NHTSA — Steering: Rack And Pinion: Rack 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.

5.2

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
18,755 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 #3

Apr 012006

G6 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. While attempting to make a right or left turn at 35 mph, the vehicle shut off without warning. The dealer replaced the steering column and electrical wires; however, the vehicle is currently making a noise when placed in reverse or park. The dealer stated that the cause of failure was the steering rack and it needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 32,490 and failure mileage was 5,000.

- Kettering, OH, USA

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problem #2

May 122007

G6 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,266 miles
2006 Pontiac G6 - I have had the car into dealer three times for steering problems. First repair was a replacement of steering rack and electric drive. Unit failed 2 weeks later and electric motor was replaced again. Three weeks after that steering started to make a popping noise during right turns. Dealer greased a joint but there is still a hard spot in the steering wheel when turning in that direction. I have not suffered an accident but am fearful of the performance of the steering due to all of the problems that I and others have encountered so far.

- High Springs, FL, USA

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problem #1

Nov 092006

G6 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. While making a right turn, the contact heard a popping noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The dealer stated that the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. The repair was performed twice, but the failure persists. The current mileage is 48,000 and failure mileage was 18,000.

- Carey , OH, USA

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