NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

2005 Pontiac G6 (Page 3 of 4)

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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2005 Pontiac G6 has major problems with two areas fairly critical to the act of driving... steering & safety.

The 2005 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 2005 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 power steering problems, up to 10 years/100k miles.

As of early 2013 the NHTSA had 300+ steering complaints on file for the 2005 G6, with 12 crashes & 4 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 2005 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 2005 Pontiac G6's poor side impact protection & you end up with a vehicle you should steer clear of.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
74,288 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.

2005 Pontiac G6 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2005 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #39

Mar 042013

G6

  • 85,000 miles

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

The brake lights on my 2005 Pontiac G6 do not work properly. At times, they will turn on when I press the gas pedal and they will also just come on randomly. Nine times out of ten when I press the brake pedal they don't come on at all. After taking my car to the dealership, they told me it was my brake sensor. They replaced it, I paid my extremely high bill and then the next day I got pulled over by a police officer because my brake lights were not working. I called the dealership and they said to bring my car back in. I took my car back and they said there was corrosion in the brake lines. They fixed that, I paid my extremely high bill and left. A few days later, my brake lights still did not work. I even took my G6 in for the recall about the brake lights. That didn't work for long either! I tried to put dielectric grease where Pontiac is claiming there is corrosion causing the brakes to seldom work. They worked for about 2 months and just recently my brake lights stopped working again. I have had my car looked at by three different mechanics and no one can give me an answer or a solution. I've been pulled over four times in the past few months due to this dangerous issue. Without brake lights working properly, my car is an accident waiting to happen. At this point, I'm not sure what else to do!

- Irwin, PA, USA

problem #38

Feb 082013

G6 6-cyl

  • 75,680 miles
At the time of purchase, I noticed that the cruise control worked intermittently. I brought this to the attention of the sales staff and was told that, due to the price I was paying, there was "no room left to repair something not safety related". this was agreeable to me, so I left it at that. I drove the car for several months with no other apparent issues. Some time later I followed my wife in our other vehicle while she drove the Pontiac. I witnessed the brake lights stay on during times when the lights should not be on. Pulling up to a stop, I witnessed the brake lights go out. Basically, the brake lights stay on when the brake pedal is not being applied, and go out when the pedal is being applied. I contacted the dealership I bought the car from and was told that this is not a warranty issue, but a recall issue. After contacting GM, I was told this is not part of their very limited recall as "the recall is VIN specific".

- Beloit, WI, USA

problem #37

Jul 102012

G6 6-cyl

  • 90,567 miles
I was driving my car on the highway, I had my cruise control set, and all of a sudden my cars cruise control disengaged, and could not be set again. When I got home I walked around my car with the car running and noticed my brake lights were illuminated with no driver present in the car. I have read online about many Pontiac G6 having this issue, even a recall was sent out but it doesn't effect my car. I also have noticed many G6 driving down the road doing the same thing as mine, brake lights writing on their own or not working at all. It also triggers the car maintenance light to turn on as well.

- Crete, IL, USA

problem #36

Apr 042013

G6 6-cyl

  • 180,000 miles

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

In April 2013, while driving the 2005 Pontiac G6, the wheel began "jerking" around, and it became harder to control and steer the vehicle. A chime, and warning light appeared "power steering". after veering off to the shoulder and and re-starting the vehicle, the problem did not reappear. After the second re-start, the problem reappeared and was increased- increased strength to steer, warning light on. After taking the vehicle to an independent locally owned shop, it was learned that Pontiac was aware of this issue, and had issued a special coverage for the problem. After taking it to a Pontiac certified dealership, they repaired the problem, at my cost of $780, due to the fact that my mileage was outside of the special coverage perimeters. I was issed a letter outlining the problem, and special coverage perimeters in June 2012, at which time I was well within the mileage and year perimters listed, but was not experiencing the problem. I did not seek repair assistance, as it indicated for owners who were experiencing the problem only to seek repair assistance, and it would be covered at no charge. I experienced the problem 9 months later, in exactly the way described in the letter, and was denied coverage due to a higher mileage than outlined 9 months prior. Loosing control of your steering while going down a 2-lane highway at 55 mph seems to be more of a safety concern, than a general special coverage problem. Despite the amounts of affected vehicles with the exact same problem, it is dissapointing that Pontiac is not taking care of their customers in a more formal, recall way, and instead treating it as a casual compliant. After calling the 1-800 for GM, I was informed of no further assitance, or any indication that a recall would soon be issued.

- Newark, OH, USA

problem #35

Sep 252012

G6 6-cyl

  • 93,562 miles
The brake lamps illuminate when the brake pedal has not been depressed, or the lamps may not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

problem #34

Jan 152012

G6

  • 132,000 miles
While driving my 2005 Pontiac G6, the brake lamps go off when I actually press the brake pedal. They will stay on or sometimes flash at random times the entire time I drive. It is a well documented problem with these cars and it is related to corrosion on the BCM. This has happened twice to me in this car. Pontiac has never issued a recall, their way of fixing it is putting dielectric grease on the connectors and calling it good. It worked for me for about a year, and the problem has resurfaced....while driving down the interstate at 65mph. Faulty brake lamps are an extreme danger to anyone driving the vehicle.

