2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU Steering Problems

787 NHTSA complaints on file

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Steering Issues in the 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU

787 steering complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU. Of these, 22 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 11 resulted in injury.

787
Complaints
22
Crashes
1
Fires
11
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Steering Complaints

#11715484 |
The power steering went out on the car as I was driving down the highway going 65 mph
#11715231 |
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. There were three audible dings with the message "Power Steering" displayed on the instrument panel. The contact reset the steering wheel and the battery, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11711435 |
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with STRG shaft torque failure. The contact was informed that the STRG shaft torque needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to contact the dealer. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the recall repair was performed in 2015. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
#11703181 |
My power steering goes in and out as I'm driving depending on the speed. I have trouble swerving if needed because the power steering is not working correctly all the time.
#11701822 |
Power steering warning light appeared then steering wheel tightened while slowing down to make a turn into my apartment. This occured two times in 3 weeks.
#11673589 |
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, an alarm sounded, and the message "Power Steering Failure" was displayed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road to restart the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Another local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering); however, the contact stated that the vehicle was never repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
#11667696 |
I purchased this car about a month ago in April of 2025 as of today June 2025 I have lose my power steering it’s so hard to turn and I’ve called the dealership and they told me the car has already been fixed for the recall and it was odviously not because the problem is still present!
#11663569 |
My electric power steering has gonna out then came back and now its not working. There's been a recall for that on my so not sure if my car is available.
#11661374 |
MY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT CAUSING WHEEL TO BE TIGHT AND HARD TO TURN.
#11652859 |
I recently acquired this 2006 Chevy Malibu that belonged to my parents. It only has 29K miles on it to date. It is mint inside and out, and has been well taken care of in regard to routine maintenance. Looking through repair records I see a pattern of various power steering issues with this vehicle. The car was purchased new in 8/2006, then in 4/2009 the power steering shaft had to be replaced at the dealership. The recall in 2014 was also power steering related and was repaired at the dealership. Fast forward to the present. This vehicle now had the electronic power steering module fail - causing the steering to not work - making the car not drivable. I had it towed to a mechanic who performed an inspection and noted the electronic power steering module needed to be replaced. After 2 weeks, they confirmed no parts were available...
#11651216 |
Steering got stiff and hard to turn and it shakes while idle
#11649053 |
No incident yet but will happen if not recalled and fixed. My EPS keeps going out while driving and will yank the steering wheel hard in either direction at any given time. Uncontrollable
#11646338 |
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the "Steering Assist Reduced - Drive with Care" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact replaced the electronic power steering fuse; however, the failure returned soon after the repair. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
#11635806 |
Steering wheel very stiff after driving 70 miles an hour Sometimes very stiff when vehicle is started.
#11612705 |
My steering wheel began moving back and forth on its own. This happened both while I was driving and while idling.
#11609683 |
Sent the car to fix recalls and they said it has another problem and want to charge to fix the steering recall N140772 problem. They said is not free.... Do not know if the other recalls were repaired.
#11608865 |
Steering wheel stop working and dealer do not fix it. 15V064 Recall
#11590215 |
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The contact was able to get through the turn and stated that the steering functionality had resumed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was reoccurring. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering). The contact stated that the recall repair was performed in 2015. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
#11583459 |
While son is driving down the road the power steering goes out and an alarms sounds saying the Power Steering is out. We can turn the vehicle off and turn it back on and the power steering comes back. Happens about 2 times a week.
#11581191 |
The power steering goes out when making a slight turn, an alarm on the dash sounds
#11579252 |
in 2014 there was a GM safety recall #[XXX] to replace Torque sensor assembly on electric power steering. Recall was completed by GM. Now, the electric power steering has failed again with the same warning signals that GM originally advised would happen. Issue has been diagnosed as failure of the power steering assist motor. In two separate conversations with GM one with (Sam) & another with (Chasity), GM case #[XXX], one says repair should be covered by GM & the other says it will not be covered. The NHTSA campaign ID # for this recall is [XXX]. Requesting that NHTSA help me get to the bottom of this situation. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11576086 |
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was in reverse(R), the steering wheel began shaking. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions, while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the power steering pump and another unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
#11571747 |
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering was seized. The contact stated that the vehicle was independently turned off. The contact's son was able to get the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact's son was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering wheel torque input sensor. The contact was informed that the steering wheel torque input sensor needed to be replaced. The contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000(Steering) however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
#11567913 |
Each time I’m driving my vehicle, I’ll hear a ding, ding, ding and my power steering will stop working. This seems to happen, most times, immediately after starting my car, while backing up. I did have it happen once, while in the middle of turning onto the road. Each time this happens, I must put the car in park, turn it off and restart it.
#11561287 |
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started to turn independently, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the electronic power steering control module and steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
#11560405 |
While driving, the power steering stopped working and I couldn’t turn the wheel. This will be the 2nd time in 7 months that I will have had to replace the electrical power steering
#11559661 |
While driving the power steering message came on screen. And all electrical power steering assist stopped working. Had to use all my strength just to turn the steering wheel.
#11559135 |
Power steering will suddenly go out while driving, making it harder to maintain control of the vehicle. The car dings three times and then it goes out. The only way to reengage is to turn the car off and back on. At first it was intermittent and has progressively become worse. It seems the same thing that was recalled years ago is happening again with these cars
