2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 434 |
| 2005 | 326 |
| 2006 | 270 |
| 2007 | 44 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
72% of complaints: steering — 194 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WE PURCHASED OUR 2006 MAILBU MAXX IN NOVEMBER 2005. TWO MONTHS LATER THERE WAS A VIOLENT SHAKE IN THE FRONT END, THE DEALERSHIP TURNED THE ROTORS BECAUSE THEY WERE WARPED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120627
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250311
WARNING COMES ON RADIO WITH WARNING BEEPS AND ALL POWER STEERING IS LOST UNTIL YOU TURN OFF CAR AND RESTART. IT CAN HAPPEN DURING ANY DRIVING SITUATION AT ANY SPEED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180220
9% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WE PURCHASED OUR 2006 MAILBU MAXX IN NOVEMBER 2005. TWO MONTHS LATER THERE WAS A VIOLENT SHAKE IN THE FRONT END, THE DEALERSHIP TURNED THE ROTORS BECAUSE THEY WERE WARPED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120627
6% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: service brakes — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WE PURCHASED OUR 2006 MAILBU MAXX IN NOVEMBER 2005. TWO MONTHS LATER THERE WAS A VIOLENT SHAKE IN THE FRONT END, THE DEALERSHIP TURNED THE ROTORS BECAUSE THEY WERE WARPED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120627
4% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 12 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 14V224000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 14V153000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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...
Campaign 14V252000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 15V064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (194 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V224000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V153000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V064000 (steering) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 72% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.