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Problems with 2006 Chevrolet Impala STEERING

On average, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala starts to “feel” problems with the STEERING and its various aspects after 82 707 miles.

Components Affected by STEERING Issues

We have classified the 110 complaints from 2006 Chevrolet Impala about STEERING into the following categories.

COLUMN 3 RACK AND PINION 2 ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM 2 HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM 1

Recently reported STEERING problems on 2006 Chevrolet Impala

I was driving my company assigned car down a steep hill when the engine stalled without warning. this has happened 5 other times with this vehicle. this was the first time i was traveling fast though. it's like the engine just turns off. the lights are still on but i lose the power steering and brakes. it was terrifying and extremely dangerous. this problem happens completely randomly with no warning. it has happened to others in my company with their impalas. i looked online and found numerous other instances of chevy impalas of various model years doing the same thing. it is currently in the repair shop and the mechanic can't duplicate the problem. i told them its random and occurs about every 4 months or so. i am afraid i will have to get back in this death trap due to my employer making me. please help- i don't want to die because chevrolet has a problem with their electrical systems in their cars. *tr

Consequence: a broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. the contact stated while making a left turn the steering wheel became difficult to turn. the vehicle also hesitated then surged forward, after the accelerator pedal was depressed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 113,000 and the current mileage was 115,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. while driving approximately 5 mph into a parking space the contact heard a grinding noise in the steering wheel. the failure also occurred while driving between 15 and 20 mph while turning the steering wheel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the technician stated the steering rack and intermediate steering shaft had to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

Driving down the highway and the power steering fuel line broke. power steering is currently inoperable. currently researching a solution to the issue. *tr

My 2006 chevrolet impala with 37000 miles on the odometer has had a cracking noise in the steering like you would get if there was a loose connection in the steering mechanism. it is noticed more at very slow speeds then at fast speed. it is also quite noticeable if you are just creeping along and tapping the brake pedal. this situation has been present for the last nine months. i have not had a dealer look at this problem. the car has not been in a accident during this time nor has there been an injury due to this problem. after reading other reports concerning the 2006 impala steering. i strongly feel that recall should be in order. *tr

Service abs and traction control lights come on and front wheel grabs while vehicle is moving. *tr

Power steering cooling line has ruptured 4 times. repaired by recall and failed again 1 year later. gm refuses to repair or admit problem with system. 4" rubber hose continues to rupture. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. the contact state that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 09e005000 (steering) and that the air bag warning light illuminated the day after the repairs. in addition, the contact stated that she continued to have issues with the steering. the contact spoke with the dealer and was told she would have to pay for a diagnostic to determine the exact failure. the contact believed that the manufacturer should be responsible for the repair costs and also stated that the steering continued to become tight and resistant when attempting a turn. the failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was 80,000. updated 06/01/11*lj the consumer stated the rack and pinion and power steering hose needed to replaced. the consumer stated gm offered to pay for the parts to replace the air bag, but not the labor. updated evoq 07/12/11 updated 1/17/2012 *ln

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that when she attempted to turn the steering wheel either to the left or right she heard an unusual popping and clicking noise, then it would violently jerk. the dealer advised that contact that it could be the steering shaft and she was awaiting a service appointment. the manufacturer was not aware of the failure. no repairs were performed. the current mileage was approximately 87,000. the approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. the contact was driving 15 mph and attempting a right turn when the vehicle exhibited an abnormally loud noise from the front end. the vehicle was taken to a vehicle repair center where the failure was diagnosed as the intermediate shaft for the steering column. the intermediate steering shaft was replaced. the dealer was called and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the steering column. the manufacturer was called who confirmed there were no recalls and provided no further assistance. the failure mileage was 39,990.

i got my car march 2006 ran smooth for two years then problems started. first my driver side window fell . next when i turn on my heat or a.c loud tapping sounds occur for about 5mins. third when i turn my steering wheel to the left it make a popping sound. and the worst of all my transmission is slipping. everyone i know with chevy impala are having some of the same problems. something need to be done!!!! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. the contact noticed a clunking sound when she turned the steering wheel to the right. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact called the manufacturer and was told that someone would call her back with a response. the current and failure mileage was approximately 15,900.

