NHTSA — Steering Problems

2006 Pontiac G6 (Page 40 of 57)

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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 40 of 57)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #347

Jun 152009

G6

  • 35,000 miles

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

Power steering failure. Difficult to turn wheel... comes and goes... I thought I needed power steering fluid, but apparently it is electric"? took to Goodyear and they said take it to the dealer... I took it to the dealership 6 months ago and they said that this was normal?" they said at lower speeds the steering is more difficult and this was normal. But it only does it sometimes, how can this be normal. I do not remember exact date I took to dealership.

- Windsor, PA, USA

problem #346

Mar 132010

G6

  • 35,000 miles
As of recently my 2006 Pontiac G6 has been having steering issues. The car was bought early 2007. Either the wheel was extremely tight to turn, or the power steering light came up on the radio display. I took the car into a Chevy dealership (since Pontiac is no more) where upon inspection they stated that my intermediate steering shaft was faulty but 'fixable". the part was taken out, cleaned, lubed up, and placed back into the car according to the technician. I was told that the problem was going to happen again as I was leaving the dealership. Partly due to being in a rush, I didn't question this but brought it up to my boyfriend who then called the dealership for clarification. Turns out there is a class action lawsuit for this particular component in the car. Why isn't this being addressed by the media/to the Pontiac owners"!!? looking online many others have the same issue with the same car/same year! I am fortunate enough to have the issues while driving short distances but what if I was in the car on the highway and this happened"! I'm a tiny 100 lb girl - there would be no chance of me controlling a car like that for a length of time without power steering/properly working vehicle. This is so dangerous and it's actually making me consider purchasing a new car which I so don't need right now but for my safety will find a way to make it happen. I was such a huge fan of GM and now my opinion is changing. It's really sad that they can't notify their drivers of a possible fatal occurrence. Especially with everything going on the car industry, they could remain loyal to their drivers.

- Arlington Heights, IL, USA

problem #345

Nov 012006

G6

  • miles
The exact same power steering problem leading to the recall of the Pontiac G5 and Chevy cobalt has been happening with the Pontiac G6 for at least the last 4 years!!!! I have a 2006 Pontiac G6 and have had this exact same problem for at least 3 1/2 years. I have had the steering column with torque sensor replaced at a cost of over $800 and still have problems with the power steering on the vehicle. I filed a complaint with the NHTSA when this first happened and spoke to an investigator, who I think recommended that I should lube the intermediate shaft or some ridiculous two-bit fix like that!! I guarantee thousands of drivers are experiencing this same problem with the 2006 Pontiac G6 and that it is a fundamental design flaw in GM's electronic power steering system. I'm not sure what else I can do except continue to make this issue known to the NHTSA in the hopes that lives may not be needlessly lost due to inaction on the Agency's part. It may be that G6 owners only recourse will be to seek a class action suit against GM and hopefully open the books about what the NHTSA has known about this issue and why it has failed to address it!!

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #344

Mar 162010

G6

  • 50 miles

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

1. driving, typical event 2. the car's steering wheel spontaneously becomes extremely difficult to turn. Once every few weeks, but because this is potential dangerous, I'm afraid to take it anywhere. Consequences, could be fatal while driving on the freeway. No warning. 3. nothing.

- Antioch, TN, USA

problem #343

Jan 082010

G6 6-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
I currently own a Pontiac G6 2006. I started to experience difficulties when driving it. One day my steering wheel just lockup and it was while I was trying to make a turn, lucky there wasn't too much traffic and I was able to stay there until my car was towed. That was my first time, then it continued every now and then. The wheel will lockup and I will try to turn off the car to reset the computer but it will not do it. I kept on driving the car since that's my only mode of transportation and I just pretty much use it to go to work. I recently saw a recall on Pontiac G6 but for 2005. My car is has the same defects as the one in the recall except its 2006. Apparently there are many people who own Pontiac cars who are experiencing the same problems but we have to come out of pocket to fix the problem. I am currently pregnant and I feel unsafe to drive my car due to not knowing when is this problem going to occur again, besides the fact it is dangerous for anyone.

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #342

Mar 142010

G6

  • miles
My daughter's 2006 Pontiac G6 power steering failure. Power steering problem indicated on display. I have seen this reported by others. When is GM going to correct their mistake?

- State College, PA, USA

problem #341

Mar 072010

G6 6-cyl

  • 35,860 miles

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

My Pontiac 2006 G6's electric assist power steering is wining around every turn even though I only have 35,000miles on the car. It is difficult to steer and I am told that it will cost $800+ dollars to repair even though it is still 'in warranty'. if there is no issue with this equipment, then why was it replaced on later G6 models and G5 and G8S with it were recalled. The wining occurs with nearly every turn. Difficulty turning has only happened once, at 65mph while changing lanes. The equipment wined after I straightened out and I completed my trip.

- Graham, NC, USA

problem #340

Feb 132010

G6 4-cyl

  • 79,500 miles
My daughter in law and children traveling out to Iowa 3 weeks ago to have the steering in her 2006 Pontiac G6 start doing what it wanted to on the highway AT70 mph. Got to destination to rent a car. Vehicle was taken to a GM dealer to have diagnosed the electronic steering to have faulted out, estimate @ $1700 to repair. Daughter could not afford that kind of money, so family got together and went out and towing vehicle home. Vehicle was repaired with another steering column out of a wrecked vehicle by family mechanic. Contacted government motors to find no reimbursement of recall at this time for this vehicle because it was not repaired at a GM dealer. This vehicle has the same kind of problem and parts as the G5, what is it going to take ? a death and a class action lawsuit to have them pull there heads out!!!! the american people are getting fed up with all this bureaucratic bull. This kind of incident will not go unseen by the consumers who drive theses vehicles, there will be a wide spread thread out to advise people of the G6 problem and rebel against GM for a solution.

- Howard City, MI, USA

problem #339

Mar 102010

G6 6-cyl

  • 44,449 miles
Just recently my Pontiac G6 2006 lost power steering all of a sudden while making a right hand turn at about 10-15 miles per hour. At first I had no idea what was happening all I realized was that my car became very difficult to steer and I almost ran off the road. I was able to drive the rest of the way home safely once I gained control and realized my power steering had gone out. The next morning I tried my car and noticed it was working again. For the last week it has gone in and out several times and I have noticed if I turn off my car and restart it does work again. This causes some concern for me because if I was on a busy road I could have been involved in an accident when it initially went out. Now I know how to respond when it goes out its not too much of an issue as a hassle.

- Ballston Lake, NY, USA

problem #338

Mar 132010

G6

  • miles
I have a 2006 Pontiac G6. I pulled my car out of the garage and started backing out of the driveway. The wheel was impossible to turn, then the screen stated "power steering" come to find out, the power steering is all electrical and there have been numerous complaints on this model car for this problem. I use my car to Transport vulnerable adults for work and god forbid if I am driving and the steering goes out and kills my client. There will for sure be a lawsuit if this does not get recalled. How dangerous. I will be bringing it in to get I fixed, but should not have to pay out of my pocket for a default on Pontiac end.

- Cambridge , MN, USA

problem #337

Jan 102010

G6 6-cyl

  • miles

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

Intermediate steering shaft clunking when turning left. Did research and only found that you need to put some lube on the steering shaft right below the steering wheel, I shouldn't have to do this. Took it to a dealership and were going to charge me to completely replace the entire thing, and was told that by putting on lube, it is only going to hide/cover up the problem, not fix it. It shouldn't be happening at all. Pontiac needs to come up with a fix for this before somebody gets hurt.

- Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

problem #336

Dec 072008

G6 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. While attempting to drive in reverse, the steering wheel became hard to control and would not turn. She then shut the vehicle off and restarted it. The steering wheel began to function properly. On a separate occasion, while traveling at speeds of 15 mph and attempting to change lanes, the steering wheel became difficult to control and would not respond. The contact was able to safely maneuver the vehicle onto the emergency lane. The engine was shut off and restarted to reset the power steering. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer were contacted to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 100,000. Updated 5/17/2010 * cn the consumer stated the steering went out the first time after she placed the vehicle in gear. Updated 05/20/10.

