Owners have filed 343 complaints
about the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx with NHTSA between 2006 and 2025.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 49
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 48
9.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2006 compares with every other Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Electric Power Assist System
840.0%
Frontal
315.0%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
210.0%
Power Steering Fluid
210.0%
Column
210.0%
Power Assist System
15.0%
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
15.0%
Sidewall
15.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
62.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
165.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3210.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6622.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
5919.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
6722.3%
150,000+ miles
5418.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2006peak 16Mar 2025
Recalls on the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
15V064000
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.
14V252000
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.
14V224000
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.
14V153000
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20150489,680 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles equipped with electric power steering may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. If the power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Centre and a chime sounds to inform the driver. Steering control can be maintained, as the vehicle will revert to a manual steering mode, but will require greater driver effort. The sudden change in steering may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly with a redesigned one. Note: This recall is an expansion of recalls 2012-331 and 2014-104. Vehicles having already been repaired under the previous campaigns do not require re-inspection.
Recall 2014173194,314 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, intermittent electrical connection faults may cause the brake lamps to illuminate without the brake pedal being depressed, or not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed. This could also interfere with cruise control, ABS and/or vehicle stability control function. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or erratic brake lamp function could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Recall 2014160109,110 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with 4 speed automatic transmissions, the shift cable could fracture without warning. If this occurs, the driver may not be able to select a different gear position, remove the key from the ignition, or place the transmission in the PARK position. If the driver cannot place the vehicle in the PARK position and exits the vehicle without applying the parking brake, the vehicle could roll away, which could result in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a revised shift cable and mounting bracket.
Recall 2014104157,423 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles equipped with electric power steering may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. If the power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Centre and a chime sounds to inform the driver. Steering control can be maintained, as the vehicle will revert to a manual steering mode, but will require greater driver effort. The sudden change in steering may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs as necessary. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2010447 and 2012331. Vehicles having already been repaired under the previous campaigns do not require re-inspection.
Recall 201233167,414 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles equipped with electric power steering may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. If the power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Centre and a chime sounds to inform the driver. Steering control can be maintained, as the vehicle will revert to a manual steering mode, but requires greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds. Unless a driver compensates for this additional steering effort, loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Vehicles will receive a special extended warranty coverage for a period of 10 years/240,000 km, whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. Under this special coverage program, for 2005 & 2006 model year vehicles, dealers will replace the steering column. For 2008 model year vehicles, dealers will replace the power steering motor control module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 180,000 milesImperial, MOCrash
STEERING
WHILE ON EXIT RAMP FROM ONE INTERSTATE TO ANOTHER INTERSTATE HIGHWAY DURING A VEER TO THE LEFT, CAR SUDDENLY VEERED RIGHT & CROSSED A LANE OF TRAFFIC HEADING FOR AN EMBANKMENT AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, UNABLE TO STEER, WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO TURN 180 DEGREES AND SLID INTO THE EMBANKMENT. HAD I NOT DONE THE 180 DEGREE SPIN, I WOULD HAVE HIT THE EMBANKMENT HEAD ON, LIKELY BEING SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. THE RECALL REPAIR TOOK PLACE AND OBVIOUSLY FAILED. I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO TRUST DRIVING IT AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10871629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesPark Hills, MOCrash
SUSPENSION
