Steering Column problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

I called chevy right after I start experiencing my power steering went out and they made an appointment for me the lady told me that I had three recalls on my car and then I had missed my appointment because I had covid so when I was better I called and rescheduled appointment and when I took my car in they said that it was not under the recall list when I know it had been replaced before the girl before me that owned it said that it had to replace it once before for the power steering or the steering column so now this now I'm driving my car it has no power steering it's jerking back and forth while I'm driving down the highway it's not safe and I have nothing else to drive so what do I do so I've been looking things up and it told me to file a complaint safety complaint.

Electric power steering went out intermittently Feb. 2017. Gm recall performed (replaced steering column and other components). Oct 2018 electric power steering went out intermittently again. December 2018 electric power steering went out completely. Dealer who performed original recall for this issue determined car needed another new steering column. Car towed to independent mechanic who also determined car needed another new steering column. In spite of known issue with electric power steering and steering columns in this vehicle, gm refuses to pay any of the approximately $850. 00 repair bill.

Steering column replacement 8/17/2009 and again 10/29/10 after recall. Failed again and just had to replace. Gm did not notify customers that there was a special coverage adjustment - power steering adjustment issued 5-23-2012. Under this I was covered by miles but not by date. This was clearly a way for gm to not fix this persistent problem. They clearly knew this was a problem but did not notify customers. They would not cover this work even though they clearly used sub par parts in there recall work.

Our car just recently starting having the power steering go out. Sometimes when we first start up the warning bell sounds and there is no steering. Other times we can be driving down the road and the warning buzzer sounds and there is no power steering. It is a lot scary when you are driving the interstate, running 75 mph and that buzzer goes off. We were told by the garage that there was a recall for this problem but it was only good for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Needless to say, we are over the 10 years but our mileage is at 103,000 miles. I would think that with this being a safety issue, the recall would still be open. We were told by a mechanic that it's a sensor in the steering column but can only be repaired by chevy.

Power steering intermittently works then does not work at random!! I have taken this vehicle to a couple of mechanics all have informed me this vehicle has the same power steering issues as all the cars that were recalled, being either faulty switch up under dash & or in the steering column however when I enter my VIN# for the recall it does not show up. I am afraid my car will cause me to crash .

2006 Malibu VIN number shows no active recalls but my wife who drives the car informed me that the car was acting funny so I took for drive and first turn wheel hesitated like it didn't want to turn and when it did could feel it on the column like something was moving that wasn't suppose to this is main road through city heavy traffic so immediately headed for home and have to cross tracks to get there and when I went over sounds like front end wants to come off the car sounds like loose stability bar or joint and to top it off I noticed fuel gauge was going from full to empty and back up so in actuality she has know idea how much has she really has in vehicle I seen a lot of complaints about these things happening to this model and I send my wife and kids off daily in this vehicle with these problems that could pose a huge threat to their safety if it happens to her on main road or rr crossing.

The steering goes in and out. Feels like you have very little control of wheel while driving. When accelerating or entering higher speeds a ding goes off. Have replaced steering column through dealer. Need to replace steering gear and control module. This should all be covered considering these parts probably all go bad having a defective steering column to begin with. I don't feel safe at all driving my car.

I bought this vehicle used from paul conte Chevrolet in freeport, NY and it had 3 recalls that were not fixed before selling it to me. Now my power steering system malfunctioned to the point where the steering wheel would twitch uncontrollably and then become stiff, making it very difficult and dangerous to steer. I ended up paying for the repairs to the tune of almost $1700. 00 to replace the steering column and steering motor. After doing some research, I found that gm recalled many vehicles of the same year, make, and model as my car but for my specific VIN only the steering torque sensor was recalled. I did get the steering torque sensor recall fixed but my steering was still messed up. This recall did not fix my very serious and potentially dangerous issue. It was only after I authorized the steering column and motor repairs that the issue was resolved. Gm customer service is saying that even though I had the same exact issue as the gm recall for other Malibu's, because my specific VIN did not fall under the recall, I will not be getting reimbursed. It is not right that gm be able to get away with this. This serious steering issue could have caused me to crash. I would like to file a complaint against gm for failure to recall all vehicles that were affected by this power steering issue and also request that they reimburse me for fixing an issue that should have been taken care of before I even bought the car. The link below will take you to the official gm statement on this power steering issue. . Read more...

When making a left turn a clunking noise happenes. Told by service center its the steering column. I checked internet and found many,many many problems with the chev Malibu with the steering column. There is something wrong with this model. Cost about $500. 00 to fix and some people have the problem happen again.

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the power steering malfunctioned in the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering column was too loose almost causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle while turning. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 53,000. Ad.

