Chevrolet / Malibu Maxx / 2006
2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx problems
Owners have filed 343 complaints about the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 60.9% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 8.2%.
Complaints343
Crashes19
Fires3
Injuries10
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 60.9% · 209
Electrical system 8.2% · 28
Power train 5.0% · 17
Service brakes 3.8% · 13
Electronic stability control (ESC) 3.5% · 12
Service brakes, hydraulic 2.9% · 10
Vehicle speed control 2.3% · 8
Exterior lighting 2.3% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 19 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 10 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx in this data, 2006 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2004 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 35 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 82,956 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While driving at any speed, the contact stated that she would lose power steering making it difficult to control the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who advised the contact that the vehicle was operating as normal. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 57,000 and the failure mileage was 56,700. Steering · reported at 56,700 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While driving 55 mph, the steering became loose. The contact overcorrected her turn. In addition, the steering wheel locks intermittently. The dealer stated that they have not had any other complaints related to the steering; therefore, they referred the contact to nhtsa to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 48,000 and current mileage was 48,050. Steering · reported at 48,000 miles
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. Steering · reported at 110,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…