Chevrolet · Known Issues

2006 Chevrolet Malibu Problems: 6 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2006 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are BCM Connection Can Disrupt Brake Lights and Safety Systems (Recall 14V252), Electric Power-Steering Assist Can Stop Working (Recall 14V153), Electric Power-Steering Torque Sensor Can Fail (Recall 15V064), Aftermarket Leather Can Disrupt Passenger Sensing (Recall 06V417), Four-Speed Shift Cable Can Fracture (Recall 14V224) and Tire Label Lists the Wrong Spare Size (Recall 05V486). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Malibu problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: BCM Connection Can Disrupt Brake Lights and Safety Systems (Recall 14V252), Electric Power-Steering Assist Can Stop Working (Recall 14V153), Electric Power-Steering Torque Sensor Can Fail (Recall 15V064). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

The 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: BCM Connection Can Disrupt Brake Lights and Safety Systems (Recall 14V252) and Electric Power-Steering Assist Can Stop Working (Recall 14V153) and Electric Power-Steering Torque Sensor Can Fail (Recall 15V064) and Aftermarket Leather Can Disrupt Passenger Sensing (Recall 06V417) and Four-Speed Shift Cable Can Fracture (Recall 14V224) and Tire Label Lists the Wrong Spare Size (Recall 05V486). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What is the 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu BCM Connection Can Disrupt Brake Lights and Safety Systems (Recall 14V252)?

Certain 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu body-control-module connections can develop resistance and disturb the brake-apply-sensor circuit. Brake lights, cruise cancel, shift interlock, traction control and stability control can behave incorrectly. Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2009 Chevrolet Malibu Electric Power-Steering Assist Can Stop Working (Recall 14V153)?

Certain 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles can suddenly lose electric power-steering assist while driving, increasing low-speed steering effort. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu Electric Power-Steering Torque Sensor Can Fail (Recall 15V064)?

Certain 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles can suddenly lose electric power-steering assist while driving, increasing steering effort at low speeds. Severity: high.

What is the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Aftermarket Leather Can Disrupt Passenger Sensing (Recall 06V417)?

Certain 2006 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles originally built with cloth seats were reupholstered with aftermarket leather that can make the passenger-sensing system enable or disable the frontal air bag incorrectly. Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu Four-Speed Shift Cable Can Fracture (Recall 14V224)?

Certain 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with four-speed automatic transmissions can fracture the shift cable. The indicated gear may not match the transmission, causing unexpected movement or rollaway. Severity: high.

What is the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Tire Label Lists the Wrong Spare Size (Recall 05V486)?

Certain 2006 Chevrolet Malibu tire labels specify a 15-inch spare where a 16-inch spare is required. The 15-inch spare cannot clear the front brake caliper. Severity: high.

2006 Chevrolet Malibu Problems: 6 Issues Every Owner Should Know

In This Article

All 6 Known Issues

2004-2009 Chevrolet Malibu: Electric Power-Steering Assist Can Stop Working (Recall 14V153)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu: Electric Power-Steering Torque Sensor Can Fail (Recall 15V064)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2006 Chevrolet Malibu: Aftermarket Leather Can Disrupt Passenger Sensing (Recall 06V417)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2006 Chevrolet Malibu: Tire Label Lists the Wrong Spare Size (Recall 05V486)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu: BCM Connection Can Disrupt Brake Lights and Safety Systems (Recall 14V252)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu: Four-Speed Shift Cable Can Fracture (Recall 14V224)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

Other Chevrolet Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Malibu problems?

Is the Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

What is the 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu BCM Connection Can Disrupt Brake Lights and Safety Systems (Recall 14V252)?

What is the 2004-2009 Chevrolet Malibu Electric Power-Steering Assist Can Stop Working (Recall 14V153)?

What is the 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu Electric Power-Steering Torque Sensor Can Fail (Recall 15V064)?

What is the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Aftermarket Leather Can Disrupt Passenger Sensing (Recall 06V417)?

What is the 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu Four-Speed Shift Cable Can Fracture (Recall 14V224)?

What is the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Tire Label Lists the Wrong Spare Size (Recall 05V486)?