2006 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes in regards to power steering malfunction while driving. The consumer stated while driving, the steering wheel locked up and the consumer was unable to steer the wheel right or left. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the steering column assembly was replaced at a cost of $ 703. 90. The consumer submitted sent in a recall for the steering.

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, the steering wheel seized and extreme force was required in order to maneuver the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the column and intermediate shift needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000. Djr.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle traveled out of lane independently. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column and torque senor assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired prior to the recall associated with NHTSA campaign number: 15v064000 (steering); however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering module would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

Decelerating from highway to off ramp. Chime sounded and display column showed power steering. Steering required force and as the vehicle stopped the steering wheel began to subtle shift left and right with audible sound when reaching left and right. Continued to safe area off the highway, however had to use quite a bit of force to steer the vehicle.

The car airbag light is on becuse of the clock spring and the steering is intermitantly working other Malibus and cars are under recall for steering but mine is not and is not being covered by chevy very dangerous to drive hard steering at low speeds and problem with steering column.

Okay I proceeded to my car this particular morning and when I started the car the steering wheel was locked. I had to turn the car off, pull the column toward me while turning the car and the wheel was unlocked. Once I started to drive I noticed that the wheel was shaking and making noises. The noise became louder whenever I tried to pick up speed. You really notice the shaking at about 35 to 40 miles per hour. I tried troubleshooting and was told by mechanic to change my tires and get an alignment. I did that and that resolved nothing. I don't drive the car past 50 mph but I am actually scared while driving. Well I took the car to the dealer yesterday and they informed me that the control module for the steering is fried. The cost would be 918. 00. This morning I wake to take the car to another shop to have a dinging noise come on the wheel lock up while I was driving. The wheel is real stiff and I managed to make it back to my house. I looked into the recall of the chevy Malibus with gm and was informed that the recall doesn;t cover the motor. I am really frustrated and upset and I am looking at just getting rid of this headache for real.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The failure was recurring for one month. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 115,690. . . Updated 04-23-14 the consumer stated the dealer refused to perform a diagnostic test on the air bag because the warning light was not illuminated. Updated 04/24/2014.

After (2-3) recalls on steering, after steering sensors replaced also, vehicle okay for about a month, then back to same steering loss issues. Loss of power steering and rumbling of the steering column, to the point it feels like the column and a tire is going to fall off ! my first incident started back in 2013-14, total steering loss and hit a guide rail causing driver front fender damage. After several recall repairs, vehicle still recreates same dangerous failing steering situation ! my family is scared to death to drive this vehicle anymore, its an accident just waiting to happen, over and over again. This is a total column problem in these 2006 Malibu's, not just sensors, switches, etc. These steering columns need replaced. Accidents are inevitable if not addressed totally. Shame on gm for trying to piece this problem out as cheaply as possible. Concerned, ted meixelsberger.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 40 mph, the power steering failed and the power steering indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The power steering operated normally once the vehicle was turned off and restarted. The dealer stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

I was driving and was attempting to make a left hand turn in rush hour traffic when I had no power steering in the middle of the turn. Also when I turned right into a parking space at the mall the steering went out when I was half way into the parking spot. Also I was driving at approx. 25 mph was making a left hand turn when steering went out in a snow storm and I slid into the curb. I was denied by the local Chevrolet dealer the power assist repair because they said my VIN did not fall within the block of numbers that had the bad steering column assemblies. I had to pay for the repair. . . . The recall came out and the local dealer said no reimbursement because my VIN does not fall within the block of numbers that received the bad assembly. I think that block of numbers none sense is pitiful.

While driving vehicle I notice a fair amount of play in the steering system. When I was at a stop light I observed the steering wheel would shimmy or move right to left on its own. I am not a mechanic but I knew from years of driving that steering was an issue. We took the car in for service and was informed that they would reprogram the steering system and if it reoccurred they would have to replace the steering motor. This didn't repair the problem and it proceeded to get worst. I contacted gm customer service and received little to no assistance. They did inform me of a bulletin that had been issued and contacted the dealership. This I assumed would resolve the issue, but it didn't. The dealership claimed that gm would only authorize the replacement of the steering column, which was done or so I was told. This didn't resolve the problem as not only do have the shimmy, while driving the power steering stops working and the car becomes difficult to steer. When this occurs warning chimes sound and power steering appears in information area. This is a very serious issue that the manufacture needs to address before something serious happens.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the power steering became inoperable. The failure recurred intermittently over several years. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic diagnosed that the steering column would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 10,768.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the steering column, steering box, and several other unknown components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.

