Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2006 Chevrolet Malibu — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2008 to Dec 2019
The most reported issue is steering problems (835 complaints). 53 complaints involved crashes. 7 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (9)
NHTSA Campaign: 14V252000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
Risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V153000
Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V064000
Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V224000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 14E044000
Component: STEERING
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 11E009000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL WHILE IN USE.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 09E012000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 05V486000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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.
Risk: A 15" DIAMETER REPLACEMENT SPARE TIRE CAN NOT BE INSTALLED ON THE FRONT AXLE DUE TO A FIT INTERFERENCE WITH THE BRAKE CALIPER.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 06V417000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 1385)
Steering →13 issues
Your steering wheel stopped responding in the direction you turned it while driving, and your power steering warning light came on. A mechanic diagnosed a failed steering shaft torque component that needs to be replaced. The dealer was notified but didn't help, though a recall repair was supposedly done in 2015. Fixing this will require replacing the steering shaft torque assembly.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2006 Malibu's electronic power steering module has failed, making the steering inoperable and the car undrivable. This vehicle has a history of power steering problems—the steering shaft was replaced in 2009 and a power steering recall was issued in 2014—suggesting a pattern of issues with this model's steering system. Your car has been at the dealership since late February waiting for a replacement module with no estimated arrival date. The fix will require replacing the electronic power steering module at a GM dealership.
Parts you may need:
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Your steering wheel has stopped working and the dealer was unable to fix it. This issue is related to recall 15V064. Without a functioning steering wheel, you cannot control the direction of your vehicle, making it unsafe to drive.
Parts you may need:
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Your power steering suddenly stopped working while pulling out of a parking space, making the steering wheel hard to turn and triggering a warning light. The power steering failed intermittently, and you've had the steering gear replaced before for a similar problem. A mechanic will need to diagnose why your power steering system keeps losing pressure or function, likely involving inspection of the steering gear, pump, belts, and fluid levels.
Parts you may need:
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Your power steering stopped working while you were driving, and your dashboard showed a "Power Steering" warning message with three alert chimes. Even after resetting your steering wheel and battery, the problem continued. The manufacturer couldn't explain why your vehicle wasn't included in a related recall (Campaign 15V064000), so they directed you to report it to NHTSA.
Parts you may need:
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Your power steering warning light came on, and then your steering wheel became difficult to turn while you were slowing down to make a turn into your apartment. This happened twice over a three-week period. The issue likely involves the power steering system, which may need fluid replenishment, hose inspection, or pump service.
Parts you may need:
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While driving your 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, an alarm sounded and a "Power Steering Failure" message appeared on your dashboard, even though no warning light came on. You pulled over and restarted the vehicle, but the failure continued. You learned that your car should have been repaired under a recall campaign, but that repair was never completed on your vehicle. This happened at about 118,000 miles.
Parts you may need:
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Your power steering has stopped working, making the steering wheel very hard to turn. The dealership claims the car was already repaired under a recall, but the problem persists. This will require the dealership to re-inspect the power steering system and determine why the recall repair didn't resolve the issue.
Parts you may need:
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Your electric power steering has been cutting in and out and is now not working. You may have a recall notice for this issue on your vehicle, so you should check with your dealer to see if your car is covered under the recall program. Fixing this likely involves repairing or replacing the power steering motor or its electrical connections.
Parts you may need:
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Your electric power steering has stopped working, making the steering wheel tight and difficult to turn. This significantly impacts your ability to steer the vehicle safely and comfortably. The power steering system will likely need to be diagnosed and repaired or replaced.
Parts you may need:
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Your car's power steering assist stopped working while driving at various speeds, and your dashboard displayed a "Steering Assist Reduced - Drive with Care" warning message. Replacing the electronic power steering fuse temporarily fixed the problem, but it returned shortly after. A mechanic determined that your steering column needs to be replaced to fully resolve the issue.
Parts you may need:
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Your steering wheel moves back and forth on its own, even when you're just sitting still with the engine idling. This happens while you're driving too. The steering system may need inspection to find what's causing the unwanted movement.
Parts you may need:
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Your steering wheel feels stiff and is harder to turn than normal. You may also notice the steering shakes or vibrates when your car is idling at a stop. The issue likely involves the power steering system or related suspension components that may need inspection and adjustment.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,electrical System →3 issues
Your power steering suddenly stopped working while you were driving on the highway at 65 mph. This loss of power steering while driving at highway speeds is a serious safety issue. The fix will likely involve diagnosing and repairing the power steering system, which may include checking the steering pump, belts, hoses, and electrical connections.
Parts you may need:
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Your power steering cuts out intermittently while driving, and the problem gets worse or better depending on your speed. This makes it difficult to steer quickly when you need to swerve, since you can't rely on power steering assistance. The issue likely involves the power steering pump or electrical connections that control it, and may require inspection and repair of the steering system.
Parts you may need:
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Your steering wheel becomes very stiff after driving at highway speeds around 70 mph, and sometimes it's also stiff when you first start the vehicle. This makes steering difficult and requires more effort than normal. The issue likely involves the power steering system and may require inspection of the power steering pump, fluid, or electrical connections.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,electrical System,service Brakes →1 issue
Your car's electric power steering system keeps shutting off while you're driving, which causes the steering wheel to suddenly jerk hard to one side or the other without warning. This makes the steering uncontrollable and creates a serious safety hazard. The power steering system will likely need to be diagnosed and repaired or replaced by a technician.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your tie rods, front axle, and transmission failed simultaneously while driving, causing your front wheel to turn sideways. Your steering became locked and the car accelerated involuntarily up to 70-80 mph despite traction control remaining on. The vehicle was sent to salvage after the insurance claim, raising concerns about it being resold in unsafe condition. Repairs would likely require replacement of tie rods, front axle components, transmission fluid and filter, and a full steering/suspension inspection.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,engine →1 issue
Your power steering suddenly stopped working while driving, making the steering wheel hard to turn left or right. Your check engine light came on at the same time. A dealer diagnosed that your power steering assist assembly had failed and needed replacement, though the repair hasn't been completed yet. The fix will involve replacing the faulty power steering assist assembly.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,power Train,service Brakes →1 issue
Your car has a steering recall (N140772) that the dealership says isn't covered under warranty and wants to charge you to fix. You're unsure whether other recalls were actually repaired during your service visit. You should ask the dealership which recalls were completed and request clarity on why the steering recall isn't being covered for free.
Parts you may need:
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Other Chevrolet Malibu years: