Problems with 2006 Chevrolet Malibu ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The driver drove into her drive way from a short drive. when she parked in her driveway, she noticed smoke coming from the under the dash board. she exited the vehicle, ran into her home to tell her mother. when they ran back outside, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. they called the fire department immediately thereafter. the fire marshal conducted an investigation as to the cause of the fire and he concluded that the fire combusted from within the vehicle, likely electrical. no one was injured however, the vehicle is totaled and the driveway is stained from the smoke and fire. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control); however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Fuel level sensor failure. fuel reads empty even though the gas tank is filled. it took 3 hours and 322 dollars to fix.. unreasonable is all i can say... *tr

On 5/07/2014 i got in my car that morning to take my 4 children to school the car started and died 3 times. when it finally did start i couldn't get it out of park! while on the way to school i was nearly hit from behind because my brakes lights failed to function! the problems have gotten worse daily since then. when i would drive the car it would take off on its on, the cruise control no longer functions, i have to try at the minimum of 7 times to get it to crank!! now it is very unsafe for me to drive i can't even take my children to school my neighbor has to take them and pick them up! i was finally sent a recall letter the last day of july 2014. in this recall are all the problems i am having. they say when called that they do not know when the parts to fix it will become available. what am i to do? i have a car i am paying for and can not drive!! i can't afford to go buy a different car. i told them since they had no idea when parts would be in to just replace my car and the answer was no!! they also want me to pay to have it inspected. this is their fault not mine i should not have to pay for anything!!! *tr

Car shuts off while driving an steering is hard. *tr

I have taken my car to sierra chevrolet in southfield, mi where it was purchased in 10/13, since purchasing on 3 different occasions in 5 months for loss of power steering and all systems on dashboard drop to zero (0), gas, speedometer and rpm's. i was first charged $125 (dealer claimed they would split cost) which didn't fix problem. now they are trying to charge me $430 to replace a module with no guarantee this will fix problem. i am being repeatedly told my car does not fall under the recall. i have a copy of letter from nhtsa to general motors dated 3/31/14 identifying safety recall of power steering as well gm's letter to dealerships dated 3/31/14 referred to as bulletin # 14116 which states dealers are to replace torque system in models 2004-2006 malibu. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that when attempting to start the vehicle, the key would remain in the start position while still in the ignition switch. the contact stated that in order to resume normal operation the vehicle had to be shut down and restarted. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

The vehicle on several occasions at a speed of 30 mph approximately turned off. when this happens there is no control of the vehicle, the direction gets stuck as well as the brakes. i have received two notifications from you, one on august 2014 & the other one on january 2015. i have gone to the dealer and as of now there is no solution to this issue. the dealer i have gone is the nearest one: autonation chevrolet doral located at 1201 nw 89th ct miami, fl 33172. *js

Hears a clicking noise from car then it will loose steering and shut off, no acceleration, steering wheel locks up, no lights. all turns off, has happen about 8 times. next time, put foot on brake it jumps, all shuts off, it some times take 3 or 4 times for the car to start back up. chevrolet shop has replaced parts, still can not find out why it shut off. if this has happen to others that has a malibu, please help, with suggestion on what the chevy house can do to help me out. thanks *tr

I was driving about 30 miles per hours, but the speedometer was 85 miles per hours. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the power steering assist failed as the power steering warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was repaired on two occasions but the failure recurred. the approximate failure and current mileage was 160,000. ..updated 04-23-14 *bf updated 05/28/14*lj the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired and the owner is in possession of the failed parts. updated 06/2014 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. while driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. the failure occurred on multiple occasions. after restarting the engine, the vehicle resumed normal operation. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 160,000.

