2006 Chevrolet Malibu Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 142about this part
- Share
- 13%of 1,118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,980miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 142 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, 13% of the 1,118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,980 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“I bought this vehicle used from paul conte Chevrolet in freeport, ny and it had 3 recalls that were not fixed before selling it to me. Now my power steering system malfunctioned to the point where the steering wheel would twitch uncontrollably and then become stiff, making it very difficult and dangerous to steer. I ended up paying for the repairs to the tune of almost $1700.00 to replace the steering column and steering motor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10810531, filed 2015-12, 84,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10542554, filed 2013-09, 75,401 miles“I was driving about 5 miles from my home and the steering went out on my 2006 chevy Malibu, as I was attempting to make a turn. I had my grandchild with me I could have caused an accident I turned the car off for 1 0 min. And started it back up. The steering light went off but the car did the same thing twice before getting home unhurt. I need my car fixed . I cannot afford it.”
NHTSA complaint #10327591, filed 2010-04, 76,387 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10546309, filed 2013-09, 147,000 milesRelated service bulletins
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 33% |
| 2024 | 18 | 41% |
| 2023 | 12 | 17% |
| 2022 | 33 | 33% |
| 2021 | 30 | 33% |
| 2020 | 57 | 29% |
| 2019 | 62 | 32% |
| 2018 | 192 | 27% |
| 2017 | 161 | 23% |
| 2016 | 222 | 26% |
| 2015 | 68 | 25% |
| 2014 | 86 | 25% |
| 2013 | 376 | 45% |
| 2012 | 291 | 32% |
| 2011 | 235 | 24% |
| 2010 | 295 | 22% |
| 2009 | 368 | 24% |
| 2008 | 233 | 24% |
| 2007 | 113 | 12% |
| 2006 | 142 | 13% |
| 2005 | 180 | 18% |
| 2004 | 151 | 13% |
| 2003 | 289 | 51% |
| 2002 | 259 | 46% |
| 2001 | 285 | 40% |
| 2000 | 199 | 22% |
| 1999 | 144 | 18% |
| 1998 | 130 | 13% |
| 1997 | 87 | 20% |
| 1980 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
812 complaintsFuel system
96 complaintsBrakes
70 complaintsExterior lighting
63 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
43 complaintsVehicle speed control
35 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsEngine
33 complaintsElectronic stability control
29 complaintsOther or unknown
28 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsSuspension
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology