NHTSA — Steering Problems

2005 Pontiac G6 (Page 10 of 20)

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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2005 Pontiac G6 has major problems with two areas fairly critical to the act of driving... steering & safety.

The 2005 G6 has a major defect trend with electronic power-assisted steering failure. The power steering cuts out while driving, making it extremely difficult to steer. G6 owners typically report spending $600 - $1,200+ to fix the problem, replacing either the entire steering column or the power assist motor.

In March 2010, GM recalled 1.3 million vehicles for this exact problem "...after receiving 1,100 complaints of power steering failures." However the 2005 G6 wasn't included in that recall.

In July 2010, GM issued a "Special Coverage Adjustment" — TSB #10183 — covering "certain" (not all) 2005, 2006 & 2008 Pontiac G6's for power steering problems, up to 10 years/100k miles.

As of early 2013 the NHTSA had 300+ steering complaints on file for the 2005 G6, with 12 crashes & 4 injuries. The NHTSA closed their initial investigation in 2007, having determined that losing your power steering going over 15-20 mph isn't a big deal & that most crashes occurred at slow speeds, so not a safety risk. Ridiculous? Yep, we think so too.

The 2005 G6 also has an expensive problem with "popping" or "clunking" noises when turning, & that issue extends to newer model years as well.

Factor in the 2005 Pontiac G6's poor side impact protection & you end up with a vehicle you should steer clear of.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
19 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
9 / 0
Average Mileage:
88,992 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Pontiac G6 steering problems

steering problem

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2005 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments (Page 10 of 20)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #216

Nov 302011

G6 6-cyl

  • 114,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have noticed that alot of people have been having problems with their 2005 and 2006 G6 electric power steering assists. I have two children and I was taking them to school when the power steering light came on. I could barely turn the steering wheel. I could not imagine if we were on the main road and I was going a little faster. I noticed that you did an investigation and closed it back in 2007. Well I bought my G6 a year ago and did not know anything about this problem or about the additional 70,000 mile warranty for system failures even after running a carfax report. This is not an early life problem as my G6 has 114,500 miles on it. This was very scary. I think this is a problem that GM needs to fix with a recall. This is very dangerous and could cause an accident. It would be different if this was a cheap problem to fix, but we are talking about $800 to $1,000 to fix. That is ridiculous.

- Troutman, NC, USA

problem #215

Nov 162011

G6 6-cyl

  • miles
I have been having several problems with the electrical system in my 2005 Pontiac G6. When driving to work my power steering failed, I was able to pull over thank god. My dash lights blink on and off as well as fuses keep blowing. I understand there has been a recall for the G5 and G8 for the power steering and I also know of many others having this same problem with this model. Please check into this problem before someone wrecks.

- Birch River, WV, USA

problem #214

Nov 252011

G6 6-cyl

  • 91,300 miles
Yesterday while trying to pull into a parking spot, my steering column locked up and I could not control the vehicle. There was a steering column notice showing on the radio dash column. I thought if I turned the car off and back on again, the problem would go away. It didn't. I waited about 20 minutes before turning the car back on again to see if the issue had resolved itself. (this also happens with the engine light. Sometimes in the earlier morning when it is cold, the engine light will appear upon first turning the vehicle on. I turn the car off and back on again and then the engine light disappears.) I immediately took the vehicle to the dealership. I was told that it was the sensor in the steering column and that everything would cost about $800 + tax to fix. My husband started researching this issue online to see what other owners were saying. I am really surprised that just about 90% of folks are complaining about the steering column, that GM is aware of the issue, and is not listing a recall. When speaking to the dealership, of course they made it seem like the repairs they have completed on steering columns were minimal. Since I have had my car, I have had to have the intermediate shaft replaced twice.the steering column had to be greased once. Every year my brakes are being replaced, and about twice a year, one of the two if not both tie rods need replaced. I have had to pay for four key fobs. My trunk leaks water. My front head light needed replaced as it leaked water. Not cheap. I can go on an on with the repairs but have reached my "character limit". I feel like I got a lemon. Would like to complain to someone in authority, but dealership is no help.

- Dublin, OH, USA

problem #213

Nov 152011

G6

  • 142,800 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. While driving approximately 5 mph, there was a complete loss of power steering with the illumination of the warning indicator. The vehicle was driven to a safe location and the engine was turned off. Upon restarting the vehicle, the failure continued and the contact continued to drive the vehicle. The failure occurred four times; however, the power steering reset after the engine was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they informed the contact that the power steering motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 142,800.