I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2013 FROM A CHEVY DEALERSHIP IN FREDERICKTOWN MO. THEY GAVE ME A PASSED INSPECTION AND I WENT ON MY WAY. THE NEXT APRIL THE CAR DID NOT PASS INSPECTION. IT WAS ADVISED TO ME THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS BAD. IT WAS OVER $400 TO FIX THAT. FOR THE PAST YEAR MY CAR HAS BEEN RIDING VERY ROUGH. IT SHAKES AND RATTLES WHEN DRIVING AND SLOWING DOWN. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS THE ROTORS, SO I CHANGED THOSE. THE ROTORS WERE REALLY BAD AND LOOKED LIKE THEY HAD BEEN ON THE CAR SINCE IT FIRST CAME OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE. I WAS TOLD THESE HAD BEEN BAD FOR SEVERAL YEARS. ONE SIDE WAS WARPED AND THE OTHER SIDE LOOKED LIKE IT HAD BEEN INTENTIONALLY GROUND DOWN ON THE EDGES. ON JANUARY 9TH 2015 MY TIRE BLEW OUT ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE MY LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD CAUSED THE TIRE TO WEAR ON THE INSIDE. NOT TWO WEEKS LATER, I LOST A SECOND TIRE DUE TO THE SAME ISSUE. THESE WERE BRAND NEW TIRES ON THE DATE I PURCHASED THE TIRE IN 2013. I HAVE ALSO ALREADY HAD SEVERAL RECALLS ON THIS CAR. THIS CAR IS NOT AT ALL SAFE TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY. I WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FOR THE SECOND TIME ON THIS CAR IN TWO YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10684340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,759 milesLeesburg, FLFire
STEERING
LETTER FROM SENATOR NELSON ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT REGARDING STEERING PROBLEMS ON HER 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU; PLEASE SEND RESPONSE DIRECTLY TO SENATOR OFFICE AND REFERENCE CONSTITUENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED TO RETRACT CAUSING THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND CATCH FIRE. THE MECHANIC STATED IT MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO A FACTORY FLAW AS HE HAD NEVER SEEN BOTH CALIPERS FAIL TOGETHER. THE BRAKE CALIPER SEALS WERE MELTED FROM HEAT AND THEY WERE CRACKED/DRY ROTTED LETTING THE CALIPER SLEEVE RUST. A MONTH PRIOR, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE POWER STEERING SEEMED STIFF AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER, THE CONSUMER DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. ON DECEMBER 20, 2011 THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ANOTHER STEERING FAILURE, SLOW ACCELERATION, AND OVERHEATING OF THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE MECHANIC BELIEVED THERE WAS PROBABLY CONTAMINATION IN THE BRAKE FLUID, AS IT WAS MILKY. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT ALL THE RUBBER COMPONENTS IN THE BRAKE AND ABS BE REPLACED DUE TO THE CONTAMINATION.
NHTSA complaint #10587989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,759 milesLeesburg, FLFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
LETTER FROM SENATOR NELSON ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT REGARDING STEERING PROBLEMS ON HER 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU; PLEASE SEND RESPONSE DIRECTLY TO SENATOR OFFICE AND REFERENCE CONSTITUENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED TO RETRACT CAUSING THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND CATCH FIRE. THE MECHANIC STATED IT MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO A FACTORY FLAW AS HE HAD NEVER SEEN BOTH CALIPERS FAIL TOGETHER. THE BRAKE CALIPER SEALS WERE MELTED FROM HEAT AND THEY WERE CRACKED/DRY ROTTED LETTING THE CALIPER SLEEVE RUST. A MONTH PRIOR, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE POWER STEERING SEEMED STIFF AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER, THE CONSUMER DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. ON DECEMBER 20, 2011 THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ANOTHER STEERING FAILURE, SLOW ACCELERATION, AND OVERHEATING OF THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE MECHANIC BELIEVED THERE WAS PROBABLY CONTAMINATION IN THE BRAKE FLUID, AS IT WAS MILKY. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT ALL THE RUBBER COMPONENTS IN THE BRAKE AND ABS BE REPLACED DUE TO THE CONTAMINATION.
NHTSA complaint #10587989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,759 milesLeesburg, FLFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
LETTER FROM SENATOR NELSON ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT REGARDING STEERING PROBLEMS ON HER 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU; PLEASE SEND RESPONSE DIRECTLY TO SENATOR OFFICE AND REFERENCE CONSTITUENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED TO RETRACT CAUSING THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND CATCH FIRE. THE MECHANIC STATED IT MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO A FACTORY FLAW AS HE HAD NEVER SEEN BOTH CALIPERS FAIL TOGETHER. THE BRAKE CALIPER SEALS WERE MELTED FROM HEAT AND THEY WERE CRACKED/DRY ROTTED LETTING THE CALIPER SLEEVE RUST. A MONTH PRIOR, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE POWER STEERING SEEMED STIFF AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER, THE CONSUMER DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. ON DECEMBER 20, 2011 THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ANOTHER STEERING FAILURE, SLOW ACCELERATION, AND OVERHEATING OF THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE MECHANIC BELIEVED THERE WAS PROBABLY CONTAMINATION IN THE BRAKE FLUID, AS IT WAS MILKY. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT ALL THE RUBBER COMPONENTS IN THE BRAKE AND ABS BE REPLACED DUE TO THE CONTAMINATION.
