Problems with 2006 Chevrolet Malibu STEERING

For the past 6 months power steering on 2006 malibu lt had been going out. i could reset it by restarting the car and pressing the accelerator. while driving on the highway about a month or two ago power steering went out, was able to pull over. this happen about 4 time before i reach my destination, i drove in the right lane so i would be able to pull safely off the road. to date if i restart the car i can drive it for a short distance before it goes out again. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving various speeds, the power steering locked. the dealer was contacted and informed her to bring the vehicle in for inspection since there were no recalls or related warranties for this failure. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 82,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated while driving 15 mph the steering wheel locked. the bell and power steering light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact turned the vehicle off and then on to correct the failure. the dealer diagnostic test determined that the failure was the same as the recall that was issued, but the contacts vin was not a part of the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure. the failure mileage was 72,000 and the current mileage was 74,000.

Electrical power steering column (eps) in my car, and many others of the same year or older has/will fail. very dangerous, car will not turn when driver wants it to. foresee accidents and injury if left unrepaired. there was a recall issued for the 2005 model, which uses the same eps as the 2006. there are many complaints about this problem happening at different mileage milestones, however, chevy/gm is basically saying they don't expect their sedans to last longer than 100,000 miles by not remedying the problem. i have 3 kids, this is a very dangerous situation. there must be a logical reason as to why in 2007 they switched to power steering fluid instead of the junk eps. gm/chevy can expect me, an owner of 5 chevy vehicles, to never purchase this type of power steering again. i am asking for a recall, a repair, a compromise form gm/chevy to fix the vehicle and keep my loyalty to the brand. it's very upsetting a recall would go out for an older vehicle, yet this one gets ignored. how may of my children need to be involved in an accident before gm/chevy takes responsibility for their crappy handiwork. i have an estimate on the repair, which would run between $740-$940. a recall issued by the government, would show their concern; and dedication to consumers. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. while driving, the contact noticed that the power steering check engine warning light illuminated, when the vehicle lost all power steering, making it difficult to control the vehicle. both the dealer and manufacturer had not been notified nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. the current and failure mileages were 77,444. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated while accelerating in drive, the steering wheel would seize. the contact stated this usually occurs while driving up a hill, and the sterring wheel later unlocks on it's own. she also stated that the vehicle has becomes very unsafe to drive. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who replaced the power steering sensor but that did not remedy the problem. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer stated the electrical power steering unit needs to be replaced. the contact stated when the steering wheel locks, the vehicle could cause a crash. the failure mileage was 105,000.

At 102,600 miles power steering began to intermittently fail. it would return when the car was turned off and then started again. my wife very nearly wrecked in a parking lot when it first happened. gm had a secret warranty to 100k...cost me 660, region refused to help. it was a sensor in the steering column. "old part" is not available, don't know what the dealer would do with such. as my wife suffers from reduced arm strength, it was not an option as to repair. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact was driving 15 mph when the steering wheel became extremely stiff, rendering the vehicle disabled. the engine was turned off and the contact restarted the vehicle within moments. the steering wheel had returned to normal operation. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 104,734.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake lights would work intermittently. the contact replaced the brake lights on numerous occasions. the independent mechanic repaired the wiring harness but the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the bcm needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired under campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system , electronic stability control, exterior lighting , service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control) the remedy failed to rectify the failure. additionally, the contact also stated that the heated seat function failed and the power steering seized intermittently. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). the approximate failure mileage was 60,000...updated 10/01/14 *bf the consumer stated the fuel tank would show 1/8 of a tank, but in actuality the tank was empty.

Power steering fails. it started when i went to leave work. i started my car, and the power steering immediately failed and "power steering" showed up on the dic. i tried to turn the wheel, and it was almost like the steering wheel was locked up. i turned the car off, and then back on, and it was fine. then, this past weekend, it did the same exact thing. i again, turned the car off, then on, and it was fine. i drove to the closest chevy dealership, and of course they were closed (it was new years day). i went to leave the dealership, turned my wheel slightly to the right and power steering failed again! turned the car off, then back on, drove to the stop sign, turned the wheel slightly to the left, and power steering failed again. i'm very scared this will happen unexpectedly while i'm driving home from work on the interstate. something should be done, especially with how many similar complaints i've seen posted all over the net! *tr

