 MALIBU'S WON'T COVER MY 2006 EVEN THOUGH THE REP AT GM WE TALKED TO CONFIRMED MY CAR CAME OFF THE LINE IN 2005) AND IT STARTED DOING THE SAME THING THE NEXT DAY. HERE IS A DESCRIPTION OF EVERYTHING MY CAR DOES. IT HAS ALWAYS MADE A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL FREEZE UP AND BECOMES REALLY TIGHT MAKING IT HARD TO CONTROL. WHEN IT'S FROZEN, AND I TRY TO DRIVE STRAIGHT BY SLIGHTLY TURNING THE WHEEL, IT WILL ONLY TURN DRASTICALLY TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT MAKING MY WHOLE CAR JERK TO EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. ALSO WHEN IT'S DOING THIS, IT MAKE A LOUD VIBRATION NOISE AND THE WHEEL MOVES ON IT OWN IF I'M STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR IN PARK..EVEN OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. WHEN IT'S MAKING THIS LOUD SOUND I CAN ALSO FEEL THE VIBRATION IN THE BRAKE PAD. POWER STEERING WILL DISPLAY ON THE DIC SCREEN ON THE DASH. FROM WHAT I'VE READ,I KNOW HUNDRED OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO KEEP THROWING MONEY INTO PROBLEMS THAT WERE CREATED EVEN BEFORE WE BOUGHT THESE CARS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU, I PURCHASE THIS CAR USED LAST FEBRUARY 2009 AND ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT BEGIN TO COME ON. A COUPLE OF TIMES I NEEDED TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT $600 FOR THEM TO REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL, OR FIX THE PROBLEM. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM WOULD NOT CAUSE ANY PROBLEM AT THAT TIME. TODAY 03-02-2010 I READ AN ARTICLE CONCERNING RECALLS ON GM CARS 2005-2010 COBALT, BUT DUE TO THE INFORMATION THAT IS PROVIDED, THIS IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING WITH MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU. MY CONCERN IS HOW DO I GO ABOUT HAVING THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM RECTIFIED AS WELL FOR THIS CAR. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
CAR WAS IN THIS CONDITION WHEN WE BOUGHT. THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS PURCHASED FROM SENT IT OFF TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT WAS REPAIRED AT REPLACED STEERING COLUMN. WHEN WE GOT THE CAR BACK IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER WOULD NOT SEND THE CAR BACK TO BE REPAIR UNTIL 2 MONTHS LATER WHEN I COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IT COMPLETELY LOCK UP. THE DEALER SENT IT BACK TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND THE REPLACED THE POWER STEERING MOTOR. 2 MONTHS LATER WE BEGAN TO HAVE THE SAME STEERING PROBLEMS. I HAVE ALMOST GOTTEN IN 3 ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
STEERING. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND IN ANY GEAR THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY LOOSE ALL POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 92000.
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
MY GIRLFRIEND OWNS A 2006 MALIBU LS AND SHE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING SERIOUS STEERING ISSUES OVER THE PAST MONTH. HER POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. I THOUGHT SHE WAS JUST KIDDING ABOUT IT UNTIL I FINALLY DROVE IT AND WHILE TURNING A CORNER THE STEERING WENT OUT ON ME AND I NEARLY WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND THAT HER MALIBU IS NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS PHENOMENON, I FOUND MORE POSTS ABOUT THIS THAN I COULD COUNT. NOW I SEE THAT GM JUST ISSUED A RECALL FOR TWO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT THE SAME TIME AS HERS FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, MY QUESTION IS; WHY AREN'T THE MALIBUS' INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL WHEN THEY OBVIOUSLY HAVE THE SAME STEERING ISSUES AS THE TWO RECALLED VEHICLES? *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2010
