NHTSA — Steering Problems

2006 Pontiac G6 (Page 33 of 57)

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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
51 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
30 / 1
Average Mileage:
75,713 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.

2006 Pontiac G6 steering problems

steering problem

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2006 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments (Page 33 of 57)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #487

Dec 012010

G6

  • 50,000 miles

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

Its about my Pontiac G6 2006 it has power steering serious problems it goes off while driving please make sure of this.

- Doral, FL, USA

problem #486

May 092008

G6

  • 50,015 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the power steering failed and the power steering light illuminated. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer who stated that the power steering motor and column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 50,015.

- Bridgeport , CT, USA

problem #485

Dec 022010

G6

  • 84,700 miles
Power steering on the vehicle stopped working without warning as I was turning. The driver information center displayed a "steering wheel" message. Luckily it was at a low enough speed and with no other cars behind or in front of me that I could stop safely. After turning the car off and back on, the problem was resolved.

- Sunnyvale, CA, USA

problem #484

Dec 022010

G6

  • 106,123 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact was driving 2-5 mph and attempting a left turn from a traffic stop when the power steering failed. The contact put the vehicle in park and turned the vehicle off. After restarting, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The manufacturer advised the contact to have an authorized dealer perform a diagnostic test on the vehicle to determine repairs. In addition, the manufacturer advised that they were aware of the failure and offered to assist with the cost of parts but the contact would be liable for labor costs. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 106,123 and the current mileage was 106,150.

- Versailles, MO, USA

problem #483

Nov 292010

G6

  • 70,200 miles
In the past few weeks, the steering wheel has been shaking to the left and right while the vehicle is stop. I did not think anything of it until I stop at a traffic light. The steering wheel lock up and could not move left or right. The information center on the radio displayed a power steering warning. I was stuck in the middle of the road until minutes later I turned on the car again and regain control of the steering wheel.

- Forest Park, GA, USA

problem #482

Apr 012010

G6

  • 76,000 miles
Loud popping noise when you turn the steering wheel to the right or left. Driving down the street and the radio screen went completely blank and the radio wouldn't come on. Cut car off and turned back on and radio came back on. Repaired control arms, ball joints, and struts. Popping noise continues. Think its in the electric steering column.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #481

Nov 112010

G6 6-cyl

  • 88,995 miles

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

While driving, suddenly the power steering indicator lights comes on and the steering wheel is impossible to control. This is the fourth time this issue has occurred but every time I shut the car off and turn it back on the problem goes away. Every mechanic I have brought the car to says there is no problem when they do a diagnostic check.

- Bridgeport, CT, USA

problem #480

Nov 212010

G6 6-cyl

  • 129,000 miles
Power steering failure, causes steering wheel to move on its own, and can create an uncontrollable situation while driving down the road. Noticed that it was difficult to maintain vehicle control within the lane of traffic, and is an intermittent problem. This problem occurs daily, and GM is aware of this problem on other cars such as the Pontiac G5 of which is has issued a recall. When I called the dealer, my vehicle is not involved in any recall. To correct the defect, the vehicle must have the electric motor on the power steering replaced which involves removing the steering column and total approximately $400 in labor plus the $300 part. This should be a recall item, as I have seen on a simple google search numerous complaints about this same issue. GM appears to be aware of the issue, but is waiting to be forced to take corrective actions.

- Nephi, UT, USA

problem #479

Nov 172010

G6

  • 76,180 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. While driving 20 mph, the power steering failed. The contact was attempting to turn left and because of the failure, he almost crashed. The next day, the contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealer where an ans setup column (contact was unsure of what that was) was installed under warranty. The manufacturer had not been notified. The failure mileage was 76,180.

- Bellingham, MA, USA

problem #478

Nov 132010

G6 6-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
Electrical power steering keeps going out. I noticed slight problems with turning in the past but now the power steering light comes on when the problem arises. I have literally found thousands of complaints online for the same issue in the 2005 and 2006 model G6S. Why doesn't GM do something and take care of their drivers. I guess they are going to sit back and not do anything until they have a few fatalities. We should not have to pay the cost of this expensive repair job when its' apparently a defect in the G6 models with electrical power steering. Its funny how they went back to the traditional hydraulic power steering pump in the 2007 models. I wonder why?

- Irving, TX, USA

problem #477

Dec 152008

G6 6-cyl

  • 75,000 miles

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

Power steering went out during blizzard-like conditions. I could not turn the wheel. Since then, intermittent times of power steering locking up. Then, in September of 2010, car began rattling, thumping, having a mind of its own. Sounds like an airplane. Power steering notice and engine light are on permanently now. I have already talked about the potential for accident with my children and had to prepare them for this because we cannot afford all of this work. In the last two years, the brakes have been replaced 7 times (in the shop 6 times in 2008 from may-Sept). They had to special order the calipers because like the electronic power steering, the calipers on a G6 are the only car that is "done this way." The steering failure is now taking a toll on the brakes. I have also experienced the flooding on the floor boards of the car in the backseat and trunk but never made a connection until reading all 857 complaints thoroughly on one website and 153 on another. I have contacted and am awaiting a return call from a lawyer. I am also contacting the company our car is financed through for some kind of recourse. I have been trying to contact both GM and Pontiac. I am going to have to get the car fixed but I will fight to get reimbursed or somehow get out of the remainder of this loan without my husband's credit being impacted. I have to use my car for work. I had to switch jobs so I would not be expected to Transport clients. I am in fear for myself and my family. What kind of life is that" is anything in the works for a recall" so far, I have endured all of the financial responsibility: Increased insurance premiums, accidents, tickets for failure to control and repairs. Because the steering problem is severe, I have to find the money next week or park the car while continuing to pay the monthly car payment.