I had a near accident when the power steering line failed. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. 2006 chevrolet impala ltz comments: safety concerns; i am having many problems with my 2006 chevrolet impala ltz. 55,000 miles and it is falling apart, many major repairs need to be done. gm district specialist is working with me to try to get this car up to par, but so far he is not able to get the car back on the road for me.. never been in a accident and always maintained, car is in beautiful condition outside but i think i got a lemon. still owe $5000 of the 25,000 price. recurring steering problems and motor mounts and axel and steering column, and head gasket. can you help me get to the bottom of this, i have now been without a car for 2 months while 3 different dealerships have diagnosed a variety of major problems. i am a senior citizen, just retired, need my car for doctor app'ts as well as in general, i am very upset, warranty ran out at 3 years, my original dealership went under when chevrolet had problems. i've been treated very poorly by gm's dealerships who don't want to handle an out of business dealerships problems. i have complete notes on dates, names (however it's gm's policy not to give last names), i believe these are all manufacturer defects and don't trust the car anymore. i've put major money into repairs to date and now gm wants to only cover 50% of this latest head gasket problem, that doesn't include the other problems. i think they should admit manufacturer defects and buy back my car, pay off the remainder of the loan and then i can buy a car that will keep me and my family safe. failure mileage was 55,000. (the contact wanted to use the emailed complaint).

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that while reversing, there was a sudden loss of power steering. the vehicle was restarted and operated as normal. the failure occurred on several occasions. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column and the steering module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 17,771. updated 10/23/14*cn updated 08/28/2017*ct

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala lt. the contact stated that while driving at various low speeds, the steering shaft became difficult to turn along with the grinding noises while turning. the vehicle was repaired twice prior to this failure. the vehicle was inspected and repaired for the intermediate steering shaft. the failure mileage was approximately 58,304.

2006 chevy impala seems to have hot heat near the passenger front by were your feet rest ,and i have already fixed the transmission twice and for some reason it is again making this real loud noise when i take it off of park it is really hard to move it in to park mode and when it does it jerks really hard. *tr

My power steering was acting crazy and making clicking and other weird sounds. after being notified of a recall, i took it in to the dealer. the dealer told me they had to perform the recall, which they have it listed as a power steering flush on my gm owner center file. it has now returned back to clicking and weird sounds when i drive and turn. i'm scared that maybe gm is overlooking my impala. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 cheverolet impala. the contact stated that the vehicle experienced both power steering and engine failures. the contact received a recall notice in regards to the power steering. the dealer repaired the vehicle according to the power steering recall by replacing the hose and the clamps on february 24, 2010. the contact stated that while driving the vehicle at approximately 40 mph, the vehicle overheated and smoke emitted from under the hood. the vehicle was taken to the dealership for a diagnostics test and the dealer informed her that the engine overheated because the water pump was leaking. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the current and failure mileages were 78,591.

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) im having this problem with my 2006 chevrolet impala!! it has just 30,000 miles on it and it started at 28,000 miles. at start up it wines bad and you can feel it tug and stick in the steering as you drive at slow speeds. it does get harder at times at cold temps but as it warms it frees up. at times it does not want to turn im a big guy but my wife does not want to drive it. we have a 2010 chevrolet hhr she drives must of the time. i hope it does not have the same pump... ref:(general motors co. is recalling 1.3 million cars to fix power steering motors that can fail. the recall affects 2005 to 2010 chevrolet cobalts, 2007 to 2010 pontiac g5s, 2005 and 2006 pontiac pursuits sold in canada and 2005 and 2006 pontiac g4s sold in mexico. the automaker said monday the vehicles are still safe to drive and never lose their steering, but it may be harder to steer them when traveling under 15 mph.) its sound and feels like its more cars then what is being recalled at this time. [xxx] gm spokesman alan adler need to check into all late model cars with this pump... *tr

2006 impala, v-6. took to mechanic today, said is was bad. when turning steering wheel, it pops. could be dangerous. *tr

Knocking in steering column while driving. *tr

While driving entering state highway with 65 mph speed limit the power steering line ruptured and became difficult to steer. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala purchased new in 2006. she stated she would hear a knocking sound in the steering wheel upon turning left or right. the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where they found the intermediate steering shaft knuckle was failing and would eventually cause the steering wheel to lock. there were no recalls. no repairs were made to date. the failure and current mileages were 13,571. updated 03/04/10. *lj

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, an unusual noise emitted from the steering column. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and serviced under nhtsa campaign id number was 09e005000 (steering). most recently, the failure recurred with a loss of power steering assist. the steering gear was replaced by the dealer. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 29,580 . updated 12-05-13 *bf the consumer stated in 2009, the high pressure steering hose was replaced.

I have been hearing a clunking noise with my 2006 impala around 21,000 miles. when i brought it to the chevy dealer where i purchased the vehicle, they told me it was the rack and pinion system that needed to be changed. at this time the vehicle was four years old and no longer under warranty. i done some further research and spoke to a few other impala owners and they had the same issue, and had the intermediate steering shaft replaced. i brought it to another chevy dealer and self diagnosed the problem and they agreed with me. i had it changed with 28,000 miles on it. i contacted chevy and asked how this part can fail with so few miles. they blame it on wear and tear and didn't want to give me any assistance with the repair. this has been an ongoing problem with many impala and lumina lines for years, and should be covered under a recall. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. he discovered recall # 09e005000 (steering) for his year, make, and mode. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and inspected for one full day. after the day of service he was advised that the recall did not apply to his vehicle. one week after the inspection. while driving he lost power steering without warning and crashed into a snow embankment. the vehicle was towed back to the dealer and repaired. the failure mileage was 30,000. the vin was unknown.

I have a 2006 chevy impala and the steering is terrible. it clunks and when i put on the brake it goes to the left, having no control. please is this covered in a recall. *tr

Steering: i started hearing a noise - like a clunking in, at the same time i would feel it in my steering wheel...when i would turn left or right, it would clunk and kind of shake or vibrate....it got worse and worse and every time i would turn the car to the left or right, it would clunk louder and could hear it and feel it. i went to the local auto repair, and they found that they had to replace the intermediate steering shaft....this part cost $120.00 plus the labor to install. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. the steering shaft elicits violent vibrations and noises. there was a recall for an after market steering part (see nhtsa campaign id number: 09e005000), but his vehicle identification number was not included. the vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer where they found the steering shaft was faulty and either would need to be replaced or repacked. no repairs had been made to date. the current and failure mileages were under 33,000.

I purchased my 2006 impala ss brand new in 2006. i've been a loyal gm customer my whole life. at 99,000 started experiencing transmission issues, slipping,and hard shifting... at 101,000 miles i was driving down the highway and my transmission stopped working. i refinanced my car to rebuild the transmission for $2,200 . after the rebuild transmission was working ok. then at 122,000 miles it stopped working again... it was snowing and i was stranded in the turn lane of a road with a speed limit of 55mph... i turned off my car let the engine cool down and back on at least 20 times... my car moved about 200 feet each time... an hour later i got back to my house that was 5miles from the failure. i cant afford to fix it now and i am still paying for the car. its been sitting in my yard for 10 months. this issue is very dangerous and needs to be resolved. i also received a recall for my power steering hose, got it fixed and the brackets came loose from my frame causing my steering to get very hard. i pulled over and checked my power steering fluid at walmart and it was empty. i filled it and everything was working. the next morning i had no power steering again... my hose had rubbed on my frame making a hole. i went to the store and bought more power steering fluid but after i put it in my steering was making a loud sound and didn't turn well. i think it was damaged due to the leak. i too have a loud clicking sound coming from my dashboard when i turn on my car. i was told by the dealership it was the vent flap motor ... $750 dollars to repair... part is only $65 the rest is labor... also when i first bought my car i had to get all 4door windows replaced (under warranty) due to improper window guide adjustment. and my automatic trunk release works off and on, my keyless entry only works 5 feet from my car with new batteries,and all tire pressure sens. went bad$100 each help. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. while driving approximately 45 mph, an abnormal smell emitted from the front end of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the power steering box needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown.

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. while applying the brakes approximately 15 mph, there was excessive resistance within the steering wheel. an authorized dealer informed the contact that the failure was a normal occurrence for his year, make and model vehicle. the contact stated that the failure had become progressively worse within a year. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure continued to occur whenever the brakes were applied or when the vehicle came to a complete stop. the failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 60,000.