NHTSA complaint #10587989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesNatick, MACrash1 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A ROAD BARRIER. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE FACE, HEAD, HANDS AND EARS. THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 87/15/14*CN UPDATED 08/25/2014
NHTSA complaint #10586782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 204,000 milesPortage, MI
STEERING
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the power steering assist assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 204,000.
NHTSA complaint #11647569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,000 milesPortage, MI
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the power steering assist assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 204,000.
NHTSA complaint #11647569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 241,000 milesSeymour, TX
STEERING
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel became firm. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to pull over, but the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact was able to pull over, shut off and restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 241,000.
NHTSA complaint #11539214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesVan Nuys, CA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel failed to turn left or right. The vehicle continued to move forward. The power steering assist fault light was illuminated. The contact had to push the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her about a power steering sensor failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
NHTSA complaint #11505829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 206,203 milesJacksonville, AL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 206,203.
NHTSA complaint #11460929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPlainview, NY
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space, the vehicle inadvertently lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the steering wheel remained difficult to steer. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence with manual steering. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Consumer stated "Failed component/part Information", it is incorrect to identify the failure in the hydraulic power assist/power steering fluid. The power steering on my car is electrical assist.
NHTSA complaint #11442562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesGrand Rapids, MN
STEERING
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while stationary or while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist would fail to operate, and the power steering warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the steering wheel would lock as the failure occurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with power steering failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was given a case number. The vehicle has been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11435948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 241,404 milesMemphis, TN
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK UPON DEPRESSION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JIM KERAS CHEVROLET (2000 COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS, TN 38128) WHERE THEY PERFORMED SERVICES TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER, MASTER CYLINDER, HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM, LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHER UNKNOWN SERVICES. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 241,404.
NHTSA complaint #11413026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 241,404 milesMemphis, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK UPON DEPRESSION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JIM KERAS CHEVROLET (2000 COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS, TN 38128) WHERE THEY PERFORMED SERVICES TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER, MASTER CYLINDER, HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM, LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHER UNKNOWN SERVICES. THREE WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 241,404.
NHTSA complaint #11413026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBAY City, MI
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, A GRINDING NOISE BEGAN AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK. THE STEERING VIBRATION CONTINUED PERMANENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE BEGAN EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN OCTOBER OF 2018, BUT HAD BECOME WORSE OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11219969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 206,000 milesIndiana, PA
STEERING
THERE WAS A RECALL FOR ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MINE WAS TAKEN CARE OFF BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, IT LOST ELECTRIC POWER STEERING AGAIN AND IS NO LONGER UNDER RECALL WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #11219735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesSalix, IA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT. I HAVE CHANGED THE LIGHT BUILD 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. THE LAST TIME BEING SATURDAY MORNING, THEN ON THE WAY HOME TONIGHT IT IS OUT AGAIN. LAST FRIDAY, IT WAS WORKING ON MY WAY SOMEWHERE AND THEN QUITE. ON MY WAY HOME IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN. IT DIDN'T MATTER IF I TURNED, HIT A BUMP, ETC. IT JUST GOES ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. I HAVE READ MANY MANY COMPLAINTS THAT THIS HAPPENS TO OTHERS AS WELL. I FEEL CHEVROLET NEEDS TO DO A RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE!
NHTSA complaint #11181718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLaura, OH
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO SEIZE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V153000 (STEERING), 14E044000 (STEERING), AND 15V064000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11181114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,850 milesBrentwood, NH
SEATS
THE DRIVER'S SEAT TIPS BACKWARD WHEN WE SIT BACK IN IT, AND CAN ROCK BACK AND FORTH WHEN THE CAR STOPS AND STARTS, OR IF THE DRIVER LEANS BACK WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WHICH POSITION THE POWER SEAT IS PLACED IN, UP OR DOWN, FORWARD OR BACK. THIS IS A SIX-WAY POWER SEAT CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #11180231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesJoelton, TN
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS LOST WHICH RESULTED IN A DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION. RECYCLING THE IGNITION KEY RESOLVED THE PROBLEM FOR A DAY OR TWO BEFORE REPEATING. IT APPEARS THIS VIN IS NOT APPLICABLE TO THE GM RECALL FOR THIS KNOWN PROBLEM. RECOMMENDATION TO NHTSA IS TO REOPEN THIS RECALL AND EXPAND THE VIN RANGE TO INCLUDE VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM AND NOT A SELECT FEW JUST TO SAVE MONEY. THIS INCIDENT OCCURS WHETHER DRIVING AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS OR JUST STARTING THE CAR AND ANYWHERE IN BETWEEN.
