2006 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the 1,118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine power reduced, traction control, service engine light the first time the issue occurred, my car was in park. I started my vehicle, it didnt turn over on the first try, I simply tried again and it started but a service message popped up stating engine power reduced and my car would not accelerate at all, my traction control light came on as well as service engine soon. …”
NHTSA complaint #11063179, filed 2018-01, 153,000 miles“While driving the car will start slowing down and it says on the dash reduced engine power . It happens while driving and also when starting from a stop. Vehicle also stalls out when coming to a stop. Vehicle does this when it is cold outside. Very dangerous that this happens while my wife is driving our children. No one can explain why this is happening.”
NHTSA complaint #10690840, filed 2015-02, 88,000 miles“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 miles“I pulled into the parking lot at work and it said engine power decreasing and then started making strange messed up noises and I coasted into the parking lot it didn't die but it wouldn't let me go any faster. I took the car to the auto parts store and had them put a scanner on it. Of which it showed multiple codes all resulting in the same issue the mass flow sensor. I was told that since it has happened once it's liable to keep happening making my vehicle unreliable and I am a single mom.”
NHTSA complaint #10940018, filed 2017-01, 218,000 miles“Was driving car and the engine cut off. Reduced engine power showed on my radio and traction light came on on the dash. I have to put the car in park, turn ignition off, wait a couple of minutes, then crank it back up to drive. This has happened several times. I have noticed that it happens when it is raining or has rained. When the roads are wet. It has happened while driving and when stopping at a traffic light or stop sign. It has happened both while driving and braking. C0242 - engine control module indicated traction control malfunction is the code it is giving me. …”
NHTSA complaint #11396085, filed 2021-02, 149,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service 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 or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 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…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178949Jul 28, 2020This Bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This 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…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This 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…
- 10173416Feb 28, 2020This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services (including Flushing Services and Additives) and the Proper use of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 13 | 18% |
| 2022 | 29 | 29% |
| 2021 | 15 | 17% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 65 | 34% |
| 2018 | 281 | 40% |
| 2017 | 253 | 36% |
| 2016 | 304 | 36% |
| 2015 | 70 | 26% |
| 2014 | 125 | 36% |
| 2013 | 204 | 24% |
| 2012 | 99 | 11% |
| 2011 | 160 | 16% |
| 2010 | 115 | 8% |
| 2009 | 61 | 4% |
| 2008 | 62 | 6% |
| 2007 | 28 | 3% |
| 2006 | 33 | 3% |
| 2005 | 49 | 5% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 47 | 8% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 26 | 4% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
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 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 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