The power steering light came on the display. i could not steer or turn the car. i turn the car off for about thirty minutes. i started the car back up called gm dealer on 38th street explained the problem & went in. the service department said that it was power steering column & that it would be 1200 dollars to fix. i did not have the money to fix it. on several occasions this has happened to me. as recently as february 25, 2015 i took my car to a private mechanic & paid 817.00 for suspension work, bushings etc & 253.00 for two tires. the mechanic informed me that the intermediate mid shaft needs to be replace & that there was still clucking noise & rattling in the steering wheel. i test drove the car with the mechanic & as i was turning out of the parking lot the power steering locked up again. it was very difficult for me to turn the steering wheel as i was turning on a busy intersection. the power steering light came on display. i cut my hazard lights on & cut the car off & started the car up....i do not feel safe in this car. i got on line on february 27, 2015 googled 2006 recalls on chevrolet malibu's & seen that there was a recall. i contacted dorman products & left a message in regards to my issue. i also contacted gm 18006302438, spoke with a representative about the issue (power steering) & she asked for my vin number. she also asked me if i was the first owner of the car, i explained that i purchased the car from the andy mohr dealership & that there was a previous owner. the representative informed me that the recall letter to the previous owner on february 5, 2015. i updated my information & received a letter the next day for the recall. i am scheduled to go in for electric power steering assist (recall # 14772) on tuesday march 3, 2015. i hope that this dangerous issue is taken care of. concerned chevrolet malibu owner. *tr

I got in my car last night, coming from out the grocery store, and it wouldn't start!....anti theft system light kept blinking. i live in michigan and its january, i was freezing, crying and didn't know what to do. thank goodness i didnt have my daughter with me....i googled about what happened and it seems a lot of people are having this problem. why hasn't this been recalled????!!!!!...i tried the 10 minute fix but while doing it, it drained my battery. every gm car i had, has given me problems. they don't want us to buy foreign but i think next time i get a car thats where im heading!...gm you are ridiculous and every site i get to complain on about you, i will!!!!....get this fixed asap!! *tr

On the day of the incident i was traveling on the road with my two children in the vehicle. suddenly the speedometer and gauges on the dashboard went down to zero while i was driving. the abs,traction control, engine light, and security lock lights were lite up on the dashboard. the fuel gauge is not responding to the amount of fuel in tank. if ever i turn the car off it would not restart which meant my children and i would have been stuck in the middle of nowhere. its been a headache trying to keep up with the amount of gas in my vehicle due to gauge not responding. the power steering light comes on the dashboard. just everything is wrong with this model vehicle and it seems every week there's another recall that is added to the list. its scary. twelve to thirteen lives have been lost already over defaults of the chevy modeled vehicles. a very insecure and uncomfortable customer/family. *tr

The first is the steering sounds like front end is going to fall apart when driving and when i turn corners. the second is the fuel the car constantly shuts off for no reason. and the third is the air conditoner blows from cold to hot. *tr

As i was pulling out of a parking lot a message came across my radio/temp screen and said power steering. all of a sudden my power steering went out. i drove it a few blocks to make it home with absolutely no power steering. it was tough, but i made it home. i turned the car off and did a little research on the internet concerning my power steering. i seen a lot of people said once they started their cars again the power steering worked, but also went out again intermittently. so i went outside and started my car and sure enough my power steering is working....for now. i am scared to drive it again fearing it will go out and i won't be able to control it and cause a horrible accident. gm needs to recall these cars because this is a huge safety problem! *tr

I have a problem with my car overheating. this car overheated and antifreeze came pouring out of the overfill hose. i had a mechanic check it and fix it, next day same thing. the car anti-theft light come on, the steering wheel sometimes freeze up. this car sometimes turns on and off by itself, yes the key need not be inside. the brakes are horrible and i spent funds to change it. help!!! this car seems to be a recall big time. *tr

Vehicle hits 25 mph while driving straight and the power steering fails. a dinging would go off and it would not move till the car was shut off and reset. *tr

i have had issues since the day after i got it. i have had this vehicle for less then a month and within 24 hours of having it the issues started. the fuel gauge drops to empty, when i fill the tank. the starter will crank but the car will not always start, sometimes the start is a long crank & sometimes it will not start at all, now today the check engine light is on. the steering wheel makes a popping noise. *tr

The worst car i ever had in my life will never have another one it is the middle of summer a/c compressor is frozen had it repaired and now it is breaking alternator belt this belt works the alternator and compressor had it replace twice it broke while driving down the road lost my steering in steering wheel almost wreak i am sick and tired of this darn car and in danger my life and kids life the car also will completely shut down going down the road i think chevy should not had put any of these cars on the road i miss my honda now and the next car will be a honda its sad that americans cant buy american made cars without them having all these defects. *tr

