Hard To Make Right Turns, Service Light On

2006 Pontiac G6

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Pontiac dealer.

CarComplaints.com Seal Of Avoid Like The Plague

CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2006 Pontiac G6 has major problems with two areas fairly critical to the act of driving... steering & safety.

The 2006 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 2006 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 this power steering issue, up to 10 years/100k miles. However a large number of 2006 G6 owners have reported they were not covered by this campaign, based on VIN#.

As of late 2013 the NHTSA had well over 700 steering complaints on file for the 2006 G6, with 21 crashes & 12 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 2006 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 2006 Pontiac G6's poor side impact protection & you end up with a vehicle you should steer clear of.

8.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$380
Average Mileage:
60,050 miles
Total Complaints:
10 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
  2. replace the motor module column (2 reports)
  3. replaced shorted controller and motor assembly (1 reports)
  4. steering is fixed (1 reports)
2006 Pontiac G6 steering problems

steering problem

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2006 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments

problem #10

Nov 122013

G6 SE 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,684 miles

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

Power steering light comes on then I have to struggle to make a right turn in a parking lot for assistance. Towed car to mechanic to find that my car does not take power steering fluid and that it is mechanical. When he drove the car everything was fine. That was 45 minutes after the incident. This is ridiculous. How the hell can you sell a car with defects? Pontiac must do better. They are taking our lives for granted. How can you only recall some vehicles if all are defective, seriously!!!!!!!

- jaggededgeplj, Chicago, IL, US

problem #9

Apr 222013

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles

The power steering light came on and I noticed when I tried backing out of my parking spot the wheel was hard to turn. Once I start driving it's fine. Then randomly while I'm driving the service light comes back on and it's hard to steer. I took it in to get looked at and OF COURSE the warranty I purchases with my car, doesn't cover it.

- Allysa M., Sioux Falls, SD, US

problem #8

Dec 262011

G6 GT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,011 miles

I was driving to work and my steering failed causing my car to jump a curb blowing out front tire and damaging the right front rim. This all happened in a school zone where normally children would have been walking. Thank GOD it was the day after Christmas. I am very shaken and scared to drive my car. I found out that over 15000 cars have this issue and there is no recall in place but there is a special program that fixes this problem for free. call gm at 800-462-8782 our dealers service writer was able to verify this through the GM service system. (check both recalls, and special programs) I can't stand the fact that they are aware of this issue and did not notify me of this issue. I pray no one gets killed because of this!!!!!!!!

- Katie K., Toms River, NJ, US

problem #7

Jun 052011

G6 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

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

I just bought this car at an auction.I was driving it for the first time and saw this message on the message center(power steering).I also hear a click or clank from the front while turning.I checked for power steering fluid,only to find it has no reservoir.

I found this site in trying to find a solution.Has anyone found a solution? Can it be repaired, or does it have to be replaced?

Update from Sep 6, 2011: I took the car to the dealer a couple days after I made the complaint and they replaced the steering column with the power assist unit as a unit. It is working fine now.I did talk to GM customer service first though.They told me they know about the steering problem, and after asking how many miles were on it and recording the specifics, they had me contact the dealer.They did the whole job free of charge to me.

- tarzan, Chandler, AZ, US

problem #6

Nov 032009

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

Well, another pile of crap vehicle put out by mighty Junk Motors. My son's car now needs a $700.00 fix, a 2006 Pontiac G6. The tourque sensor in the steering column is bad. Called Junk Motors customer disservice, and, of course will not fix or even help him out with the bill. Junk Motors knows full well that the steering is defective, but being the government is not forcing them to fix it, they will not cover their junk on their own. I honestly hope they go bankrupt. They deserve it!! I wish we could have had a vote on the bailout! My Father retired from Junk Motors, so when I was growing up, I was fiercely loyal to their vehicles. After getting a bad pickup truck from them, I got the same customer disservice as my son's getting now, I switched over to Ford. It was the best move I ever made. I encourage everyone to try one. (No bailout)

My son made it very clear that he will never again buy a Junk Motors vehicle. He's 20 years old, so he'll be buying many more. He got the same old "I'm sorry you feel that way sir" The classic generic response. Shame on this company after we bailed them out for their years of inferior product, pisspoor management and customer disservive. Our Family is DONE with Junk Motors.!!!

- grover2416, Montrose, MI, US

problem #5

Oct 042009

G6 2

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

I really hate that I purchase a Pontiac G6, I really like the style and how it drive. But I cant believe how much these parts cost. This is not a BMW or Porch. I took it to a Autoshop and they stated it was my Power Steering Motor Module Column. I guest I thought I was okay. Just for the Motor was 425.00 and 250.00 for labor totally 675.00. After I pick my car up the problem return. Still could not make a right turn now no left turn. It was hard like I was driving a truck. The Autoshop advised me to take it to the Dealership. So the next morning I took it to the dealership and explain to them my problems. They called me back and stated that the Motor Module was not reset right. So they suppose to reset it. that cause me around 200.00 dollars. So when I pick my car up from the dealership. After I paid for the work, the guy was driving my car out to let me take it home, the problem of the power steering happen again. So they keep my car, remember this is the dealership that make Pontiac. So the next day they told me its the Torque Sensor is the problem, now that is 826.00. I just dont understand what to do. I have made a complaint to Pontiac customer service. You all should as well, Just waiting/ Pontiac customer service complaint 1-866-790-5600. I wish that Pontiac/GMC will recall the power steering on 2005/2006 Pontiac GS before there is a serious accident. I almost got hit twice. So we all pray that they hear our complaints.

- jmilleraz, Phoenix, AZ, US

problem #4

Jul 102009

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,300 miles

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

I've been reading all of your comments... This is absolutely ridiculous that it's not covered under warranty or a recall... They will have plenty of lawsuits on their hands that's for sure. Can anyone tell me if they've had it fixed and it worked? I read on here that someone had their rack replaced 4 times already... What does it take to fix the problem. Thanks...

- Eileen F., Netcong, NJ, US

problem #3

May 082009

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

My power steering light has been going off and on over the past several weeks. I took my car to the shop and they are telling me they have no idea why the light is on and can not diagnose the issue.

What's next?

- deegwill, Pearl City, HI, US

problem #2

Feb 012009

G6 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

I brought this car May 2008 it was like love it first sight, it was really sporty moved great on the road and loved the interior of the car. The first time I had an issue with the car was in November I had to have my brakes turned or something to that nature I did not make a big deal out of it because I do alot of traveling. On 2-2-2009 my car would make a loud noise while driving this was a first, I guess the wheel locking up on me earlier this year should have been a warning. So I took the car to the dealership and explained to them what was going on they took I look at the car and told me that Ponitac was having a lot of problems with there Steering Columns, the great news is it is covered under my warranty however what happens when it goes out again and I dont have a warranty. More should be done regarding this issue if you see a default in your protect say something to the damn consumer, we are the ones driving these faulty ass cars. What if am on the highway with my child and I can't steer the damn wheel in time enough before the the unthinkable happens. I will never buy another american made car in my life. Maybe with the bailout money they hire new engineers and service parts for there cars.

- Kia I., Richmond, 232222, US

problem #1

Aug 172007

G6 GT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,145 miles

If I wanted a car with manual transmission I would have paid less for one. This car was automatic and the steering felt like a manual. I had to wrestle with the steering just to make a turn and that meant I would have to back up sometimes to complete my turn because I ran out of room before my arm strength could make the turn. I also had to get a rental car through them and pay for two days additional insurance because it was less expensive than paying my deductible if I happened to have an accident in the rental car.

- Katie T., St Louis, MO, US

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