2006 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
- Complaints
- 1,118filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles, 908 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 20 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe the electric power steering assist cutting out, sometimes while driving and sometimes at startup, with the wheel becoming hard to turn and a chime or a power steering message appearing; many say it returns after the car is shut off and restarted. Complaints about brake lights that stay on or work intermittently, and about the fuel gauge reading empty or fluctuating, also appear in the sample, generally at higher mileages.
- Steering
Power steering assist cuts out or steering wheel goes stiff
- 675 complaints (60%)
- median 86,000 mi at 7.4 yrs old (585 state mileage)
- 20 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $803 (median of 40 quotes)
- filed 2006–2026
Owners describe losing power steering assist at various speeds, often with a chime and a "Power Steering" message, and then having to turn the wheel with much more force than usual. Many say the assist returns after switching the ignition off and restarting, so the failure is intermittent, while others report the wheel shaking or pulling before the assist drops out. Complaints mention dealers and independent shops diagnosing a failed steering column, steering shaft torque sensor, EPS sensor, or power steering motor, and several owners say they were told their vehicle was outside the applicable recall population or had already been repaired under one. Reported across a wide mileage range in the sample, from under 20,000 to over 200,000 miles, with many around 60,000 to 170,000 miles and during both highway driving and low-speed turns.
Recall 14V153000Recall 15V0640001 related service bulletin
What to check: Ask whether the electric power steering recall work has been completed and whether the steering column, motor, or torque sensor has been replaced; on a test drive, note any power steering warning message or sudden increase in steering effort, and try restarting the car to see whether the assist returns.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On three separate occasions, since purchasing less than 2 years ago, my power steering has stopped working. If I turn the car off, get out, and get back in to restart, then it has corrected itself. It has always happened in a stationary setting thus far, but after reading about the 2014 recall for 04-06, I'm nervous that I may be having the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11415406, filed 2021-05, 138,000 miles“The steering wheel continues to keep locking up while I'm driving and I have to cut car off and start multiple times in order for it to drive properly,it has done this while I'm driving and while I was parked. I was told that it has been multiple recalls specifically on this but they cannot do anything because it's not an open recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11315971, filed 2020-03, 208,091 miles - Brakes
Brake lights stay on or work intermittently
- 47 complaints (4%)
- median 60,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (42 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2023
Complaints describe brake lights illuminating while driving without the pedal being pressed, staying on after release, or working only intermittently, prompting other drivers to report the lights were on or off unexpectedly. Owners also link this to cruise control that would not engage or would disengage on its own, and some had wiring harness repairs or a body control module replacement; one repair was described as performed under a campaign covering electrical system, brake, and speed control concerns. Reported from roughly 50,000 to 130,000 miles in the sample, occurring during ordinary driving rather than under any particular condition.
What to check: With the car parked, have someone watch the rear lights while you press and release the brake pedal, and also check that the lights stay off with the pedal released; ask whether the body control module or brake light wiring has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving at night, another driver stopped to let me know that my brake lights were not working. Around this time I also noticed that my cruise control would stop working or not work at all. On several occasions after I first learned of the problem people following me would tell me that it looked like I was riding my brakes when I was not touching the brake pedal. When I would press the brakes they would go off. I tested this by backing up to my garage door and pressing the brakes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10609635, filed 2014-07, 66,494 miles“The brake lights come on while driving the vehicle under all conditions. The problem occurs repeatedly and without warning. The safety issue here is that drivers following behind are unable to tell if the brake lights are truly that brakes are being applied or just a phantom issue which could result in a rear-end collision. This issue may or may not be related to issues experienced with the cruise control of the vehicle either not engaging at all, or disengaging on their own. …”
NHTSA complaint #10462806, filed 2012-06, 50,000 miles
Buying note. On a test drive, pay close attention to steering effort and any power steering warning message, and ask for proof that the electric power steering recalls were completed, since owners most often describe intermittent loss of assist. It is also worth checking the brake lights and fuel gauge behavior and reviewing the vehicle's recall history by VIN before buying.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 1,118 consumer complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. 908 of the complaints include a mileage, and 20% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 85,000 miles. Of all complaints, 42 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 26 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 756 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering812 73%
- Electrical system142 13%
- Fuel system96 8.6%
- Brakes70 6.3%
- Exterior lighting63 5.6%
- Transmission and drivetrain43 3.9%
- Vehicle speed control35 3.1%
- Air bags34 3.0%
- Engine33 2.9%
- Electronic stability control29 2.6%
Also reported: Other or unknown (28), Engine cooling (25), Suspension (15), Seats (8), Equipment (7), Wheels (7), Body and structure (6), Seat belts (5), Tires (5), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Latches, locks and linkages (3).
