Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have had problems with my power steering over the years. But this was the worst it has ever been. I was driving 55 MPH on the highway. The roads were clear on this spring day. My traction control, brake light and check engine light came on. Then the power steering was chiming and the alert came on for that which effected my power steering. The instrument cluster was flashing on and off along with the gauges not working correctly. Then the instrument cluster went completely out. So the instrument cluster was replaced. A couple of weeks later, this all repeated again. So this time the ignition was replaced. After all that, the power steering still chimes and alerts still come on which makes it harder to steer. Then I have to stop the car, turn it off, wait and restart it. Then it is fine for a while. My mechanic says the only code that shows up is for the 14772 recall. …
Letter from senator nelson on behalf of constituent regarding steering problems on her 2006 Chevrolet Malibu; please send response directly to senator office and reference constituent. The consumer stated the front brake calipers failed to retract causing the brakes to overheat and catch fire. The mechanic stated it May have been due to a factory flaw as he had never seen both calipers fail together. The brake caliper seals were melted from heat and they were cracked/dry rotted letting the caliper sleeve rust. A month prior, the consumer noticed the power steering seemed stiff and the vehicle became difficult to steer, the consumer did receive a recall notice regarding a potential problem with the steering. On December 20, 2011 the consumer experienced another steering failure, slow acceleration, and overheating of the brakes. …
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. Then we started having trouble with the electrical system right after the warranty ran out.the rear wiper comes on by itself, interior lights blow constantly as well as headlights. Door locks work when they want to. Keyless has not worked for three years even with new remote batteries. Since the car has had 40,000 miles on it the power steering has been acting up. My wife has hit our garbage cans and even my truck pulling into the driveway. We cant even trade this piece of crap in because everybody knows the problems with this car. Our Malibu has 78,000 miles on it and we have put 4 sets of brakes on the front with heavy duty rotors and three sets on the rear. GM is not concerned with the safety of their customers. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, but the brakes failed and the vehicle slid. In an effort to avoid rear ending the preceding vehicle, the contact turned to the left. The ABS, traction control, and brake warning indicators illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,200.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that the vehicle would jerk upon depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact took the vehicle to jim keras Chevrolet (2000 covington pike, memphis, tn 38128) where they performed services to the brake booster, master cylinder, hydraulic brake system, lower control arms, as well as several other unknown services. Three weeks after the repairs, the vehicle would not start and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 241,404.
As I drove from racine, wi to milwaukee, wi. To visit family for the 4th of July weekend as I was to turn car off to park I wasnt able to press down on the breaks, couldnt go into park, gear shift was stuck couldnt move it in to park had to put on emergency break in order to keep car in park! It left me stranded was very upset & confused!!!
Brake lights stay on all of the time except when foot is resting on the brake pedal. Have tried to change out the brake sensor and that doesn't seem to resolve the problem. Brake lights are one both in motion or when car is just sitting
Right after I bought the vehicle I was driving down a gravel road and my traction control, ABS and brake light all came on at the same time and will not shut off. My traction control no longer works now.
End of July 2014, early morning, while driving 70mph on the interstate with clear dry conditions, my brakes began to pulse on their own and the traction control light began lighting up in correspondence with the brake pulse.. The cruise control shut itself off. The check engine light and brake light came on remain on and cruise control no longer works. This continues to happen throughout the entirety of my 60mile one way daily drive. I was notified of recall13036 which includes all of these issues., I took the vehicle in for a scheduled service for this 12/12/14. After waiting more than 2 hours to get my vehicle back (without the recall work being done), I rescheduled for 12/16/14. After completing the recall work the vehicle was returned to me with all error codes cleared. Less than 3 miles down the road, all of the issues returned. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The contact stated that the power steering warning light illuminated then the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact also mentioned that the ignition warning light sporadically illuminated at various speeds and there was an abnormal metal odor in the cabin. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the steering column and rack and pinion was replaced. The contact was also informed that the rear brake calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000. Updated 7/7/14 updated 07/14/2014
Brake complaints in other Malibu Maxx years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the brakes of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, 9% of the model year's 270 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › pads (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.