2006 Chevrolet Malibu: engine knocking or ticking

Filed May 7, 2015 · Steering · 400 miles · CA

Ever since I purchased my malibu with around 400 miles, I have had a continuous knock, which I can hear at lower speeds turning the wheel in either direction whether that be in drive or reverse. To me it sounds like it is coming from my steering column. From what I remember, I believe I was told it was some type of joint which knocks from friction and that it would just need lubrication in time. Over the years the knocking has continued and seems to be getting a little louder, with minor shaking of the steering column when driving on the freeway or accelerating to higher speeds. I am not sure if this might be a possible recall for this vehicle, but I did see a steering recall for this year, make and model. Is this a recalled item I have not received word of? I have had three recalls brought to my attention in the past six months which I have had taken care of, I was given no further word of there being any further issues. This problem has been with this vehicle from the beginning so I am now curious to know if these parts have been recalled.

Filed Jul 3, 2013 · Brakes, Engine · 31,680 miles · CA

This car had hardly driven off the lot,as a certified used car with 31000 original miles on the od and I put only 800 miles,when the rotors,and brakes,and steering started knocking,and becoming what I would call "stiff,non-functional" power steering,and pull violently to the left,when uphill. The harsh shaking,of the rotors,and the "stringy feeling of the brake pad,loose was not stopping at a proper safe level. At the future,within 2008-2009-2012 the steering column,was recalled,and put in twice and the brakes were not good,requiring more replacements,and rotors shaved for my safety as it rattled the front end,and caused steering,and distracting for driving safely. I had multiple close calls on basic driving,in rural area,uphill,where power steering went out,the car was not able to be controlled. Prob 10 times,on freeway I could not go past 60 miles,or the engine would act strange,pulling,and again threatening to fail power steering. To date,,now the maf failed,and shut off the engine while driving,again locking up the brakes,and in the middle of traffic. In total it has 30000 new miles in less then 6 yrs and it remains a deathtrap.

Filed Dec 2, 2011 · Engine, Lights · 100,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated when she applied pressure to the brakes, the brake light would not illuminate and when it would illuminate, it would not shut off. In addition, she noticed that the check engine warning light was also illuminated. When attempting to accelerate, the vehicle would exhibit an abnormal knocking from the engine followed by a violent jerking. The steering wheel also seized intermittently, making it difficult to control the vehicle. The dealer replaced the oxygen banks one and two, core pack, spark plugs and the prongs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The current mileage was 155,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Sep 30, 2011 · Steering · 80,000 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. The contact noticed a knocking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle when she attempted to make turns. Also, the power steering would fail intermittently and she was unable to control the vehicle. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer had not been notified nor was the vehicle repaired. The current mileage was 99,242 and the approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2011 · Steering · 100,000 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began exhibiting a loud knocking sound when turning or driving over any road bump. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the hydraulic assist power for the steering shaft was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 104,000.

Filed Sep 13, 2011 · Steering · 31,540 miles · NJ

Making a right turn, I heard a clunking noise from the steering, the car pulled to the right and the steering wheel felt like it the power steering failed. About 1 year ago, I have had the car in for service at the dealers for a knocking in the steering and they found nothing wrong.

Filed Jan 1, 2011 · Lights, Steering · 85,000 miles · IL

Steering problems. I was in a turning lane with my son in the car. I heard a ding and power steering showed up on my display. I had no power steering! I am a small person and could barely turn the car and stay in my lane. When I got home I turned the car off for awhile, then went and turned it back on and the car was fine. I have driven the car only when I need to because I am afraid to drive it. I heard it will happen again. The car goes into the shop 1/3/11. There is also a knocking noise in the front end when I make a turn. Exterior lights. I've had to replace my head light bulbs about every three months this past year. Because of the lights going out. First one side then the other.

Filed Mar 30, 2009 · Steering, Wheels · 60,000 miles · OK

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. Whenever the contact makes a right turn in the vehicle, the wheels lock up. She also heard a knocking sound coming from the steering wheel. In order to turn, the vehicle must be traveling at least 14 MPH. The contact discovered online that several vehicles were experiencing the same issue. Each mechanic that the contact has taken the vehicle to could not correct the failure. She feels that chevrolet should repair the vehicle due to the safety issue. The current mileage was 80,000 and failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Feb 5, 2009 · Steering · 34,000 miles · AR

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. While still under warranty, the vehicle's steering column began making a knocking noise under the dashboard. The failure occurred while driving 15 MPH. The dealer replaced the steering column, but the noise recurred six months later. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and they stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty; therefore, she would be responsible for the repairs. The manufacturer did not assist. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 34,000 and current mileage was 60,000.

Filed Dec 29, 2008 · Steering · 50,000 miles · FL

Purchased vehicle in july 2006. Certified used. Kept hearing noise, knocking from left front. Took vehicle to dealer 2-3 times until they replaced a part. Noise returned some weeks later. Now the electronic steering is malfunctioning. When the steering is turned to make a right turn the "power steering " warning light comes on and the wheel stiffens making it difficult to turn and very dangerous to drive. Dealer says car need power steering column and module which is very expensive. I have also been informed that it is not covered under warranty or the very expensive extended warranty they sold me.

Filed Aug 1, 2007 · Body, Brakes · 2,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the steering wheel was pulling to one side and making a knocking sound as she was pulling out of her driveway. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the steering column at less than 20,000 miles. The dealer also grounded down the rotors and cleaned the brakes, but they were not replaced. The powertrain and failure speed were unknown. The current mileage was 21,000 and failure mileage was 2,000. The consumer stated 2 months after purchasing vehicle she caught a flat and left headlight burnt out, there is air blowing through the vents along with a vacuuming noise, and the panel near the gas pedal was pulled out, the passenger side mirror will not close, and vehicle's door will not stay open. The consumer provided several repair invoices. Updated 08/27/07