NHTSA complaint #11180151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesOtsego, MN
STEERING
CAR LOSES IT'S ELECTRIC POWER STEERING RANDOMLY, WHICH IS A SAFETY CONCERN. APPARENTLY, THERE ARE 2 SEPARATE RECALLS ON THE STEERING COMPONENTS FOR 2006 MALIBUS. GM SAYS THAT 1 OF THE RECALLS RELATED TO MY CAR AND THE REPAIR WAS MADE. SINCE THIS IS A "CLOSED" CASE AND THE REPAIR WAS MADE I HAVE BEEN GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM BOTH THE DEALERSHIP THAT MADE THE REPAIR AND GM HEADQUARTERS. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ISSUE IS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE THAT THE RECALL WAS FOR. CLEARLY, THE RECALL WAS JUST A BAND-AID, NOT A FIX AS I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE! RADIO ILLUMINATES THAT THE POWER STEERING HAS FAILED (WHICH IS WHAT THE RECALL IS FOR). THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE 1. INVESTIGATED 2. FIXED BY GM AND NOT THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS ME TO PAY $130 TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND THEN CHARGE ME TO REPLACE THE SAME PART THE RECALL WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX! THIS IS CRAZY AND DO WE REALLY NEED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM WHEN IT CLEARLY SAYS (AND I CAN FEEL) THAT THE POWER STEERING IS FAILING? PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AS IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11174527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 215,830 milesTEA, SD
STEERING
I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS AND FOR THE LAST YEAR THE POWER STEERING MESSAGE COMES ACROSS MY RADIO DISPLAY EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE IS ON AND STAYS ON. MY POWER STEERING PUMP IS ELECTRIC AND OCCASIONALLY I WILL LOSE MY POWER STEERING WHILE I AM DRIVING
NHTSA complaint #11165759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,344 milesTEA, SD
SERVICE BRAKES
RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A GRAVEL ROAD AND MY TRACTION CONTROL, ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF. MY TRACTION CONTROL NO LONGER WORKS NOW.
NHTSA complaint #11165760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesFarmington, MN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON ALL OF THE TIME EXCEPT WHEN FOOT IS RESTING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. HAVE TRIED TO CHANGE OUT THE BRAKE SENSOR AND THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ONE BOTH IN MOTION OR WHEN CAR IS JUST SITTING
NHTSA complaint #11162283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesFarmington, MN
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON ALL OF THE TIME EXCEPT WHEN FOOT IS RESTING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. HAVE TRIED TO CHANGE OUT THE BRAKE SENSOR AND THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ONE BOTH IN MOTION OR WHEN CAR IS JUST SITTING
NHTSA complaint #11162283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesFranklin, TN
STEERING
POWER STEERING ALERT ON DASHBOARD. POWER STEERING HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR MY CAR IN THE PAST AND SIMILAR MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILING OR HAVING ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #11144767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, PA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. DAVE HALLMAN CHEVROLET (1925 STATE STREET, ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA 16501, (877) 260-0369) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS NO DIAGNOSIS PERFORMED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11131893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesAlbany, NY
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK YESTERDAY MORNING AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP SO THAT I COULDN'T TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AS WELL TO THE POINT IT WAS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL EVEN AN INCH TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND WAS ON BOTH SIDE STREETS (20-30MPH) & THE HIGHWAY (65MPH).
NHTSA complaint #11122893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesWinston Salem, NC
STEERING
STEERING GETS VERY TIGHT AT TIMES AT ALL SPEEDS. SUSPECTED THAT ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST MECHANISM IS BAD. THIS PART WAS RECALLED IN 2015 FOR FAILURES.
NHTSA complaint #11122908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,000 milesAlpha, MI
STEERING
POWER STEERING HAS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY AND BRIEFLY WITH NO WARNING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND UPON MOVEMENT FROM A PARKED POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #11120179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.