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, Equipment, Jan 3, 2009
I HAVE A POWER STEERING PROBLEM, IT KEEPS ON SHUTTING OFF ON ME WHILE I AM DRIVING THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND CAN KILL SOME ONE DAY I AM THINKING OF TRADING OFF MY CAR BECAUSE OF ALL THE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH IT.. GM SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING. *TR
Steering, Dec 29, 2008
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN JULY 2006. CERTIFIED USED. KEPT HEARING NOISE, KNOCKING FROM LEFT FRONT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER 2-3 TIMES UNTIL THEY REPLACED A PART. NOISE RETURNED SOME WEEKS LATER. NOW THE ELECTRONIC STEERING IS MALFUNCTIONING. WHEN THE STEERING IS TURNED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN THE "POWER STEERING " WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND THE WHEEL STIFFENS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO TURN AND VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. DEALER SAYS CAR NEED POWER STEERING COLUMN AND MODULE WHICH IS VERY EXPENSIVE. I HAVE ALSO BEEN INFORMED THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR THE VERY EXPENSIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY SOLD ME. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 27, 2008
USING MY MOTHER'S 2006 MALIBU MAXX ON 12/24/08, THE BACK LIFTGATE CAME CRASHING DOWN ON MY WIFE'S HEAD WHILE SHE WAS LOADING THE TRUNK. THE NEXT MORNING WE SAW THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE LIFT CYLINDER SNAPPED OFF ITS METAL BALL JOINT. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS CYLINDER IS ATTACHED TO THE METAL BALL JOINT VIA A PLASTIC CAP. WHERE THIS CAP IS ASKED TO NOT ONLY SECURE THE CYLINDER TO THE LIFTGATE FRAME, BUT ALSO ROTATE AND PITCH THE CYLINDER. ANYONE SHORTER THAN MY WIFE'S HEIGHT WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED SEVERELY, SUCH AS A BROKEN NECK AND/OR CRUSHED SKULL. THE CHEVROLET DEALER - JIM O'BRIEN CHEVROLET SNAPPED THE CYLINDER BACK ON ITS BALL JOINT AND REFUSED TO REPAIR, FIX, AND/OR OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE TO PREVENT THIS SITUATION FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Dec 15, 2008
I HAVE A 2006 CHEVY MALIBU THAT I HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING GEAR TWICE!! THE CAR IS NOT THAT OLD AND SHOULD BE MORE RELIABLE THAN THAT. I WAS TOLD IF THE STEERING HAD GONE OUT ON ME WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAY, (WHICH I DRIVE EVERY DAY),I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. I AM AFRAID THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Dec 2, 2008
MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT, I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND THIS SOUNDS LIKE A PROBLEM THAT OTHER MALIBU OWNERS ARE HAVING, IT GOES OUT DIFFERENT TIMES EVEN WHEN IM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, SOMETIMES I CAN TURN THE CAR OFF AND THEN TURN IT BACK ON AND IT WILL START WORKING AGAIN. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Nov 29, 2008
MY 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU LOSES IT'S ELECTRONICALLY ASSISTED STEERING USUALLY HALF WAY THROUGH A TURN USUALLY WITHOUT WARNING. I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL GO OUT AT A BAD TIME AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SO FAR THERE SEEMS TO BE NO RECALL BUT I HAVE BEEN ON A FEW DIFFERENT FORUMS WHERE TEN OR MORE PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Nov 11, 2008
WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX, I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I LOST POWER STEERING. I PARKED THE CAR, SHUT IT OFF, TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING PROPERLY. A FEW DAYS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND AGAIN LOST POWER STEERING. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED AND GAINED POWER STEERING BACK. IT HAPPENED AGAIN NEARLY RIGHT AWAY AFTER DOING THE LAST RESTART. I AGAIN PULLED OVER, SHUT THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND POWER STEERING WAS BACK. THIS HAS HAPPENED 6 TO 10 TIMES IN THE LAST 1 TO 2 MONTHS AND THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON TO WHEN THE POWER STEERING GIVES OUT. THIS MAKES EVERY TRIP IN THE CAR A POTENTIAL HAZARD. *TR
