Table 1 shows one common latches/locks/linkage related problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkage problems |
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 25 mph, the battery warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the bcm was controlling the charging of the alternator, which damaged the bearings and alternator. The bearings and alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the replacement of the alternator, the power steering, headlights, and all the instrument panel warning indicators intermittently illuminated. Also, when the contact exited the vehicle, the doors independently locked while the engine was running. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v224000 (power train), 14v153000 (steering), and 14v252000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 199,000.
Using my mother's 2006 Malibu maxx on 12/24/08, the back liftgate came crashing down on my wife's head while she was loading the trunk. The next morning we saw that the driver's side lift cylinder snapped off its metal ball joint. Unfortunately, this cylinder is attached to the metal ball joint via a plastic cap. Where this cap is asked to not only secure the cylinder to the liftgate frame, but also rotate and pitch the cylinder. Anyone shorter than my wife's height would have been injured severely, such as a broken neck and/or crushed skull. The Chevrolet dealer - jim o'brien Chevrolet snapped the cylinder back on its ball joint and refused to repair, fix, and/or offer an alternative to prevent this situation from happening again.