I bought this car brand new, still had the plastic on it. the car is well taken care of. i used the re-circulate feature for the first time ever, a loud thumping noise started. the noise stopped for a little bit. today i was driving all over the city, and on the way home the loud thumping noise started and did not stop. it scared me to drive, i thought it was something major. we had to pull the battery to get it to stop. i contacted chevy, they said it was out of warranty, they claim it is not a "safety" issue. i have medical issues, i cant be in the heat, this is a safety issue. basically they didn't care, they said that i would have to pay to fix it, even though many other chevy's are doing the same thing. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing transmission and bas sensor failure. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number:14v252000 (electrical system , electronic stability control , exterior lighting , service brakes, hydraulic , vehicle speed control). the failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 97,000.

My vehicle periodically stalls during operation. i have noticed this occurrence for the last year or so. i have not experienced any injuries or accidents as a result of this. however, i am reading that there may be issues with ignition switches of this particular make and model. *tr

I was driving on the highway. while driving on the highway at around 60 mile per hour the powersteering warning came onto the radio display. shortly after the steering wheel became extremely hard to turn. i was able to pull over to the side of the road once i dont that the car cut off. i was towed to have the car looked at, once the car was looked at i had the alternator replaced. when i picked up the car from the place where it was serviced, while driving it home the car locked up again and i had to have it towed again to the place. once at the place the problem was fixed and the car ran fine for two days. while driving to work once pulled in parking space the battery light came on again. now i am afraid to drive it in fear that it will happen again and cause an accident. *tr

It started since 2013 and new things are just happened what part of your car was affected? engine elec. stability control seat belts unknown or other

Around march 2013, i first began to encounter problems with my power steering. it began at a low speed with a chime, a message display saying to check the power steering, and my wheel locking up (power steering fail). at the time, i did not think much of it because after restarting the car, the power steering seemed fine. after this incident, there were many times when the chime would sound and the message would flash but the power steering still seemed to work. i took my car in for other issues and had this checked out at the same time. the trouble code in the system was c0545 for torque sensor input failure. my mechanic explained that this was a common problem and even checked for a recall at that time. i left with my car that day due to having to wait for parts. two days later while driving 45mph, the power steering entirely failed. it felt as if my wheel locked entirely. luckily there were not many cars on the road and i was able to direct it into a parking lot. my car was taken back in immediately and they had to replace the entire steering column. this repair cost around $500. in july 2014, it was brought to my attention that gm finally issued a recall for this problem. so, i called gm to to submit my information to be reimbursed. i was told that only some 2006 malibus were being recalled for this issue and that my 2006 malibu was not one of them...even though my 2006 malibu had the problem they were recalling for! come to find out, this has happened to many other 2006 malibu owners. needless to say, gm has done a terrible job correcting a serious mistake. *js

I was driving on the highway with 60 mph. i suddenly recognized that it was very hard to steer. it was very hard for me to pull it over . as i knew this issue with 2006 malibu cars (read many complaints about it on the internet before), i did not panic, and achieved it to pull over without any accident. (by the way, i am a male driver and i do not think any female driver without any knowledge of such problem in advance could pull the car over) i have seen the "power steering" flash on the screen during the incident. after turning off and on the ignition, everything was normal. i do not know whether it will repeat again in the future. i searched for any recalls about the power steering, and found that 2005/2006/2008 malibu cars were recalled on october 2012 in canada. (please see the link for more information http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/7/vrdb-bdrv/search/recalldetail.aspx?lang=eng&rn=2012331 ) however, there is no such action in the usa. it is a very crucial safety problem and these cars are to be recalled immediately in the usa as well. gm should definitely take an action before any deadly accident happens. *tr

Traveling down the highway and suddenly the vehicle is very hard to steer got the vehicle pulled over to the side of the road after having to muscle the wheel then had the car towed to the dealer.was told it was a electric power steering assist motor that had went out causing the problem and after questioning about a recall was told they were recalled in canada but not the us this is a very concerning matter that gm needs to correct. *tr

The power steering goes out whenever it want to while the car is in motion. the gas hand goes down to e when the car really have gas in it, but it will go back up on its own. the engine light is on, and the car do not get as much power have to hit the gas all the way rpm go all the way up. i have not even had this car for two years but having all these problems with it. *tr

