Model year record

2006 Chevrolet Malibu

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,496 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V064000

Steering: electric power assist system

Component: Steering: electric power assist system
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
Vehicles affected: 69,633
Reported to NHTSA: 2015-02-04
Owners notified: 2015-02-24

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Safety risk

If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14772. Note: This is an expansion of recall 14V-153 to cover additional vehicles built between April 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V252000

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Component: Electronic stability control (ESC)
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
Vehicles affected: 2,440,524
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-05-14
Owners notified: 2014-08-18

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Safety risk

Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V224000

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift

Component: Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
Vehicles affected: 1,131,113
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-04-30
Owners notified: 2014-06-27

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

Safety risk

If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the PARK position, the transmission may not be in PARK. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V153000

Steering: electric power assist system

Component: Steering: electric power assist system
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
Vehicles affected: 1,373,177
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-03-31
Owners notified: 2014-07-17

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Safety risk

If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

Recall campaignNHTSA 06V417000

Air bags: frontal

Component: Air bags: frontal
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 794
Reported to NHTSA: 2006-10-31
Owners notified: 2006-11-06

Defect description

CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.

Safety risk

IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.

Manufacturer remedy

BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V486000

Equipment: other: labels

Component: Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 2,351
Reported to NHTSA: 2005-10-19
Owners notified: 2005-11-29

Defect description

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE TIRE LABEL TABLE SPECIFIED THE 15 INCH SPARE FOR THE FRONT DISC/REAR DRUM BRAKE SYSTEM AND IT SHOULD SPECIFY A 16 INCH SPARE TIRE SIZE.

Safety risk

A 15" DIAMETER REPLACEMENT SPARE TIRE CAN NOT BE INSTALLED ON THE FRONT AXLE DUE TO A FIT INTERFERENCE WITH THE BRAKE CALIPER.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE MAILED A CORRECTED LABEL WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS OR THE CUSTOMERS COULD HAVE THEIR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Steering	803	87,000 mi
Electrical system	136	98,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	52	110,335 mi
Service brakes	51	84,000 mi
Exterior lighting	46	83,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	40	78,785 mi
Power train	39	110,000 mi
Engine	33	120,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	31	101,499 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	29	107,100 mi
Air bags	28	120,000 mi
Unknown or other	25	94,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	20	75,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	14	49,250 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights	13	35,900 mi
Suspension	12	69,000 mi
Steering: electric power assist system	11	51,000 mi
Seats	7	67,000 mi
Steering: column	7	70,000 mi
Wheels	7	60,000 mi
Equipment	4	40,148 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	4	7,050 mi
Seat belts	4	10,500 mi
Tires	4	25,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	3	83,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch	3	81,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights	3	35,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	3	165,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	3	10,500 mi
Air bags: side/window	2	20,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	2	14,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	2	60,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition	2	500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	2	2,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	2	5,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	2	3,300 mi
Fuel system, other	2	75,000 mi
Service brakes, electric	2	52,324 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	2	80,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion: rack	2	49,500 mi
Structure	2	71,000 mi
Traction control system	2	161,000 mi
Child seat	1	—
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module	1	35,000 mi
Electrical system: software	1	23,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	1	13,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	1	101,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	1	60,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	1	60,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch	1	130,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	1	2,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	1	84,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	146,800 mi
Fuel system, other: delivery: fuel pump	1	65,000 mi
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable	1	3,300 mi
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler	1	60,000 mi
Seats: mid/rear assembly	1	—
Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning light	1	86,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	1	2,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	1	125,526 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	1	27,526 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump	1	14,200 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	1	—
Steering: rack and pinion: pinion shaft	1	49,500 mi
Structure: body	1	122,000 mi
Structure: body: bumpers	1	32,759 mi
Structure: body: door	1	2,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	1	68,000 mi
Suspension: front	1	34,510 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint	1	45,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	1	68,000 mi
Tires: valve	1	166,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	1	125,526 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	1	90,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior	1	2,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly	1	71,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	1	59,500 mi

The 2005 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2007 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.