- St. Cloud, MN, USA

problem #212

Oct 102011

G6 6-cyl

  • 101,450 miles
I was driving my car in the highway at 60 mph. When in my radio show up power steering. My steering wheel became so hard and I almost have an accident. I tried to put oil but I didn't find the reserve tank!! then I search in the internet and the power steering is electrical and there are many complain about this same situation. I call the GM and they told me that they never heard any other case!!! are you serious!! they should see all the complains about it and also this is a manufacture problem and is not fair that the client have to pay 4 something that we didn't cause!! I could get killed for this situation!!! why no one want to help us with these problem"?"

- Lawrence, MA, USA

problem #211

Jul 052011

G6

  • miles
While on the road, my '05 Pontiac G6 has more than a few times lost its power steering, as I was informed by the computer on my dash. It has happened at least 3 or 4 times. I have read online in public threads and forums that it has happened to many people and GM has still not issued a recall. This is a huge problem because of at least 14 reported crashes that have occurred from this problem. I have also read about people who have complained directly to GM and were told they would have to pay for a diagnostics fee as well as parts and labor to get it fixed. This is completely unacceptable and I do not believe I should have to pay for anything because I did not break anything or do anything wrong. If a recall is not issued I would like to at least be covered for any work that would fix the steering. Or worst case a different vehicle option.

- Sandy, UT, USA

problem #210

Oct 092011

G6

  • 107,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph and above, the steering would become very difficult to maneuver. The dealer was contacted and they advised her that they would not be able to diagnose the failure unless it failed again. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Evansville, IN, USA

problem #209

Oct 042011

G6 6-cyl

  • 132,200 miles
Power steering failed while interstate driving made the car dangerously difficult to steer.

- Orange City, FL, USA

problem #208

Sep 012006

G6

  • 23,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the wheel jerked violently. The failure would recur sporadically and in addition, the steering wheel would also seize without warning. Also, the interior lights would operate intermittently. The dealer diagnosed that there was a sensor failure and that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified but denied any assistance with repairs to the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000 and the current mileage was 132,557.

- Douglasville, GA, USA

problem #207

Aug 152011

G6 6-cyl

  • 63,250 miles
My car has lost power steering due to manufacturer defect. 2005 Pontiac G6 has a special warranty on its power steering due to problem. Tsb (10183) reads: General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the loss of power steering assist caused by electrical input signals within the steering column assembly. If this condition occurs on your 2005-2006 model year Pontiac G6 vehicle within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge. After speaking with a technician he informed me that my power steering motor/module was faulty, but couldn't tell me if failure from input signals within the steering column had caused the problem or not. Dealer refuses to replace motor and says it is not warrantied under the special coverage. However, if he cannot ascertain that faulty input signals had caused the condition in the power steering motor then how can he not warranty this part since the bulletin says it covers the loss of power steering?

- Nortonville, KY, USA

problem #206

Apr 012009

G6

  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In my 2005 Pontiac G6 GT, my power steering locked up on me a total of about 4 times since I bought it. This was in the middle of driving and my wheel completely locked up. I was scared out of my mind and had to find a way to yield to the side of the highway to turn the car off. Once I turned it off than back on it worked.

- Bristol, PA, USA

problem #205

Aug 012011

G6 6-cyl

  • 184,000 miles
2005 Pontiac G6 power steering electric motor failure. The electric motor on the power steering randomly quits working. The steering randomly locks up at any speed, causing huge potential risk of a crash. GM has issued a tsb for this problem for vehicles under 100,000 miles only. What about everyone with more than 100,000 miles? this needs an official recall!