Steering became difficult due to loss of power steering. Warning chimes sounded and "power steering" message illuminated on stereo console. After turning off the vehicle and restarting, steering seemed to be fine. Two days later I began to experience a tugging from side to side in the steering wheel. I brought the car to my dealer and after paying a diagnostic fee it was determined that there was a short in the steering column. There is a service bulletin published for this (10183) but they won't inform you unless it occurs. They also are only covering repairs for a certain range of VIN numbers, even though the same problem occurs on vehicles of the same model year outside of that range. Any known problem with steering should be considered a safety issue and be corrected by the manufacturer.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, a chime sounded throughout the vehicle and the power steering seized without warning. The vehicle was able to restart and resumed to normal. The failure occurred on three separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 69,100.

My steering wheel tightened up and became almost impossible to turn. It started dinging and the power steering message appeared on the display screen. I just had the steering column replaced in March. I have been researching and it appears most owners of this car have the same problem. Something needs to be done before someone is seriously injured. My husband had to come drive my car home and barely made it.

I was taking my daughter to school and the car all of a sudden pulled to the right, I heard the ding ding sound the car makes when there's a problem, the power steering flashed on and off rapidly. The wheel became very hard to turn but it quickly returned back to normal. I went online and noticed that there are a number of complaints similar to what I experienced. I am really concerned about this. The 2006 Malibu has had a recall on the steering column in canada but not in the us. I think that gm should fix the problem. This could cause an accident if it is not fixed.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the power steering warning lamp illuminated. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the steering column had an internal short in one of the sensors. As a result, the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 40,708.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated that the power steering warning message illuminated and the steering became difficult to maneuver. The failure occurred intermittently at different speeds. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated the steering column and the steering control motor module would have to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact there was a manufacturer recall for the steering. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

I was pulling into a parking lot and the car gave me the 'ding' that tells me something is wrong. I looked at the dash and it flashed power steering. The wheel became very hard to turn and I was able to pull into a parking stall. When I started the car back up the steering was normal again. I went online and noticed that there are a number of complaints similar to what I experienced. I am really concerned about this. The 2006 Malibu has had a recall on the steering column in canada but not in the us. I think that gm should fix the problem. This could cause an accident if it is not fixed.

Upon returning from vacation, we retrieved our 2006 Chevrolet Malibu from a friends house and the car beeped once and my husband was like "what's that", then I noticed in the message center area that it was flashing power steering, which it had never done before. Now, every time I get into the car, the car beeps and the power steering message comes on in the message center. I have researched the issue and have noticed that gm is not accepting full responsibility for these defective steering columns/power steering motors, only those select few (cobalts, etc. )?? apparently quite a few are being recalled in canada, but not in the u. S. And it only leads me to the question: why?? I have been a loyal Malibu owner (this is my third one) but if gm is not willing to step up and admit a serious safety defect, I may have to rethink my choice of vehicle ownership.

The vehicle was being driven on 2 lane highway at 45 mph suddenly power steering warning message appeared in display, warning noise came on (ding) and there was no power steering. The vehicle was pulled over anf the ignition was turned off and the vehicle was re-started and the warning message was gone and the powersteering started working again. I checked for, (diagnostic trouble codes), dtc's with a scantool and there were no codes listed. I looked for service bulletins for this and found the following. Special coverage adjustment - power steering assist2012/05/2310183a this bulletin covers my vehicle and will replace the steering column in the vehicle.

Turned left onto an uphill road and gave it a good amount of gas to accelerate up to speed. Had the rpms up and in the middle of the turn the steering wheel just locked up. I immediately let off the gas and the steering returned to normal. It was quite unnerving but I worked on many cars years ago and react accordingly to things like stuck throttles, and this. I just bought the car so I don't know the history of it other than the carfax check was clean. It appear that I should have done my research on this vehicle with this steering problem before buying it. There are so many people with the same issue that I cannot believe a recall has not been performed. However, there is a service bulletin that extends the warranty on this item, to any owner, to ten years and 150 k miles. Do a search for it online. Gm will replace the entire steering column. This is probably what I will end up doing.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu maxx. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the steering wheel seized violently, causing the contact's hands to be thrown from the steering wheel. The steering wheel regained normal function as the contact decelerated. The failure recurred numerous times, only lasting momentarily. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the failure was caused by faulty electronics in the steering column. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 88,000.

Was very satisfied with performance of car until this episode. Fortunately, my son & I made it back from California, the day before we came down donner pass. Next day started to take car and verily got going when I couldn't steer, very hard almost didn't make it back home. Power steering message displayed across radio system along with bell sound. I immediately took car to dealers which cost $120. For them to diagnosis. They reported the brain (motor/module code co807) needed to be replaced for $958. First, then they would check steering column which would involve additional cost. I don't have the money for repair & ended up bringing car home safely after paying for diagnosis. I have the invoice which they gave with their recommendations and my decline of service. Here it sits, I'm too scared to drive and am lucky enough to have access to another vehicle for the time being. Going to trade in and will never buy another chevy product! this is definitely a hazard and an accident waiting to happen. A "recall" needs to be issued for everyone's safety.