2.4

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,963 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #20

Jul 012014

Malibu

  • miles
My car stalls and you can smell gas. It hasn't been working in three weeks now.

- Pineville, LA, USA

problem #19

Sep 022013

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 147,000 miles
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.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #18

Aug 102013

Malibu

  • miles
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.

- Jasper, AL, USA

problem #17

Dec 102007

Malibu

  • 31,680 miles
This car had hardly driven off the lot, as a certified used car with 31000 original miles on the od and I put only 800 miles, when the rotors, and brakes, and steering started knocking, and becoming what I would call "stiff, non-functional" power steering, and pull violently to the left, when uphill. The harsh shaking, of the rotors, and the "stringy feeling of the brake pad, loose was not stopping at a proper safe level. At the future, within 2008-2009-2012 the steering column, was recalled, and put in twice and the brakes were not good, requiring more replacements, and rotors shaved for my safety as it rattled the front end, and caused steering, and distracting for driving safely. I had multiple close calls on basic driving, in rural area, uphill, where power steering went out, the car was not able to be controlled. Prob 10 times, on freeway I could not go past 60 miles, or the engine would act strange, pulling, and again threatening to fail power steering. To date, ,now the maf failed, and shut off the engine while driving, again locking up the brakes, and in the middle of traffic. In total it has 30000 new miles in less then 6 yrs and it remains a deathtrap.

- Sylmar, CA, USA

problem #16

Mar 222012

Malibu 6-cyl

  • miles
SE escucha un golpeteo por abajo del volante, me comentan los mecanicos que ES la columna de la direccion Y la cremallera. En realidad ES muy fastidioso ya hace rato que SE escucha.

- Monterrey N.L. Mexico, NM, USA

problem #15

Jul 012011

Malibu

  • 109,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently experienced a failure in which it would not start. The contact would have to wait a few days before the vehicle would successfully start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the fuel pump was replaced yet the failure continued. The vehicle was not taken back for additional repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #14

Feb 282012

Malibu

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle would loose power and would stall without warning. A local mechanic diagnosed that the catalytic converter was defective and would need to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 105,000.

- Morganfield, KY, USA

problem #13

Oct 192009

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
On 11/15/2011 the usa today reported that federal safety regulators were investigating problems with the automatic shift levers on several General Motors cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says on its website that it's looking into the same problem on other GM cars like the 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu. I am the original owner of a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu which has been meticulously maintained and can be verified through carfax or maintenance records. I had to replace the transmission at gordon Chevrolet in tampa, Florida. The cost of the transmission replacement was $3,086.01. The symptoms of the transmission problem were the exact same thing as reported in the usa today article. The vehicle wasn't finding the right gear. The shift lever would feel like it was in-between gears and it wouldn't catch in a certain gear. The RPM's would surge up while it still wouldn't catch into gear. On several occasions when it was placed in reverse it would travel forward as soon as you took your foot off the brake, almost like on a hill but on completely flat ground. On the highway I could be driving at a consistent speed and the RPM's would be jumping up and down which it never did in a proper gear. It would increase RPM within seconds and continue to do so even though I maintained speed and the elevation on the road remained the same.

- Syracuse, NY, USA

problem #12

Feb 012010

Malibu

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated when she applied pressure to the brakes, the brake light would not illuminate and when it would illuminate, it would not shut off. In addition, she noticed that the check engine warning light was also illuminated. When attempting to accelerate, the vehicle would exhibit an abnormal knocking from the engine followed by a violent jerking. The steering wheel also seized intermittently, making it difficult to control the vehicle. The dealer replaced the oxygen banks one and two, core pack, spark plugs and the prongs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The current mileage was 155,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Memphis , TN, USA

problem #11

Oct 282011

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 38,425 miles
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?

- Waipahu, HI, USA

problem #10

Oct 042010

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu ls. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was inoperative and would read that the tank was either empty or full erroneously. The check engine warning light would also illuminate intermittently. The dealer denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle and the manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 73,000. Updated 11/16/11 the consumer also stated the catalytic converter was clogged and the vehicle would not accelerate in passing gear. Updated 11/30/11

- Saint Clair Shores, MI, USA

problem #9

Sep 292011

Malibu

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.