- Waterford, MI, USA

problem #204

Jan 142011

G6

  • 45,000 miles
Purchased my G6 5/2011 with 34K miles. At 45K, slight 'clunk' noises began while steering at low speeds. Gradually got worse. This vehicle has major steering issues that cannot be permanently fixed according to mechanics that haven't been told to keep this 'on the hush' by GM. GM knows about this problem and has recalled vehicles from other brands for safety based on this problem; however, has not recalled the Pontiac's for reasons unknown. Most likely because the brand is dead - so much for GM support of their products. I am discouraged because I love my G6, but do not feel safe driving it and am forced to feel very unsafe in a car that is otherwise quite safe. I have lost faith in GM, and that is sad being the son of a GM retiree of 35 years of service. If this issue is not fixed soon, I will never purchase a GM vehicle again. I was going to purchase a brand-new Buick lacrosse, but now have to wait to hear what GM will do about the steering issue because I can sell my G6. If I will be forced to pay for the repair (which will not fix the issue, it will come back), I will be D** if I'm going to drop $40K on a new GM automobile. Where is the commitment to safety? not at GM. Approx. 52K miles - noticed steering clunking worsening, car began major steering drift & drag issues. Began to be hard to keep car centered on the road. Replaced tires & alignment to no avail. Problem is said to be with steering. Next, vehicle began to 'take' the steering wheel away from me while driving. While turning, wheel will unexpectedly jerk and turn itself. Have experienced the wheel turning itself full 90-degrees immediately as I begin accelerating from a stoplight. Have almost nailed cars next to mine because of this. Have to be very mindful of the issue at all times. At 58K miles, I attempted to turn around in a small parking lot next to the road. Turned in, and the vehicle unexpectedly jerked to the right - sending me through a fence and into a cement barrier. Thanks a lot GM.

- Mansfield, OH, USA

problem #203

Nov 012010

G6

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. While driving, the contact stated that the power steering failed. The dealer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairing the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 90,000.

- Webb City, MO, USA

problem #202

Aug 022011

G6 6-cyl

  • miles
2005 Pontiac G6 electric power assist motor. My power steering assist motor has failed intermittently and without warning repeatedly, locking my steering wheel while in motion and also while stopped.

- Waco, TX, USA

problem #201

Jun 132011

G6 6-cyl

  • 80,100 miles
Today while stopped at a traffic light my power steering failed. A message appeared on the dic and then the power steering went out. I managed to turn the car into a parking lot. I shut off the car, and re-started and the power steering began working again. This was the first time for the failure, but I have read numerous complaints from other drivers about the same problem. The 2005 Pontiac G6 GT has the electric power assist power steering.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #200

May 312011

G6 6-cyl

  • 105,000 miles
I have experienced nearly a dozen near accidents as the power steering on my 2005 Pontiac G6 GT fails randomly while driving. When driving, the wheel locks up and becomes difficult to turn. It happens approximately once every other week and has done so for the life of the vehicle. When bringing in the car to a dealership, the dealer cannot find anything wrong with the car because turning off the engine resets the issue, and the power steering works again. I have been ignored by Pontiac since I bought the car new in January 2005. No dealer I have taken it to has been able come up with a solution.

- New Berlin, WI, USA

problem #199

Oct 262010

G6

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving various speeds the power steering malfunctioned causing the steering wheel to lock when making a partial turn. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised her to lube the power steering assembly. The vehicle was repaired by lubing the power steering assembly. Within three months the power steering began to lock again. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Arlington , TX, USA

problem #198

May 132011

G6 6-cyl

  • 100,560 miles
Three days ago, I was driving home from indianapolis, 350 miles from home, returning from training for my new job. It was raining and all of the sudden, it felt as if my car was on ice, I couldn't control it at all. There was no warning at all. When I pulled over, I noticed that my front tires were bald, I bought them brand new two weeks prior. After driving carefully home, I took it into service. Comes to find out that my whole steering column needs to be replaced, along with my 2 front tires. According to the mechanic, my steering gear box and everything was cracked or broken in half"?? I apologize this isn't verbatim. I have read all these comments and complaints, but it doesn't seem that anyone is doing anything about it. Does someone really have to die before the problem is taken care of" also, I never received anything from GM about any problems about this and there also seems to be no recalls for this. I also just rolled 100K miles, so if there were to be anything that GM were to do about it, it seems that it is too late now. This repair is going to cost me approximately $900. Subsequently, it was Friday the 13th.... I certainly pray that no one loses their life over the steering problems with these vehicles, especially since Pontiac is no longer and GM took the bailout money. Glad they can do that and pay their bills. This repair means my family doesn't get real food for a bit....

- Manton, MI, USA

problem #197

Feb 012011

G6

  • miles
Constant clunking in steering column. There's also plenty of "play" and drifting while driving. Other owners have experienced this and have claimed no matter what they do to try and fix the problem it consistently comes back. Bought this car to make 1000 mile trips but am now to scared to take it far from home or on the interstate. If I had known about these issues I would not have bought this car.

- La Porte, IN, USA

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