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, Apr 26, 2009
THE POWER STEERING LIGHT IS ON AND THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE LEADS TO ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO FIX THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IN THE 2006 CHEVY MALIBU LT. I WILL LIKE TO HAVE THIS ON FILE AS A COMPLAINT TO THE MFR FOR NOT MAKING THIS A RECALL. I AM SURE ITS BECAUSE IT COSTS TOO MUCH TO FIX THIS PARTICULAR ITEM IN THE VEHICLE. SOME CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD THIS GOING ON FOR A WHILE WITH THEIR VEHICLES AND HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT DUE TO THE FACT THAT EVEN THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS HIGHWAY ROBBERY AND GM SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET AWAY WITH THIS. I AM NOT SURE HOW TO MAKE THEM SEE THE ERROR IN THEIR DECISION TO IGNORE THIS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT AND BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT THEY SHOULD RECALL IT. I WILL LIKE TO HAVE SOME GUIDANCE ON HOW TO TAKE THIS DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WHOM ELSE I CAN CONTACT TO LET THEM KNOW THIS IS HAPPENING. PLEASE HELP. I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET ANOTHER VEHICLE. I REALLY WANT MY CAR AND I JUST WANT TO GET IT FIXED. IT'S A SHAME THAT GM CAN'T STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT ONCE ITS DRIVEN OFF THE LOT. THIS IS A MFR DEFAULT AND IT SHOULD CONSTITUTE A RECALL RIGHT AWAY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 21, 2009
PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONVERTER WAS PLUGGED UP WITH A SUBSTANCE THAT APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, NOT THE USUAL WAY THAT A CONVERTER FAIL. MY MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS ON FOUR DIFFERENT GM PRODUCTS, AND THAT THE DEALER CHARGED HIM AN $80.00 CORE CHARGE FOR THE CONVERTER, THEY REALLY WANTED IT BAKE FOR SOME REASON. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Electric, Equipment, Apr 20, 2009
FILING A COMPLAINT REGARDING MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX...WHAT IS A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT? THE UNITED STATES CODE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY (TITLE 49, CHAPTER 301) DEFINES MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY AS ?THE PERFORMANCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OR MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT IN A WAY THAT PROTECTS THE PUBLIC AGAINST UNREASONABLE RISK OF ACCIDENTS OCCURRING BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OR PERFORMANCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE (THE STEERING COLUMN IS A GENUINE GM DEFECTIVE PART(S), AND AGAINST UNREASONABLE RISK OF DEATH OR INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT, AND INCLUDES NONOPERATIONAL SAFETY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE.? A DEFECT INCLUDES ?ANY DEFECT IN PERFORMANCE, CONSTRUCTION, A COMPONENT, OR MATERIAL OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OR MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT.? GENERALLY, A SAFETY DEFECT IS DEFINED AS A PROBLEM THAT EXISTS IN A MOTOR VEHICLE OR ITEM OF MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT THAT: POSES AN RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, AND MAY EXIST IN A GROUP OF VEHICLES OF THE SAME DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE, OR ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT OF THE SAME TYPE AND MANUFACTURE. EXAMPLES OF DEFECTS CONSIDERED SAFETY-RELATED STEERING COMPONENTS THAT BREAK SUDDENLY CAUSING PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. * THE ABOVE LISTED UNITED STATE VEHICLE SAFETY CODE IS THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT BEING FILE. I UNDERSTAND THAT CHEVY USED THE SAME COLUMN UNIT IN ITS 2004, 2005 AND 2006 MALIBU MODELS AND ALL THREE YEARS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. ONCE ODOMETER REACHES A CERTAIN MILEAGE READING THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC ASSISTED STEERING COLUMN FAILS, IT TURNS OFF, LEAVING THE DRIVER AT THE MERCY OF A MANUALLY HARD TO STEER VEHICLE, IN MY WIFE AND MINE'S CASE IT IS A METAL DEATH TRAP ON THE ROAD WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. I HAVE WRITTEN DIRECTLY TO CHEVY/GM MOTOR CORPORATION WITH OUT RECOGNITION OF MY COMPLAINT. THIS CAR IS A LARGE ROAD SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. I WANT CHEVY TO BUY MY CAR BACK OF REPLACE THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE IN THIS VEHICLE, NOR LOOSE MY WIFE. *TR
Steering, Apr 20, 2009
