This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems
moderate 1,016 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
1,016
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
31crashes
2fires
14injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 1,016 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 16 mileage-bearing steering complaints filed against the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu by each odometer reading. Median failure: 114,350 mi.
10% have failed by47,000 mi
Half the fleet by114,350 mi
90% have failed by160,000 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
What stands out
Of the 16 model years of Chevrolet Malibu we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 1,016.
Steering accounts for 73% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a ″Phone Unavaila
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Electric Power Steering Assist
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a steering system that fails intermittently but dangerously. The electronic power steering cuts out abruptly during normal driving—accelerating on a freeway, making a left turn at an intersection, backing out of a driveway—leaving the driver muscling a suddenly-stiff wheel with no boost. Most of the time, turning the car off, waiting a few minutes, and restarting restores assist, at least temporarily. But the failure is unpredictable. It may happen once every few months or five times before leaving the driveway on a cold morning.
When it fails, owners hear a chime and see "POWER STEERING" flash on the instrument panel. The wheel either locks completely or requires extreme effort to turn. At highway speeds, this is a genuine hazard—owners report nearly veering into traffic, swerving across lanes, or being unable to complete turns. A few owners drove vehicles with failed steering for extended periods because they couldn't safely pull over in traffic.
The problem often correlates with hard acceleration, cornering at speed, or startup in cold weather. Owners also report the steering wheel jerking or moving on its own, shaking during turns, and a clunking sound from the steering column that worsens over time. The electronic steering motor and torque sensor are the parts most frequently replaced. GM issued recalls for the torque sensor (#14116) and offered a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty on the steering column through special coverage, but many owners with identical symptoms found their vehicle's VIN excluded from recall eligibility. Repair shops confirmed the problem was known and widespread; some shops had already fixed multiple 2006 Malibu units for the same issue. Owners who paid for repairs out of pocket—up to $1,700—report the same failure recurring within weeks or months.
Same Chevrolet Malibu steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) System Intermittent Loss/Lockup
The electronic power steering assist fails intermittently or completely, rendering the steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Failure occurs during acceleration, turning, or at random intervals. A warning chime and 'POWER STEERING' message typically display on the instrument panel. Power returns after restarting the vehicle.
When: First occurrence typically between 30,000–75,000 miles; reported from early 2000s through 2020s model year ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assist during driving; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and hard to turn; Steering wheel locks or freezes; Audible chime or bell alert (typically 2–4 dings); 'POWER STEERING' or 'POWER STEERING LOSS' message on instrument panel display; Power steering returns after turning vehicle off and restarting; Failure often triggered during acceleration, hard turns, highway merging, or cold weather startup; Steering wheel may move on its own or jerk involuntarily; Shaking or vibration in steering wheel
Codes mentioned: C0545 (Torque Sensor Input Failure), C0900 (Intermittent failure at voltage regulator for electronic power steering), DTC codes related to EPS motor/module failures
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of steering column assembly, electronic power steering motor/module, torque sensor, voltage regulator, or grounding strap. Costs reported from $500–$1,700+ for parts and labor. Some repairs required reprogramming of computer settings. Multiple owners report repairs failing to permanently resolve the issue; same failure recurred after dealer service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued: #14116 (Steering Shaft Torque Sensor), #10183 (Special Coverage Program for steering column assembly, 10-year/150,000-mile warranty). TSB #2133820 and #10183A referenced. Partial VIN applicability—many owners with identical symptoms reported their VINs excluded from recalls despite having the same problem. Parts shortages delayed or prevented repairs. GM initially denied coverage for second owners or vehicles out of warranty. Extended campaign applied to some 2005–2008 Malibu models but with limited part availability.
Steering Column Mechanical Failure and Clunking/Rattling Noise
Steering column experiences clunking, popping, or rattling noises during turning or driving. Column may be damaged or loosened, sometimes accompanied by intermediate shaft or steering gear issues. Problem often coexists with electronic steering failures.
When: Intermittent at first, occurring within 2–3 years of ownership or under 75,000 miles; progresses to constant clunking
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking or popping noise when turning steering wheel in either direction; Rattling or vibration felt in steering wheel and brake pedal; Steering feels loose or unstable; Noise increases in intensity over time; Intermediate or mid-shaft rattling reported
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of steering column assembly ($500–$700+), intermediate shaft replacement, or torque sensor replacement. One owner replaced steering column under recall but problem recurred within one day.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Steering column replacement offered under recall #14116 for some VINs and special coverage program #10183A (10-year/150,000-mile warranty). Not all 2006 Malibu VINs included; many exclusions noted despite identical symptoms.
