2006 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, 4% of the 1,118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 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.
“I was driving towards raytown missouri for a birthday party and asni was driving over a railroad track, my car startee making noise and acted as if it didnt want to go. So I later found out that my transmisaion fluid had leaked and now the transmission case needs to be replaced due to the tracks on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11228485, filed 2019-06, 178,000 miles“Gear shift lever moves to park position, but park is not engaged. Can not start engine because transmission is still in drive, even though gear shift shows park. Sounds like GM recall notice #14152, but we were informed by dealer our VIN # is not part of this recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10594827, filed 2014-05, 95,000 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 miles“When I try to start my chevy Malibu it doesn't catch after turning the key and will constantly die. Already replaced the starter, fuel intake, etc but continues the same problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10652600, filed 2014-11, 121,000 miles“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. They come on when I lift my foot off the brake but go out when I press the pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10609635, filed 2014-07, 66,494 milesRelated recalls
- 14V224000Apr 30, 2014General 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…Covers: Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2008, Malibu Maxx 2004–2007, Pontiac G6 2005–2008 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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…
- 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…
- 10234619Apr 6, 2023This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 10228863Dec 13, 2022This 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…
- 10227241Nov 18, 2022This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 24 | 24% |
| 2021 | 28 | 31% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 68 | 35% |
| 2018 | 171 | 24% |
| 2017 | 139 | 20% |
| 2016 | 166 | 20% |
| 2015 | 31 | 11% |
| 2014 | 52 | 15% |
| 2013 | 54 | 6% |
| 2012 | 49 | 5% |
| 2011 | 112 | 11% |
| 2010 | 133 | 10% |
| 2009 | 121 | 8% |
| 2008 | 86 | 9% |
| 2007 | 47 | 5% |
| 2006 | 43 | 4% |
| 2005 | 65 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 18 | 3% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 21 | 3% |
| 1998 | 50 | 5% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
812 complaintsElectrical system
142 complaintsFuel system
96 complaintsBrakes
70 complaintsExterior lighting
63 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 31, 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