Steering problems. i was in a turning lane with my son in the car. i heard a ding and power steering showed up on my display. i had no power steering! i am a small person and could barely turn the car and stay in my lane. when i got home i turned the car off for awhile, then went and turned it back on and the car was fine. i have driven the car only when i need to because i am afraid to drive it. i heard it will happen again. the car goes into the shop 1/3/11. there is also a knocking noise in the front end when i make a turn. exterior lights. i've had to replace my head light bulbs about every three months this past year. because of the lights going out. first one side then the other. *tr

2006 chevrolet malibu. steering electric power assist system fails as you are driving. complete loss of steering assist. must stop car, turn off engine. when engine is restarted, power steering is working again. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated was driving 20 mph when the steering wheel began to exhibit an unusual noise when turning and began shaking excessively. the failure occurred intermittently for a period of one year until most recently when the failure became ongoing. the contact was concerned that the steering capabilities would fail and potentially cause a crash. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. the failure and current mileage was 105,000. updated 02/02/11 *cn

The steering in my 2006 chevy malibu lt is very faulty. i have read and researched the continuous problems with the steering in this car and it posses a big problem considering i drive this car 200 mile on the interstate highway at high speeds and the car is very difficult to control. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 30 mph the steering wheel began to shake and the power steering light illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

The steering completely locked up multiple times while commuting to work on i-95, south, in maine. one time in particular, noted above, in which it was absolutely frightening. the entire dash would light up and all gauges would drop, the power steering would completely lock, and you would have to slowly make your way to the side of road. there were always steering, shifting, locking, braking, concerns with this car. we were constantly bringing it in to be looked at for transmission and steering issues. after multiple recalls, i thought it best to state that this car is truly unsafe. at this point we have had the car for so long, it is more of just a reassurance that someone is seriously looking into the manufacturing of these vehicles. we cant seem to get much luck with repairs, and even issues that are completely related to these recalls, we are still paying for out of pocket. we no longer drive it on the highway, if avoidable, but we do still have to use it as a commuting vehicle to work on other roads daily. we would love to see the entire vehicle recalled, as it is truly concerning that the company finds these issues to be minor repairs. *js

I owned a 2006 chevrolet malibu,in which i have only had 1 1/2 years,the factory warranty just expired 3 months ago. i am now having very serious problems with the power steering (eps) it has a tendency to go out on me everytime i turn left if i turn the wheel all the way to the left or if i just turn it a little bit just enough to make the turn i can fill the stiffness in it as if its getting ready to shut down,this has happen off and on for 2 weeks now and once it shuts down i have to cut the car all the way off and crank it back up and then the power steering is restored,this never happens when i turn to the right it just go along as if nothing is wrong. i consider this pretty dangerous because it can happen to me in traffic after making a left turn and get me hit in the rear seriously. i have been online reading some of the other comments with the chevy malibu and all them seem to experience my problems as well. i have made an appt at the dealership to have it looked at to see what officially is the problem with it and have it fixed.but,i really think there should have been a recall on all the vehicles with the electrical power steering because there is a glitch somewhere in the system that is killing the consumer's pocket. is there a rainbow at the end of this tunnel? *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the steering wheel suddenly locked up; he had to jerk the wheel so that it would move. the failure occurred everytime the vehicle was driven. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the steering module needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer had not been notified. the current mileage was 85,528. the failure mileage was approximately 85,400.

I've only owned the 2006 chevy malibu for about a year and never had a problem with the power steering but on 9/27/2010 i was making a slow turn into a school lot and the steering went out thankfully i was already coming to a stop. it also has always made a noise when turning however i do not know if these problems are related. i contacted my local gm dealer and they said to bring it in so we'll see what happens. *tr

The power steering will go off as you are driving. sometimes it will just become harder to steer as you decrease speed, and sometimes you have to stop, turn off the motor and the steering will reset. very disturbing and quite dangerous. *tr

On a 2006 malibu, the electrical assist has been replaced three times in the past 10 months. each time the steering locked up while driving on the interstate luckily. in 5 days, the car gets taken in to have the steering column and rack and pinion steering replaced. the first failure was at approximately, 50,000 miles, the second was at approximately 65,000 and the third at about 80,000. the car is at 95,000 miles now which is a lot, but to have the power steering replaced at a certified mechanic soon to be 4 times within a year is not good. the electrical assist power steering and all associated designs is unsafe as the wheel is impossible to turn when failure occurs. *tr