Steering, Nov 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE STEERING WHEEL THEN LOCKED IN PLACE, PREVENTING THE CONTACT FROM MOVING THE WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TURNING LEFT ON ITS OWN. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE COASTED OFF THE ROAD ON ITS OWN AS WELL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $700. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000. UPDATED 11/25/08. *LJ UPDATED 11/25/08. *JB
Steering, Nov 6, 2008
STEERING WHEEL JERKS UNCONTROLLABLY. HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR TWICE. STEERING COLUMN REPLACED FIRST TIME AND SECOND TIME WAS TOLD NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. HOWEVER DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS SO BAD THAT IT WILL PULL VEHICLE FROM ONE LANE TO NEXT OR IT WILL PULL VEHICLE ALL OVER THE ROADWAY. *TR
Steering, Nov 3, 2008
BUMP SOUND IN FRONT END WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP OR BRAKING AND TURNING. DEALER SAYS IT IS A POWER STEERING SHAFT. THEY LUBRICATED IT AND TIGHTENED IT BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRED. WITHIN 1,000 MILES PROBLEMS RETURNED. NOW WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND IT'S MY PROBLEM ALTHOUGH GM HAS A REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFT THAT WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Nov 1, 2008
CHEVROLET MALIBUS AND OTHER MAKES HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. MINE HAS BEEN REPLACED ABOUT A YEAR AGO. IT HAD A BUMPING NOISE THAT YOU COULD HEAR EVEN STANDING OUTSIDE OF THE CAR WHILE SOMEONE ELSE IS DRIVING. GM NEEDS TO DO A RECALL BEFORE SOMEBODY LOOSES THEIR STEERING AND HAS A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON ON THESE CARS AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I AM AN ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN AND HAVE BEEN FOR MANY YEARS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 22, 2008
2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU POWER STEERING ILLUMINATES ON DASH(RADIO) , 2005 MODELS WERE A RECALL AND IT KEEPS COMING ON AND SOMETIMES LOSE OF STEERING WHEN STARTED. IT HAS 43,000 MILES AND NOT ON WARRANTY BECAUSE STEERING COLUMN IS NOT COVERED , ITS A PROBLEM NATIONWIDE AS I RESEARCHED. I COULD POTENTIALLY BE DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING AROUND TURNS IF LOSS OF POWER. I BOUGHT IT USED BUT WAS FINE UNTIL 2 MONTHS AFTER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 13, 2008
HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. BULLETIN SAID TO LUBE STEERING SO THEY DID. HAVING SAME PROBLEM 4 MONTHS LATER, CALLED ANOTHER DEALER, SAYS THERE IS A BULLETIN TO REPLACE DRIVE SHAFT. ALSO HAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED WHEN VIBRATION STARTED WHEN FIRST ACCELERATING TILL ABOUT 20MPH,THEN COOLING DRAIN PLUG MELTED FROM THE HEAT OF THE CONVERTER AND POURED WATER ONTO PASSENGER FRONT FLOOR THEY FIXED THAT VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS CAR(BUT LOVE THE PRICE AND MILEAGE). *TR
Steering, Oct 2, 2008
ON JULY 27,2008 I STARTED MY 2006 MALIBU. ACROSS THE CONTROL PANEL IT SAID POWER STEERING AND I COULD NOT TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. I TURNED MY CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND IT WAS OK. IT HAS DONE THIS NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE. IT HAS ALSO STARTED GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. MAKING THE CAR VERY HARD TO STEER/CONTROL. THERE IS ALSO ALOT OF SHAKING OF MY STEERING WHEEL. SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL WILL JERK TO ONE SIDE. IT MAKES ME VERY NERVOUS TO DRIVE IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE IT IS VERY UNPREDICTABLE. I FEEL LIKE THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. IT IS REALLY SAD THAT SO MANY FAMILIES LIVES ARE IN DANGER BECAUSE OF THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF THIS PROBLEM. NOT ONLY IS MY FAMILY IN DANGER BUT THE LIVES OF OTHERS AS WELL. *TR
