On 11/15/2011 the USA today reported that federal safety regulators were investigating problems with the automatic shift levers on several general motors cars. The federal safety agency says on its website that it's looking into the same problem on other gm cars like the 2004-2008 chevrolet malibu. I am the original owner of a 2006 chevrolet malibu which has been meticulously maintained and can be verified through carfax or maintenance records. I had to replace the transmission at gordon chevrolet in tampa, florida. The cost of the transmission replacement was $3,086.01. The symptoms of the transmission problem were the exact same thing as reported in the USA today article. The vehicle wasn't finding the right gear. The shift lever would feel like it was in-between gears and it wouldn't catch in a certain gear. The RPM's would surge up while it still wouldn't catch into gear. On several occasions when it was placed in reverse it would travel forward as soon as you took your foot off the brake, almost like on a hill but on completely flat ground. On the highway I could be driving at a consistent speed and the RPM's would be jumping up and down which it never did in a proper gear. It would increase RPM within seconds and continue to do so even though I maintained speed and the elevation on the road remained the same.
2006 Chevrolet Malibu engine complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 58 of 58, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
Made a transponder key, parts person at the gm dealership just started the engine with it and said it was already programmed.( he just tested to see if the key will start the engine.) when got home with original key and turned off the engine I tried to secure car with the remote and it did not work. Tried original key to start car everything was dead including battery. Disconnect and reconnect battery, now the security light does not come on, car can't start, there is nothing only the lights on dash with other icons. I don't know if the chip key that was made cause the system to fail. I hate to have to tow the car cause I know the dealer would charge me an arm and a leg. I hate to get the parts person in trouble. Is there someone on line can help solve this problem?
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu ls. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was inoperative and would read that the tank was either empty or full erroneously. The check engine warning light would also illuminate intermittently. The dealer denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle and the manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 73,000. Updated 11/16/11*lj the consumer also stated the catalytic converter was clogged and the vehicle would not accelerate in passing gear. Updated 11/30/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.
I purchased my 2006 malibu in 2007. Since the time of purchase I have had problems with this car's steering column. It would make a clunking sound every time I would make a turn left or right. I knew something wasn't right. I took the car to the dealer once and they replaced something in the steering column. I still hear the clunking noise today. When I turned the key to start the car at times it seemed like the car was cranking and running on its own. Hard to explain it unless you were starting the car. That was an issue as well. Now this 2006 malibu was parked in my drive way after going to the store and the next day when I tried to start it it would not start. I thought it might be the battery and had that checked out. Not the battery, then I was told it was the timing chain. I had the car towed to the shop where I purchased the car and now I am told that the rocker arm broke and in turn it bent the rods and damaged the engine. The engine is now ceased and damaged.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while changing lanes on a smooth road surface, the vehicle felt like it was driving over a groove. The steering wheel also seized and there was an increase in engine rpms, nearly causing a crash. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they stated the ignition coil assembly and the ground strap would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000 and the current mileage is 121,000. Updated 08/24/11 *bf updated 04/09/12 updated 05/03/12
Steering wheel locks up while driving - happens at random - at all different times. Dealer acted like it was no big deal and of course they want me to pay for it when I have now found out that I am not the only one complaining about this problem. It is dangerous, and it could cause fatality. Problem seems to go away for a while after I change out the spark plugs. But I am at 160,000 miles and on my 8th set of spark plugs. Something is not right, spark plugs should last longer than 20,000 miles. Gm should take this complaint seriously before someone is killed. Something is wrong, otherwise why would there be so many people complaining about the same problem. I am working at paying off this car as fast as possible so that I can get into a safer vehicle. Sadly, I will *never* buy a chevy again :-(
2006 chevy malibu lt, 2.2 is stalling, started mid aug 2010. It happens mostly when the rpms go between .5 to 1. I am not sure how many times it has stalled but I would estimate it has happened about 15-25 times. I have to hold the break down firmly while gently accelerating to keep the car on. The stalling occurs while im stopped or when I'm in motion, which may cause an accident on the road or highway. I tried changing the spark plugs & that didn't work. The check engine light had been on before it started stalling, I finally got it checked and codes p0106 and p0121 came up. Took to a mechanic today and suggested I report this here first after asking me if I thought it was a safety hazard for the highway, when my car stalls.
