2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Chevrolet › Malibu Maxx › 2006
These records cover every 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14772. Note: This is an expansion of recall 14V-153 to cover additional vehicles built between April 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Owner complaints
270 complaints12 involved a crash1 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- Engine · 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- 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…
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!
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- 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
- Exterior lighting · 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
- 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.
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Steering
Power steering has failed intermittently and briefly with no warning at various speeds and upon movement from a parked position.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
Takata recall the security system locked up and the ingnition won't turn over so the car refuses to start. This all happened when I put it in neutral and it just shutoff. Then refuses to start.the car was technically stationary, my foot was in the brake while it was in neutral. We were about to turn into a church parking lot when it stalled out and would not come back on.
- Steering
Under acceleration when changing lanes to pass power steering locked and warning chime rang
- Service brakes · Traction control system
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu maxx. While driving approximately 50 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, but the brakes failed and the vehicle slid. In an effort to avoid rear ending the preceding vehicle, the contact turned to the left. The ABS, traction…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu maxx. While driving approximately 50 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, but the brakes failed and the vehicle slid. In an effort to avoid rear ending the preceding vehicle, the contact turned to the left. The ABS, traction control, and brake warning indicators illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,200.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 10254240Information on COAX Repair Kit Availability.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249535This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247338Transmission Shift Cable Fracture
- 10247262Transmission Shift Cable Fracture
- 10247261Transmission Shift Cable Fracture
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10246963Changing Turn-By-Turn Voice Response To Metric Or English Units
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245882Electric Power Steering Assist
- 10245804Aftermarket ALDL or DLC Interface Devices Causing Multiple Issues
Every Chevrolet Malibu Maxx model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.