I was staying at a friend's house in san antonio because i had a court setting there. the morning of the incident, i turned on my vehicle and was headed to the courthouse. i was about two blocks from my friend's home when i heard a ding and a power steering message popped up on the radio. my power steering immediately went out, and i pulled myself into an apartment complex and turned off the vehicle. i called a friend for a ride and was about to call aaa when i realized i was in the way of a school bus picking up college students from the complex. i turned the vehicle back on to inch up a bit, but i noticed that the power steering was working again. i returned to my friend's home, got a ride to the courthouse, and researched the issue online. i found several other reports of this kind of thing happening and that it was most likely a computer glitch that could and would occur again unexpectedly. i took my chances driving back home to austin that same day and did not touch my vehicle over the weekend. now that it is monday, i will be calling gm customer support. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 15 mph the steering wheel became very stiff and a power steering service light illuminated on the dashboard. the vehicle was pulled over and shut off. upon restart the vehicle operated as normal. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed. the manufacturer was notified and she was informed her vehicle was included in an unknown special campaign and they would pay for the repairs. the vehicle was not repaired when the complaint was filed. the failure and current mileages were unavailable. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the power steering would fail sporadically with the illumination of the power steering warning light. the contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told that the electronic power assist was failing and would need replacing. the contact believed the failure to be a severe safety issue. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 78,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while stopped, the steering wheel would begin to shake. the contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would pull the vehicle towards the left. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, but they were unable to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 25,000.

The power steering on my 2006 malibu stops working when accelerating or maintaining speed up hills. when the accelerator is let up the steering starts working again. if you are in a turn when the power steering starts working again the car jerks drastically in the direction the tires are turned. this started around 90,000 miles. *tr

I have a 2006 chevy malibu with a serious steering problem. just like the cobalt that has been recalled. is the same steering system in the malibu as the cobalt ? the steering just decides to "stop working on it's own". no matter how slow or fast i might be going, it pulls to the left , it pops when i steer, the power steering light comes on, but resets. so by the time i take it to the shop and pay for another service time, it is done and they say do this do that. i had the steering fixed twice now because it was popping. they said the steering was "out of place". when the steering stops, it is to hard to grasp and steer out of harms way. but gm states.. the steering never goes completely out.... they should drive one when this happens. i drive my grand-kids around in this car ....... if they fixed the cobalt,they need to fix this now before more accidents happen ! don't they feel a ounce of remorse ? or is this like the toyota deal ? they don't care as long as you are making money and there are"that many deaths" maybe they should let their kids and grand-kids ride in or drive these cars....... this car is dangerous and all gm said was" take it to the dealer and maybe we can offer cost assistance . " *tr

I was driving my car on the freeway coming home after picking up my 4 yr old grand daughter when suddenly steering wheel locked up on me causing me to loose full control of my car. i had to muscle my steering wheel in order to steer in the right direction. i immediately turned on my emergency flasher to alert other drivers that i was having a problem. fortunately the other cars noticed that i was having trouble with my car and slowed down giving me the right away to move over to the emergency lane where i was able to stop and call for help. the problem with my car was the electronic steering pump that had failed. i have made an appointment to have the car repaired. i've done an extended search on the internet and found this problem so widespread a recall should happen so people with this car can drive safely. this is a safety hazard and needs to be addressed by gm. we do not need to have a fatality in order to act on this problem. it seems to me that like toyota most manufacturers wait to be forced to correct a problem then spend millions of dollars on commercials trying to convince consumers that their cars are safe to drive. with the grace of god this time i was able to get my car off the road safely my fear is what about next time? i usually have my grandchild with me. please help! *tr

My 2006 chevrolet malibu has an intermittent power steering failure, especially during acceleration. i was entering an expressway, when the warning bell starting sounding, and the car became impossible to steer. i nearly hit the guard rail before bringing it to a stop. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact received notification of a safety improvement campaign and warranty extension due to a possible steering defect in her year, make and model. the contact stated that if the manufacturer would send out such a letter calling for special coverage, then it should be under recall. she was concerned that she would lose power steering while on an expressway and not be capable of pulling over. the contact experienced no failures at the time of the complaint. the contact called the manufacturer to inquire about having the part replaced to prevent any possible failure and she was advised that the warranty would only be extended if the failure actually occurred. the current and failure mileage was approximately 16,300.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. while traveling 30 mph, the contact noticed a warning chime inside the vehicle. seconds later, the power steering failed. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the current and failure mileage was 91,000.