- Madison, WI, USA

problem #33

Apr 152012

G6

  • 125,000 miles

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

The issues started by the cruise control unexpectedly disengaging while driving. It has now progressed to it the cruise control comes on when you press the brake. That was almost a year ago. Now, the cruise control starts when the brake is pressed. However, when it comes on with the brake it stays on approximately 11-12 seconds and the disengages. The brake lights come on when the brake pedal is not being pressed. When, the brakes are being pressed the brake lights do not always come on. These issues have been happening since spring of 2012.I have taken my vehicular to GMC before and I was told their were no recalls and they have never heard of my problems before. But, if I pay there diagnostic fee to find out what's wrong in the electrical system that they can replace the electrical system but it would be a costly repair. I was then informed it would be cheaper to just trade it in. I was appalled.

- Newnan, GA, USA

problem #32

May 012012

G6

  • 100,000 miles
My electrical power steering completely locks up while driving, making it nearly impossible to turn my steering wheel. It has happened almost every time I drive it recently. It also makes my car shake and make clunking noises. It is in the repair shop now, but because there is no recall, I am expected to pay for the repair, which I am refusing to do. With the amount of complaints and the absolute danger of this problem, it is ridiculous that this car is not recalled and covered by Pontiac. I will pay a lawyer fee to sue Pontiac before I pay for repairs caused by their faulty engineering.

- Northeast, MD, USA

problem #31

Sep 162012

G6

  • 75,434 miles
I was driving down a road in my neighborhood and realized my car became very hard to steer. Then my check engine light flashed across my dash and radio stating "power steering". I stopped at the stop sign and I was able to pull into a driveway and turn off my car to reset it. I am so glad that a little kid or something didn't run out in front of me as I would have not been able to steer around an accident.

- Wapakoneta, OH, USA

problem #30

Sep 032012

G6 6-cyl

  • miles
GM sputter start. If it does start it sometimes doesn't start on the first try and sometimes catches and sputters before it starts. I have to keep the gas pushed so it will catch and start. Like the idle needs adjusted or something.

- Oakwood, IL, USA

problem #29

Jul 052012

G6

  • 151,595 miles

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

Where do I begin!!! my G6 I love but apparently the electrical power steering goes out. So, with that being said you have no power steering. Its is really hard to turn your wheel, on highway to get off an exit, pull in to park somewhere, make a tight turn, and try and pull out of a tight parking situation. I realize one of the ways to fix the problem is to get it fix (obviously outrageous price), or just turn the car off and restart that seems to work. So, apparently about 3-4 years ago GM realized this "manufacture defect/recall" but not a safety recall" I don't understand it but you know how big companies are never want to be accountable. Ok, so in 2010 I receive this letter from GM about this loss of power steering but in the letter reminder it states "the vehicle can still be steered in a safe manner but will require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds or when stopped." Ok so when you are on the highway??" I work alot and have to travel, and for personal reasons I travel a good bit. I have been very lucky when this defect occurs either someone with me to guide me through it or for some reason the highway is non busy and I can pull over (reminder 2 hands on the wheel with no power steering using all my arm strength to pull over) ok, so again this GM letter, so ok course after trying to jump some hoops I don't meet the requirements for this repair to fix by GM at their cost. That letter states vehicles with less than 100,000miles..yea ok, me I travel!!! crazy so I complain why not right. So, 2 years pass receive a letter from GM again about this "power steering issue" now 150,000ml..again!!!

- New Oxford, PA, USA

problem #28

May 292012

G6 6-cyl

  • 99,000 miles
On numerous occasions, my car will chime once and a message will appear about my power steering. I will lose my power steering for a short period of time. It will be difficult to steer the car over off the road. It has also chimed and a message will come on about servicing the air bags. After the air bag message, the security paddlelock will come on and my car will basically shut down. I will lose my ability to accelerate and steer the car. This has occurred while driving down the highway and also when turning corners or stopping at stop signs. Once the vehicle has been stopped and shut off, it will not start again. I have to let it sit for at least 20 to 25 minutes and then I can restart it. Sometimes it will run fine for weeks, and other times such as yesterday, it continued every time I drove it. I just had numerous large repair bills and I have no more money to fix this major problem.

- Richland, IA, USA

problem #27

Dec 092011

G6 6-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
I noticed that when trying to park my vehicle the steering wheel locks up. It is difficult to steer and appears that there is no power steering. The problem does not correct itself until you are going more than 20 mph. This continues to be an ongoing problem.

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #26

Nov 162011

G6 6-cyl

  • miles
I have been having several problems with the electrical system in my 2005 Pontiac G6. When driving to work my power steering failed, I was able to pull over thank god. My dash lights blink on and off as well as fuses keep blowing. I understand there has been a recall for the G5 and G8 for the power steering and I also know of many others having this same problem with this model. Please check into this problem before someone wrecks.

