NHTSA — Steering Problems

2005 Pontiac G6 (Page 10 of 21)

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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:
19 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
9 / 0
Average Mileage:
88,322 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2005 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments (Page 10 of 21)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #221

Jan 052012

G6 6-cyl

  • 15 miles

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

The steering on my car went out as I was going to turn on a busy street. Luckily I was barely picking up speed. But if this had not been the case I could have easily hit two people that were standing on the corner or even traffic light post. There was no warning at all. Except the beeping and then the steering going out. After the steering went out it was almost impossible to turn, I had to get help. This is very dangerous and the problem should be fix. I've read that this has also happen to other people and some even while driving on the highway. Someone could get killed or they can kill someone!! this has to be fixed immediately! the car is under my husbands name, but I'm the primary driver.

- Evanston, IL, USA

problem #220

Jan 032012

G6

  • 116,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the power steering light illuminated on the instrument panel and the steering wheel seized. The contact stopped the vehicle on the shoulder of the road and regained power steering. The failure recurred two different times. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic. The technicians stated that the power steering column would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

- Columbia, SC, USA

problem #219

Jan 042012

G6 6-cyl

  • 146,000 miles
I was driving approx 30 mph and when I went into a curve the power steering quit working and I almost ran into the ditch and hit a mail box. Luckily, I missed both of them but pulled a muscle in my shoulder trying to keep the car on the road. I pulled off to the side of the road and my 3 point turn turned into a 8 point turn. The power steering light was on the screen flashing. This can be very dangerous and deadly. This needs to be a recall before someone dies and the company is sued, considering the fact that I'm seeing this reported quite often.

- Surf City, NC, USA

problem #218

Dec 192011

G6

  • 100,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact maneuvered to the side of the road and the engine was turned off. Upon restarting, the vehicle resumed as normal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the power steering assist motor would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact planned to notify the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Salem , NH, USA

problem #217

Nov 282011

G6 6-cyl

  • 75,104 miles
While my pregnant wife was driving down the road the yellow light on the dash came on and the steering completely locked up. She had to stop the car in the middle of the road, turn it off, then turn it back on. The same thing has happened at least 6 times this week. This is completely unsafe and should be recalled immediately.

- Evansville, IN, USA

problem #216

Nov 302011

G6 6-cyl

  • 114,500 miles
I have noticed that alot of people have been having problems with their 2005 and 2006 G6 electric power steering assists. I have two children and I was taking them to school when the power steering light came on. I could barely turn the steering wheel. I could not imagine if we were on the main road and I was going a little faster. I noticed that you did an investigation and closed it back in 2007. Well I bought my G6 a year ago and did not know anything about this problem or about the additional 70,000 mile warranty for system failures even after running a carfax report. This is not an early life problem as my G6 has 114,500 miles on it. This was very scary. I think this is a problem that GM needs to fix with a recall. This is very dangerous and could cause an accident. It would be different if this was a cheap problem to fix, but we are talking about $800 to $1,000 to fix. That is ridiculous.

- Troutman, NC, USA

problem #215

Nov 162011

G6 6-cyl

  • miles

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

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 #214

Nov 252011

G6 6-cyl

  • 91,300 miles
Yesterday while trying to pull into a parking spot, my steering column locked up and I could not control the vehicle. There was a steering column notice showing on the radio dash column. I thought if I turned the car off and back on again, the problem would go away. It didn't. I waited about 20 minutes before turning the car back on again to see if the issue had resolved itself. (this also happens with the engine light. Sometimes in the earlier morning when it is cold, the engine light will appear upon first turning the vehicle on. I turn the car off and back on again and then the engine light disappears.) I immediately took the vehicle to the dealership. I was told that it was the sensor in the steering column and that everything would cost about $800 + tax to fix. My husband started researching this issue online to see what other owners were saying. I am really surprised that just about 90% of folks are complaining about the steering column, that GM is aware of the issue, and is not listing a recall. When speaking to the dealership, of course they made it seem like the repairs they have completed on steering columns were minimal. Since I have had my car, I have had to have the intermediate shaft replaced twice.the steering column had to be greased once. Every year my brakes are being replaced, and about twice a year, one of the two if not both tie rods need replaced. I have had to pay for four key fobs. My trunk leaks water. My front head light needed replaced as it leaked water. Not cheap. I can go on an on with the repairs but have reached my "character limit". I feel like I got a lemon. Would like to complain to someone in authority, but dealership is no help.

- Dublin, OH, USA

problem #213

Nov 152011

G6

  • 142,800 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. While driving approximately 5 mph, there was a complete loss of power steering with the illumination of the warning indicator. The vehicle was driven to a safe location and the engine was turned off. Upon restarting the vehicle, the failure continued and the contact continued to drive the vehicle. The failure occurred four times; however, the power steering reset after the engine was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they informed the contact that the power steering motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 142,800.

- St. Cloud, MN, USA

problem #212

Oct 102011

G6 6-cyl

  • 101,450 miles
I was driving my car in the highway at 60 mph. When in my radio show up power steering. My steering wheel became so hard and I almost have an accident. I tried to put oil but I didn't find the reserve tank!! then I search in the internet and the power steering is electrical and there are many complain about this same situation. I call the GM and they told me that they never heard any other case!!! are you serious!! they should see all the complains about it and also this is a manufacture problem and is not fair that the client have to pay 4 something that we didn't cause!! I could get killed for this situation!!! why no one want to help us with these problem"?"