Occasionally when starting the car it will make a jerking motion and sound like it wants to cut off. i have had times when it would cut off right after starting or while sitting at a red light. a few times (probably a dozen) after cutting off i had to try a couple of times to restart the car, the other times i was able to restart it the first time. it will do this for a couple of days or weeks and then be fine for a while. *tr

About two years ago (2012) my vehicle would have trouble starting. when my car would not start i would wait for a minute and then try to turn vehicle on again. sometimes this 'waiting' technique would work, other times it would not. when it would not work i would have to have my car jumped and only then would my vehicle turn on. after going to countless mechanics, including the chevrolet dealership, i had my ignition keyhole replaced a few months after this incident began. the mechanic who replaced the keyhole only did so because he-like every other mechanic who looked at my car- could not find any other problems that would cause my car not to start. however, only a couple of months after the keyhole was replaced the problem re-appeared and has persisted ever since. the most trouble i have had was in november of 2013 when my car had to be jumped 3 times because it would not start no matter how much time i let the car rest. i have had my battery checked to see if that was the problem, but it never was. i feel like my car has the most trouble starting in extreme weather conditions (extremely hot,cold or humid). these incidents happen at least once a month with the most recent incident being just last week. *tr

2006 chevrolet malibu, intermittently won't start. will start with remote start key fob only. strands me daily due to this problem. replaced starter last year with no resolve, now occurs randomly with no rhyme or reason. read online forums seems to be the anti theft passive lock system failing to allow the car to start. *js

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated while traveling to approach a stop or when a turn was made the steering wheel was extremely hard to turn. the electric power steering failed intermittently. the contact had to apply force to turn the wheel. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who replaced the steering column and the ignition switch. the failure recurred and the contact was not able to turn the key to start the ignition along with the vehicle stalling intermittently. the anti-theft sensor illuminated, service engine sensor and a lock symbol on the radio continued to illuminate. the radio was not working. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 14v153000 (steering). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 98,000. dyd

Brake lights stay on when driving, but do not come on when applying the brakes. *tr

We are having a problem with the battery dying intermittently. we have had the car since 04/11. since we have purchased the car we have had to replace the battery 3 different times, each time we have had to replace the battery we take it to the shop and let them test the battery and there is always a dead cell in the battery.the battery is only lasting from 4 to 6 months we have had the car in the garage and no one can figure out what is going on. i have noticed that there have been other complaints also. we also had the same power steering issue as every one else while we were on vacation in tennessee, but we were very lucky that the dealer we took our car to new of the issues and new that there was a clause you might say about this vehicle and we were able to get the car repaired free of charge. *js

I am having problems with the electric power steering and from what i have heard is alot of other people have similar problems. my steering is real stiff where it needs two hands to turn the wheel and a good strong grip. i think this is unsafe and should be fixed through gm before this fails on others and cause a accident. thank you. *tr

I have been repetitively turned away by various gm dealerships to address serious issues with my vehicle & potential recalls. my issues include - steering malfunctions making the vehicle difficult to control, faulty fuel pump sending unit causing check engine light to illuminate & vehicle to stall, uncontrollable vibrations when breaking at high speeds nearly causing me to wreck, popping sounds in the suspension system, and finally unexplained electrical malfunctions such as radio switching channels on its own, failure of keyless entry system, failure of remote entry system, buzzing of lights when dimming, and flickering of headlights. i have been told by dealerships that because my vehicle is a "fleet car" that it does not qualify for any recalls. problems began while under warranty. steering wiring harness was replaced while under warranty. at around 65,000 miles, systems began to fail despite my regular care of the vehicle which i have documented. after warranty expired, i was routinely turned down for recall inspections. a recent emissions inspection caused concern by the mechanic over the steering of the vehicle and i was encouraged to address these problems again. i cannot afford a new car. *tr