- Huber Heights, OH, USA

problem #476

Nov 022010

G6 4-cyl

  • 90,550 miles
The power steering cuts off with very little warning and you are forced to use "hulk" strength to retain control of it. Then you have to turn the car off and restart in order to reset the system. This is the 3rd incident that I've had, and we have only had the car for 2 months. The first time was (10/18/10) while I was backing out of the driveway, the second time, (10/27/10) my husband was driving through a parking lot and we were able to stop. This third time, which has been the most frightening, my son was driving and he started to slow in a construction zone when all of a sudden he could barely turn the wheel. My son is a new driver, thank god I was there to tell him what to do, and thank god we had not reached the highway. We got this car for him to get back and forth to school, but now I'm afraid to let him drive it. I have just started reading all of the complaints online and I can't believe that there has not been a recall. The G5 and cobalts apparently had the same problem and they have been repaired. How is it possible that the investigation into the G6's has been closed"??"

- Fort Washington, MD, USA

problem #475

Sep 272010

G6 6-cyl

  • miles
While driving my G-6 Pontiac to work, I tried to turn the corner, & I had a sudden loss of power steering assist, & went into the oncoming traffic because I couldn't turn the wheel hard enough. I received a letter in the mail from Pontiac which stated that the power steering assist is covered under a special coverage program. My car did not qualify because it had to many miles. I feel this is a safety hazard & should have been a recall instead. You have issued a recall on the 2007-2009 mazda3 and mazda5 power steering voluntary safety recall. Have you not gotten enough complaints on the G6 Pontiac, or does it take a lot of accidents or loss of life for a different vehicle to get the same recall. I had to spend $708 to get my vehicle fixed. I should not have had to put out that kind of money. I didn't get any satisfaction from General Motors corporation, but I do hope you consider also making the G-6 problem a total recall.

- St. Peters, MO, USA

problem #474

Oct 242010

G6

  • 220,000 miles
The power steering has gone out on my 2006 Pontiac G6 without warning. There are several complaints prior to mine some involving wrecks. My vehicle is all I have to Transport me back & forth to work & I'm terrified. This vehicle has several other issues including the camshaft sensor, blown struts but none as dangerous as the power steering going out. There need to be a recall of this car before someone gets hurt.

- Mansfield, TX, USA

problem #473

Oct 182009

G6

  • 19,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that when he started the vehicle, he noticed the power steering light on the instrument panel accompanied by a ringing sound. On one occasion, the power steering malfunctioned and he had to steer manually. The contact turned the vehicle off and restarted which seemed to reset the power steering. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the dealer but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified. The current mileage was 28,764. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

- Bath, MI, USA

problem #472

Oct 152009

G6

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. While driving approximately 30 mph the power steering failed. He stated that the power steer light illuminated on the dashboard, a chiming sound occurred and the vehicle became very difficult to control. He drove onto to the side of the road, shut the vehicle off and restarted it. The vehicle began to function normally. The failure only occurred during cold weather conditions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the vehicle was not repaired because of the cost. The contact was unable to provide a VIN. The failure mileage mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 82,000.

- Moscow Mills, MO, USA

problem #471

Sep 192010

G6

  • 75,000 miles
I have a 2006 G6, noticed the popping sound in the steering at 40K miles and had it replaced. Now at 75K miles, there is a grinding sound in the steering and it shakes bad when coming to a stop or even slowing down. I drive interstate and have a 3 month old baby with me and am extremely upset by what I am reading. GM needs to do a recall on these vehicles asap before someone is killed. I purchased an extended warranty from the dealership that covered the intermediate shaft. I will be bringing it to a dealer this week to have the rest of it looked at.

- Gretna, NE, USA

problem #470

Oct 042010

G6

  • 101,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the steering wheel started to get very tight so the contact exited the highway. The contact noticed that the power steering warning sign illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle to the destination but was concerned that a crash could have occurred if she would have stayed on the highway. The contact had not called the manufacturer or an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 101,000.

- Detroit , MI, USA

problem #469

Oct 012010

G6

  • 29,900 miles
While driving my recently purchased 2006 Pontiac G6 (29,000 miles) when I make turns the electronic power steering will shut off and the radio will flash a power steering warning then I will hear a ding sound and lose control of the steering. There have been several times that this has happened. This appears to be a very common problem with all G6 models from what I have read. This is very dangerous and could result in a fatality if it hasn't already. It's sad that someone may have to be seriously injured or even die before GM takes this serious. This is not just a problem with the 2005 models, just about all G6 vehicles from 2005 - 2008 have this problem. There needs to be a recall before someone gets hurt!

- Davenport, FL, USA

problem #468

Sep 292010

G6

  • 70,500 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, the power steering light flashed and the power steering malfunctioned, making the vehicle difficult to steer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,500.

- Portland, OR, USA

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