- Appleton, WI, USA

problem #335

Feb 252010

G6 4-cyl

  • 63,000 miles
I own a 2006 Pontiac G6 (4 cylinder). I had problems with the steering going out on the car. This usually happens when turning on car, it would have warning chime and the computer system will indicate that there is a power steering on the digital dash display. Then I can feel the steering go out. I can shut the car off and it will sometimes reset the steering. Other times I may drive without power steering and the steering wheel would shake and jerk even when park or driving. Took to dealership to get repaired.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #334

Mar 112010

G6

  • 75,000 miles
I have 2006 Pontiac G6 that is giving me problems. My warranty is over and all repairs are out of pocket. Within the last month I have had to replace, battery, front brakes and rotors, rear brakes, wheel bearing and last but not least, the steering rack. Pontiac obviously has a problem with the steering rack. I have viewed several complaints and we are all having the same issues: Loud noises when turning, clunking, car pulls to right while driving, unable to turn the steering wheel when it is cold out.

- Plainfield, IL, USA

problem #333

Dec 102009

G6

  • 83,500 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. While driving at speeds of 5 mph and higher, the driver control center would chime three times, followed by a warning message that would read "loss of power steering." Immediately, the steering wheel would become extremely hard to turn. The contact stated that he was a fairly medium built individual and he would have to use extreme bodily force in order to turn the steering wheel in either direction. The dealer verified that the steering column was failing and would need to be replaced. There were no recalls for the failure and the manufacturer would not offer any assistance. The failure and current mileages were under 83,500. The VIN was not available.

- Butler, PA, USA

problem #332

Sep 132006

G6

  • 2,000 miles
I own a 2006 Pontiac G6 and have issues with the power steering not functioning while traveling at low rates of speed. When I pull into or out of my driveway I have an incredibly difficult time turning the steering wheel. I often 'bump' the gas pedal to make the pump re-engage and supply enough pressure to assist steering again. Without bumping the pedal turning the wheel is almost impossible. I am not a little person. I am 6'1 and weigh 220 pounds so turning a steering wheel is not an issue. Ironically, at low speeds my G6 wheel is harder to turn than my 1976 Jeep's steering wheel and it is not equipped with power steering. I notified the dealer about this shortly after I purchased the car as the loss of power steering made me bump into my wife's car. The dealer just said "you get what you pay for." Nice huh? anyway, I saw the recall on the other vehicles and prayed, unsuccessfully, that mine was on the list. Since it was not, I figured I would at least let you know the power steering issue extends beyond your current list of recalled vehicles. Check www.G6performance.com and you will find others complaining about the same thing.

- Simpsonville, SC, USA

problem #331

Sep 182009

G6

  • 94,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. While the contact was driving 20 mph the steering wheel suddenly locked causing the vehicle to spin uncontrollably and crash. There were no injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the power steering motor needed to be replaced. No repairs have been made and there were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 94000.

- Duluth, GA, USA

problem #330

Mar 032010

G6

  • 80,320 miles
While driving and most of the time after stopping and starting again or when I very first start my car the power steering shows in my information center and I have a very hard time controlling my car. My car has 80,476 miles on it.

- Independence , MO, USA

problem #329

Mar 022010

G6

  • 50,000 miles
No injuries have occurred yet but my 2006 Pontiac G6 4 door sedan has a clunk in the steering when turning left and time to time the power steering goes out. If I was driving at a fairly high speed this could result in a horrible accident. I have yet to get it checked because it is out of warranty and from what I read will be very expensive to fix but it is a known issue with many 2006 Pontiac G6 vehicles.

- Riverview, FL, USA

problem #328

Feb 152010

G6 4-cyl

  • 46,000 miles
The power steering on my 2006 Pontiac G6 seems to fail in cold weather. When making low speed turns, the steering wheel is extremely hard to turn. This does not just happen in low-speed situations, as there are times when traveling at highway speeds that the car severely pulls to one side. At first I thought this might be a tire or alignment issue, but there is nothing wrong with my tires, as the air pressure is correct and there is no wear on the tires that indicate an alignment issue.

- Haleyville, AL, USA

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