- Lawrence, MA, USA

problem #211

Jul 052011

G6

  • miles

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

While on the road, my '05 Pontiac G6 has more than a few times lost its power steering, as I was informed by the computer on my dash. It has happened at least 3 or 4 times. I have read online in public threads and forums that it has happened to many people and GM has still not issued a recall. This is a huge problem because of at least 14 reported crashes that have occurred from this problem. I have also read about people who have complained directly to GM and were told they would have to pay for a diagnostics fee as well as parts and labor to get it fixed. This is completely unacceptable and I do not believe I should have to pay for anything because I did not break anything or do anything wrong. If a recall is not issued I would like to at least be covered for any work that would fix the steering. Or worst case a different vehicle option.

- Sandy, UT, USA

problem #210

Oct 092011

G6

  • 107,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph and above, the steering would become very difficult to maneuver. The dealer was contacted and they advised her that they would not be able to diagnose the failure unless it failed again. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Evansville, IN, USA

problem #209

Oct 042011

G6 6-cyl

  • 132,200 miles
Power steering failed while interstate driving made the car dangerously difficult to steer.

- Orange City, FL, USA

problem #208

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 #207

Aug 152011

G6 6-cyl

  • 63,250 miles
My car has lost power steering due to manufacturer defect. 2005 Pontiac G6 has a special warranty on its power steering due to problem. Tsb (10183) reads: General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the loss of power steering assist caused by electrical input signals within the steering column assembly. If this condition occurs on your 2005-2006 model year Pontiac G6 vehicle within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge. After speaking with a technician he informed me that my power steering motor/module was faulty, but couldn't tell me if failure from input signals within the steering column had caused the problem or not. Dealer refuses to replace motor and says it is not warrantied under the special coverage. However, if he cannot ascertain that faulty input signals had caused the condition in the power steering motor then how can he not warranty this part since the bulletin says it covers the loss of power steering?

- Nortonville, KY, USA

problem #206

Apr 012009

G6

  • 60,000 miles
In my 2005 Pontiac G6 GT, my power steering locked up on me a total of about 4 times since I bought it. This was in the middle of driving and my wheel completely locked up. I was scared out of my mind and had to find a way to yield to the side of the highway to turn the car off. Once I turned it off than back on it worked.

- Bristol, PA, USA

problem #205

Aug 012011

G6 6-cyl

  • 184,000 miles
2005 Pontiac G6 power steering electric motor failure. The electric motor on the power steering randomly quits working. The steering randomly locks up at any speed, causing huge potential risk of a crash. GM has issued a tsb for this problem for vehicles under 100,000 miles only. What about everyone with more than 100,000 miles? this needs an official recall!

- Waterford, MI, USA

problem #204

Jan 142011

G6

  • 45,000 miles
Purchased my G6 5/2011 with 34K miles. At 45K, slight 'clunk' noises began while steering at low speeds. Gradually got worse. This vehicle has major steering issues that cannot be permanently fixed according to mechanics that haven't been told to keep this 'on the hush' by GM. GM knows about this problem and has recalled vehicles from other brands for safety based on this problem; however, has not recalled the Pontiac's for reasons unknown. Most likely because the brand is dead - so much for GM support of their products. I am discouraged because I love my G6, but do not feel safe driving it and am forced to feel very unsafe in a car that is otherwise quite safe. I have lost faith in GM, and that is sad being the son of a GM retiree of 35 years of service. If this issue is not fixed soon, I will never purchase a GM vehicle again. I was going to purchase a brand-new Buick lacrosse, but now have to wait to hear what GM will do about the steering issue because I can sell my G6. If I will be forced to pay for the repair (which will not fix the issue, it will come back), I will be D** if I'm going to drop $40K on a new GM automobile. Where is the commitment to safety? not at GM. Approx. 52K miles - noticed steering clunking worsening, car began major steering drift & drag issues. Began to be hard to keep car centered on the road. Replaced tires & alignment to no avail. Problem is said to be with steering. Next, vehicle began to 'take' the steering wheel away from me while driving. While turning, wheel will unexpectedly jerk and turn itself. Have experienced the wheel turning itself full 90-degrees immediately as I begin accelerating from a stoplight. Have almost nailed cars next to mine because of this. Have to be very mindful of the issue at all times. At 58K miles, I attempted to turn around in a small parking lot next to the road. Turned in, and the vehicle unexpectedly jerked to the right - sending me through a fence and into a cement barrier. Thanks a lot GM.

- Mansfield, OH, USA

problem #203

Nov 012010

G6

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. While driving, the contact stated that the power steering failed. The dealer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairing the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 90,000.

- Webb City, MO, USA

problem #202

Aug 022011

G6 6-cyl

  • miles
2005 Pontiac G6 electric power assist motor. My power steering assist motor has failed intermittently and without warning repeatedly, locking my steering wheel while in motion and also while stopped.

- Waco, TX, USA

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