After owning this car for just a month, I began to hear a knocking noise from my front end when turning. Afraid that my engine was knocking, I immediately called my mechanic. My steering column was the issue, and it needed to be replaced, at a total cost of $1100. What bothered me the most, however, was that several other years of the Malibu model had recalls on this part, GM was fully aware of the issue in this particular model, yet I still had to put out over a grand to fix it because GM wouldn't take responsibility for their faulty part.

Purchased a 2006 malibu and have problems ever since. Steering went out at approx. 40,000 miles. Had fixed and after the fix received letter from chey that they would cover the over $600.00 bill. I was very happy to receive the reimbursement, but shortly after the front end started to make a shifting noise every time I make a right or left turn or take off from a stop. Vary annoying. I believe that anything that keeps moving will eventually fatigue and break. It is a bad steering design and I wish chevy would fix it or give me the extra money when I try to sell the car that I will lose because of the front end problem. No one will buy that car knowing that problem exists. Too bad the government didn't include that car in the Junkers program they had. Get the 2006 malibu in the recycle bin where they belong.

I have had this vehicle from July, 2006. I bought it brand new and it had 20 miles on it when I drove it off the lot, 14 of those were from me test driving it. I had opted for the 6 year, 60,000 mile extended warranty when I purchased the vehicle. I did manage to get great value out of this warranty, but unfortunately I'm way beyond the extended mileage. I noticed this noise a couple years ago and brought it back to the dealer. I had the service manager get as much out of the warranty as I could since it was about to expire. I had a whole new front end installed. Rack and pinion, struts, mounts, ball joints, and collapsible steering column. $998 worth of work was done. But now, here I am, out of warranty and when I went to have routine service done, they tell me that the steering column needs to be replaced once again. I am not in position to afford this at this time. Don't get me wrong, I love my car. I've had 3 Chevys out of the 4 cars I've owned. I have every intention of sticking with the Bowtie. I'm really hoping that Chevy and GM could take a serious look at this and come up with a resolution in the near future.

I bought my 06 malibu in aug of 08. Since oct 08 there has been a "popping noise" in the steering whenever I turn. It is worse turning left than right. Was told just a nuisance not a concern. Have had it in twice for the rack and pinnion, the sway bar and the links replace. Last time was dec and making noise again. have reported to lemon law until i get some answers. Was told that the I shaft needed replace then when I took it in they told me that it was the rack and pinnion that I just had fixed 6 months earlier. I love my car but am done with the problems. I need peace when I am driving.

Update from Apr 16, 2011: I had the I shaft fixed in late Jan early February and have not had any more problems. I have not yet put 3000 miles on it so I am waiting for the noise to return. When I last went to the dealer, I requested a copy of the warranty for the lawyer. I think they may have realized that I was not playing around any more. The first time they told me it would cost over $300 but when it was fixed, I paid $0. I am happy that maybe a resolution has been achieved. Thanks for the advice

The steering in my Malibu is becoming a nuisance and the more I research this problem the more I have realized that I have made a big mistake purchasing another Chevrolet. I have had issues with my last Chevrolet and now this one. When turning I can hear a click and the steering is very touchy, it is hard to drive a straight line at higher speeds and is very jerky. I am planning to purchase a new SUV this year and I don't think it will be a Chevy. Chevrolet needs to look at ALL the issues they have in the steering and front end components and fix them. Or this maybe the end of my Chevy ownerships.