Three problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu based on all problems reported for the 2006 Malibu.
Loose power steering during parking and driving.
Started off from a stop sign. Began to accelerate and turn (accelerations less than half throttle) and steering wheel jerked and became extremely difficult to steer. I let off the accelerator and vehicle shifted into second gear and finished the turn. Then accelerated again (about half throttle) and steering became stiff again but manageable and the warning bell chimed 4 times, however there were no alarms on the driver information center or the instiment cluster. I am, for the 3rd time taking my vehicle to the gm dealership service department hoping for a fix. This vehicle seems to be unsafe for my family and I. It only has 37,000 miles!!!.
Per gm document id#2030341 - 06 Malibu will shift into lower gear and stay in it until you stop and cycle the engine to off and then back on-been to the shop for repairs 4 times and 2 attempts attempt final repair 6 total and keep coming up with the same findings -none- they know about the problem with the above mentioned document- no one has attempted to replace any thing in the transmission or replace the sticking valves that are causing the problem but they all agree its a problem inside the transmission. Gm has told me that they don"t intend to do anything to solve this problem and has suggested for me to contact the bbb for further assistance in this matter. Started taking it to the dealer after 6 mo after buying and about every 4-6 mo until now- since the computer says no problem no one will make the call to change out the transmission or the sticking valves that are causing the problem- this could be dangerous if on take off it hangs up in the lower gear and the person behind me thinks I am going to get out of the way and the car will not go and rams me in the rear- all because the trans will not change out or if on the highway and it decides to shift into lower gear- not only will damage to the cars engine but could be fatal to the person driving. Please advise where to look for all problems with this car. Bought the car new and have had problems with this not wanting to shift about every 4-6 months. Sort of nerve racking when on the way home from work at midnight and the car will not go no faster than 25-35 mph with 4500 rpms then they tell me nothing is wrong because the computer says so. Thanks for you help susan headrick updated 08/15/08.