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.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact noticed that power steering warning light was illuminated and remained illuminated for one year. Later while driving approximately 70 mph, the contact noticed that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. She turned the vehicle off and on again and the power steering reset independently. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer informed her to take the vehicle to a local dealer and the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the contact was informed that the rack and pinion and electrical system would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 86,000 and the failure mileage was 70,000.
I was accelerating onto the freeway going approximately 60 mph and the power steering stopped working for 3-4 seconds. There was a chime as well. If it lasted longer or there were other cars around someone could have been injured!!!!
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the power steering would fail sporadically with the illumination of the power steering warning light. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told that the electronic power assist was failing and would need replacing. The contact believed the failure to be a severe safety issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 78,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet mailbu lt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph the steering wheel suddenly locked without warning. She was able to release the steering wheel by restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Power steering temporarily goes out upon acceleration in my 2006 Chevy Malibu lt. Seems like the problem is intermittent. This seems to be a safety issue and all GM has done is issue a special coverage adjustment (link: www.gminsidenews.com/forums/F13/07126-special-coverage-adjustment-loss-power-steering-assist-models-2005-chevr-58130/). seems like this should be a safety issue with a dealer recall to address the issue. According to the info I find on the web, this is a known issue with many Malibu's.
- Center Point, TX, USA
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The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the power steering locked. The dealer was contacted and informed her to bring the vehicle in for inspection since there were no recalls or related warranties for this failure. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Steering column locks while pressing gas pedal, this is very dangerous when changing lanes on the expressway. This usually happens to me daily as I travel to and from work on the interstate.
I was on my way to work this morning when the interior bell sounded 4 times and then the power steering quit. I was on the thruway and very concerned about being able to exit. The force I needed to use to turn my vehicle was greater than any elderly person would be able to manage. After doing some research, I have learned that this problem has been ongoing with Chevy. This is a very serious safety issue. How many people have to die before Chevy will make this recall" when the wrongful death lawsuits become more expensive than having to fix their own mistake"
At 102,600 miles power steering began to intermittently fail. It would return when the car was turned off and then started again. My wife very nearly wrecked in a parking lot when it first happened. GM had a secret warranty to 100K...cost me 660, region refused to help. It was a sensor in the steering column. "old part" is not available, don't know what the dealer would do with such. As my wife suffers from reduced arm strength, it was not an option as to repair.
Electrical power steering column (eps) in my car, and many others of the same year or older has/will fail. Very dangerous, car will not turn when driver wants it to. Foresee accidents and injury if left unrepaired. There was a recall issued for the 2005 model, which uses the same eps as the 2006. There are many complaints about this problem happening at different mileage milestones, however, Chevy/GM is basically saying they don't expect their sedans to last longer than 100,000 miles by not remedying the problem. I have 3 kids, this is a very dangerous situation. There must be a logical reason as to why in 2007 they switched to power steering fluid instead of the junk eps. GM/Chevy can expect me, an owner of 5 Chevy vehicles, to never purchase this type of power steering again. I am asking for a recall, a repair, a compromise form GM/Chevy to fix the vehicle and keep my loyalty to the brand. It's very upsetting a recall would go out for an older vehicle, yet this one gets ignored. How may of my children need to be involved in an accident before GM/Chevy takes responsibility for their crappy handiwork. I have an estimate on the repair, which would run between $740-$940. A recall issued by the government, would show their concern; and dedication to consumers.
The steering in my 2006 Chevy Malibu lt is very faulty. I have read and researched the continuous problems with the steering in this car and it posses a big problem considering I drive this car 200 mile on the interstate highway at high speeds and the car is very difficult to control.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu lt(na). While driving at any speed, the contact noticed that the vehicle would lose all power steering intermittently and the power steering symbol would illuminate on the instrument panel; it was difficult to steer at that point. The contact would turn the vehicle off and restart it again in order to reset the power steering. Both the dealer and manufacturer was notified who informed the contact that there were no recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 111,440 and the failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving, the contact noticed that the power steering check engine warning light illuminated, when the vehicle lost all power steering, making it difficult to control the vehicle. Both the dealer and manufacturer had not been notified nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. The current and failure mileages were 77,444. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact was driving 15 mph when the steering wheel became extremely stiff, rendering the vehicle disabled. The engine was turned off and the contact restarted the vehicle within moments. The steering wheel had returned to normal operation. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 104,734.
TL - the contact owns 2006 Chevy Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph the power steering light illuminated and right after the vehicle lost power making impossible to turn the wheel. The failure happened several times before randomly and it would work again. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 89,000 and current mileage is 120,000.
Power steering fails. It started when I went to leave work. I started my car, and the power steering immediately failed and "power steering" showed up on the dic. I tried to turn the wheel, and it was almost like the steering wheel was locked up. I turned the car off, and then back on, and it was fine. Then, this past weekend, it did the same exact thing. I again, turned the car off, then on, and it was fine. I drove to the closest Chevy dealership, and of course they were closed (it was new years day). I went to leave the dealership, turned my wheel slightly to the right and power steering failed again! turned the car off, then back on, drove to the stop sign, turned the wheel slightly to the left, and power steering failed again. I'm very scared this will happen unexpectedly while I'm driving home from work on the interstate. Something should be done, especially with how many similar complaints I've seen posted all over the net!
Steering problems. I was in a turning lane with my son in the car. I heard a ding and power steering showed up on my display. I had no power steering! I am a small person and could barely turn the car and stay in my lane. When I got home I turned the car off for awhile, then went and turned it back on and the car was fine. I have driven the car only when I need to because I am afraid to drive it. I heard it will happen again. The car goes into the shop 1/3/11. There is also a knocking noise in the front end when I make a turn. Exterior lights. I've had to replace my head light bulbs about every three months this past year. Because of the lights going out. First one side then the other.
Steering wheel locks up while driving - happens at random - at all different times. Dealer acted like it was no big deal and of course they want me to pay for it when I have now found out that I am not the only one complaining about this problem. It is dangerous, and it could cause fatality. Problem seems to go away for a while after I change out the spark plugs. But I am at 160,000 miles and on my 8th set of spark plugs. Something is not right, spark plugs should last longer than 20,000 miles. GM should take this complaint seriously before someone is killed. Something is wrong, otherwise why would there be so many people complaining about the same problem. I am working at paying off this car as fast as possible so that I can get into a safer vehicle. Sadly, I will *never* buy a Chevy again :-(
2006 Chevrolet Malibu. Steering electric power assist system fails as you are driving. Complete loss of steering assist. Must stop car, turn off engine. When engine is restarted, power steering is working again.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Dallas, TX, USA