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, Feb 21, 2010
2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX - 1ST INCIDENT WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN "POWER STEERING" FLASHED ON THE CONSOLE DISPLAY, PARKED THE CAR AND TURNED IT OFF AND ON, AND IT WAS WORKING FINE; ABOUT 12 TIMES SINCE MAY, I START THE CAR AND THE WHEEL WILL NOT TURN, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE "POWER STEERING" DISPLAY ON THE CENTER CONSOLE FLASHES, IT SOMETIMES TAKES ABOUT 10 TRIES, BUT IT EVENTUAL STARTS CORRECTLY; ABOUT 4 OF THE 12 INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN WHILE DRIVING, IT USUALLY HAPPENS ON TURNS, SWITCHING LANES, ALL AT RELATIVELY SLOW SPEEDS; IT HAS BEEN IN A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP FIVE TIMES WITH EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILLS (A SENSOR MODULE REPLACED/REPAIRED, STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED, SENSOR MODULES/SOLENOIDS REPLACED, A RELAY/SENSOR REPLACED IN THE COLUMN, LAST VISIT THERE WAS NO CODE, SO THE MECHANIC SAID HE COULD NOT DO ANYTHING AND TO WAIT UNTIL IT DOES IT AGAIN AND KEEP IT RUNNING AND THEY WOULD COME TOW IT, HOWEVER THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAS ON BUSINESS 2 HOURS AWAY AND IT WASN'T POSSIBLE FOR THEM TO DO IT) AND THE PROBLEMS CONTINUES AND APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE (MORE FREQUENT AND TAKES MORE RESTARTS TO WORK PROPERLY); EVEN MORE DISHEARTENING IS THAT THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED TO HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT I'VE FOUND MANY BLOGS WITH OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HEARD A POPPING SOUND WHEN SHE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND LATER OBSERVED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKEN. SHE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE WITH NO RESISTANCE WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO UNCONTROLLABLE DURING RAINY AND INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SHAFT 4 TIMES AND THE FAILURE WAS STILL PERSISTENT. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE WARRANTY DID NOT INCLUDE THE FAILED THE COMPONENTS AND THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000.
Steering, Feb 16, 2010
STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING AT SLOW SPEEDS. THIS WENT ON FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS THEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. A CHIME WENT OFF AND THE RADIO DISPLAYED POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY HARD TO CONTROL GOOD THING IT WAS A STRAIGHT ROAD. AFTER PULLING OVER AND TURNING CAR OFF THE STEERING CAME BACK AFTER RE-STARTING. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAVE HERD OF THIS BEFORE AND THE FIX MAY BE REPLACING THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Steering, Feb 15, 2010
I WAS ABOUT TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPOT AND SUDDENLY I COULD NOT HARDLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. MY MESSAGE BOARD READ "POWERING STEERING". IT STARTED ABOUT 1 WEEK AGO AND HAS DONE IT SEVERAL TIMES SINCE. I HAVE EVEN GOTTEN INTO MY CAR AND DIRECTLY AFTER STARTING IT THE SAME MESSAGE POPS UP, AND I CAN NOT TURN THE WHEEL. MY STEERING WHEEL ALSO STARTED JERKING WHILE I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I STARTED RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM! HOPEFULLY THIS WILL NOT COST AN OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY TO FIX. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE SOME RESEARCH INTO THIS ISSUE. MOST OF THE ISSUES CAME FROM 2004 MODELS. IT IS REALLY UPSETTING TO KNOW THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR A LONG TIME. I JUST HOPE THIS GETS FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET HURT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Steering, Feb 13, 2010
LOSS OF POWER STEERING. HAPPENS ONCE A MONTH. NO PARTS REPAIRED YET. *TR
Visibility, Feb 10, 2010
THE MASTER WINDOW CONTROL ON DRIVERS DOOR DOES NOT WORK. THE FOUR BUTTONS WILL NOT LOWER THE WINDOWS. THE INDIVIDUAL WINDOW CONTROLS WORK ON THEIR RESPECTIVE DOORS. I CAN NOT LOWER OR RAISE THE WINDOWS FROM THE MASTER CONTROL ON DRIVERS DOOR. HASN'T BEEN FIXED YET. *TR
Steering, Feb 9, 2010
MY 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU'S POWER STEERING WENT OUT TWICE ON 02/05/2010. I WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT AWAY AND AT LOW SPEEDS AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT SO THIS DID NOT CAUSE ME TO CRASH. HOWEVER I'M CONCERNED THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AT HIGHER SPEED OR A MORE UNSAFE TIME. THIS APPEARS TO BE MUCH LIKE THE COBALT INVESTIGATION PE10005. *TR
Visibility, Feb 9, 2010
PROABLY NOT IMPORTANT, BUT. CHEVY MALIBU MAXX. BOUGHT USED. 60,000(ISH) MILES 'CRACKED' WINDSHIELD, 62,000(ISH) MILES. GLASS TECH REPORTS WINDSHIELD HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE. 2 BROKEN WINDSHIELDS IN 62,000(ISH) MILES??????? I AM NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT GLASS TECH/CO. LIKELY COINCIDENCE, BUT, IN CASE.... *TR
Steering, Feb 7, 2010, crash
CHEVROLET MALIBU 2006 LT 3.5 V6 STEERING WHEN DRIVING AT HGHWAY SPEEDS LOCKS UP. CREATES A FEELING LIKE EMERGENCY BRAKING WITH ABS. HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE TURNING IN TOWN AND WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. LAKESIDE DEALERSHIP IN ROCKWALL, TX WHEN I CONTACTED THEM SAID THERE WAS NOT A FIX GM WAS AWARE OF PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRONIC STEERING IN THE MALIBU, IMPLALA AND FULL SIZE TRUCKS. CRASHED ON A COUNTY ROAD BECAUSE THE STEERING WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO TURN. THE CAR CRASHED INTO A WASHOUT AREA CAUSING MORE THAN $5000.00 IN DAMAGE. *TW
Steering, Feb 6, 2010
POWER STEEERING FAILURE WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION-WHEN CAR SLOWS DOWN IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. HAPPENED 2X-CAR TOWED TO DEALER THEY REPLACED POWER STEERING MOTOR. HAPPENED AGAIN 2 WEEKS LATER-DEALER REPLACED STEERING COLUMN-$1400 TOTAL REPAIRS! GM WILL NOT HELP BECAUSE CAR IS OUT OF WARRENTY *CN
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2010
OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS MY CAR HAS HAD A HARD TIME STARTING EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. TODAY WHEN I GOT HOME FROM WORK I TURNED IT TO THE ACC POSITION WHILE I WAS ON THE PHONE, ABOUT 2 MINUTES LATER I NOTICED THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT COME ON AND MY LIGHTS WENT DIM. I TRIED TO TURN IT BACK ON BUT IT WOULD NOT START. THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND MY LOCKS ON THE DOORS WERE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING REPEATEDLY. I COULD HEAR CLICKING IN MY DOOR, UNDER THE HOOD, AND IN THE BACK OF MY CAR SOMEWHERE. I READ ONLINE AND FOUND A DISTURBING NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALSO HAD THIS PROBLEM, THEY SEEMED TO HAVE A FIX OF KEEPING IT ON THE ACC POSITION UNTIL THE LIGHT WENT OFF, TURN IT OFF AND LEAVE IT OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN IT SHOULD WORK! I TRIED IT.... IT DIDN'T WORK. IT JUST WENT CRAZY AGAIN WITH THE FLASHING LIGHT AND CLICKING NOISES. ITS BEEN 5 HOURS AND I STILL CAN NOT TURN ON MY CAR. THE WINDOW IS STUCK OPEN AND I CAN NOT GO TO WORK!!! *TR
Steering, Feb 3, 2010
WHILE DRIVING AT 60MPH ON THE FREEWAY CAR STEERING JERKED AND THEN LOCKED UP. THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING AT ALL AND NO WHERE TO PULL OVER. IT HAS SINCE HAPPENED ABOUT 20 TIMES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Feb 2, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 MALIBU LT THAT LOST THE POWER STEERING ON A STREET, ON ABLE TO MANEUVER THE CAR I HAD SOME BYSTANDERS HELP ME PUSH THE CAR TO A PARKING LOT. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND SEEN THAT THERE ARE MANY MALIBU'S WITH THIS PROBLEM SOME WITH ACCIDENTS. *TR
Steering, Feb 2, 2010
THE POWER STEERING FREEZES UP ON MY 2006 MALIBU MAXX. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE RPMS ARE WAY UP, LIKE WHEN PASSING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THERE IS NO STEERING AT ALL!!! THE WHEEL IS LOCKED RIGHT TIGHT. THE DEALER SAID THAT IT COULD NOT HAPPEN THAT WAY. THE CAR ALSO LOOSES STEERING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE STEERING WHEEL TURNS BUT THE TIRES DO NOT. *TR
Steering, Jan 31, 2010
2006 CHEVY MALIBU LT ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING FAILURE: ON 1/31/2010, MY FAMILY AND I WERE ON OUR WAY TO CHURCH; WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 20 (I20) THE 2006 CHEVY MALIBU ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING WENT OUT. IT WAS ONLY BECAUSE OF THE LOW TRAFFIC VOLUME AT THAT TIME THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT TO BE REPORTED. I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO CHURCH BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE BACK TO MY HOME. I HAD A FAMILY MEMBER PICK UP MY WIFE THAT IS PREGNANT ALONG WITH MY TWO DAUGHTERS, AND FOLLOW ME BACK TO THE HOUSE. BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED I SEARCHED ONLINE TO FIND OUT IF THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CHEVY MALIBU. WITHIN MY RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND OUT THIS PROBLEM IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG MANY OWNERS WHO VEHICLE FALLS BETWEEN THE YEAR OF 2004 AND 2006. ALTHOUGH MY CAR HAS OVER 100,000 MILES I HAVE FOUND THIS PROBLEM HAS ACCRUED AS EARLY AS 52,000 MILES. I THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME OUT TO INVESTIGATE MY COMPLAINT, AND PRAY THAT THE BEST DECISION IS MADE AS IT RELATES TO LIVES OF OTHERS. AGAIN I THANK YOU FOR THIS SERVICE AND OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS MY CONCERNS. *TR
Steering, Jan 27, 2010