Power Steering System Overvoltage/Electrical Fault
Electronic power steering system experiences voltage regulation problems, causing the motor to receive excessive or unstable power input. This leads to erratic steering behavior, overheat codes, and system shutdown.
When: Reported from early ownership through extended mileage; voltage regulator issues cited in diagnostics
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel jerks forcefully during acceleration or cornering; EPS system attempts to forcefully straighten wheel while turning; Motor overheat codes triggered even when engine/vehicle is cold; Intermittent loss of EPS during high engine RPM or acceleration; System resets after vehicle restart
Codes mentioned: C0900 (Voltage regulator intermittent failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Adding grounding strap to coil; PCM reprogramming (SPS 89 W); replacement of voltage regulator or EPS motor assembly. One owner reported three separate dealer repair attempts with multiple invoices, all unsuccessful. Motor with internal fault that causes quick overheat may require replacement ($700+ parts and labor).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #2133820 issued. GM offered reprogramming and grounding modifications but customers report continued failures post-repair. Extended campaign coverage up to 150,000 miles or 10 years for some models, but repair outcomes inconsistent.
Steering Torque Sensor Malfunction
The steering torque sensor, which measures driver input to assist power steering, fails or reads incorrectly. Sensor may wear prematurely, fail completely, or develop intermittent faults that cause erratic EPS behavior.
When: Can occur as early as 38,000 miles; often between 40,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check power steering message or warning light; Wheel locking or freezing during turning; Loss of proportional power assist (over-assist or under-assist); Steering feel becomes unpredictable or 'icy'
Codes mentioned: C0545 (Torque Sensor Input Failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Torque sensor replacement ($500–$1,500+). One owner's replacement failed and was replaced again. Not sold separately; must replace entire steering column assembly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #14116 issued for steering shaft torque sensor replacement in 2014. However, many 2006 Malibu VINs excluded from recall despite reporting same C0545 code. Owners denied reimbursement and told to pay out of pocket. GM stated only certain VINs covered, leaving others with identical defect unfixed.
Synthesized from 1,016 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 17 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet malibu. While driving 25 MPH, the power steering seized and the power assist warning indicator illuminated. The contact called regency Chevrolet Buick GMC (825 e main st, uvalde, tx 78801) and was provided a repair estimate. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The steering completely locked up multiple times while commuting to work on I-95, south, in maine. One time in particular, noted above, in which it was absolutely frightening. The entire dash would light up and all gauges would drop, the power steering would completely lock, and you would have to slowly make your way to the side of road. There were always steering, shifting, locking, braking,…
Upon turning on my vehicle, I was unable to steer the steering wheel. It has happened several times. When the vehicle is stationary, the steering wheel shakes and the only way to stop it is to firmly hold it. Temporary fix has been to restart the vehicle.
My 2006 Chevy malibu has had electric power steering malfunction. I was driving on a very dangerous city highway. With my three children in car. I looked up and saw there are recalls on the year and make of my car but the dealership says they don't see a recall under my specific vehichle. I don't think it makes since and I don't know anyone to fix it. Because most cars have a normal power…
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet malibu maxx. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact stated that the power steering light illuminated on the instrument panel and the steering wheel became very stiff and difficult to turn. The contact pulled over and shut off and when it was restarted, it operated properly. The contact also stated that the steering wheel would involuntarily turn to…
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet malibu maxx lt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed and the power steering light illuminated on the instrumental panel. The contact received a recall notice later on in reference to the steering but the vehicle was over the mileage limit. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 60 MPH the power steering failed without warning. Consequently the driver crashed into a road barrier. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The power steering motor was replaced. An identical failure occurred on a separate occasion. The failure mileage was 38,000.
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…
I was working on my mother-in-laws malibu out in the front yard and crank it after looking into some other issues this car has, and the steering wheel turns itself all the way to the left on it's own.I then try to turn it back and notice there is no power assist. I ask her about it and she said it has done that a few times recently, where she is driving down the road and all of a sudden, as…
Driving at a local grocery store and lost steering and almost crashed into car while pulling into a parking spot. This needs to get fixed and I'm not paying for something that is a well documented problem before someone dies because gm doesn't want to fix a problem that they know about. Average cost of repair $700. Average cost of a life, priceless. Make a recall happen now. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet Malibu?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 1016 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 862 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 57,998 and 125,526 miles, with the median around 85,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 57,998; a quarter make it past 125,526. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/Malibu.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.