I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT WHEN MY POWER STEERING FAILED AND I DID GET AN ERROR MESSAGE ON MY DISPLAY. THE DEALERS COMPUTER ONLY SAID "ELECTRICAL", BUT IT WAS NOT ASSOCIATE WITH ANY PART SO THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING RETURNED AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 16, 2009
I PURCHASED GAS AND THE GAS GAUGE DROPS DOWN AND FUEL LIGHT COMES ON THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND IM GETTING REALLY FRUSTRATED WITH IT. IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE WITH EVERY FILL ITS JUMPING UP AND DOWN. *TR
Steering, Apr 16, 2009
AS I DRIVE OUT OF NOWHERE THE STEERING LOCKS UP. IT STARTED OFF ONCE IN A GREAT WHILE THEN GOT WORSE WITH TIME. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHER MODELS OF MALIBU. I JUST THINK IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE AND NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. A MECHANIC AT CHEVY SAID THAT MORE AND MORE CARS WERE COMING IN WITH THAT PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Wheels, Mar 30, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHENEVER THE CONTACT MAKES A RIGHT TURN IN THE VEHICLE, THE WHEELS LOCK UP. SHE ALSO HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ORDER TO TURN, THE VEHICLE MUST BE TRAVELING AT LEAST 14 MPH. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED ONLINE THAT SEVERAL VEHICLES WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. EACH MECHANIC THAT THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO COULD NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. SHE FEELS THAT CHEVROLET SHOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY ISSUE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Steering, Mar 27, 2009
I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR SHAKING WHEN DRIVING, SO I HAD MY TIRES CHECKED BUT IT WAS NOT THE TIRES. THE PROBLEM WAS MY OUTER TIE ROD ENDS NEED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR IS A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU, WHICH IS IN GOOD CONDITION & REGULARLY SERVICED. THERE ARE THREE OTHER PEOPLE I KNOW PERSONALLY WITH THE SAME MODEL CAR THAT IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO THE SHOP, I FOUND THAT IS A HARD PART TO LOCATE BECAUSE THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO LAST FOR YEARS BEFORE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. I THINK THE CHEVROLET DEALER SHOULD FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS BECAUSE ITS NOT FAIR TO THE CONSUMERS TO HAVE SUFFER THE EXPENSE OF THE REPAIR. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2009
38K MILE 2006 CHEVY MALIBU V-6-CAR SHAKES/VIBRATES/SHIMMIES. IT ALSO RATTLES AND CLUNKS UNDERNEATH AT ALL SPEEDS, FEELS LIKE THE BOTTOM IS FALLING OUT. DEALER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE A MINIMUM OF 7 COMPLAINTS. HEADLIGHTS LENSES ARE LOOSE AND THE LIGHTS SHAKE ALL OVER THE PLACE. DEALER DID FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGE HEADLIGHT ISSUE AFTER THE 4TH COMPLAINT AND I WAS TOLD IT IS A GM PROBLEM BUT THEY HAVE NO FIX AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. NOW THAT THE WARRANTY IS UP, THEY ARE ACKNOWLEDGING ALL PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS (MANY MORE THAN JUST THE COUPLE I LISTED HERE) BUT AT MY EXPENSE WHEN THESE ISSUES S/H/B TAKEN CARE OF AT THE TIME OF THE ORIGINAL AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. *TR
Steering, Mar 18, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. IMMEDIATELY, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO PARK AND THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE STEERING COLUMN UNLOCKED. THE VEHICLE THEN RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. WHEN HE REACHED HIS DESTINATION, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SUDDENLY, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE. THE FAILURES OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEN REPAIRED. ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AGAIN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Electrical system, Mar 13, 2009, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE RADIO WAS MAKING UNKNOWN SQUEAKING NOISES. SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND NOTICED IN HER REARVIEW MIRROR THAT FLAMES WERE PRESENT IN THE REAR INTERIOR SPEAKERS. SHE PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED, BUT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE PAPER USED TO MAKE THE SPEAKER GREW TOO HOT AND CAUSED THE FIRE. NO MODIFICATIONS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE MANUFACTURER'S SPEAKERS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,301.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 6, 2009
THE FUEL GAUGE SUDDENLY DROPS TO EMPTY, THEN BACK UP AGAIN. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON. STARTED 2 TANKS OF GAS AGO. *TR
Steering, Mar 6, 2009
WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS 4TH TO 2ND GEAR UNDER HIGH ENGINE RPMS THE WARNING BELL CHIMES 3 TO 4 TIMES AND THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCKS UP. AS SOON AS I RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE UPSHIFTS I HAVE FULL STEERING AS IF NOTHING EVER HAPPENED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME NUMEROUS TIMES SO AS AN EXPERIMENT I TRIED TURNING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE, IT FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO BREAK THE STEERING WHEEL OFF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE 4 DIFFERENT INVOICES STATING THIS PROBLEM TO CHASE CHEVY SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I ALSO HAVE 3 DIFFERENT INVOICES IN WHICH THEY TRIED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND HAVE FAILED. 1ST INVOICE CAUSE: PCM ENGINE-REPROGRAMMING WITH SPS 89 W. 2ND CAUSE: DTC C0900 FOUND INTERMITTENT FAILURE AT THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR FOR THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. 3RD CAUSE: C0900 ADDED GROUNDING STRAP TO COIL (PULLING TO MUCH VOLTAGE) THERE BULLETIN MATCHING MY COMPLAINT IS #2133820. HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO GO ON BEFORE I CRASH MY VEHICLE DUE TO A STEERING FAILURE. I HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE WEBSITES WITH PEOPLE HAVING THESE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEMS WITH MY MODEL YEAR AND SOME OF THE PREVIOUS YEARS. I WILL YET AGAIN BE TAKING MY VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR THEM TO DO A CHEAP FIX; IF ANYTHING AT ALL. GM NEEDS TO STEP UP AND CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY BEFORE THEIR ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM STARTS CLAMMING LIVES. MY NEXT STEP AFTER THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CATCHING THEIR ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILING ON VIDEO CAMERA AND DEMONSTRATE THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF CONTROL DUE TO THE FACT THAT YOU CANNOT TURN NEITHER LEFT NOR RIGHT. I AM SURE SOME NEWS ORGANIZATIONS WILL BE INTERESTED IN THIS FOOTAGE! HOW LIVES ARE IN JEOPARDY AND NO ONE IS BOTHERING TO DO ANYTHING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED MY VEHICLE TO PRESENT WHICH IS APPROX. 50,000 MILES OF DRIVING. HOW LONG WILL MY LUCK CONTINUE? *TR
Steering, Mar 5, 2009
2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ELECTRIC ASSISTED STEERING WILL SHUT DOWN. TURNING OF THE CAR IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE AT SLOW SPEEDS. SAME PROBLEM THAT IS REPORTED BY MANY ON THE PRECEDING YEAR. *TR
Steering, Feb 27, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 15 MPH ON A DIRT COVERED ROAD, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, THE CONTACT HEARD THREE CHIMES SOUNDING AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOCKED. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE DRIVER HAD TO EXERT GREATER FORCE IN ORDER TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS CAUTIOUSLY DRIVEN TO HIS RESIDENCE AND THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. A FRONT END WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. CURRENTLY, THE CONTACT IS WAITING ON A RESPONSE FROM THE TECHNICIAN REGARDING THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 61,987.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 26, 2009
THE ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST PERIODICALLY FAILS. IT FAILS WHEN YOU CRANK YOUR CAR AND WILL NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY UNTIL YOU SHUT THE CAR DOWN AND RESTART. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Feb 25, 2009
INITIALLY SOMETIMES MY CAR WOULD CRANK UP THEN DIE OUT SECONDS LATER NOW ITS HAPPENING QUITE OFTEN AND MOST TIMES WON'T CRANK UP NOW. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO BE LATE AND DOCKED FROM WORK. I'VE BROUGHT THE CAR IN 5 TO 6 TIMES THE LAST TIME IN 2/2009 THEY SAID THEY PUT IN A NEW FUEL PUMP CYLINDER BUT TWO DAYS LATER I'D THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Feb 10, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILS. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE AND IS BECOMING VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH ON BLACK ICE, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A GUARD RAIL HEAD-ON. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE BODY SHOP REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AND, A WEEK LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE REMAINS ON EVEN WHEN THE KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ISSUE WAS DUE TO THE BODY CONTROL MODULE, WHICH WAS LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, NOT THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE IGNITION FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 91,000.
Steering, Feb 5, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THE VEHICLE'S STEERING COLUMN BEGAN MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN, BUT THE NOISE RECURRED SIX MONTHS LATER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY; THEREFORE, SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Steering, Feb 4, 2009
USUALLY WHILE TURNING THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT ON THE MALIBU MAXX. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON IT AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS A BULLETIN REGARDING IT. THEY WANT OVER $500 TO FIX THEIR MISTAKE. IT HAPPENED 4 TIMES ON A 94 MILE TRIP JUST LAST WEEKEND. IT USUALLY HAPPENS A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK. THERE IS NO WARNING AS TO WHEN IT WILL OCCUR AND YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART AND THE POWER WOULD RESET. THAT WORKS MOST OF THE TIME BUT NOT A GOOD IDEA IF YOU ARE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE WILL BE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT FROM THIS PROBLEM AS IT IS REPORTED MORE AND MORE. PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO SPEND ON REPAIRS WHILE THE MOTOR COMPANIES GET "BAIL OUT" MONEY. I WANT A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Feb 4, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. SHE ALSO EXPERIENCED A LOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN MAKING LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING GEAR, INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, AND STEERING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE ESTIMATED COST OF OVER $1,000. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 35,819. UPDATED 03-06-09 *BF UPDATED 03/09/09. *JB
Air bags, Jan 26, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V417000 (AIR BAGS;FRONTAL), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,300. UPDATED 2/23/09 *CN UPDATED 02/25/09. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Equipment, Jan 21, 2009
WE HAD THE BRAKES SERVICED . IT INCLUDED THE CHANGING OVER THE BRAKE PADS AND THE ROTORS TURNED. AND IN LESS THAN 8MONTHS LATER WE WENT BAKE TO GET THE BRAKES INSPECTED DUE TO A VERY HIGH PITCHED NOISED THAT GREW SINCE THE BRAKES WE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES. THE MECHANIC INFORMED US THAT THE BACK BRAKES VERSES THE FRONT BRAKES WE NOT WEARING EQUALLY AND THAT HE WAS SHOCKED TO DISCOVER THAT BOTH FRONT AND BACK BRAKES WERE REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME. I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THEY WERE REPLACED AS I SAT AND WATCHED THE PREVIOUS MECHANIC INSTALL OUR NEW BRAKE PADS/SHOES JUST AFTER 7 MONTHS OF BUYING THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT BRAKES HAD A WEARING OF 30% AND THE REAR WORE DOWN TO 70%. THIS IS BECOMING A NIGHTMARE AND IT'S ALSO BECOMING VERY EXPENSIVE.. I JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW IT IS POSSIBLE TO NEED NEW BRAKES ON AVERAGE OF HALF A YEAR BETWEEN CHANGES. THIS IF NOT LOOKED INTO COULD BECOME EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND IS DANGEROUS IF THE BACK BRAKES A WEARING OUT FASTER THAN THE FRONT. THEN I HAVE TO CHANGE THE BRAKES OUT EVERY 6-7-MONTHS JUST TO KNOW THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WHEN NEEDED! THE HORRIBLE SCREECHING SOUND I DISCOVERED IS THE ROTORS AND THE MECHANIC VERY SHOCKED TO SEE THAT THEY ARE WARPED AND IN SUCH BAD SHAPE AFTER SUCH A SMALL AMOUNT OF TIME BETWEEN THE BRAKE CHANGES WITHIN A 6-7 MONTH TIME PERIOD. WE HAVE ONLY ONE WORKING VEHICLE AND FEEL THAT IS ISSUE IS TO BE ADDRESSED AS IT IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. I CAN NOT KEEP CHANGING THE BRAKE SYSTEM EVERY 6-7MONTHS YET I HAVE NO CHOICE IF WE ARE TO BE SAFE AND WOULD LIKE TO STOP THE CAR. PLEASE FIND OUT IF THE PROBLEM CAN BE CORRECTED ONCE AND FOR ALL TO WHERE WE ONLY HAVE TO CHANGE THE BRAKES ON THE CAR LONGER THAN A YEAR OR MORE ESPECIALLY WHEN WE DRIVE THE CAR EASY... WE ARE NOT BAD DRIVERS YET WE ARE TERRIFIED THAT WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT AS I AM SURE WE WILL NEED A BRAKE CHANGE AGAIN IN JUST A FEW MONTHS AGAIN! BATTERY IN THE KEYPAD OPENS,LOCKS & STARTS CAR NEVER WORKS RIGHT... *TR
Air bags, Jan 9, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING AT A RELATIVELY HIGH SPEED. THE CRASH CAUSED $4,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE AND THE SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES, INCLUDING SEVERAL CONTUSIONS AND BRUISING. THE DEALER STATED THAT A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG SENSOR PREVENTED THE AIR BAGS FROM DEPLOYING. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE INCIDENT AFTER THE FAILURE, AND IS WAITING FOR A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000.