NHTSA — Power Train Problems

2006 Pontiac G6 (Page 3 of 4)

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:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
93,763 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 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2006 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #21

Feb 122014

G6 6-cyl

  • 193,204 miles

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

My tail lights do not work at all on the vehicle. Have replaced bulbs and fuse and still nothing. Also there is no power steering. It had went out while driving the car. Also the catalytic converter. Have called the manufacturer to get them fixed but my VIN is not on the recall list. I was wondering why? all the recalls that have been placed on this make year and model are exactly what I am experiencing problems with on mine. So how is it determined which vins get recalled. I have kids and am scared to drive this vehicle due to the severity of problems I am experiencing with it. I can't even drive my vehicle at night due to the tail light issue, and can hardly drive it daily due to the power steering being out in the vehicle. Please advise on how to fix this issue and what the next steps I should do.

- Murfreesboro , TN, USA

problem #20

Mar 082014

G6 6-cyl

  • 144,094 miles
Service engine soon light illuminated, clunk, knock or rattle noise from front of vehicle when turning steering wheel regardless if the car is parked or driving on curves, turning, or going over bumps at both low and high speeds. Car pulls to the left and has a constant vibration/shake which can sometimes be very violent throughout the entire car and completely disable it! a constant loud squeaking noise when applying brakes or when driving at low speed can be heard. A ticking or knocking type noise coming from the engine or transmission area may subside in hot temperature. Panoramic sunroof leakes a wind rush noise. Intermittent long crank or no crank with a delayed start. Headlamp and backlighting have low visibility or inoperative. Gearshift indicator light occasionally comes on or flickers. When doors are locked the locking mechanism may not release by key or remote and I have to crawl inside from the trunk in order to unlock the car. The climate control does not engage/ push air on setting 3 but works on 1 2 and 4. the famous "monsoon" radio has horrible sounding speakers as if blown however they are not. I have seen more than 1 certified mechanic for these problems. I have paid a lot of money repairing steering, brakes, rotors, alignment, tires balanced etc. However problems are still occurring in my very recent purchased G6. Now I see recalls have been issued but according to GM website my VIN# is not listed as being recalled. Well apparently it does and should be recalled for replacement repair and reimbursement since Pontiac/GM are completely aware of these issues and recalling cars with "certain VIN numbers". I have bought non-american cars until now with no problems other than standard maintenance. This is my first Pontiac/GM and sadly I am beginning to wonder if I made a mistake by not staying with non-american made cars.

- Walker, MO, USA

problem #19

Jan 212014

G6

  • miles
As I was driving my steering wheel locked up and it was almost impossible to turn the wheel. It happened on a regular side street as well as on the highway. My steering wheel also has a knocking sound/noise coming from it when I make any left or right turns. My sister has the same exact car. She informed me that she received a recall letter about the steering and her car was fixed but I have yet to receive a letter for my car which is the same make, model, and year. I have also been experiencing issues with my car when I accelerate from a red light, stop sign and etc. It feels like a jerking/pulling motion when I accelerate, as if it is trying to change gears... every time I take it to the car shop, it never does it when they are test driving my car. So it is difficult for the mechanic to pinpoint what I am referring to, which is frustrating.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #18

Nov 242013

G6

  • 112,000 miles

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

Traveling West on I-20 and my cruise control disengaged for no reason and I realized my brake lights were on. I tried several things, but the lights would not turn off while I was driving and do not signal to other drivers that I am coming to a stop, which is quite dangerous. I have tried several things including checking recall status, but my VIN was not included in the recall. I also often have issues getting my car out of park, have to press the brake a little harder than normal.

- North Charleston, SC, USA

problem #17

Oct 012013

G6 4-cyl

  • 35,500 miles
Brake lights turn on buy themselves and turn off when brake pedal is applied. Gear shifter solenoid won't release out of park sometimes.

- Brookfield, IL, USA

problem #16

Jul 312013

G6 4-cyl

  • 41,171 miles
With the engine running and the transmission not in park, the applied emergency brake would not prevent the vehicle from drifting forward nor backward. I was informed, at a GMC dealership, that the rear brake calibers had seized in a partially engaged position -- so the brakes were dragging while the car was being driven _ and _ the emergency was useless. The repair cost was over $ $500. The car had a rear brake replacement job about 1,000 miles before this problem, and supposedly the caliber problem wasn't apparent then.

