Transmission Failure

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.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$4,800
Average Mileage:
98,450 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace transmission (4 reports)
2006 Pontiac G6 transmission problems

transmission problem

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2006 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments

problem #4

Sep 172016

G6 GM 3500 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 183,136 miles

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

My transmission pops when shifting all gears and car roll back when in park. My air compressor go in and out on a really hot day outside so my a/c don't work that good. When driving the car my transmission pops when shifting gears from two to one. The opipping from transmission is really loud sound like something back firing up under the hood of my car. Its embrassing to me. I hate something having ride with my windows down because air compressor go out on me sometimes. The gear shift pops when you shift from n,r,d,and p. Also when I brake the rotates shake badly .

- Summer A., Whiteville, US

problem #3

Dec 302010

G6 GTP

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,565 miles

i was really upset to hear they recalled 2007 G6's transmission. Could not believe this happened at the time, but had no other choice as car would only go into reverse. Was close to spending 5 Thousand to replace transmission. Spoke to GM head office numerous times, yes they would give me a credit coupon of sorts if I bought a new GM vehicle in a certain time period. Totally nuts!!! Still driving it, as was major expense, all around.

- Marlynda S., Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

problem #2

Nov 122010

G6 GTP 3.9L V6

  • 63,000 miles

Let me start this little haiku with a big fat sigh...... I got the Pontiac blues and there is no relief in sight. I have had this car since July of 2006 and have had nothing but issues.

Today I was attempting to go to the grocery store when my car decided to kick the bucket. I was backing out of my parking space like normal, I than shifted into DRIVE and pressed the gas... Well, I thought I accidentally put it in NEUTRAL but it was actually in drive... The engine revved but I was not moving. In desperation I moved the shifter to the MANUAL shift mode to try and get some kind of response from the transmission. Luckily, I was able to get it in first gear (barely) with the transmission slipping the whole way back into the parking space.

I was smart and purchased an extended OEM warranty back when my head gaskets blew (that's another complaint) at 33k miles. The 5k+ repair costs are covered by the warranty so I will get away scott free with this latest failure.

I have forged a strong relationship with my local dealership and they have bent over backwards to help me. This latest issue was actually a shock to the service advisor and he had the car towed and stayed late to assess the situation on a Saturday.

I do need a new transmission and a few sensors, etc. replaced which is not surprising.

I am disgusted with this vehicle and plan on dispatching it to a used car lot sooner, rather than later. It has 22 months left on the extended warranty so the poor schmuck who picks this turd up wont be totally screwed when the next major repair comes knocking on their door. Also, I won't feel like a total ass knowing I just pawned off such a piece of junk to an unsuspecting fool.

I will NEVER spend another penny on an american made car as long as there are Asian vehicles on the market.

I will update this post with ACTUAL costs and time it took to fix this problem when I see the bill... It's not looking too good right now as the 3.9L engine requires a special transmission...

- bigfootnotary, Lake Oswego, OR, US

problem #1

Nov 162009

G6 GT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,000 miles

This car has been a nightmare! We bought it for our daughter to travel back and forth to school. So far---we have put a new transmission in it--that was caused by parts failure with 73000 mi. We've replaced 3 wheel bearings, the cd changer, a tie rod and now the power steering goes out randomly. The service engine light stays on constantly which no one can find out why either! I guess it's because it's such a piece of trash that even the warning systems cant keep up with its problems! NEVA, NEVA, NEVA buy this car it is a piece of junk! The dealer won't even return our phone calls---

- Gail W., Blackstone, VA, US

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