NHTSA — Suspension Problems

2006 Pontiac G6 (Page 1 of 2)

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:
71,277 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 suspension problems

suspension problem

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2006 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #33

Oct 042022

G6

  • miles

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

Steering wheel just keeps shaking real bad and I the power steering goes in and out all the time

- South Bend, IN, USA

problem #32

Jul 262021

G6

  • miles
1. Loss of power assisted steering making it hard to control car. But I turn off car and turn back on, it works. 2. Steering column knuckle or u-joints are making a loud clunking noise when turning steering wheel. 3. BCM or Body Control Mudule is either bad or needs cleaning because cruise control nor traction controls work. I checked fuses and they are ok.

- Cottonport, LA, USA

problem #31

Feb 242021

G6

  • miles
The steering almost gave out and making noise. The whole steering electric system needs to be replaced.

- Jeannette, PA, USA

problem #30

Apr 122019

G6

  • 143,000 miles

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

The vehicle vibrates in a certain pattern when above 55 mph on the highway, no one seems to be able to figure out what is causing it. All 4 struts are new, sway bar bushings, sway bar links, control arms both upper and lower, all brake rotors are new. Cannot get the problem diagnosed by anyone because they cannot find out what it is. Also the check engine light turns on and off (code given is for running lean) but no mechanic or dealership have found why it's happening. One dealership even told me it could be the cars ECU. So they told me to verify if my car had any recalls. Please, any help about this is greatly appreciated this problem has been going on for over a month now (today's date 5/9/19)

- Fitchburg, MA, USA

problem #29

Dec 302017

G6

  • 170,000 miles
I was driving one day, and I went to make a right turn and all of a sudden the steering wheel locked up and the power steering displayed on the dash. It has been happening since and mechanics don't want to work on it because of the area it's in. It's been going on for almost 1yr, and it's really annoying and tiring.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #28

May 182018

G6

  • miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that there were several failures that randomly progressed upon purchasing the vehicle from a private seller. Due to the various failures, the vehicle was unable to pass state inspection. The vehicle was taken to four different independent mechanics, but a permanent remedy could not be provided to prevent the failures. The various mechanics replaced the throttle body, spark plugs, air flow sensor, and battery; however, the failures continued. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed, and failed to start and restart on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it diagnosed that the master computer and the struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle had not been diagnosed by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #27

Dec 022017

G6

  • 168,967 miles

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

Power steering went out and car became unstable causing my car to wobble and unsafe to drive couldn't get it repaired was told there was a recall on car and parts. Almost wreaked my car when power steering went out on the interstate and was almost hit by 18 wheeler had to call for someone to assist to get car home. Unable to drive safely.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #26

Jun 112014

G6

  • 150,000 miles
There are 3 different areas that I assume are the cause of my car's problems. First the passenger side air bag is has stayed off, regardless of passengers being present since 2014, I believe. Using the key does not change the air bag status. Also this may be part of the electrical area, but at around the same time my cruise control also malfunctioned. The car was in motion when I realized both things. Also I've had problems with traction control coming on out of no where, and instead of the engine speed being reduced, the car will not move at all. Sometimes it will like reset after I pull over and wait for over 10 minutes, but it will come back on repeatedly. I have to pull over wait restart, pull over wait restart several times within a usual 20 minute drive at times. Also I'm having problems with the air compressor staying engaged. My car kind of bogs down when the compressor does kick in, and it repeatedly kicks on and off while driving any distance at all. Also the interior lights flicker constantly. The message center on the radio constantly says that I have low coolant, but that is an error message. In the suspension area my whole front end(struts, ball bearings, etc) seem to be bad. When I drive over a small bump the whole car shutters and pulls wildly to one side or the other. It feels like my tires hit into the rim itself over speed bumps when I am driving merely 10 miles per hour.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #25

May 052008

G6

  • 40,000 miles
Takata recall. But not only the air bags. There is a clicking noise when I steering, sometimes causing the air bag light to come on. There is a vibrating coming from the driver's side front when at speed that shakes the steering wheel even after the tires are balanced and the struts and tie rods were replaced. If I grab the steering wheel with both hands, it moves up and down. When parallel parking, the power steering fails making it impossible to turn the wheel without hitting the gas and putting the car in motion. I've noticed in my research that other G6 models of this year and surrounding years were recalled for all of the problems I am having. When I asked the person at Chevy dealer about it, she told me I was out of luck until the VIN pops up in their system. This has been happing since my wife got the car in 2007 apparently, and since we just had a baby, we are looking into it more. I've been waiting on the recalls to be expanded to her VIN, but nothing. Is there anything we can do, other than paying to rebuild the whole steering system of which others with the same problems were covered? thanks for any help.

