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:
- 96,950 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 2 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- needs a new motor (2 reports)
engine problem
Helpful websites
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I bought this car at the end of December 2017 the car was clean, body was in excellent shape and it ran great. I had the oil changed in January at Walmart since I wasn't sure when it was last serviced. In March 2018 the car started sputtering on the freeway going 15mph during rush hour traffic. I pulled off the freeway since I was worried the car was going to stall. I turned the engine off and tried to start it again but it would not start. Tried to start it several more times while I waited for the tow truck for over an hour. Would not start. After I got it home I tried a jump and still nothing. 4 hours after it died it finally started up but was making a clinking noise so I shut it off immediately and had it towed to a mechanic shop.
The mechanic said there was a leak in a piston allowing antifreeze to get into the oil and this was going to cost $900 to flush the system and fix the leak. But he said it was very likely we could do that and we could find out the engine had been permanently damaged. If the engine was damaged, it would need a new engine which would cost $3800 to $5000 depending on new/used engine.
Bought the car for $3200, drove for less than 3 months. TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE!! Wish I would have seen the "Avoid Like the Plague" warning before I bought this!!!
- R M., Las Vegas, US