2006 impala ss power steering leak. driving and suddenly lost power steering. i had to have towed in and cost me over $300 to repair. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. whenever the contact is parking or turning the vehicle, the power steering fails. he took the vehicle to the dealer at least three times, but they could not correct the failure. the contact was advised to call the manufacturer for assistance. the failure mileage was 41,214.

While going to work on 3/30/2009 i was unable to steer my 2006 chevy impala i slid down the road on the drivers door there was extensive damage to my car and i broke a bone in my knee. *tr

I was driving vehicle and went to turn onto my street and power steering failed causing loss of steering and came close to hitting a utility pole. upon inspection i noticed hydraulic piping for the power steering had sprung a leak. in searching for a bulletin i discovered #060232014. nhtsa campaign#10020769. i have set an appointment at a dealership to repair. however,this incident could have had fatal outcome. i believe that this goes beyond a service bulletin and should be further invesigated. loss of life should not be the determining factor. *tr

I was driving my vehicle to work in heavy traffic in the middle lane of major michigan highway (i-75). as i headed into a right curve on the highway, my vehicle began to make a very loud squealing noise under the hood and my steering wheel pulled out of my hands, and the vehicle began to pull back straight. it became very difficult to steer my vehicle to the right, so i pull out of traffic as quickly as possible. once i was able to pull off to the shoulder of the highway, i shut my vehicle off. i took my car to the closest chevrolet dealership for an inspection. the service department explained to me that the power steering line had burst, causing a rapid loss of power steering fluid and lack of vehicle control. they replaced the defective line at a total cost of $438. i reluctantly paid for the repairs after finding out this defect was not covered by the "gm certified 100,000 mile powertrain warranty". what i fail to understand is why would a product that serves such a vital safety feature in a vehicle, not be held to higher quality standards and be covered for a longer period of time. based on the recent number of incidents reported by consumers for this same year, make and model, i feel this type of defect needs to recalled by gm before serious injuries or lives are lost. i don't think i have been more panicked behind the wheel than i was at that time. *tr

I was having problems with my car and had to have it towed to the dealership. the power steering fluid had leaked out of the hose and the clamp needed to be replaced. at that time i paid for those repairs of replacing those parts. months later a recall was sent to me for replacement of the same parts that i had already paid for and had repaired. i would like my money refunded. *tr

Last march, 2008 power steering went out of car, so took to mechanic. after paying over $400 to repair hose and power steering pump on car that had only 30,000 miles. now in february of 2009, less than one year later, i have the same problem with the power steering going out again. i see that there are alot of complaints about this same thing. i think gm should do something about it and launch a recall to fix the problem before someone gets hurt seriously or worse killed. *tr

I pulled out of the driveway and the car's power steering was limited. i thought it was just because it was a very cold morning, and it started working properly. i checked the fluid when i stopped and it seemed fine. a week later, i pull out of the driveway and the same thing! my husband checked the fluid and it was low. when i returned home, not only was there a bunch of fluid on the driveway, but you could see how i pulled out and the stream of fluid of where i went. thank goodness, i learned to drive on a jeep that had no power steering!!! if it had been one of my teenagers, it would have been a different story. from what i have read, this is a major issue and chevrolet needs to step up and place a recall on these hoses!!! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. the vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions for failures with the heater blowing cool air, the gear shift changing incorrectly, and the tire monitor indicator constantly illuminating. on january 30, 2008, the contact drove approximately 25 miles. she then pulled into the driveway and noticed smoke underneath the hood, followed by flames. she quickly extinguished the fire and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. it was diagnosed that the power steering hose failed and caused the fluid to leak. the vehicle will be repaired. the current and failure mileages were 51,000.

On friday, jan. 23, 2009 i experienced a loss of steering on my 2006 impala ltz mileage 45,500. while driving on a dual lane hwy. when the traffic light allowed i tried to turn left, steering very stiff i pulled over, raised hood saw smoke, called dealer was told could not get repairs until monday. i called tow truck as it was covered under my extended warranty. i asked about a loaner car, none available, extended warranty paid all but deductible. i picked up the car on monday seemed okay, after leaving work place tuesday afternoon, lost my steering again was able to drive back to dealer about five miles, was told the hose hadn't seated properly took an hour for repairs this time. today stiffness returning. will look for another car soon, lost confidence in gmc products. please recall for this problem before somebody gets hurt. *tr