Steering, Sep 14, 2008
I HAVE A 2006 MALIBU MAXX 3.5 V6. MY WIFE WAS PARALLEL PARKING WHEN THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP ON HER. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PARK AND MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE. I WENT ONLINE TO FIND OUT ABOUT WHY IT JUST SHUT OFF AND FOUND THE LINK TO THIS WEB-SITE. I SURE DON'T WANT TO SEE THIS GO OUT WHEN TURNING AROUND A CORNER. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD NOT FOR US BUT ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD AS WELL. *TR
Steering, Sep 9, 2008
I OWN A 2006 CHEV MALIBU SS. ALL WAS FINE UNTIL A YEAR AGO. I NOTICED A "BUMP" IN THE STEERING WHILE TURNING LEFT. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD LUBE THE STEERING SHAFT. NOW THERE IS A "BUMP IN STEERING AND FOLLOW UP BUMP AS THE WHEELS RETURN TO STRAIGHT. THERE IS ALSO A RUBBING NOISE WHILE TURNING. THE CAR IS ALSO PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED AND IT WAS IN PERFECT ORDER. AFTER THE "CHECKUP" THE CAR PULLED HARDER TO THE RIGHT AND THE "NOISES" WERE MORE PRONOUNCED. I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 1997 FOR ISSUES THAT SOUND ALL TOO FAMILIAR. CHEVY IS FIXING MY CAR UNDER MY WARRANTY. APPROXIMATE INCIDENT DATE IS "ABOUT" WHEN THE ISSUES FIRST STARTED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 31, 2008
SHAKING IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED,THIS HAPPEN EVERYTIME I APPLY THE BRAKES. THE DEALER RESURFACED FRONT ROTORS AND REPLACED PADS..CAR STILL HAVE A GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT WHEELAREA DEALER SAID THAT THE REPLACEMENT PADS ARE CAUSING THE GRINDING AND THERE'S NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO STOP THE GRINDING BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE REPLACEMENT PAS ARE DESIGNED. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP THIS AND THEY CLAIM IT IS SAFE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 26, 2008
BRAKE LIGHTS TURN ON WITHOUT PRESSING PEDAL, YET LIGHTS TURN OFF WHEN PEDAL IS PRESSED. REQUIRES ALMOST FULL PEDAL PRESSURE TO ACTUATE BRAKE LIGHTS, SO LIGHTS ACTUALLY DO NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY UNTIL ALMOST FULLY BRAKING, SUCH AS DURING A QUICK STOP. HAVE HAD MANY INSTANCES IN TRAFFIC OF OTHER VEHICLES NEARLY COLLIDING WITH ME WHILE SLOWING DOWN, OBVIOUSLY FROM THE LACK OF CORRECTLY FUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHTS. *TR
Steering, Aug 19, 2008
THE ELECTRIC STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM CONTINUES TO FAIL ON A REGULAR BASIS. IT WILL LOCK UP AND THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TURN. SO FAR, THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED AT LOW SPEEDS AND HAS NOT CAUSED A CRASH. I HAVE HAD IT INTO DEALERSHIPS 4 TIMES SO FAR. ALTHOUGH DEALERSHIP PERSONNEL HAVE EXPERIENCES THE FAILURE, NO CODE IS GENERATED THEREFORE CHEVROLET WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIR. THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AND ONLY HAS 25,000 MILE ON IT. *TR
Steering, Aug 17, 2008
APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO, I STARTED FEELING A TUG IN MY STEERING WHEN I WOULD MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. THEN IT GRADUALLY MOVED TO A PULLING OF MY STEERING WHEEL, WHERE YOU COULD VISIBLY SEE MY STEERING WHEEL MOVE WITHOUT ME TOUCHING IT. THEN AT TIMES IT ALMOST FELT LIKE YOU WERE STEERING ON AN ICY ROAD. WITHIN THE LAST MONTH I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING MY POWER STEERING GOING COMPLETELY OUT. NUMEROUS TIMES I HAVE HAD TO TURN OFF MY CAR THEN RESTART IT TO RESET IT. THERE HAS BEEN THREE INSTANCES WERE MY HUSBAND OR MYSELF HAS BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY MESSAGE BOARD SOUND WITH A MESSAGE "POWER STEERING", THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT, THEN IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. WE HAVE HAD TO QUICKLY TRY TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON. MY HUSBAND CAN PHYSICALLY STEER THE CAR WHEN IT IS LIKE THAT, I CAN NOT THOUGH. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A TREMENDOUS HAZARD AND I AM CONCERNED WITH GETTING IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. WE WENT TO THE REPAIR SHOP (CAR IS PAST THE WARRANTY) AND THEY SAID THE ESTIMATE WILL BE CLOSE TO $3,500. APPARENTLY THEY HAVE HAD TO FIX 2 MALIBU'S ALREADY AND KNEW EXACTLY WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. IT IS ASHAMED THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINT ON THE INTERNET, BUT HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING FROM CHEVROLET. *TR
