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 intermediate shaft which is connected to the steering column was replaced in 2007 when the vehicle had less than 30,000 miles and was under warranty. It has to be replaced again at 83,00 miles. This is definitely a GM design issue. The electronic power steering module has been replaced, the rack/pinion has been replaced and neither part should have to be replaced when the vehicle is under 80,000 miles.. GM customer service refuses to accept that this is not normal wear and tear of a vehicle even though this will be the second replacement of this part. Hundreds of owners of this 2006 Malibu maxx have the exact same issue therefore it can not be the driver but is definitely a engineering design issue. GM needs to be honest and own up to the failures of their vehicle designs. There are losing loyal customers because of their inability to provide a recall on this vehicle. It is their responsibility to provide the consumers with safe vehicles. Steering issues are definitely a serious hazard. GM must be held accountable for their vehicle failures. This vehicle needs to be recalled and at the very least GM should pay for the repairs.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact was driving 2-3 mph in reverse when the steering wheel locked abnormally. The vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was restarted several minutes later and the steering wheel had returned to normal. The failure recurred intermittently while driving at any speed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 92,000.
While on the road, my steering wheel started jamming up and then struck, dash board light illuminated. After restarting engine, it worked fine. For having this problem repeated for several times, I got the appointment with dealership and called Chevy customer service. I was told of the problem being known and common in all the 2006 Malibu and other make and model in which such power steering module/ parts have been used. When I asked, why I was not informed of such problem, I was told that it will repair at no cost if only the problem is duplicated at the shop. After repair on (Feb 01 20011), in a phone call, I was told that there is no paper work for problem/recall/ warranty/ what so ever, but the work is covered for 12 months and/or 12000 miles altogether. This particular car has been brought to department of transportation's attention under lemon law in 2008, but it was not justified based on hearing was scheduled after allowed timeline. What a bummer!!! this time knowing the problem, GMC is not recalling or addressing it before any disaster strike and someone loose his/her life. Thanks a lot Chevy.... you are the american revolution.
The power steering column started to clunk when turning when car was a year old..took it to a dealership and they greased the column...didn't work...took it back, L they greased it again... same thing....now I get a messages - power steering and reduced engine power when driving. This is very dangerous cuz I have little power so I lose speed on the highway and its very hard to turn the wheel.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. While driving approximately 50 mph, the power steering light illuminated on the instrument panel and the power steering stopped functioning. The failure occurred intermittently and only for a few seconds and then functioned properly. Also the contact stated sometimes the ignition would have to be turned off in order for the power steering to function. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for repair but there was an appointment set. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.
- Lynnwood, WA, USA
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The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact was driving 50 mph when the power steering failed and the steering wheel became increasingly stiff. The power steering would reset itself right away when the vehicle was shut off and then back on. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 104,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu maxx lt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the power steering suddenly failed and the power steering light illuminated on the instrumental panel. The contact received a recall notice later on in reference to the steering but the vehicle was over the mileage limit. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. While driving approximately 40 mph, the contact stated that the power steering light illuminated on the instrument panel and the steering wheel became very stiff and difficult to turn. The contact pulled over and shut off and when it was restarted, it operated properly. The contact also stated that the steering wheel would involuntarily turn to the left and right when the vehicle was stopped and or in motion. The contact called both the dealer and the manufacturer who stated that the problem was a common failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 101,000.
The powersteering unit in this car has quit working several times. The information center reads powersteering. And the wheel jerks back and forth. The wheel is very hard to turn and is dangerous to drive. Sometimes the steering wheel while sitting at a stop light the wheel will turn to the left by itself. If you shut the car off and leave it sit for five minutes it will reset itself and be alright for awhile and then it happens again. General Motors knows of this problem and has done nothing about it. I have read several complaints about this and wonder if someone has to be killed first before anything is done. This auto belongs to my stepson and he has a 8 month old daughter, I won't sit and watch anybody get killed because a stupid mistake like this electric power steering.
My 2006 Malibu maxx loses power steering randomly at various speeds. The wheel tightens, is impossible to steer, the warning bell sounds and the phrase "power steering" flashes on the display. Car must be stopped and turned off repeatedly sometimes to reset. Car has done this in traffic, on highways and freeways, and in parking lots. The failure occurs randomly and at random driving speeds. The replacement cost is over $1000 at the dealership. Chevy claims the problem can only be corrected by replacement parts that can only be issued and installed at a Chevy dealership. The failure has occurred since the car reached 40,000 miles. After the corresponding recall of Chevy cobalts and Pontiac pursuits, I expected the recall to eventually cover Malibu maxx.
