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Safety Recall: 2006–2007 Chevy Malibu, Malibu Maxx, and Pontiac G6 – What Drivers Need to Know
GM Recalls 69,600 Chevrolet Malibu & Pontiac G6 Vehicles for Power-Steering Defect | MotorVero
GM Recalls 69,600 Chevrolet Malibu & Pontiac G6 Vehicles for Critical Power-Steering Defect
Safety Notice: General Motors has expanded a previous recall to include approximately 69,600 vehicles due to potentially dangerous power-steering system failures that could occur while driving.
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Affected Vehicle Models and Production Dates
This safety recall impacts specific model-year vehicles manufactured during critical production periods:
2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx
- Produced between April 1 and June 30, 2006
2006-2007 Pontiac G6
- Manufactured between April 18 and June 30, 2006
The recall represents an expansion of previous corrective actions taken by GM to address steering system vulnerabilities in these vehicle platforms.
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The Safety Risk: Sudden Power-Steering Failure
Vehicles included in this recall may experience a sudden and complete loss of electric power-steering assist while in operation. This critical system failure presents multiple safety concerns:
Increased steering effort required to control the vehicle, particularly at lower speeds
Higher crash risk when drivers are unexpectedly forced to maneuver without power assist
Potential for loss of control in emergency avoidance situations
GM notes that affected vehicles will provide both visual and audible warnings when power-steering assist is lost. The driver information center displays an alert message accompanied by a warning chime.
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Technical Root Cause Analysis
Automotive engineers have identified the torque sensor assembly as the defective component causing these failures. This critical sensor:
Measures driver steering input force
Signals the electric motor to provide appropriate assist
When faulty, can disrupt the entire power-steering system
The specific failure mode involves sensor degradation that occurs progressively over time, making the defect particularly dangerous as it may manifest suddenly after years of normal operation.
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Official Recall Repair Solution
GM has authorized the following corrective action at all authorized dealerships:
Free Torque Sensor Replacement
Certified technicians will completely replace the defective torque sensor assembly with an updated component at no cost to vehicle owners.
The repair typically takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete, though wait times may vary by dealership service department capacity.
Owner Notification Timeline and Actions
General Motors will notify registered owners of affected vehicles via first-class mail. Owners should:
Watch for official GM recall notices in the mail
Contact their local dealership immediately to schedule repair
Be prepared to provide their VIN for verification
For immediate assistance or to check recall status, owners may contact:
Chevrolet Customer Service: 800-222-1020
Pontiac Customer Support: 800-762-2737
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236
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How to Identify if Your Vehicle is Affected
Vehicle owners can proactively check recall status through several methods:
Between notification and repair, watch for these warning signs:
Intermittent or inconsistent steering assist
Warning messages in the driver information center
Unusual steering effort at low speeds
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Safety Recommendations Until Repair
If you experience power-steering failure while driving:
Do not panic - The vehicle remains steerable
Increase steering force - Expect heavier steering at low speeds
Pull over safely when possible to restart the vehicle
Avoid parking maneuvers requiring tight turns if possible
Consider limiting vehicle use until the recall repair is completed, especially for drivers who may lack the physical strength to handle manual steering loads.
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Finding an Authorized Repair Facility
Recall repairs must be performed at GM-certified service centers. MotorVero makes it easy to:
Locate Your Nearest Recall Repair Center
Use our dealer locator tool to find certified GM service departments in your area equipped to perform this specific recall repair.
When scheduling your appointment, mention the recall notice to ensure proper parts availability and prioritized service.
Historical Context of Similar Recalls
This recall represents part of an ongoing industry-wide challenge with electric power-steering systems:
2014-2016: Multiple automakers recalled over 2 million vehicles for EPS issues
2018: NHTSA launched investigation into EPS failures across brands
2020-present: Continued pattern of EPS-related recalls industry-wide
The frequency of these recalls has led to improved industry standards for electric power-steering component durability and failure detection systems.
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Legal Rights and Compensation
Vehicle owners affected by this recall should understand their consumer protections:
Federal Requirements
Repairs must be performed free of charge
Manufacturers must make reasonable attempts to notify owners
Recalls never expire for safety defects
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State Lemon Law Considerations
In some jurisdictions, multiple unsuccessful repair attempts may qualify the vehicle for buyback or replacement under state lemon laws.