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2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

237 reports with mileage · 33 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 207 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports1 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

270 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2009
Service Brakes, ElectricSteering

FILING A COMPLAINT REGARDING MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX...WHAT IS A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT? THE UNITED STATES CODE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY (TITLE 49, CHAPTER 301) DEFINES MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY AS ?THE PERFORMANCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OR MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT IN A WAY THAT PROTECTS THE PUBLIC AGAINST UNREASONABLE RISK OF ACCIDENTS…

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FILING A COMPLAINT REGARDING MY 2006 CHEVY MALIBU MAXX...WHAT IS A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT? THE UNITED STATES CODE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY (TITLE 49, CHAPTER 301) DEFINES MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY AS ?THE PERFORMANCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OR MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT IN A WAY THAT PROTECTS THE PUBLIC AGAINST UNREASONABLE RISK OF ACCIDENTS OCCURRING BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OR PERFORMANCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE (THE STEERING COLUMN IS A GENUINE GM DEFECTIVE PART(S), AND AGAINST UNREASONABLE RISK OF DEATH OR INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT, AND INCLUDES NONOPERATIONAL SAFETY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE.? A DEFECT INCLUDES ?ANY DEFECT IN PERFORMANCE, CONSTRUCTION, A COMPONENT, OR MATERIAL OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OR MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT.? GENERALLY, A SAFETY DEFECT IS DEFINED AS A PROBLEM THAT EXISTS IN A MOTOR VEHICLE OR ITEM OF MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT THAT: POSES AN RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, AND MAY EXIST IN A GROUP OF VEHICLES OF THE SAME DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE, OR ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT OF THE SAME TYPE AND MANUFACTURE. EXAMPLES OF DEFECTS CONSIDERED SAFETY-RELATED STEERING COMPONENTS THAT BREAK SUDDENLY CAUSING PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. * THE ABOVE LISTED UNITED STATE VEHICLE SAFETY CODE IS THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT BEING FILE. I UNDERSTAND THAT CHEVY USED THE SAME COLUMN UNIT IN ITS 2004, 2005 AND 2006 MALIBU MODELS AND ALL THREE YEARS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. ONCE ODOMETER REACHES A CERTAIN MILEAGE READING THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC ASSISTED STEERING COLUMN FAILS, IT TURNS OFF, LEAVING THE DRIVER AT THE MERCY OF A MANUALLY HARD TO STEER VEHICLE, IN MY WIFE AND MINE'S CASE IT IS A METAL DEATH TRAP ON THE ROAD WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. I HAVE WRITTEN DIRECTLY TO CHEVY/GM MOTOR CORPORATION WITH OUT RECOGNITION OF MY COMPLAINT. THIS CAR IS A LARGE ROAD SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. I WANT CHEVY TO BUY MY CAR BACK OF REPLACE THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE IN THIS VEHICLE, NOR LOOSE MY WIFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10266158

50,000 miles · Apr 16, 2009
Steering

AS I DRIVE OUT OF NOWHERE THE STEERING LOCKS UP. IT STARTED OFF ONCE IN A GREAT WHILE THEN GOT WORSE WITH TIME. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHER MODELS OF MALIBU. I JUST THINK IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE AND NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. A MECHANIC AT CHEVY SAID THAT MORE AND MORE…

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AS I DRIVE OUT OF NOWHERE THE STEERING LOCKS UP. IT STARTED OFF ONCE IN A GREAT WHILE THEN GOT WORSE WITH TIME. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHER MODELS OF MALIBU. I JUST THINK IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE AND NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. A MECHANIC AT CHEVY SAID THAT MORE AND MORE CARS WERE COMING IN WITH THAT PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10265665

65,000 miles · Feb 10, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILS. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE AND IS BECOMING VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILS. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE AND IS BECOMING VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

NHTSA ODI #10258266

50,454 miles · Feb 4, 2009
Steering

USUALLY WHILE TURNING THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT ON THE MALIBU MAXX. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON IT AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS A BULLETIN REGARDING IT. THEY WANT OVER $500 TO FIX THEIR MISTAKE. IT HAPPENED 4 TIMES ON A 94 MILE TRIP JUST LAST WEEKEND. IT USUALLY HAPPENS A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK. THERE IS NO WARNING AS TO WHEN IT WI…

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USUALLY WHILE TURNING THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT ON THE MALIBU MAXX. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON IT AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS A BULLETIN REGARDING IT. THEY WANT OVER $500 TO FIX THEIR MISTAKE. IT HAPPENED 4 TIMES ON A 94 MILE TRIP JUST LAST WEEKEND. IT USUALLY HAPPENS A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK. THERE IS NO WARNING AS TO WHEN IT WILL OCCUR AND YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART AND THE POWER WOULD RESET. THAT WORKS MOST OF THE TIME BUT NOT A GOOD IDEA IF YOU ARE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE WILL BE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT FROM THIS PROBLEM AS IT IS REPORTED MORE AND MORE. PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO SPEND ON REPAIRS WHILE THE MOTOR COMPANIES GET "BAIL OUT" MONEY. I WANT A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10257467

40,000 miles · Jan 21, 2009
EquipmentService Brakes, Hydraulic

WE HAD THE BRAKES SERVICED . IT INCLUDED THE CHANGING OVER THE BRAKE PADS AND THE ROTORS TURNED. AND IN LESS THAN 8MONTHS LATER WE WENT BAKE TO GET THE BRAKES INSPECTED DUE TO A VERY HIGH PITCHED NOISED THAT GREW SINCE THE BRAKES WE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES. THE MECHANIC INFORMED US THAT THE BACK BRAKES VERSES THE FRONT BRAKES WE…

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WE HAD THE BRAKES SERVICED . IT INCLUDED THE CHANGING OVER THE BRAKE PADS AND THE ROTORS TURNED. AND IN LESS THAN 8MONTHS LATER WE WENT BAKE TO GET THE BRAKES INSPECTED DUE TO A VERY HIGH PITCHED NOISED THAT GREW SINCE THE BRAKES WE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES. THE MECHANIC INFORMED US THAT THE BACK BRAKES VERSES THE FRONT BRAKES WE NOT WEARING EQUALLY AND THAT HE WAS SHOCKED TO DISCOVER THAT BOTH FRONT AND BACK BRAKES WERE REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME. I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THEY WERE REPLACED AS I SAT AND WATCHED THE PREVIOUS MECHANIC INSTALL OUR NEW BRAKE PADS/SHOES JUST AFTER 7 MONTHS OF BUYING THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT BRAKES HAD A WEARING OF 30% AND THE REAR WORE DOWN TO 70%. THIS IS BECOMING A NIGHTMARE AND IT'S ALSO BECOMING VERY EXPENSIVE.. I JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW IT IS POSSIBLE TO NEED NEW BRAKES ON AVERAGE OF HALF A YEAR BETWEEN CHANGES. THIS IF NOT LOOKED INTO COULD BECOME EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND IS DANGEROUS IF THE BACK BRAKES A WEARING OUT FASTER THAN THE FRONT. THEN I HAVE TO CHANGE THE BRAKES OUT EVERY 6-7-MONTHS JUST TO KNOW THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WHEN NEEDED! THE HORRIBLE SCREECHING SOUND I DISCOVERED IS THE ROTORS AND THE MECHANIC VERY SHOCKED TO SEE THAT THEY ARE WARPED AND IN SUCH BAD SHAPE AFTER SUCH A SMALL AMOUNT OF TIME BETWEEN THE BRAKE CHANGES WITHIN A 6-7 MONTH TIME PERIOD. WE HAVE ONLY ONE WORKING VEHICLE AND FEEL THAT IS ISSUE IS TO BE ADDRESSED AS IT IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. I CAN NOT KEEP CHANGING THE BRAKE SYSTEM EVERY 6-7MONTHS YET I HAVE NO CHOICE IF WE ARE TO BE SAFE AND WOULD LIKE TO STOP THE CAR. PLEASE FIND OUT IF THE PROBLEM CAN BE CORRECTED ONCE AND FOR ALL TO WHERE WE ONLY HAVE TO CHANGE THE BRAKES ON THE CAR LONGER THAN A YEAR OR MORE ESPECIALLY WHEN WE DRIVE THE CAR EASY... WE ARE NOT BAD DRIVERS YET WE ARE TERRIFIED THAT WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT AS I AM SURE WE WILL NEED A BRAKE CHANGE AGAIN IN JUST A FEW MONTHS AGAIN! BATTERY IN THE KEYPAD OPENS,LOCKS & STARTS CAR NEVER WORKS RIGHT... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10255923

Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2008
Latches/locks/linkagesInjury

USING MY MOTHER'S 2006 MALIBU MAXX ON 12/24/08, THE BACK LIFTGATE CAME CRASHING DOWN ON MY WIFE'S HEAD WHILE SHE WAS LOADING THE TRUNK. THE NEXT MORNING WE SAW THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE LIFT CYLINDER SNAPPED OFF ITS METAL BALL JOINT. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS CYLINDER IS ATTACHED TO THE METAL BALL JOINT VIA A PLASTIC CAP. WHERE THIS CAP …