Without warning, the power steering "went out" on my car as i was driving down the road. i sensed the stiffness in the steering, was on a very straight road, and was able to slow the car and bring it to a stop. had i been on a road with curves, i would most certainly have had a bad accident. i had the car towed to a dealership for repair, and when i picked it up i noted this on the description: "customer states car has no power steering. cause: improperly sealed. " further: "diagnose and replace split power steering cooler pipe hose and per bulletin 060232014." i don't know if this is a reference that is strictly "how to repair this problem" or if this indicates that this is a noted problem. if so, it should be a recall! my car has less than 30,000 miles and has been driven very conservatively. if this problem has occurred with any frequency, then it is a dangerous condition that requires a recall. when the power steering goes out completely and without warning, and you're on the expressway or a road with curves, a serious traffic accident is bound to occur. *tr

First the wheel had a shimmy in it. the rotors were replaced and new brakes. that wasn't it . it was the front ball joint. 2. car wouldn't heat up. radiator cap replaced at dealer for 45 dollars. rear defogger quit working. 4. power steering out now and it feels like the rack and pinion going to fail. car no longer under warranty now with 64k. i am tired of this lemon. *tr

I own a 2006 chevrolet impala ls with 45,500 miles on it. in december 2008, i experienced wobbling in my front left tire. the outer tie rod was broken and had to be replaced. the tires were severely and unevenly worn, requiring a new set of tires due to bad alignment, and now i am hearing and feeling vibrations and clunking in the steering column. a google search revealed dozens of similar and recurrent steering column and alignment problems and complaints with both the 2006 and 2007 chevrolet impala. the replacement of the steering column is only a temporary fix. it comes back. i did not purchase an extended warranty, but gm does not regard this as being covered in the extended warranty outside of 36,000, anyway. several have complained of steering failures and lock-ups which resulted in both injuries as well as damage to property and other vehicles. this is clearly a problem that can have fatal results if not corrected. consumers should not have to pay to correct this problem. replacement of the steering column would incur an out-of-pocket cost exceeding $1,000. please issue a recall, if not for me, then for the people for whom the problem has not begun to occur and spare them injury and/or death. *tr

While driving on the publicway, power steering cease to operate, steering became almost nil. this is the first time that this happen, there was no prior warning, steering just went out. vehicle was taken in to have power steering hose replaced. *tr

I purchased the 2006 impala in 11/2006 when stopping the steering and front end shakes and vibrates. 1st the keyless remotes stop working which included my automatic start not working that happened 12/7. i am a trooper so i waited took my car to the chevy dealer 4/08 and they said there was a recall on the system so they fixed that and my tire monitoring system(which went out again on 12/1/08). my seatbelts wont lock in you have to force it hard several times and then still comes out on both the passenger and drivers side. my rear left door stop wrkg 6/08 1st the door would not close now it does not open at all. on 12/21/08 the power steering went out while driving at 55mph on the expressway. also the heat stop working and the rear defrost 12/16/08 and it is freezing in chicago. took car to dealership and of course the warranty was expired so i was stuck paying the $300 bill for the power steering. my husband refused to pay the 400.00 for them to replace the thermostat and thermostat gasket. well two days later car is back in the shop because now 1/3/09 the water pump is leaking waiting on a callback now from the authorized mechanic with the final report on what all is wrong with this car that just came from the other authorized shop on 12/21. mind u the car was only driven like 4 miles b4 the other problems started happening. i have had it with this car. i will send in more information when i get the final verdict on the death trap from the authorized mechanic when he calls me back today 1/3/08. *tr

Pulling out of driveway steering was hard pulled back in and noticed fluid on the pavement which ended up being power steering fluid. inspected under the hood and found the leak was coming from the return hose from the power steering pump. took to local chevrolet dealer and it was fixed. after i had my car back for 6 days the same hose blew a hole in it in a different spot. took to the dealer two days ago and they replaced it again picking up tomorrow. i constantly hear about other having the same problem on chevy's mainly impalas' and it seems to be primarily the 2006 model. this is ridiculous that there is no recall on this. i've called gm and they are no help at all and seem to just ignore this ongoing problem. something has to be done about this before someone is seriously hurt in an accident due to the loss of power steering. *tr

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