NHTSA — Traction Control System Problems

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:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
65,000 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 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2006 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments

problem #5

Jun 022014

G6

  • 78,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the traction control warning light illuminated intermittently and a loud abnormal noise emitted whenever the gears were shift. Also, the contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle would rock back and forth. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

- New Lennox , IL, USA

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problem #4

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

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problem #3

May 092011

G6

  • 116,000 miles
I hit a pothole and the bracket holding the control wires for the ABS and traction control on the passenger side broke and my shocks ripped the wires. I now no longer have ABS or traction control, atleast on stated tire. My idiot lights in the dash are now constantly on and put out an alert ding every time the car is started. I previously had some alignment work done, but that was over 4 months ago. This incident happened immediately after hitting said pothole. I hit a curb back in 2007 which led to the alignment work that was done a few months ago. The plastic used for the windshield washer jets has also recently corroded and fell apart, so they no longer work either.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

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problem #2

Dec 072010

G6

  • 30,000 miles
My current problem with my 2006 Pontiac G6 sounds the same as the recall for the 2009 Pontiac G6. Today (12-8-10) I had to bring in my car in to the dealer after putting my car in park, which then proceeded to roll. The wiring system did not seem to recognize park or disconnected from the transmission. I later tried to turn the ignition and the car would not turn on at all. 4 months ago I brought it in for the key getting stuck in the ignition because the car didn't recognize it as being in park. Three other times I had issues with the brake/foot peddles. I would have to break to accelerate and drive to slow down or it would not accelerate at all until it reached 30mph. It would automatically drive in traction control and read decreased engine power on the panel. In addition, I have recently had a fountain of water pouring into my car surrounding the sunroof on either side of panels btwn the front and rear windows, resulting in severe interior damage and subsequent mold spores growing. Instead of the filter surrounding the sunroof filtering water out, it is filtering water in.

- Audubon, NJ, USA

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problem #1

Sep 112010

G6

  • 65,000 miles
Purchased a 2006 Pontiac G6 gtp, I have recently caused many close calls of harming peoples life due to the failure of shifting of my transmission in a fairly new vehicle. The transmission slips and does not go into gear sometimes and when entering the highway everyday is a challenge if I will make it or not. The vehicle decides if it will go or not and I don't believe this 2006 vehicle should be on the road or others to be sold until this ongoing problem across the nation to be solved. It happens at 65,000 miles on all vehicles that have reported this issue.

- Fort Myers , FL, USA

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