NHTSA — Steering: Hydraulic Power Assist 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:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,786 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2006 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments

problem #7

Jul 212014

G6

  • 79,000 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 the steering wheel power assist failed over the course of several months. While driving at an unknown speed, the power assist system activated on its own and almost resulted in a crash. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 79,000.

- Cincinnati , OH, USA

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problem #6

Nov 282011

G6 6-cyl

  • 41,000 miles
Loss of power assist steering.

- Rocky River, OH, USA

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problem #5

Sep 152007

G6 6-cyl

  • 28,000 miles
My 06 pontaic G6 has had multiple issues with the power steering. While under warranty I had the steering fixed 2 times one of which included replacing the entire steering column. Now that the warranty has expired the steering warning has been coming up on the radio display.my car does have lots of miles because I drive 1000 miles a week but, this seems to be a common problem with the 06 G6's. it was so much of a problem that they changed from that type of steering in newer models. The steering will go out in the middle of driving and causes you to lose control the car then must be turned off and on for the steering to begin working again. Please investigate this problem it is dangerous!!

- Lake Charles, LA, USA

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problem #4

Jul 192011

G6 4-cyl

  • 72,500 miles

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

My power steering went out about a week ago, so I restarted my car and it worked again. This happened a couple times a day. Yesterday I was driving and my power steering went out almost causing me to run head on to an oncoming car. It hasn't worked since and I have to drive without power steering.

- Nolensville, TN, USA

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problem #3

Jan 152008

G6

  • miles
Driving down the road and slowed to go into a turn, power steering went completely out.

- Summerville, SC, USA

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problem #2

Sep 242007

G6 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. When starting the vehicle, the power steering locked. The failure also occurred while driving 30mph. She turned the engine off and was unable to steer to the left or the right. The contact had to wait a few seconds so that it would reset itself and restart. The dealer informed her that the sensor in the steering column would have to be replaced. The cost to repair the vehicle is $1,000.. the current and failure mileages were 44000. Updated 01-10-08. The power steering motor was replaced and the problem ceased. Updated 12/31/07

- Knoxville, TN, USA

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problem #1

Mar 152007

G6

  • miles
2006 Pontiac G6. Consumer states that the power steering malfunctioned causing loss of vehicle control. Vehicle ran off the road and hit the guard rail. The consumer stated she had a power steering problem 2 weeks prior and it was repaired at the dealership. The consumer was injured in the accident. (Ohio traffic crash report) a vehicle questionaire was mailed to customer to obtain additional information pertaining to the complaint.

- Boardman , OH, USA

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