I PURCHASED MY MALIBU IN DEC '06. BY JUNE, MY POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON, BUT MY MECHANIC COULDN'T FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. I STARTED NOTICING TROUBLE TURNING THE WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS, BUT IT WAS ONLY WHEN I TURNED LEFT. INITIALLY I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS STILL POWER STEERING, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED FOR OVER A YEAR PERIODICALLY. THEN IN AUG '08 ON MY WAY HOME WITH MY NEWBORN IN THE CAR....I TURNED LEFT TO PULL INTO MY DRIVEWAY, AND LOST THE POWER STEERING. I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND THE REPAIR COST OVER $1,000 AND THE DEALER SAID IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN IN A YEAR OR SO. THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AND POWER STEERING MOTOR WAS REPLACED. AFTER THE DEALER'S 12/12 WARRANTY EXPIRED, I STARTED HAVING THE SAME SYMPTOMS ALL OVER AGAIN. SO FAR IT HASN'T GONE OUT, BUT THE "POPPING" NOISE AND "LOOSE" STEERING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, PLUS THE MORE DIFFICULT STEERING WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS IS BACK AGAIN. WHEN THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT HAPPENED, I HAD JUST TURNED OFF A MAIN STREET. IF IT HAD HAPPENED JUST TWO BLOCKS EARLIER, I WOULD HAVE BEEN "T-BONED" WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. *TR
Steering, Feb 27, 2010
STEERING GEAR PROBLEM IN 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT. DEALER REPLACED WORN STEERING GEAR AT 25,000 MILES AND NOW AT 35,000 MILES THE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Feb 27, 2010
I BOUGHT MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU IN FEB 2009 . IMMEDIATELY AFTER WE PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A USED CAR LOT, WE STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE POWER STEERING. THE DEALERSHIP WE PURCHASED IT FROM SUGGEST WE TAKE IT TO LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT IT. THEY ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE IT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. AT THAT TIME, IT WOULD ONLY HAPPEN EVERY SO OFTEN SO I COULD NOT AFFORD TO HAVE THEM KEEP MY CAR FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. AT FIRST, I CHALKED IT UP TO THE COLD TEMPERATURES, BUT AS SPRING AND SUMMER PASSED IT STILL HAPPENED. I HAVE NOW HAD THE CAR A YEAR AND IT HAPPENS SOMETIMES FOUR OR FIVE TIMES BEFORE I GET OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. I HAVE THE POWERSTEERING MESSAGE COME ACROSS THE DISPLAY, I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND IT WILL RESET. USUALLY THE RESET WILL ONLY WORK IF I AM NOT IN A TURN POSITION. I CAN BE GOING 65MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND IT WILL CLICK OFF AND LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THANK GOD, THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD TO GET OUT OF CRUNCH ON THE INTERSTATE. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WHERE AFTER $50.00 FOR A DIAGNOSIS THEY ADVISED THAT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR/MODULE ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR THE PRICE TAG OF $850.00. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IF THERE ARE SO MANY CONSUMERS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THEY WOULD ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT. I NOW CAN'T DRIVE ANYWHERE WITHOUT IT HAPPENING 5 TO 7 TIMES. I USUALLY JUST LEAVE IT TILL I HAVE TO GET IN A PARKING SPOT. I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL , RESTART THE ENGINE AND HOPE IT WILL REENGAGE. I HAVE CONTACT GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE THE CAR SERVICED EVERYTIME AT A GM AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THAT IT NOW HAS 80K ON IT THEY WILL NOT HELP AT ALL. WELL IT WAS PURCHASED IN 2009 WITH 60 K ON IT AT THAT TIME IT WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT OF WARRANT THEN ALSO. THEY ARE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL AND DO NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Feb 26, 2010
LOSS OF POWER STEERING IN 2006 CHEVY MALIBU. LOSS OF CONTROL OF STEERING. REPLACED STEERING COLUMN AT DEALERSHIP. *TR
Steering, Feb 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT EXCESSIVELY WHICH DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. THE SPEED ALSO FLUCTUATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. GENERAL MOTORS TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD SEND HIM A $1000 VOUCHER TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN HE ASKED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,852.
Steering, Feb 24, 2010
MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU IS HAVING MAJOR ISSUES. POWER STEERING IS INTERMITTENTLY GOING OUT.. WITHOUT WARNING. STEERING COMPLETELY LOCKS UP FOR NO REASON WHEN DRIVING. VERY UNSAFE! ALSO.. IN 2008 THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO.. VERY UNSAFE. I AM AWARE THAT THESE ISSUES HAVE BECOME QUITE COMMON AND AM VERY UPSET THE CHEVY HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED AND PROVIDED A RECALL. *TR