- Allison Park, PA, USA

problem #15

Dec 012012

G6 6-cyl

  • 151,633 miles

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

My car is very difficult to shift from park. My brake lights don't work when I push the brake and flash sometimes when I don't push the brake. My cruise control won't set and if it does set, it cuts off with out warning on the highway.

- Liberty, TX, USA

problem #14

Mar 012013

G6 4-cyl

  • 107,000 miles
Brake light circuit malfunctioning light on without brakes pressed go off when pressed can not shift vehicle from park without pressing brake pedal hard. Intermittent problem safety issue several complaints about these vehicles.

- Attalla, AL, USA

problem #13

Jan 022012

G6

  • 100,000 miles
I was making a left hand turn at about 20 mph and my power steering cut out. I almost crashed my car into a pole, but was able to tug at the steering wheel and avoid the pole. I had to turn my vehicle completely off and then back on to rest the power steering. This has occurred countless times while driving my car. I have had this happen to me at least 20 to 30 times.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #12

Apr 012007

G6 6-cyl

  • 3,000 miles
We bought this car brand new, and troubles started immediately. First thing was when you would turn the steering wheel it would make a popping noise, well returned it a few months after we bought it they said it was because of a cap, that use to be metal but are now plastic wears out, nothing dangerous but annoying. Well that was replaced 3 times before some kind of a rod was replaced. Then it always smelled of anti freeze. And would lose it, but they couldn't find any leak. Well after having it in having 2 radiators put in it, it still did lose fluid. Until recently I had an accident where a lady left her car in the middle of the highway and ran off and left it in the middle lanes coming off of a bridge a man slammed on his brakes and I hit the side of his bumper, and caused damage to the front of my car and I got a new front end and a new radiator again. Still leaked fluid. My husband after getting the car back from the repair shop found the leak and bought a part and fixed it himself. Pretty good after 3 radiators and all the techs working on it over the 6 yrs, he had to fix it. It has been in the shop right after I got it because when you would take off, it would act like it skipped a gear. But if I shifted w/the standard shift it wouldn't do it. They said there was no shavings in the transmission tray and all was fine. Took it back again for the same thing, they still said nothing was wrong with the transmission. But to this day about once or twice a week it will still skip when accelerating. I have had the motor on the convertible replaced right after I got it. The stereo was also replaced. The passenger side chair arm release, that allows you to let the seat up for someone to get in the back came off, they put another one on and no adhesive it stripped out again. Refused to fix it. I have all paperwork from all the repairs it has had, will list in anotherpost.

- Lumberton, TX, USA

problem #11

Mar 072013

G6 6-cyl

  • 145,940 miles

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

The electrical power steering assist assembly and module locked up nearly cause an accident, I can't drive now until it's been corrected by Pontiac. I just bought the car and just made my first payment. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #10

Feb 062013

G6 6-cyl

  • 106,990 miles
As many owners of this vehicle are experiencing..trouble getting the vehicle in gear from park, have to step on the brakes to the floor. Brake lights work in the reverse direction and 3rd brake light stays on when foot is not on the brakes..help please..this is a matter of safety and may cause injury or death..my VIN number was not listed on the GM recall. My VIN number was about 1,000 cars after the recall.I am going to a GM dealer and I have been told a new brake pedal comes with the brake sensor..I do not want to throw a ton of money not knowing the exact problem.

- Essex, MD, USA

problem #9

Nov 092011

G6

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the transmission failed to shift into park. Also, the contact was concerned that the vehicle would roll away as a result of the failure, possibly causing a crash. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 90,000.

