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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
22 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
11 / 0
Average Mileage:
85,720 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems

steering problem

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2006 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 12 of 38)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #531

Dec 072015

Malibu

  • 84,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought this vehicle used from paul conte Chevrolet in freeport, NY and it had 3 recalls that were not fixed before selling it to me. Now my power steering system malfunctioned to the point where the steering wheel would twitch uncontrollably and then become stiff, making it very difficult and dangerous to steer. I ended up paying for the repairs to the tune of almost $1700 to replace the steering column and steering motor. After doing some research, I found that GM recalled many vehicles of the same year, make, and model as my car but for my specific VIN only the steering torque sensor was recalled. I did get the steering torque sensor recall fixed but my steering was still messed up. This recall did not fix my very serious and potentially dangerous issue. It was only after I authorized the steering column and motor repairs that the issue was resolved. GM customer service is saying that even though I had the same exact issue as the GM recall for other Malibu's, because my specific VIN did not fall under the recall, I will not be getting reimbursed. It is not right that GM be able to get away with this. This serious steering issue could have caused me to crash. I would like to file a complaint against GM for failure to recall all vehicles that were affected by this power steering issue and also request that they reimburse me for fixing an issue that should have been taken care of before I even bought the car. The link below will take you to the official GM statement on this power steering issue. media.GM.com/media/us/en/GM/vehicles.detail.html/content/pages/news/us/en/2014/Mar/0331-power-steering.html

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #530

Jun 012014

Malibu

  • 187,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to steer the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who repaired the vehicle under NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering) however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 187,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #529

Oct 152015

Malibu

  • 81,000 miles
When my wife turned right the steering wheel locked up and lights on dashboard started flashing it scared my wife

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #528

Oct 052015

Malibu

  • 114,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the power steering warning light illuminated. In addition, while making a left or right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #527

Oct 012014

Malibu 4-cyl

  • miles
2006 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes in regards to power steering malfunction while driving. The consumer stated while driving, the steering wheel locked up and the consumer was unable to steer the wheel right or left. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the steering column assembly was replaced at a cost of $ $703.90. The consumer submitted sent in a recall for the steering.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #526

Aug 312015

Malibu

  • 133,000 miles
Before I seen it was in here, my intermediate shaft went out on my car, and I replaced it. I saw the recall in here and called dorman to have them reimburse me $258 for the part, but they said that their not responsible to replace the part as your inf0rmation in here states, so who is in charge? I have proof I had to replace it and can disclose the information. I just want the $258 I paid to replace it. My vehicle was moving when I heard the noise as I would steer to the right more than the left but both sides made noise.

- Kentwood, MI, USA

problem #525

Sep 302015

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 189,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving on the freeway, the steering wheel locked for a moment; then, it went back to normal. When this happened, the signal light sounded, but the signal light were not on. This has happened to my husband and I, couple of times' I am scared to drive my car. I called Chevrolet (dealer) they did not know what it is. I called a friend of mine; he's a mechanic and told me that he did not know either. Thank you

- Antelope, CA, USA

problem #524

Dec 232014

Malibu

  • 126,976 miles
Loss of steering control while driving on expressway at 50+mph. Difficult to maintain control. Able to slow down and exit freeway. Dealer was close by so left on lot overnight. Check engine light also had come on. Dealer reported found code C0550 when running diagnostics. Dealer informed the P/S control module needed replaced. Informed was not covered under a current recall. Dealer had vehicle for over 1 week because first unit did not fix the problem. Search reveals same issue as in bulletin 14118 for model year 2008 Malibu.

- Springfield, OR, USA

problem #523

Sep 042015

Malibu

  • 91,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. When turning the steering wheel left or right, there was a popping noise coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.

- Frankfort , KY, USA

problem #522

Sep 182015

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
When turn to the left. The steer wheel locks up and you hear 4 chimes. Is there a recall or can this be fixed? thanks [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Mishawaka , IN, USA

problem #521

Aug 132015

Malibu

  • 154,070 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving, I lose control of power steering for a brief time. Power steering flashes on my console right before this occurs. The first time, I almost collided with an 18 wheeler while making a left turn. Upon going to the dealer, I was advised it is my Malibu's electric power steering assist motor. This part is covered under the 2008 Malibu recall and certainly should have been included in the 06! this is a grave safety issue that many are experiencing.

- Alto, GA, USA

problem #520

Feb 032014

Malibu

  • 95,000 miles
After (2-3) recalls on steering, after steering sensors replaced also, vehicle okay for about a month, then back to same steering loss issues. Loss of power steering and rumbling of the steering column, to the point it feels like the column and a tire is going to fall off ! my first incident started back in 2013-14, total steering loss and hit a guide rail causing driver front fender damage. After several recall repairs, vehicle still recreates same dangerous failing steering situation ! my family is scared to death to drive this vehicle anymore, its an accident just waiting to happen, over and over again. This is a total column problem in these 2006 Malibu's, not just sensors, switches, etc. These steering columns need replaced. Accidents are inevitable if not addressed totally. Shame on GM for trying to piece this problem out as cheaply as possible. Concerned, ted meixelsberger

- Apollo, PA, USA

problem #519

Aug 072015

Malibu

  • 1,000,000 miles
Vehicle taken to bloomsburg pa. Chevy dealership for bulletin 14116. Eps motor controller was not replaced as per recall states to replace. Repeated calls and visits to dealership has yielded no results. There invoice after said repairs where made, clearly shows that just sensor assembly was replaced.

- Benton, PA, USA

problem #518

May 072015

Malibu

  • 96,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 10 to 15 mph, the steering wheel seized momentarily when making a left turn. The contact could not control the steering wheel. The failure recurred numerous times. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

- Edmond, OK, USA

problem #517

Aug 272015

Malibu

  • 133,000 miles
My car makes creaking noises when turning right. I had two opinions and both said intermediate drive shaft. I had it fixed but if its a recall can I get reimburst to pay down my credit card?

- Kentwood, MI, USA

problem #516

Mar 022015

Malibu

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving the vehicle and making a right turn, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering assist needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but, immediately after retrieving the vehicle, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who indicated that the power steering motor failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 170,000.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

problem #515

Jul 222013

Malibu

  • 36,521 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at various speeds making either a left or right turn, a clicking noise emitted from the steering wheel and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The failure recurred on several occasions and appeared to occur in wet weather. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 15V064000 (steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the steering shaft was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,521.

- Hilton, NY, USA

problem #514

Aug 072015

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
Vehicle steering does not fully respond when entering turns, curves in the road at times. This is a intermittent problem, but more times than not. Chevrolet dealer diagnosis is faulty power assist motor, module steering gear and intermediate shaft. My inquires on why these major components had failed have gone unanswered. Any help in this matter is greatly appreciated. Do have all documentation. Sign, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Benton, PA, USA

problem #513

May 042015

Malibu

  • 228,178 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 40 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn right or left. All of the lights on the instrument panel illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control), 14V153000 (steering), and 14V224000 (power train). The parts needed for the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 228,178.

- El Paso , TX, USA

problem #512

Jun 152015

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 148,668 miles
When I accelerate quickly to enter traffic, merge with traffic or pass a car (going 25 - 50 mph), I hear ding, ding, ding warming bell and the steering wheel pulls to the right and momentarily becomes locked. I grab it with both hands and let off the gas and it recovers. It is totally unmanageable for those moments and very alarming. I have had my car in four different times since Nov, 2011 for power steering problems/recalls. This current problem is a safety factor!!!! updated 09/15/15.....updated 10/01/15 the consumer stated the steering column and column sensor were replaced twice. Updated 10/13/15.

- Albany, OR, USA

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