Faulty Catalytic Converter

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.

8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$870
Average Mileage:
101,000 miles
Total Complaints:
11 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. GM replaced it (4 reports)
  2. not sure (4 reports)
  3. replace catalytic converter (3 reports)
2006 Pontiac G6 exhaust system problems

exhaust system problem

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2006 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments

problem #11

Sep 252013

G6 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

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

When I would push on the gas the car would shake and not go very quick, if at all. It started eating up a ton of gas and the RPMs would roar up and the shifting was terrible. I hope the problem is solved.

- Jennifer M., Livonia, MI, US

problem #10

Feb 012009

G6 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles

Went to the dealership to let them know that my car had a loss of power in acceleration. They sent me home saying nothing was wrong. Came back a few days later as my exhaust was very loud. Was told it was all in my head. Finally after a few more days I took it to the Ford dealership, they looked at it because my car would not shift at a high RPM. They replaced the Mass airflow censor (which needed to be replaced, but was not the whole problem)

After driving around for over a month wondering what it could have been I called a buddy of mine and had him look at it.. Simple fix, needed the dealership to run a compression test to determine it was the catalytic converter.. Go figure those jerks wouldn't do that in the first place! Would have cost me less money in diagnostics, and then the hassle of me returning to yell at them!

- Ronni S., Sheridan, WY, US

problem #9

Oct 012012

G6 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 133,000 miles

I'm ready to pick up my 2006 Pontiac G6 and throw it out of the widow. This is my 3rd Catalytic Converter in 2 years, these things are not cheap. Not to mention my camshaft actuators are shot AGAIN. Every time I drive it's like my gears are stuck when the car is shifting. It's a good thing Pontiac is no more, I would not buy another G6 if someone paid me.

The thing is GM and Chevy are one and the same and all the Chevy's I've had, I've never had these types of problems. This car is costing so much money to fix i don't know what to do. Does anyone know why I'm ripping through Catalytic Converter the way I am? I'm paying for this out of pocket.

- rayaqb98, Meriden, CT, US

problem #8

Sep 092011

G6 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

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

guess there was a 8 year or 80,000 mile warranty on the converter but it has 86,000 miles on my daughters car.there are no after market converters,any help would be helpful

- Dale G., burton, MI, US

problem #7

Jun 112011

G6 GT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,840 miles

sounded like my muffler was loose and rattling, but it came from my engine, noise started while in a funeral procession for a family member

- Jera D., De Pere, WI, US

problem #6

Sep 062011

G6 GT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,840 miles

second time in 6,000 miles and still only at 70,000 miles first time it was the front one, now the rear and they're replacing the whole exhaust system. Really hope this will cure problem as it has an 80,000 mile warranty

- Jera D., De Pere, WI, US

problem #5

Nov 012010

G6 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

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

The car began decreasing speed while on the freeway and I barely made it off the exit at 15 mph. The check engine light then came on and I had diagnostics done and it was the catalytic converter. Luckily this time, GM covered the replacement. Let it be known, that if you have this problem with your G6 and it has less than 80,000 miles, GM HAS TO REPLACE IT FREE! They don't always want to to tell you this! Make sure that you demand to have it covered by the warranty. The government requires them to do this for you!

- stephaney09, Portage, MI, US

problem #4

Jan 122011

G6 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,600 miles

Third time having a converter issue. Mid Nov 2010, I took it to the dealership for a check engine light. They said my catalytic converter on the right was faulty. replacing it would cost $860. Although I had brought it in for a transmission flush, they identified that problem and gave my car 3 weeks before it would die. Six weeks from then, today, Jan 12, 2011, my right side converter shows no faults but the left needs replacement, since once again, my "ENG PWR REDUCED" message showed. My vehicle is only getting 270miles/tank and goes through a quart of oil per day. This problem is persistent and although I ensure making the most out of my investment by taking care of it, this and other problems having been sprouting up right after the 100,000 mile mark. Never again will I by another GM vehicle....

- Bradley H., Cordova, TN, US

problem #3

Aug 122009

G6 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,435 miles

Car died in the middle of the street close to my house. Noticed a smell of burnt oil, and a slight ticking from the engine just before it died. Opened the oil reservoir, it was smoking and nearly empty. I added 3 quarts of oil, restarted my vehicle and then "engine power reduced" showed up on the DIC. Apparently V6 has 2 converters and one melted, and had to be replace. The other did not give a code, but was said it may go out soon, and was advised to replace it.

- Bradley H., Cordova, TN, US

problem #2

Nov 142010

G6 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,000 miles

Brought vehicle in for a transmission flush and oil change, was told about having a bad catalytic converter (right). Since I didnt have the money, I didn't have it fixed, but was given a max life of 3 weeks before it would die. Second converter issue since owning the car. First time, I let my personal mechanic fix it (left), and saved buying the part online, and shipping it to the shop.

- Bradley H., Cordova, TN, US

problem #1

Feb 032010

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

my catalytic converter was changed at 23,000 miles and now its out again at 95,000 miles. I called GM and the told me to bring it to the dealer and get an engine analysis to see for sure if the converter is faulty and the may fix it free scence it has been the second time it would have failed. The only problem is I have no idea when I will get it changed because the guy at GM told me they have a nationwide backorder for the converter.

Other Problems with the car: Front driverside Tie rod: ( failed at 18,000 miles and needs another one now at 95,500) Power steering assist: ( started coming on about 3 years ago) I'm getting the recall on this one on tuesday. Service air bag Soon Display: ( came on when I pulled out the dealership and comes on atleast 3 times a month. Dealer said that noting is wrong with it because the can't duplicate the problem. Unknown issue: everytime i shift from park to a gear it makes a loud popping noise and while i'm driving, when it shifts it pops too. Took it to the dealer to get the trans checked and flushed. I was told that the trans is fine and that it is something in the engine that causing this problem I cant remember what he said.

When will gm realize that they F-ed up when they made this model g6 and recall them.

- Jason M., Ponchatoula, LA, US

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