Head Gaskets Leaking
2006 Pontiac G6
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Pontiac dealer.
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- Typical Repair Cost:
- No data
- Average Mileage:
- 33,000 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 1 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- replace head gaskets (1 reports)
engine problem
Helpful websites
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This was my first MAJOR problem with the car. at 33k miles I noticed the 'LOW COOLANT' message on the message center of my car. I took it right to the dealership and the chief mechanic popped the hood and told me I have 'Coolant leaking from the heads.' I asked if that was 'normal' (sarcastic) and he proceeded to tell me I needed to have the gaskets replaced. Lovely!
After 4 days of the car being in the shop I was told the 'head mechanic' had to take some classes from GM regarding the 3.9L engine and how to replace the head gaskets as it required a special 'tool' and this was a problem he had never had to fix before.
Two weeks after I brought the car in they called to tell me it was finally fixed. Turns out my car was THE training material for this 'mechanic' and he decided it was a good idea to get coolant all over the engine and on the belts, etc. I am glad that GM footed the bill for this repair (over 3k dollars according to the service adviser if I didn't have the warranty) but they need to work on the professionalism of their 'mechanics.'
Sadly, this was just the start of my saga with the G6 GTP. More chapters are to follow...
- bigfootnotary, Lake Oswego, OR, US