I drive a 2006 malibu, and have been for the past 4 years. the standard 2006 malibu has epsa (electronic power steering assist). there is no reservoir to fill fluid as with older models. i found out today through experience that the electric power steering locks/unlocks on its own which has created an extremely dangerous situation. as i was driving to work this morning and as i was pulling into another driveway (making a right hand turn), the steering wheel locked so that i couldn't turn, and i was inches away from hitting a pole. i am fearful of this vehicle especially since a child rides in this vehicle regularly. i am thankful that my child wasn't in the vehicle during this time. i came in to work to do some research since the mechanic confirmed there is no reservoir for the power steering fluid. no pump, no hose, nothing to top off. what i found through my research is scary and irresponsible of gm. this is a severe safety hazard and needs to be addressed by gm immediately. i am disappointed to find that gm has not recalled this vehicle nor identified and addressed this problem (or others). i have not received any mailings or notifications regarding this problem. it's outrageous that gm can legally put out a vehicle for mass production with such hazardous flaws such as the electric power steering problem (among others). after reading all the complaints and blogs about the eps system, i am convinced that the mailbu is suffering from the same symptoms as the cobalt and other vehicles identified in a 2005 (model) recall. this issue is a lawsuit waiting to happen. *tr

When driving down the road attempting to switch lanes to the left the power steering failed. the vehicle lost power steering and pulled to the left towards oncoming traffic. fortunately i was able to compensate for the loss and pull over without incident. my info center indicated a "power steering" error and chimed 3 times. after turning the car off and back on the problem remedied itself. since then this has happened three additional times. this is an intermittent problem and the dealership cannot diagnose the error without reproducing it. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu lt(na). while driving at any speed, the contact noticed that the vehicle would lose all power steering intermittently and the power steering symbol would illuminate on the instrument panel; it was difficult to steer at that point. the contact would turn the vehicle off and restart it again in order to reset the power steering. both the dealer and manufacturer was notified who informed the contact that there were no recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the current mileage was 111,440 and the failure mileage was 90,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact was attempting to reverse when the steering wheel locked. the contact shut off the engine. upon restarting the vehicle, it resumed normal operation. the vehicle had an adequate amount of power steering fluid. based on the contact's research, he believed the failure to be attributed to the electric power steering motor. neither the dealer or the manufacturer was contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was approximately 85,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. while driving in reverse 5 mph, the power steering failed. the contact turned the vehicle off, waited a few minutes to see if the vehicle would restart and it failed to do so. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or a local mechanic for the failure. the failure occurred approximately seven times. the failure mileage was 45,700. the current mileage was 45,900.

2006 chevy malibu electric steering problems. steering non-responsive and had to stop shut engine off and restart to remove power steering check light on dash and worked again ok for short while. *tr

Power steering went out while driving. difficult to steer and turn. power steering default light on dash. dealer unwilling to pay for repairs. gm has already recalled other brands for same problem: recall summary general motors is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 chevrolet cobalt and model year 2007-2010 pontiac g5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering. the driver may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. while driving 45 mph the contact noticed that the steering wheel suddenly locked forcing the vehicle to pull to the left. the failure was not diagnosed and there were no prior warnings. the current and failure mileages were 17000.

Power steering system fails intermittently and without any advanced warning. once the power steering module fails, the steering wheel is extremely difficult to turn but is still turnable. the information display system says power steering and a chime noise is audible. the first time the power steering system failed on me was during a turn and almost caused me to collide with oncoming traffic. the failure of the power steering system is becoming more and more frequent, about ever 30 minutes. the power steering system will go back to normal functioning once the car is shut off and started again. why it fails is not known to me or why it goes back to normal operation after it is restarted. in addition, the ignition key was extremely hot when it was removed from the ignition. *tr

Power steering going out and cannot steer. power steering will not work after starting the car. 2006 malibu lt. purchased new in 2006. only 40,000 miles on it. rotors have been replaced twice in first year. when used in mountain driving they warp and have to be replaced. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving in reverse at two mph the power steering steering light came on and then the power steering failed. the contact turned the vehicle off, restarted it and then the vehicle began to function normally. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. the contact stated that the vehicle should be recalled by the manufacturer since the power steering malfunction was very common. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 70,000. updated 10/15/10 *bf the consumer stated the problem has been resolved. updatd 10/2110*jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu ls. while the contact was driving approximately 16 mph, a chime sounded and the power steering warning light illuminated, followed by the loss of the power steering. the vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane. the engine was turned off and restarted. the failure occurred three times within a three week period. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the technician stated that the failure was contributed to the steering wheel torque input sensor. the manufacturer offered a special coverage adjustment program regarding the replacement of the steering wheel assembly; however, the vin was excluded and the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 57,300. updated 10/05/10. *lj