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USING MY MOTHER'S 2006 MALIBU MAXX ON 12/24/08, THE BACK LIFTGATE CAME CRASHING DOWN ON MY WIFE'S HEAD WHILE SHE WAS LOADING THE TRUNK. THE NEXT MORNING WE SAW THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE LIFT CYLINDER SNAPPED OFF ITS METAL BALL JOINT. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS CYLINDER IS ATTACHED TO THE METAL BALL JOINT VIA A PLASTIC CAP. WHERE THIS CAP IS ASKED TO NOT ONLY SECURE THE CYLINDER TO THE LIFTGATE FRAME, BUT ALSO ROTATE AND PITCH THE CYLINDER. ANYONE SHORTER THAN MY WIFE'S HEIGHT WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED SEVERELY, SUCH AS A BROKEN NECK AND/OR CRUSHED SKULL. THE CHEVROLET DEALER - JIM O'BRIEN CHEVROLET SNAPPED THE CYLINDER BACK ON ITS BALL JOINT AND REFUSED TO REPAIR, FIX, AND/OR OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE TO PREVENT THIS SITUATION FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252888

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2008
Steering

WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX, I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I LOST POWER STEERING. I PARKED THE CAR, SHUT IT OFF, TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING PROPERLY. A FEW DAYS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND AGAIN LOST POWER STEERING. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED A…

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WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX, I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I LOST POWER STEERING. I PARKED THE CAR, SHUT IT OFF, TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING PROPERLY. A FEW DAYS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND AGAIN LOST POWER STEERING. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED AND GAINED POWER STEERING BACK. IT HAPPENED AGAIN NEARLY RIGHT AWAY AFTER DOING THE LAST RESTART. I AGAIN PULLED OVER, SHUT THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND POWER STEERING WAS BACK. THIS HAS HAPPENED 6 TO 10 TIMES IN THE LAST 1 TO 2 MONTHS AND THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON TO WHEN THE POWER STEERING GIVES OUT. THIS MAKES EVERY TRIP IN THE CAR A POTENTIAL HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10248505

35,000 miles · Nov 3, 2008
Steering

BUMP SOUND IN FRONT END WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP OR BRAKING AND TURNING. DEALER SAYS IT IS A POWER STEERING SHAFT. THEY LUBRICATED IT AND TIGHTENED IT BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRED. WITHIN 1,000 MILES PROBLEMS RETURNED. NOW WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND IT'S MY PROBLEM ALTHOUGH GM HAS A REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFT THAT WILL CORRECT THE PRO…

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BUMP SOUND IN FRONT END WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP OR BRAKING AND TURNING. DEALER SAYS IT IS A POWER STEERING SHAFT. THEY LUBRICATED IT AND TIGHTENED IT BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRED. WITHIN 1,000 MILES PROBLEMS RETURNED. NOW WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND IT'S MY PROBLEM ALTHOUGH GM HAS A REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFT THAT WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10247603

Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2008
Steering

CHEVROLET MALIBUS AND OTHER MAKES HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. MINE HAS BEEN REPLACED ABOUT A YEAR AGO. IT HAD A BUMPING NOISE THAT YOU COULD HEAR EVEN STANDING OUTSIDE OF THE CAR WHILE SOMEONE ELSE IS DRIVING. GM NEEDS TO DO A RECALL BEFORE SOMEBODY LOOSES THEIR STEERING AND HAS A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS PROBL…

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CHEVROLET MALIBUS AND OTHER MAKES HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. MINE HAS BEEN REPLACED ABOUT A YEAR AGO. IT HAD A BUMPING NOISE THAT YOU COULD HEAR EVEN STANDING OUTSIDE OF THE CAR WHILE SOMEONE ELSE IS DRIVING. GM NEEDS TO DO A RECALL BEFORE SOMEBODY LOOSES THEIR STEERING AND HAS A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON ON THESE CARS AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I AM AN ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN AND HAVE BEEN FOR MANY YEARS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10247446

92,586 miles · Sep 14, 2008
Steering

I HAVE A 2006 MALIBU MAXX 3.5 V6. MY WIFE WAS PARALLEL PARKING WHEN THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP ON HER. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PARK AND MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE. I WENT ONLINE TO FIND OUT ABOUT WHY IT JUST SHUT OFF AND FOUND THE LINK TO THIS WEB-SITE. I SURE DON'T WANT TO SEE THIS GO OUT WHEN TURNING AROUND A …

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I HAVE A 2006 MALIBU MAXX 3.5 V6. MY WIFE WAS PARALLEL PARKING WHEN THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP ON HER. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PARK AND MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE. I WENT ONLINE TO FIND OUT ABOUT WHY IT JUST SHUT OFF AND FOUND THE LINK TO THIS WEB-SITE. I SURE DON'T WANT TO SEE THIS GO OUT WHEN TURNING AROUND A CORNER. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD NOT FOR US BUT ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10242139

Official recalls

4

15V064000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Feb 4, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14772. Note: This is an expansion of recall 14V-153 to cover additional vehicles built between April 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006.

14V252000 · Electrical System:wiring; Electronic Stability Control (esc); Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

May 14, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Electrical System:wiring

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

14V224000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Apr 30, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

Consequence: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

Consequence: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

14V153000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Mar 31, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

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No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.