NHTSA — Electrical System: Starter Assembly 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.

5.9

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
13,869 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2006 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments

problem #2

Dec 202006

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,004 miles

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

- the contact states that the weather was overcast while driving and the battery light came on the instrument panel. The she noticed a whining noise coming from underneath the hood. Upon lifting the hood a cloud of smoke arose. There was a burning smell, immediately the battery cable was immediately disconnected. The contact called General Motors roadside assistance, they sent out a tow truck to take the vehicle to the nearest dealership.

- Florissant, MO, USA

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problem #1

Nov 262006

G6 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,734 miles
I am having problems with my vehicle starting. It doesn't happen all the time, but I've had the car jump started 3 times. At other times it will take several times before it will crank. I've taken it to the dealership and they cannot find anything wrong. They told me I would have to have it towed the next time it happens instead of having it jumped. I wouldn't mind doing this depending on where and when it happens. Although the dealership states they haven't had problems with this vehicle. I found numbers complaints at edmund.com and other websites.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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