My 2006 chevy malibu is having power steering problems. this problem results in loss of steering. on july 8, 2010 i was making a left hand turn and my steering wheel started moving the car to left and then to the right then i completely lost steering. after a minute or so the steering came back but only to the point where i had to put all my muscle into it to steer. power steering flashed on my radio during this occasion. after turning the car on and off a couple times the power steering flash disappeared and my steering was back to normal. i have lost steering completely for a short time driving on the interstate. this is very unsafe. i took my car into the chevy dealership for service on july 9, 2010. i was told that i needed to replace my steering column and it would cost close to 600 dollars to fix. i have an extended warranty and for some reason it does not cover this. this should be a recall situation. it is very unsafe for me to be driving and i fear driving my son in the car with me. after reading online i have learned that i am not the only one with a 06 malibu who has steering complaints. alot of people have paid hundreds to fix this problem only for it to return. i can't afford to fix this problem this time let alone if it happens again after it is fixed. i really fear not being able to control my vehicle. as of now my vehicle continues to flash power steering on my radio and the steering is not working properly. when i turn the car on and off a couple times it fixes it for a few minutes and then it returns while i am driving. *tr

In january of 2010 i went in to get new tires and an alignment on my 06 chevy malibu lt. they told me that they could not do the alignment due to inter tie rods needed to be replaced. i ordered the parts and took it back in at the end of the week. a month later i noticed there was a clicking or popping noise. the noise wasn't consistent with turning or going forward it only made the noise every so often, so i thought nothing of it. today i was driving the power steering light came on my steering locked up and i almost hit another car. i took it in to have it looked at it happens that it is that electric power steering had failed. this part is going to be replaced, until the car is parked and will not be driven. the car only has 82,000 miles on it. i am not the only one that has this problem with the malibu. i have 3 children that ride in this car with me. chevy knows there is a problem, please recall the malibu for the safety of everyone on the road. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated the steering wheel would intermittently lock while attempting a turn. the contact would shut off the vehicle and when restarting, the power steering would reset itself. the dealer performed a diagnostic test and advised that the steering wheel torque input sensor would need to be replaced. there was not a recall for the failure. the manufacturer advised that they would speak to the dealer to determine who would be liable for the repairs. the contact was held liable for the repairs. the failure and current mileages were 51,000. updated 11/9/10 *cn the consumer stated while driving, the vehicle would loose power steering and pull the left in oncoming traffic. the cause could not be determined. updated 11/16/10

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. whenever she started the vehicle, it made a dinging noise and the power steering locked. there were no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. she had to turn the vehicle on and off for approximately a half hour before it would reset itself. she did not take the vehicle to the dealer; however, she called and informed them of the failure and was told that there were no related recalls and she had to pay the repair cost. the manufacturer was not called. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 30,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. while driving 65 mph the contact noticed that the rpm's suddenly increased to 3000. the contact noticed that the power steering failed and began working properly. the failure was not diagnosed by the dealer. there were no prior warnings. the current and failure mileages were 74000.

Beginning in 2010 i had to replace the brakes on my car multiple times. to date i have replaced brake pads, drums, and lines 5 different times. my brakes seem to wear easily and frequently screech. beginning in 2013 after filling my car with gas my "low fuel" indicator dings and my fuel gauge shows empty. this happens every time i fill my car with gas. i have received a recall notice regarding power steering. on two separate occasions i have experienced my power steering going out and i am forced to pull over and turn off my car and turn it back on for the car to work properly. i have contacted gm regarding the recall notice and i have been advised that no parts are available and they will not provide me with a rental vehicle and expect me to continue to drive the vehicle "until the parts are available". they will not provide me with a timeline and have been unresponsive to my other complaints regarding the vehicle. *tr

Car is jerking to left while passing cars & while accelerating up hills. almost hit concrete barrier on rt 30 while pulling out of olive garden. had it at garage the said it was torque pull. it has been getting worse. in pgh, 6/20, going up steep hill power steering flashed on stereo & the car dinged then it pulled to the left then to the right.the garage said i needed something about a box, waiting for parts. other mech said it felt like the power steering box is quitting out. *tr