Fuel Odor Outside Vehicle

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.

7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$900
Average Mileage:
99,650 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. replace fuel pump module (3 reports)
2006 Pontiac G6 fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2006 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments

problem #6

Jun 292017

G6 GT 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,000 miles

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

This smell is so bad and makes me worried that I can be breathing gas fumes every time I drive. I would not subject my grandchildren or anyone for that matter to ride in a car that smells of gas. If this were a simple fix I could do it myself but all of the instruction include taking out the back seat and still having a really difficult or impossible time getting the right angle to correct the problem (REPLACING FUEL PUMP FLANGES IF CRACKED, OR ADDING A PROTECTIVE FILM TO THE FLANGE AREAS IF NO CRACKS ARE SEEN.

I loved my car. I do not think a car owner should have to pay $200. labor and $800. for a new fuel pump when this is a known problem for many users. Can't fix it myself-- Can't take it in with spending $1400.00 dollars (cause it is time for new tires) - can't enjoy driving my car safely. Boy, this blows. Any help from the car company would be great especially if I can fix the problem myself. Using good gas and changing the gas cap and keeping the fuel levels high sure didn't help.

- Cathy C., Whittier, CA, US

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problem #5

Apr 112016

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,215 miles

Pontaic recall 2007 G for same problem but the 2006 G6. I hope no one has to die before the problem gets fixed because of a fire. They should fix this problem for the people who have G6's.

- Jack S., Miami, FL, US

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problem #4

Mar 112016

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 148,000 miles

As many others have mentioned, I my car has a fuel leak problem. There is a significant odor coming from the passenger side of the wheel well. The inside of the car also started smelling like fuel. There was a small area on the ground where there was definite fuel that came from the car. What I want to know is why has there not been a recall on the 2006 models when there is a definite safety issue? This just started yesterday.

- Wendy W., Grants Pass, OR, US

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problem #3

Jun 012015

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

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

The Pontiac G6 has a very strong gas smell. It is evident on the inside and back of the car. Should be covered in recall with 2007 G6 cars.

- keanes, Myrtle Beach, SC, US

Comment Disabled Add Complaint
problem #2

Feb 012014

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

Have an strong odor of gas outside of the vehicle, my brother works for GM and hooked it up to a tech2 no errors reading, replaced gas cap, still strong odor. Upon my brothers further inspection of vehicle a gas leak is visible at top part of tank. Do wish GM would recall this as they have for the 2005 G5, don't have extra funds lying around to fix vehicle so just not driving it currently. Vehicle has been very well cared for no reason for this issue on my part. Considering I keep seeing same complaint by others, hoping GM will address issue before someone gets killed by their bomb on wheels.

- Melanie C., Fort Worth, TX, US

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problem #1

Jul 112013

G6 GT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,650 miles

I understand this is not a recall for the 2006 g6. I take care of my car when it is needed and this was very upsetting to have to spend this money. It was a bad gas smell when parked. I understand that the g5 model the 2007 g6 have a recall on this problem. I feel that the g6 2006 should be added to the recall 09v-419. It took time to have the repair done and alot of money. I love my g6. please add to the recall. Thank you

- brugnova, Virginia Beach, VA, US

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