Example complaints
Steering: “Shut off car to get gas, when I restarted the car, there was a chime and a message that read power steering. The car had no power steering. Once I turned the car off and then restarted it, the power steering returned. I saw that in 2014 there was a recall for the eps and I contacted a chevy dealership which told me the recall was closed in 2015.”
NHTSA complaint #11061420, filed 2018-01, 84,000 milesElectrical system: “My power steering will go completely out while driving. My steering wheel will begin to shake uncontrollably while braking to slow down and when I am at a complete stop. Very hard to steer while this is all happening.”
NHTSA complaint #11402552, filed 2021-03, 141,000 milesFuel system: “My fuel pump does not work properly it reads empty. Also I was driving and my power steering stopped working as I was turning. I was very scared of crashing my car. I had to stop my car and turn it off then turn it back on and my power steering was working again. This has happened 3 times in the last 2 days.”
NHTSA complaint #11300278, filed 2020-01, 158,000 milesBrakes: “I was driving my vehicle on the freeway in lunch hour traffic. As I exited the freeway to change to a connecting freeway, the engine shut off half way along the exchange ramp. At that point I noticed that I had poor breakage and no power steering. Lucky, I was able to coast over and stop in the emergency lane mid ramp, put the car in park, restart the vehicle, and drive off without indecent. It was unsettling to say the least.”
NHTSA complaint #10576377, filed 2014-04, 90,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
20% of the 908 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 55,000 and 125,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
| Malibu · sedan (side air bags) FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2006 Chevrolet Malibu version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Malibu FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Malibu FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V064000Feb 4, 2015Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2006–2007, Pontiac G6 2006–2007, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2006–2007
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…
- 14V252000May 14, 2014Electronic stability control (esc)Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2012, Pontiac G6 2005–2010, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2004–2007 +1 more
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…
- 14V224000Apr 30, 2014Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2008, Malibu Maxx 2004–2007, Pontiac G6 2005–2008 +1 more
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…
- 14V153000Mar 31, 2014Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2006, 2008–2009, Saturn Ion 2004–2007, Pontiac G6 2005–2006, 2008–2009 +4 more
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…
- 06V417000Oct 31, 2006Air bags › FrontalCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2006, Buick Lacrosse 2005–2006, GMC Envoy 2005–2006 +9 more
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…
- 05V486000Oct 19, 2005Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Chevrolet Malibu 2006
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…
Recall details for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 756 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11008956Sep 9, 2024Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
Other model years of the Chevrolet Malibu
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 21,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 44 | 45,000 | 2 | 5 | 31 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 72 | 66,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 99 | 66,253 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 90 | 54,000 | 2 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 199 | 68,000 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 193 | 41,875 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 700 | 45,390 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 705 | 48,000 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 841 | 50,000 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 270 | 50,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 351 | 60,000 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 837 | 69,000 | 10 | 5 | 26 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 907 | 86,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 978 | 80,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 1,363 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 25 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 1,510 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 23 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 989 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 25 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 977 | 100,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,118 | 85,000 | 6 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 975 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,147 | 78,500 | 6 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 569 | 70,084 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 567 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 721 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 922 | 69,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 789 | 66,249 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 976 | 80,461 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 443 | 85,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1980 | 5 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Malibu model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu?
Owners of this model year most often describe the electric power steering assist cutting out, sometimes while driving and sometimes at startup, with the wheel becoming hard to turn and a chime or a power steering message appearing; many say it returns after the car is shut off and restarted. The issues reported most often: Power steering assist cuts out or steering wheel goes stiff; Brake lights stay on or work intermittently.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu have?
NHTSA recorded 1,118 consumer complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 812 complaints (73% of the total), followed by electrical system with 142.
Has the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (Malibu, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu reported?
Among the 908 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 85,000 miles and the middle half falls between 55,000 and 125,000 miles; 20% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.