I have a Chevrolet Malibu maxx and the power steering has failed on 2 separate occasions. The first incident was when I was taking a left turn and the power steering failed half way through the turn. Luckily I was able to pull off into a parking lot and turn off the vehicle. There was a ding and the front displayed "power steering." The next day when reversing out of a parking lot I had the same thing happen although this time the steering wheel shimmied, then the ding, failure of power steering, and the display. I was once again able to turn off the vehicle and restart. Upon restarting the power steering resumed. Since these two incidents I have noticed that the steering wheel jerks a little with any turns. I am so glad I was not going at a fast speed or in heavy traffic as an accident definitely could have been caused. I have called and reported it to Chevrolet and set up an appt with a dealer on Monday. Chevrolet stated that it is infact a "special coverage on power steering" and in other cases have involved replacing the entire steering column. I am shocked that this has not been a recall and that other customers are put in this danger. Thank you for looking further into this.
There have been multiple times since I have bought my 2006 Chevy Malibu maxx lt that the power steering locks up causing me to temporarily lose control of my car. This usually happens when accelerating. The steering wheel locks up and it stays in its last position and the car dings. I have no message on my dash or radio. Usually letting off the gas corrects the issue within a couple seconds. In those seconds before I regain control of my car, I have no control to keep me from hitting something. I've seen many reports online for the same issue. I've read some that have said it caused an accident or almost caused an accident. There was a recall for the Chevy cobalt for the same issue.
Electric power steering in the 2006 Chevy Malibu maxx is defective. It goes out while driving. I have read on several blog and community websites that several others that own 2006 Chevy Malibu maxx have the same problem. The company should recall this at once and fix all impacted vehicles before someone dies.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated when driving various speeds, the power steering will fail and the steering wheel would become extremely difficult to maneuver. The contact would shift into neutral and restart the vehicle in order to reset the power steering assist. The dealer was informed of the failure and stated that they would need to diagnose the vehicle to determine the exact cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 117,000.
My 2006 Chevy Malibu maxx has lost power steering three times. It has been to the mechanic twice. Driving at any time, but especially at higher speeds on the highway, is frightening because the power steering my go out unexpectedly.
I have a 06 Malibu maxx and the steering keeps locking up. Why this issue has not been recalled I do not know. This is a common issue with the Malibu and am very upset that the issuse has not been addressed!!! someone will be killed because of this and will be headed to court before it is taken seriously!!!
While driving to school yesterday, my Malibu 2006 maxx, the power steering locked up causing me to run off the road and into a ditch. The power steering has locked up before but only while it was in park, and I turned off the car and restarted the car. It reset itself and I was able to drive. Luckily I was not hurt this time but this is a safety issue if there was ever one. I have done some research of this subject and understand that this has been an on going issue with Malibu. After all the complaints what are they waiting for.....a fatality"??"
My 2006 Malibu maxx has been have issues with the steering system. Started out with an intermittent clunking noise several months ago. The car has only 67,000 miles on it. Now it clunks every time you turn the steering wheel. The front end has always road ruff like a steering vibration but thought it was just the make of the car. Our 00' Monte Carlo and 00' Impala in comparison never road like this. Thought it was the tires so we upgraded to a better riding tire, did not make a difference. Over the last couple weeks steering noise getting worse, sensor light came on indicating power steering. Check with mechanic and cannot find anything that appears wrong on vehicle. Just this weekend on the entrance ramp on the interstate the wheel just jerked to the right. Was able to bring it back to central position quickly but was concerned. Happened today to my wife on the way to the store on a two lane road. Luckily it jerked her to the right and she was able to steer it back to the center position. Concerned of potential for serious accident and will not be so lucky next time. After plugging in steering issues with Malibu maxx's, I was shocked to see hundreds of complaints on forums and consumer sites regarding a range of years with the maxx. GM needs to wake up, does it take people dying or seriously getting hurt before they will pay attention to all these people and their issues and serious ones at that. My husband is a Ford mechanic and wanted me to buy a Ford because of quality issues, but I love the style of the maxx, the cargo capacity and now I'm having second thoughts as no one seems to be getting help other than GM has some solutions that are costing the consumer lots of money and there are still issues after the fixes. I'm seriously considering getting rid of it and settling for a car that will insure me a safe ride and keep my passengers safe. Wise up to this before people are seriously hurt. Thank you.
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- Norcross, GA, USA