- Birch River, WV, USA

problem #25

Sep 012006

G6

  • 23,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the wheel jerked violently. The failure would recur sporadically and in addition, the steering wheel would also seize without warning. Also, the interior lights would operate intermittently. The dealer diagnosed that there was a sensor failure and that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified but denied any assistance with repairs to the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000 and the current mileage was 132,557.

- Douglasville, GA, USA

problem #24

Jun 202011

G6

  • 85,000 miles
We own a 05 Pontiac G6. This vehicle has a chronic issue with the brake pedal sensor. When the sensor is having issues, it is extremely hard to get the car to go from park to drive. More importantly though is then the sensor causes the brake light to work in reverse. When you apply the brakes, the lights go off, when the pedal is not depressed, the light stays on. We have had several sensors replaced and now have been told the "fix" is the electrical lubricant. This electrical lubricant is only good for a few months. Obviously, it is a half[xxx] "fix". we have been to several "former" Pontiac dealers only to have been told we are "out of luck". this is an extremely dangerous situation. While driving at night, if you depress your brakes and no lights come on it could lead to a rear-end collision.thankfully this last time my husband was warned of this event by a gal who was driving behind him. My husband has been pulled over by the police because they thought he was drinking. He was told that a characteristic of a drunk driver is that they "ride their brakes". GM needs to get this corrected!! it is not safe. We purchased this vehicle for my husband who drives 50 miles round trip to work everyday. This is an accident waiting to happen. We are seriously contemplating trading in the vehicle for another one because of this and other issues with the G6. It has been a lemon since we got it between this brake issue, a "clunking" noise when turning (which we were told is "nothing" from our former Pontiac dealers) and the panoramic sunroof leaking and noise issues, which as well we were told nothing can be done about. (we had standing water in the vehicle w/ the leaks) this brake issue needs to be looked at!!!! we will not buy another GM vehicle because of this crappy service and lack of care in getting this vehicle recalled. What is it going to take"?" I have seen other complaints addressing this same thing. I would implore NHTSA to see what can be done about this. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom

- Indiana, IN, USA

problem #23

Oct 012010

G6 6-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
2005 Pontiac G6 - water pours from the interior lights splashing the inside of the car and driver which is as unexpected as a child running in front of a vehicle. The sudden downpour may cause the driver to loose control of the vehicle when they look up to see where the water is coming from.. nobody was injured in my incident however, the water is coming from the drain tubes from the top of the car which have a tendancy to become disconnected. I am told this is not considered a safety hazard but a driver does not expect to be suddenly soaked by water when driving a car and can cause the driver to become reckless which may cause damage or injury to a vehicle or a person if it has not already. This is a common problem and needs to seriously considered as a safety hazard. Other than the safety hazard that it is, it also causes the interior of the car to be completely destroyed from mold and/or mildew needing complete replacement. The dealers are very much aware of the problem but yet I have taken my car in twice and because it wasn't leaking at the time, the could not see a problem. Mind you the back floorboard and seat were completely soaked from 8 gallons of water which had been sucked out of the car prior to driving it to the dealership.

- Grand Prairie, TX, USA

problem #22

Nov 212010

G6 6-cyl

  • 116,000 miles
I bought the car in April of 2008. In July of 2008 I was experiencing problems with the brake lights working opposite, cruise control stopped working as well as instrument panel. I had a new body control module put in my car and it was fine up until November of 2010 when I started having problems with the instrument panel again. In December of 2010 my brake lights started working opposite again as well as flashing while I am driving. I have been harassed by other motorists who I have gotten mad because of this problem. It is a serious safety issue as other motorists cannot tell if im braking. I have called GM this week and they have told me that the work I had done for the same problem is no longer under warranty. Surprising. I have done some homework and looked up the 2005 Pontiac G6 problems and it shows only a small majority of these cars have been recalled for this problem. Mine was not on this list. Why? I have also found thousands of other owners with the same problem.

- London, 00, USA

problem #21

Jun 072010

G6

  • 86,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The vehicle would not start and it was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact stated that there must be a problem with the computer. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who stated that she needed a new battery. The battery was replaced but the failure recurred and was taken back to the independent mechanic who advised the contact to have an authorized dealer diagnose the failure. The wiring to the fuse pump was replaced by an authorized dealer. Approximately 4 days later the failure recurred. The vehicle taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle and they were unable to duplicate the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 86,000.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #20

May 052010

G6 6-cyl

  • 63,000 miles
In early may while in san antonio, Texas approximately 2 hours from my home town my battery died. The reason my battery died is because I have been experiencing difficulties starting my car. A technical bulletin that was brought to my attention for the LX9 engine seems like it describes the problem to a tee. It is on "intermittent extended crank time on hot engine restart, starter may not disengage after engine start". the engine turns but I will usually have to turn the key back and restart it at least a second time for it to actually run. I have taken the vehicle twice now to the dealership and have been told each time that they are unable to reproduce the problem so they cant fix it. Each time calls for another diagnostic test and fee. On May 5th all the extra juice to turn on the car cause my battery to drain completely so I was stranded for hours in a town where I know no one. This is a recurring problem that just cant seem to be fixed.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

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