- Pine Bluff, AR, USA

problem #8

Jul 302011

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while changing lanes on a smooth road surface, the vehicle felt like it was driving over a groove. The steering wheel also seized and there was an increase in engine rpms, nearly causing a crash. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they stated the ignition coil assembly and the ground strap would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000 and the current mileage is 121,000. Updated 08/24/11 updated 04/09/12 updated 05/03/12

- Carrollton, VA, USA

problem #7

Dec 202009

Malibu

  • 75,000 miles
Steering wheel locks up while driving - happens at random - at all different times. Dealer acted like it was no big deal and of course they want me to pay for it when I have now found out that I am not the only one complaining about this problem. It is dangerous, and it could cause fatality. Problem seems to go away for a while after I change out the spark plugs. But I am at 160,000 miles and on my 8th set of spark plugs. Something is not right, spark plugs should last longer than 20,000 miles. GM should take this complaint seriously before someone is killed. Something is wrong, otherwise why would there be so many people complaining about the same problem. I am working at paying off this car as fast as possible so that I can get into a safer vehicle. Sadly, I will *never* buy a Chevy again :-(

- Frazier Park, CA, USA

problem #6

Aug 152010

Malibu 6-cyl

  • 75,500 miles
2006 Chevy Malibu lt, 2.2 is stalling, started mid Aug 2010. It happens mostly when the rpms go between.5 to 1. I am not sure how many times it has stalled but I would estimate it has happened about 15-25 times. I have to hold the break down firmly while gently accelerating to keep the car on. The stalling occurs while im stopped or when I'm in motion, which may cause an accident on the road or highway. I tried changing the spark plugs & that didn't work. The check engine light had been on before it started stalling, I finally got it checked and codes P0106 and P0121 came up. Took to a mechanic today and suggested I report this here first after asking me if I thought it was a safety hazard for the highway, when my car stalls.

- Los Angeles , CA, USA

problem #5

Aug 162010

Malibu

  • 40,148 miles
While driving the A/C stopped blowing cold air, the car started to overheat, the various lights on dash were lighting up and the car died at an intersection. The car has 40,148 miles; the air conditioning compressor froze snapping the serpentine belt. Per the repair invoice: Locked up compressor clutch 3.00 diagnose, replace A/C compressor, evacuate and charge A/C, replace serpentine belt, clean A/C filter. The total cost of this repair was $1169.35. Should this part cease to work at only 40,000 miles?

- Schaumburg, IL, USA

problem #4

Mar 032010

Malibu

  • 10,500 miles
I have a 2006 Chevy Malibu that I bought in sacramento ca. Via paul blanco dealer on franklin and florin rd. (they are no longer in business at that site). The car accelerates dangerously when on cruise control. The car began overheating immediately after purchase (oil lube place detected an engine gasket that needs to be replaced because it continues to overheat; unless I keep the heater and or ac going; the steering column had to be re greased and re-adjusted at Firestone a few months ago because all of a sudden it would lock. The A/C compressor immediately went bad after purchasing this car. I had to buy another one which cost a good amount! soon after purchase (used vehicle with approx. 10,300 miles) the brakes went out and had to be replaced! in Jan. 2010, I noticed the seat belt light kept coming on, even after it was locked in (which is very dangerous because I don't know when and if its going to keep me safe when driving); erc. Etc.. I need someone to contact the dealer of Chevy so that owners can go get these things checked out and fixed the right way. I attempted to call the numbers given re: Warranty etc. And nothing was resolved.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #3

Sep 262009

Malibu

  • 55,000 miles
ODI number) is: 10285336 increasing engine RPM above 2500 resolved the problem.... until the next time it is triggered by what ever the cause is.

- Natchitoches, LA, USA

problem #2

Mar 152008

Malibu

  • 37,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. On some days, the vehicle will start immediately, but on other days, it will not start at all. On occasion, while driving at any speed, the vehicle will shut off. The vehicle has also shut off while waiting at a stop sign or traffic light. The vehicle had to be towed on three different occasions after shutting down and not restarting. The dealer stated that the cause of the failure was the fuel pump, and it was replaced for $1,000. At times, the vehicle still will not start. The contact has gone back and forth to the dealer, but they could not identify the cause of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 40,000 and failure mileage was 37,000.

- Copperas Cove, TX, USA

problem #1

Nov 052007

Malibu

  • miles
I purchased a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu and had to have the engine replaced shortly after purchase. General Motors was excellent in this matter. I have been searching for another and in doing so, I have noticed several of the 2006 Malibu that are on recall at various dealers for sale. This is a danger to the purchaser and possibly children that may be in the car. Can something not be done to get all these vehicles off the streets? I am a christian woman and I don't want to see anyone hurt. I believe in General Motors but it is the people out here not adhering to the recall letters. They were generous in their offer. Maybe if they had made the offer a little longer. I don't know exactly how it was handled, I am just concerned about the lives of the people.

- Jonesville, NC, USA