- Quaker Town, PA, USA

problem #8

Sep 102012

G6 6-cyl

  • 97,300 miles
My Pontiac G6 was running perfectly fine with no lights or warning signs and always well maintained to date. I pulled up to a red light and the light turned green and my car would not move in drive it would only rev. I was able to put it in trip tronic shift and make it to a transmission shop. It was slipping also in trip tronic in first and second. The repair places said that it was internal transmission problems. My only option was to get a whole new transmission put in well a rebuilt one. This should not be happening to a 6 year old car that was well maintained with no warning signs. I talked to several people at GM headquarters and they just don't care and act like its my fault there bankrupt Pontiac company produced unworthy reliable cars. And dixie GM where I took it to get fixed wants to rip me off and charged me double of what other transmission places in the area quoted me. I took it there because I thought they would be honest and give upfront answer and not jack me around because im a young women. Its not as if I went to mcdonalds and asked for a steak. Come on GM I thought you guys were better than this!!

- Key West, FL, USA

problem #7

Sep 012012

G6 4-cyl

  • 95,245 miles
The steering wouldn't respond, stiff like driving without power steering. Power steering code came up on radio and error came up over odometer reading alog F with check engine light. Went away after a while but continues to have the no response periodically. Code won't go away.

- Fairmont, MN, USA

problem #6

Nov 092011

G6

  • 107,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph the vehicle stopped accelerating. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder and towed home. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 107,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Oak Park, MI, USA

problem #5

Aug 182010

G6 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
I have had a thumping in the car when turning the steering wheel and was told that the steering gear needs to be replaced and there could be other defective parts once they get into it. At present I cannot afford to fix the problem and am saving up to get the $800 repair started. I feel this is a recall issue that GM needs to be forced to recall the G6's for this problem because a faulty steering system is a safety issue. I do not feel safe driving my car but it is the only means of transportation I have, so at this time I have no choice. Also, I have had other major problems with this car every year since I bought 3 years ago. The first year was a sensor in the transmission, the second was the catalytic converter, and now this year the thermostat and sensor and this steering problem. This car is a lemon and needs to be recalled!

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

problem #4

Apr 302010

G6 6-cyl

  • 41,500 miles
2006 Pontiac G6 V6 stalling while in drive and park. There were no events leading up to this and has occurred six times. While driving at low speeds or in park, the car will suddenly turn off and the check engine light will illuminate. The brake and steering will also lock up. Upon turning the car off and placing it in park it will restart, I have placed the car in the shop two times to have this fixed. Last time (May 18) was to tape engine wires and clean the fuel injector, which they said would fix it. This repair cost me $500. Since then the problem has increased, happening three times in the past three days. I have contacted Pontiac numerous times but they are unwilling to help. Both my GM dealer and I have used a code reader to see if the car is throwing out a code when it stalls but nothing can be found. My car has quickly become a liability to myself and those around me, as the last time I stalled I almost drifted into a busy intersection. Something needs to be done to fix this problem, which is apparently quite widespread in 2006 G6S.

- Severna Park, MD, USA

problem #3

Mar 032009

G6

  • 73,798 miles
I have a 2006 Pontiac G6 that has started to make a clunking sound when I turn and makes this weird humming sound when I apply the brakes (at times), when I press the gas (at times), when I turn (at times), and sometimes when I am just driving forward, which makes it very hard to pinpoint exactly where the problem is coming from. I have read numerous other complaints about this "clunking" sound when turning and feel this issue should be addressed and resolved asap. J from

- Marshall, MO, USA

problem #2

May 132006

G6

  • 99 miles
My problems started with this car before I even got home with my new purchase. I had 2 children in the car and the tire blew off the rim damaging the fender notes from the invoice state that "parts and labor to be billed to 67D 67F, cannot warr tire that has been mounted wrong on 1st repair" then on 6/26/06 paint was refinished due to clear coat peeling on the hood. On 11/06/06 radio does not play cd's and radio was replaced. 3K mile service with motor silk. Also airbag light was staying on and they said they found a wire to SDM loose and repaired wire. Also right rear tire was leaking air. 4/20/2007 engine was knocking loud when first started in morning at that time they replaced the lifters. The engine was replaced shortly after that and again had problems with the air bag light staying, dealership again said it was a sensor but this is only a few of many issues I've been having with this car. Please contact me and we will go through each one or you can contact the dealership where this lemon was purchased and request the records (I have a copy too)....

- Richmond, KY, USA

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