I have been complaining about these problems for years to my dealership and haven't received the proper help to get these problems taken care of. i have been having problems dealing with sudden loss of electric power steering. my car steering wheel will lock up as soon as i turn the car on or even in the middle of driving on the highway. this is a hazard and life threatening. i brought my car to the dealership, but they informed me that my car did not have a power steering problem. but my car was notifying me on the screen that it was my power steering and the wheel locks up as well as continues to shake. it is still currently happening and getting worse. my steering shaft makes a lot of noise and i can feel it in the steering wheel when i drive. my break lights as well as head light bulbs are always going out and keep having to buy new ones. i know they will g out sometimes, but how often mines goes out is not normal. the airbag icon on my dashboard as well as the reading on my screen shows that something is wrong with my airbag. i'm afraid that one day it will just explode in my face. i also have electrical problems with my windows and lights in my car. the windows get stuck and only one light in my car works (one of the overhead lights). i had my transmission checked out and they informed me there was no problem (but they told me that about me power steering) and i end up paying to get my solenoids replaced, but i was not reimbursed when i brought it in for the transmission recall. like i've said, i have been trying to get assistance from the chevrolet dealership for years with these problems, but they keep telling me i don't have any problems. i really feel my life is in danger with all the problems i am having with this car and i do not feel i am getting the necessary help i need. can someone just please assist me and help get these problems taken care of. *tr

Power steering failure. had began to drive out of a parking lot when power steering went out and was very difficult to turn steering wheel. car has electrical power steering. i tried to step on brake, shift gear into park then back in drive but still could not get steering wheel to turn. was extremely difficult and would have been very dangerous if had happened while driving on a freeway with my kids. i have found a multiple sites with the same similar complaints about the 2006 chevy malibu from people who had this happened to them. they have even had mechanics try to troubleshoot and charge them horrendous amounts for repairs but continued having issues after either the steering wheel column was replaced, coils and harness were replaced, or other parts that mechanics tried troubleshooting. something must be done to issue a recall for this problem to be corrected before it does take someone's life. *tr

Made a transponder key, parts person at the gm dealership just started the engine with it and said it was already programmed.( he just tested to see if the key will start the engine.) when got home with original key and turned off the engine i tried to secure car with the remote and it did not work. tried original key to start car everything was dead including battery. disconnect and reconnect battery, now the security light does not come on, car can't start, there is nothing only the lights on dash with other icons. i don't know if the chip key that was made cause the system to fail. i hate to have to tow the car cause i know the dealer would charge me an arm and a leg. i hate to get the parts person in trouble. is there someone on line can help solve this problem? *tr

This has been a good car for the most part great on gas but last week the brakes felt real hard to push so i replace with new brakes front and rear the old brakes looked almost new now the brake tail light come when you start the car and don't go off unless you depress them. drivers think your stopping when your driving and when braking they cant tell because lights go out.also for the past 3 years the power steering light comes on and you lose your steering control i wonder if and when someone has to die before gm recalls and fix the problems. *tr

Randomly while driving at higher speeds or accelerating the battery light will flicker on and off on the dashboard. this time while accelerating on a entrance ramp to the highway the battery light along with all the idiot lights on the dashboard flashed and i temporarily lost power steering. this happened twice within a period of two minutes. normally whenever the battery lights or other idiot lights flicker a chime is heard. this is kind of scary since it seems like this is a common problem and tends to happen at higher speeds. *tr

2006 malibu lt power steering assist fails then resumes intermittently. mechanic's diagnostic computer cannot communicate with vehicle computer during failure, resumes communication when assist resumes. cannot detect faulty switches, wiring, fuses. no recall notices or service bulletins. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated the odometer failed. while driving 39 mph the mileage increased from 76,000 to 107,700. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated they would run a diagnostic test but the contact does not want to pay the repair cost of $112. the vehicle also suddenly accelerated while driving. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 123,700. the consumer stated there was also a fuel system problem. updated 06/14/11

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.

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 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

I have a 2006 chevrolet malibu with defective brake lights. when you are traveling down the road the brake lights are on as if you are "riding your brakes" and then when you do apply your brakes the brake lights go off! this is very dangerous when people don't know you are slowing down and almost rear end you! i have had my car in the shop for almost a week and the chevrolet dealership cannot locate the problem to fix it. something needs to be done before it is too late and someone gets hurt! *tr

When driving car power steering across radio comes on steering wheel locks car been doing this ever since i got it and when it replaced it goes out every couple months last one was replaced 5 days ago from recall n went out 4 days later. *tr