#11558070 |
The electric power steering went out while I was driving. I will not be able to send the part in for inspection until it gets replaced. My safety and others were at risk because it made it really difficult to change lanes which could've resulted in a crash. The problem hasn't been reproduced on my vehicle specifically, but has been produced on enough vehicles to have a recall issued. There weren't any warnings prior to the power steering going out. Just a beep and a warning on the radio display as it went out. My vehicle was manufactured in May of 2006 but want recalled, although the affected vehicles were made from April - June 2006. This is the second one that has gone out on me and there is still no recall for my vehicle. First one happened October of 2020, got it fixed then the second one went...
#11554944 |
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 174,000.
#11552739 |
The electronic power steering goes out while driving and while making a turn. It has almost put me in a ditch and also into oncoming traffic.
#11545161 |
Electric Power Steering - 10/2020 Suddenly went out while driving. No warnings beforehand. This made sharp turns extremely difficult. It says that my car is not part of the recall, but is still as dangerous as the vehicles that were part of the recall. From the research that I have done, the motor seems to be in good working order. The sensor is what seems to be the issue. Cruise Control - 08/2023 Goes out randomly. I was on the freeway when it turned off by itself. If I was not paying attention, this could've caused an accident. No warning beforehand. Brake Switch - 06/2023 Seems to be something wrong with the switch. The brake light stays on after braking. Turn Signal Switch - 10/2020 Does not cancel after turning right. This can potentially confuse other drivers. Fuel Pump - 10/2020 The float of the fuel pump is not working....
#11534716 |
Sudden loss of power steering while accelerating
#11534223 |
Dashboard cluster is not working properly and now I am getting and loud noise when I go to make or a slight turn
#11529900 |
Random power steering loss that happens more often in the winter. There is a recall on my model vehicle for power steering loss but not my particular VIN. I think Chevy needs to widen the range of vehicles since I am experiencing this problem as well.
#11525867 |
I had my 5 year old in the back seat we had just left gymnastics. I was about to pull out on to state route 87 and my car just stops running. Everything shut down, no power steering, was hard to brake, and engine stopped. The dashboard lit up with all the lights anti-theft, oil, traction control, engine. I couldn't get it to turn over and when I tried it made no noise at all. I was in a dangerous spot about to pull out into oncoming traffic. Luckily there was a gentleman in a truck whose child was also at gymnastics and pulled me into a driveway with his truck to keep me and my child safe as we waited on a tow. This car also started having power steering problems early this year, I took it to a good mechanic who replaced the power steering lines and fixed...
#11519826 |
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled over and turned the vehicle off and on and regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to a recall that had been completed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
#11514199 |
Good afternoon. The electrical power system has gone out of the vehicle. It was recalled in 2015 for this same issue and it was serviced in 2015 but it’s still having the same issue. Whenever I’m driving, the steering wheel just completely locks up on me and the EPS goes out completely making it extremely difficult to steer. This happened as my wife and I were turning away from Cannon AFB, NM where we’re stationed and during the outward turn, the steering locked up making me go onto oncoming traffic. Luckily there wasn’t a vehicle directly in front of me. I called a GM dealer and they said it is not covered under warranty because the recall is no longer active.
#11513015 |
The contact stated that his daughter owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his daughter was attempting to drive out of a parking spot the steering wheel was hard to maneuver. The power steering wheel warning light illuminated. The contact was unaware if the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic or a dealer for diagnosis. The contact stated that his daughter informed him that the diagnosis was a malfunction with the power steering assist that needs replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The daughter was also informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering) however the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that his daughter called the manufacturer who confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11509306 |
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering functionality, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
#11507108 |
Power steering goes in and out
#11505713 |
The power steering for my Malibu max has stopped working. The steering wheel shakes, it also locks and won't allow you to turn its wheel. The part that it needs is called power steering assist motor. There's been many recalls on this car about the same issue. There's been an incident where I almost had a collision because of this problem unexpectedly which was the last time I've used my car since. Please let me know how I can get a recall for my car issue since my VIN # isnt listed Thank you.
#11504258 |
Power steering assistance fails at random times. The DIC does show "POWER STEERING" warning when it happens. Also, when parked, the steering wheel will jerk slightly left and right a few times on its own. The power steering usually fails after this, too.
#11500123 | Crash
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately at 65 MPH, the contact was switching lanes from left to right, as the contact had turned the wheel slightly to the right the steering moved violently to the left and nearly caused the contact to lose control and hit the highway divider. The contact stated he saw numerous warning lights but was unable to focus on which lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was not diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the failure is intermittent, but had kept occurring. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 230,839.
#11497990 |
The power steering is randomly going out, no way to predict. This was a recall issue several years ago, which I had repaired at the dealership (when I did not have the issue), and now the issue is happening. Current diag says I need the Torque position sensor and power steering motor and module
#11494802 |
When steering under power on acceleration or under a turn, the steering locks up and lose control of my car. This even happens anytime i raised the engine rpm up. Found out the previous ownwe was in an accident because of this. The had 20, 000 miles on it when i bought it in 2021.very dangerous. I want chevy to fix my car at no cost to me
#11489344 |
I started losing steering when I accelerated. Then the vehicle security system would t allow me to take the gear out of park then the car suddenly stopped working all together and all the lights on dash flash, the radio says power steering loss, the steering wheel starts moving back and forth all on its own, the vehicle dies and fries the alternator and won't start.
#11485294 |
Noticed the steering was a little loose one day. It alarmed me so I kept a check on it. Now it's progressed and squeals. My steering is loose and almost free spinning for most of my driving.
#11483071 |
Driving at 20mph, increasing speed to merge onto grand central parkway (up to around 45mph), steering wheel seized. All lights came on the dash, then disappeared. The car let out a few chimes, possibly 5 chimes. The car was unable to be steered and crossed 3 lanes before regaining control. Recall for the steering was completed on this car in 2020. The issue has occurred multiple times since the recall was completed.
#11478015 |
on dash display beeped and said power steering.

Other 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU Problem Areas

Electrical System 132 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 52 complaints Service Brakes 50 complaints Exterior Lighting 46 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 40 complaints Power Train 39 complaints Engine 33 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 31 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 29 complaints Air Bags 28 complaints Unknown Or Other 24 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 20 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 14 complaints Exterior Lightingbrake Lights 13 complaints Suspension 12 complaints Steeringelectric Power Assist System 11 complaints Seats 7 complaints Steeringcolumn 7 complaints Wheels 7 complaints Equipment 4 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 4 complaints Seat Belts 4 complaints Tires 4 complaints Air Bagsfrontal 3 complaints Electrical Systemignitionswitch 3 complaints Exterior Lightingtail Lights 3 complaints Latcheslockslinkages 3 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control 3 complaints Air Bagssidewindow 2 complaints Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 2 complaints Electrical System12v24v48v Battery 2 complaints Electrical Systemignition 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingengine 2 complaints Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner 2 complaints Fuel System Other 2 complaints Service Brakes Electric 2 complaints Steeringrack And Pinion 2 complaints Steeringrack And Pinionrack 2 complaints Structure 2 complaints Traction Control System 2 complaints Child Seat 1 complaint Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module 1 complaint Electrical Systemsoftware 1 complaint Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor 1 complaint Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc 1 complaint Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlights 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings 1 complaint Fuel System Otherdeliveryfuel Pump 1 complaint Parking Brakeconventionalmechanicallinkage And Cable 1 complaint Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler 1 complaint Seatsmidrear Assembly 1 complaint Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump 1 complaint Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly 1 complaint Steeringrack And Pinionpinion Shaft 1 complaint Structurebody 1 complaint Structurebodybumpers 1 complaint Structurebodydoor 1 complaint Structureframe And Members 1 complaint Suspensionfront 1 complaint Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint 1 complaint Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing 1 complaint Tiresvalve 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 1 complaint Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls 1 complaint Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesinterior 1 complaint Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 1 complaint Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher 1 complaint
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