2006 Chevrolet Malibu Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 107,100miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the 1,118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,100 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Power steering failure on chevy Malibu 2006 GM. The power steering light almost always pops up on the dashboard. It was most worst when the steering wheel locked on me on a 70 MPH highway and I was going about 65. This put my family's life in danger and mine, but were able to avoid an accident. By putting the car in neutral and restarting the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10283110, filed 2009-09, 60,346 miles“First when I turned the car on I wouldn't have power steering so it took a couple of try's turning the car on and off to get power steering on. When I was driving on the highway I lost power steer in my Malibu it flashed on the screen and I lost power steering on the highway going 65. So I brought it to the dealership to fix it because I saw that there was a recall on that system. But little to my knowledge that recall was fixed in july 2015 so I passed the warranty on the recalled part. …”
NHTSA complaint #10967379, filed 2017-03, 92,000 miles“When I accelerate getting onto the freeway and going up hills, my car experiences a loss of power steering and throws me either to the right or the left.”
NHTSA complaint #11124515, filed 2018-09, 132,000 miles“I was told that there was a power steering issue with many 2006 Chevrolet Malibu's and mine was not one of them. I have had issues with my power steering for the past 5 years and every year it goes out between the winter months of january-march. And every year I am told that my car is not one of the recalled vehicles. I have had lighting issues, electrical issues, and power steering issues back to back. This is a hazard because they all seem to malfunction all at the same time and/or while I'm driving or parked. I have children but I'm scared to have them in my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10950239, filed 2017-02, 212,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10691269, filed 2015-02, 136,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V252000May 14, 2014General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2012, Pontiac G6 2005–2010, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 2004–2007 +1 more
Electronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 53 | 8% |
| 2016 | 76 | 9% |
| 2015 | 16 | 6% |
| 2014 | 31 | 9% |
| 2013 | 72 | 9% |
| 2012 | 129 | 14% |
| 2011 | 174 | 18% |
| 2010 | 227 | 17% |
| 2009 | 255 | 17% |
| 2008 | 68 | 7% |
| 2007 | 22 | 2% |
| 2006 | 29 | 3% |
| 2005 | 30 | 3% |
| 2004 | 22 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 2 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
812 complaintsElectrical system
142 complaintsFuel system
96 complaintsBrakes
70 complaintsExterior lighting
63 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
43 complaintsVehicle speed control
35 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsEngine
33 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 30, 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