2006 Chevrolet Malibu Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the 1,118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10523097, filed 2013-07, 31,680 miles“Problem with the catalytic converter. The converter was plugged up with a substance that appears to be coming from the engine, not the usual way that a converter fail. My mechanic has told me that he has seen this on four different GM products, and that the dealer charged him an $80.00 core charge for the converter, they really wanted it bake for some reason.”
NHTSA complaint #10266293, filed 2009-04, 101,000 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10546309, filed 2013-09, 147,000 miles“I purchased my 2006 Malibu in 2007. Since the time of purchase I have had problems with this car's steering column. It would make a clunking sound every time I would make a turn left or right. I knew something wasn't right. I took the car to the dealer once and they replaced something in the steering column. I still hear the clunking noise today. When I turned the key to start the car at times it seemed like the car was cranking and running on its own. Hard to explain it unless you were starting the car. That was an issue as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10425606, filed 2011-09, 68,000 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10317085, filed 2010-03, 10,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10239101Jun 30, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 11 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 0% |
| 2011 | 12 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 12 | 1% |
| 2007 | 7 | 1% |
| 2006 | 25 | 2% |
| 2005 | 17 | 2% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 41 | 7% |
| 2002 | 63 | 11% |
| 2001 | 149 | 21% |
| 2000 | 174 | 19% |
| 1999 | 138 | 17% |
| 1998 | 144 | 15% |
| 1997 | 60 | 14% |
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 complaintsElectronic stability control
29 complaintsOther or unknown
28 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 28, 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