Steering, Aug 12, 2008
I STARTED THE CAR AND THOUGHT IT HAD STALLED BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING HAD FAILED. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND FOUND IT WAS THE POWER STEERING. THE CAR SAT FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS AND WHEN RESTARTED THE POWER STEERING HAD RETURNED. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT FAILED AGAIN AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. *TR
Steering, Aug 4, 2008
POWER STEERING UNIT (EPS) FOR 2006 CHEVY MALIBU FAILS CAR BECOMES DIFFCULT TO TURN OR MANEUVER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ON SOME DAYS, THE VEHICLE WILL START IMMEDIATELY, BUT ON OTHER DAYS, IT WILL NOT START AT ALL. ON OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO SHUT OFF WHILE WAITING AT A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AFTER SHUTTING DOWN AND NOT RESTARTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS THE FUEL PUMP, AND IT WAS REPLACED FOR $1,000. AT TIMES, THE VEHICLE STILL WILL NOT START. THE CONTACT HAS GONE BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Power train, Jul 25, 2008
PER GM DOCUMENT ID#2030341 - 06 MALIBU WILL SHIFT INTO LOWER GEAR AND STAY IN IT UNTIL YOU STOP AND CYCLE THE ENGINE TO OFF AND THEN BACK ON-BEEN TO THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS 4 TIMES AND 2 ATTEMPTS ATTEMPT FINAL REPAIR 6 TOTAL AND KEEP COMING UP WITH THE SAME FINDINGS -NONE- THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE ABOVE MENTIONED DOCUMENT- NO ONE HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE ANY THING IN THE TRANSMISSION OR REPLACE THE STICKING VALVES THAT ARE CAUSING THE PROBLEM BUT THEY ALL AGREE ITS A PROBLEM INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION. GM HAS TOLD ME THAT THEY DON"T INTEND TO DO ANYTHING TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM AND HAS SUGGESTED FOR ME TO CONTACT THE BBB FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. STARTED TAKING IT TO THE DEALER AFTER 6 MO AFTER BUYING AND ABOUT EVERY 4-6 MO UNTIL NOW- SINCE THE COMPUTER SAYS NO PROBLEM NO ONE WILL MAKE THE CALL TO CHANGE OUT THE TRANSMISSION OR THE STICKING VALVES THAT ARE CAUSING THE PROBLEM- THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS IF ON TAKE OFF IT HANGS UP IN THE LOWER GEAR AND THE PERSON BEHIND ME THINKS I AM GOING TO GET OUT OF THE WAY AND THE CAR WILL NOT GO AND RAMS ME IN THE REAR- ALL BECAUSE THE TRANS WILL NOT CHANGE OUT OR IF ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT DECIDES TO SHIFT INTO LOWER GEAR- NOT ONLY WILL DAMAGE TO THE CARS ENGINE BUT COULD BE FATAL TO THE PERSON DRIVING. PLEASE ADVISE WHERE TO LOOK FOR ALL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS NOT WANTING TO SHIFT ABOUT EVERY 4-6 MONTHS. SORT OF NERVE RACKING WHEN ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK AT MIDNIGHT AND THE CAR WILL NOT GO NO FASTER THAN 25-35 MPH WITH 4500 RPMS THEN THEY TELL ME NOTHING IS WRONG BECAUSE THE COMPUTER SAYS SO. THANKS FOR YOU HELP SUSAN HEADRICK *TR UPDATED 08/15/08 *BF
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jul 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE AND STATED THAT A FUEL INJECTION THROTTLE BODY, FUEL INJECTOR KIT, AND DOUBLE CLEAN WERE NEEDED; HOWEVER,THIS HAD BEEN DONE A MONTH AGO. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE CALIBRATION WAS OUTDATED. WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CLOCK SOMETIMES NEEDS TO BE RESET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/12/08 *JB