I HAVE A 06 MALIBU MAXX AND THE POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT. WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR, IT WAS DRIVING FINE AND THE ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOSE POWER STEERING AND THE WORDS "POWER STEERING" IS DISPLAYED. I HAVE TO TURN OF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON SO IT CAN RESET. IT HAS BEEN DOING IT MORE AND MORE LATELY, AND A FEW TIMES I ALMOST HAVE HIT SOMEONE. I CALLED CHEVY TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAID NO. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2004 AND 2005 CHEVYS MALIBU WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING, BUT NOTHING ON THE 2006. CHEVY ALSO TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND LET THEM INSPECT. WHICH I DID AND THEY CAN FIND NO PROBLEM. *CN
Steering, Jan 26, 2010
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND ACCELERATING. USUALLY, THIS HAPPENS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, BEFORE THE ENGINE HAS HAD A CHANCE TO WARM UP. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST SIX TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. MOST RECENTLY ON JANUARY 15, 2010. *TR
Steering, Jan 26, 2010
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX THAT HAS BEEN KNOCKING NEAR THE FRONT END, INDICATING POSSIBLE CV JOINT ISSUES OR SOME OTHER SUSPENSION OR STEERING PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD THE TIE RODS REPLACED ONCE BUT THE SYMPTOMS LATER RETURNED. MOST RECENTLY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED, LOCKING DURING A RIGHT TURN AND CAUSING ME TO DRIVE OUT OF MY LANE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AT LEAST 3 OCCASIONS IN JANUARY 2010 AND THANKFULLY HAS NOT RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. HAD MY WIFE BEEN DRIVING WITH HER BAD BACK, SHE WOULD NOT HAVE HAD THE STRENGTH TO CONTROL THE CAR AND AVOID A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME IT WAS THE ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM AND THE COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT THERE ARE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF FORUMS DISCUSSING THIS EXACT PROBLEM IN THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE OVER ABOUT 4 MODEL YEARS BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. *TR
Steering, Jan 26, 2010
MY 06 MALIBU MAXX HAS A STEERING PROBLEM. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TURN EASILY AT LOW SPEEDS. IT MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I TURN. I HAVE READ AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH MY ELECTRONIC STEERING AND IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM FOR MANY OF THESE VEHICLES. I AM WORRIED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AT A HIGHER SPEED. *TR
Steering, Jan 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU. THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 15 AND 55 MPH ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON BEFORE THE STEERING SYSTEM RESET ITSELF AND BEGAN DRIVING NORMALLY. THE INPUT TORQUE SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK. . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51000. *CN UPDATED 02/17/10.*JB
Steering, Jan 6, 2010
THE POWER STEERING ASSIST IN MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX HAS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING TWICE. I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK INTO IT AND IT WAS A CONFIRMED PROBLEM FOR THE 2005 MODELS BUT NOT THE 2006. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE LIABILITY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. IF THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS ITS AN ISSUE, IT NEEDS TO GET FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. I'VE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WE NEED YOUR HELP TO FIX IT. *TR
Steering, Dec 29, 2009, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. CONSEQUENTLY THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A ROAD BARRIER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE POWER STEERING MOTOR WAS REPLACED. AN IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Steering, Dec 20, 2009
POWER STEERING GOES OUT WITHOUT WARNING. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND SHOP CANNOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSES IT. *TR
Suspension, Air bags, Dec 17, 2009, crash
DRIVING 30 MPH DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD. DROVE OVER BLACK ICE STARTED TO FISHTAIL. LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE GOING INTO THREE 360'S. IN THE FOURTH 360 I HIT A TREE HEAD ON CAUSING TOTAL DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR. SLID ALONG A BARBEDWIRE FENCE FOR THE BACK END TO HIT THE TREE AGAIN AND WRAPPING THE CAR AROUND THE TREE. THE TREE THEN FELL ON TOP OF THE CAR. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 13, 2009
POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHEN I ACCELERATE AND THE READING ON MY RADIO SAYS POWER STEERING AND THE ALARM IS ACTIVATED AS WELL TO LET ME KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS, I GET MY POWER STEERING BACK. THIS HAPPENS REGULARLY. *TR