- Accokeek, MD, USA

problem #24

Dec 182016

G6 6-cyl

  • 109,000 miles
My car was running just fine. All of a sudden on a very rainy night, the car would not catch gear it would take about 5 seconds to run smoothly. About 8 minutes later when I got to the freeway it drove smoothly. The next day after driving the car about 20 minutes it started doing the same thing again, but this time it started burning. I stopped to let it cool and checked all the fluids, everything was ok. I tried to drive my car 10 minutes to make it to my house. While reversing a lot pop happened. I stopped and looked and pink fluid was running down the parking lot. I tried to move the car out the way but the steering wheel was hard to turn. After an hour I was able to take it to a relatives house after refilling the car with power steering fluid. After 2 hours of sitting we tried to take it to my house and as we left the car locked up. The engine ran but the tires were getting no rotation. We were in the middle of the road for about an hour while a mechanic took the brake caliber and brake pads off, so we were able to move the car out the way. I am paying on a car that I have not had for six months and is not working.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #23

Jul 172014

G6 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles

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

When going around a curve it is like it loses traction and pulls to the left real bad or going over railroad tracks it has new struts and been aligned three times and two set of new tires and new bearings and tie rods and still haven't fix it.

- Mt. Carmel, IL, USA

problem #22

Dec 012010

G6

  • 36,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph during inclement weather, the traction control system failed causing the contact to crash into a wall. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel and was difficult to maneuver. The contact also stated that while parked, the vehicle shifted out of gear. Additionally, the front passenger tie rod, ball joint, and the hub wore out prematurely. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 36,000.

- Covington, PA, USA

problem #21

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 #20

Feb 202012

G6 6-cyl

  • 46,000 miles
Started driving the car and power steering goes out.

- Livingston, CA, USA

problem #19

Nov 192013

G6 6-cyl

  • 126,049 miles
Had the car check because the power steering light came on, couldn't detect. Now it's doing the same thing and the power steering went out for a few seconds. Put the car in park, turned it off and the power returned once the car was back on. Today, November 19, 2013, the power steering light flashed again. I recalled getting a letter a while back, if there is something wrong with the power steering why didn't they just do a recall. In the event you have to get this problem fixed then you can submit a claim form. Why didn't they just recall the car. I have my car since 2005 and it has been service on a regular basics to assure that it is in property working conditions. I've kept the oil change, brake repairs, etc. Now the steering is giving a problem.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #18

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 #17

Dec 262012

G6 6-cyl

  • 116,541 miles
My wife was driving on the freeway doing about 67-70mph to work when she started to fell the steering wheel shake then it started to pull left. I have checked tires, wheel lugs, an suspension components. Its been about four days now. Really bad at slower speeds an she scared to drive the car. So I drove it today an it scares me really bad I can't even think about puttingg my kids in this car its really that bad please help !! everything is true:(

- Greenfield, CA, USA

problem #16

Oct 062012

G6 4-cyl

  • 83,000 miles
I have had nothing but problems since buying this car used in 2010. Have had the front end tie rods, struts replaced and now the power steering is acting up. I was driving 40 mph and the car started to shake and the power steering light went on, and steering went out. Was able to pull over into a parking lot. I turned car off and then back on and power restored. I know it will happen again based on all the other complaints. This problem is very serious and could cause a major accident and there needs to be a recall on this problem.

- Winnetka, IL, USA

problem #15

Jan 052012

G6 6-cyl

  • 197,000 miles
Purchased used 2006 G6 in May 2007. First noticed clunking and popping noise in steering a month after purchase. Local dealership did not hear any noises when they checked it over! over the 4 1/2 years that we have owned this car, the noises never go away. Steering seems loose at times. Driving home from work two days ago at 70 mph on four lane interstate, the clunking noises got worse and my front driver's tire fell off my car. I was able to control the car and get it to the side of the road. Thankfully, there was no one on the opposite side of the interstate or near me when my tire went flying off. Sure would be nice if Pontiac would do something about the steering/suspension problem with this car. Have read far too many stories about serious injuries, which I could have caused with my G6. I just got lucky there was no one around me when it happened.

- Glenville, MN, USA

problem #14

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

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