2006 Chevrolet Malibu
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD Ls, 4dr Sedan FWD Lt/Ltz, 4dr Sedan FWD SS, Maxx 4dr Wagon FWD Lt/Ltz
- Engines
- 2.2L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 187.8–188.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,175–3,620 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2006 midsize car (20.5 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints509 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 88 for similar models — most often about the steering.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.2L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl and 3.9L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 188 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,175 lb (4dr Sedan FWD Ls).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 17% better than the 2006 midsize car average of 20.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 509 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2006
- Engine added: 3.9L 6-cyl
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Malibu →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD Ls | 188.2 in | 70.1 in | 57.5 in | 106.3 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,175 lb | 63/37 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD Lt/Ltz | 188.2 in | 70.1 in | 57.5 in | 106.3 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,307 lb | 63/37 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD SS | 188.2 in | 70.1 in | 57.5 in | 106.3 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,415 lb | 63/37 |
| Maxx 4dr Wagon FWD Lt/Ltz | 187.8 in | 69.7 in | 58.3 in | 112.6 in | 59.4 / 60.2 in | 3,477 lb | 60/40 |
| Maxx 4dr Wagon FWD SS | 187.8 in | 69.7 in | 58.3 in | 112.6 in | 59.4 / 60.2 in | 3,620 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu | 2.2L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +17% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Malibu | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +12% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Malibu Maxx | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 22 | +23% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Malibu | 3.9L 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -7% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Malibu Maxx | 3.9L 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +6% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2006 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Honda Accord | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2006 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Volkswagen Passat | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (4)
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Feb 4, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V064000 · 69,633 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · May 14, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V252000 · 2,440,524 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Apr 30, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V224000 · 1,131,113 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 ÂPARK position, the transmission may not be in ÂPARK. 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Mar 31, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V153000 · 1,373,177 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 371 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 70 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 36 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 129,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Malibu years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Malibu | 31 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 12 |
| 2024 Malibu | 31 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 44 |
| 2023 Malibu | 30 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 72 |
| 2022 Malibu | 32 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 99 |
| 2021 Malibu | 32 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 90 |
| 2020 Malibu | 32 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 199 |
| 2019 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 195 |
| 2018 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 711 |
| 2017 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 726 |
| 2016 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 865 |
| 2015 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 267 |
| 2014 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 330 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →