NHTSA — Steering: Rack And Pinion: Pinion Shaft Problems

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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.

1.8

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
94,000 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 #1

Jul 052011

G6 6-cyl

  • 94,000 miles

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

Bought car on 07/02/11, return car to dealer on 07/05/11 due to popping noise in steering when turning left or right at any speed, even when sitting still. Did not do this when I test drove it. Started a day or two afterwards. Dealer said it needed grease put into the intermediate steering shaft, (without even looking at it) even though there was grease coming out if it. Dealer would not cover cost of repair. Called Pontiac /GMC to see if there was a recall and if they could offer some help on this and was eventually told no. Took to another dealership to have check and was told the whole intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. Again call Pontiac/GMC and received an answer of no help could be given on this problem. Quote to replace shaft is $319. I was told by both dealers there were no safety issues with this problem, that this would not go out on me while driving and cause a wreck. I don't know if I believe them or not. No honestly when it comes to buying a car. Pontiac/GMC needs to do a recall on this. From all my research on this, it seems to have been a problem with this car from the start, this is a manufacturing problem and they should fix it. Not expecting a problem so soon after purchase. I am not able to pay for this at this time. And it does scare me at times, wondering if the steering is going to go out.

- Staunton, VA, USA

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