While driving the A/C stopped blowing cold air, the car started to overheat, the various lights on dash were lighting up and the car died at an intersection. The car has 40,148 miles; the air conditioning compressor froze snapping the serpentine belt. Per the repair invoice: locked up compressor clutch 3.00 diagnose, replace A/C compressor, evacuate and charge A/C, replace serpentine belt, clean A/C filter. The total cost of this repair was $1169.35. Should this part cease to work at only 40,000 miles?
I have a 2006 chevy malibu that I bought in sacramento ca. Via paul blanco dealer on franklin and florin rd. (they are no longer in business at that site). The car accelerates dangerously when on cruise control. The car began overheating immediately after purchase (oil lube place detected an engine gasket that needs to be replaced because it continues to overheat; unless I keep the heater and or AC going; the steering column had to be re greased and re-adjusted at firestone a few months ago because all of a sudden it would lock. The A/C compressor immediately went bad after purchasing this car. I had to buy another one which cost a good amount! Soon after purchase (used vehicle with approx. 10,300 miles) the brakes went out and had to be replaced! In jan. 2010, I noticed the seat belt light kept coming on, even after it was locked in (which is very dangerous because I don't know when and if its going to keep me safe when driving); erc. Etc.. I need someone to contact the dealer of chevy so that owners can go get these things checked out and fixed the right way. I attempted to call the numbers given re: warranty etc. And nothing was resolved.
Odi number) is: 10285336 increasing engine RPM above 2500 resolved the problem. . . . Until the next time it is triggered by what ever the cause is.
Problem with the catalytic converter. The converter was plugged up with a substance that appears to be coming from the engine, not the usual way that a converter fail. My mechanic has told me that he has seen this on four different gm products, and that the dealer charged him an $80.00 core charge for the converter, they really wanted it bake for some reason.
38k mile 2006 chevy malibu v-6-car shakes/vibrates/shimmies. It also rattles and clunks underneath at all speeds, feels like the bottom is falling out. Dealer refuses to acknowledge a minimum of 7 complaints. Headlights lenses are loose and the lights shake all over the place. Dealer did finally acknowledge headlight issue after the 4th complaint and I was told it is a gm problem but they have no fix and there is nothing they can do. Now that the warranty is up, they are acknowledging all previous complaints (many more than just the couple I listed here) but at my expense when these issues s/h/b taken care of at the time of the original and numerous complaints.
Heard a clunking noise when turning left or right. Bulletin said to lube steering so they did. Having same problem 4 months later, called another dealer, says there is a bulletin to replace drive shaft. Also had catalytic converter replaced when vibration started when first accelerating till about 20mph,then cooling drain plug melted from the heat of the converter and poured water onto passenger front floor they fixed that very disappointed in this car(but love the price and mileage).
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. On some days, the vehicle will start immediately, but on other days, it will not start at all. On occasion, while driving at any speed, the vehicle will shut off. The vehicle has also shut off while waiting at a stop sign or traffic light. The vehicle had to be towed on three different occasions after shutting down and not restarting. The dealer stated that the cause of the failure was the fuel pump, and it was replaced for $1,000. At times, the vehicle still will not start. The contact has gone back and forth to the dealer, but they could not identify the cause of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 40,000 and failure mileage was 37,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet malibu. While attempting to start the vehicle. The dealer performed an oil change and stated that a fuel injection throttle body, fuel injector kit, and double clean were needed; however,this had been done a month ago. The contact was also informed that the calibration was outdated. When entering the vehicle, the clock sometimes needs to be reset. The failure mileage was 5,000 and current mileage was 48,000. Updated 09/10/08. *lj updated 09/12/08
I purchased a 2000 chevrolet malibu and had to have the engine replaced shortly after purchase. General motors was excellent in this matter. I have been searching for another and in doing so, I have noticed several of the 2006 malibu that are on recall at various dealers for sale. This is a danger to the purchaser and possibly children that may be in the car. Can something not be done to get all these vehicles off the streets? I am a christian woman and I don't want to see anyone hurt. I believe in general motors but it is the people out here not adhering to the recall letters. They were generous in their offer. Maybe if they had made the offer a little longer. I don't know exactly how it was handled, I am just concerned about the lives of the people.
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