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.
5.7
fairly significant- Typical Repair Cost:
- $0
- Average Mileage:
- 40,850 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 6 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- not sure (3 reports)
- add a bushing to the rear e-brake cable clamps (1 reports)
- lubricate / remove rubber boot (1 reports)
- remove the 3 ring rubber crown around the strut (1 reports)
suspension problem
Helpful websites
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This squeak has driven me crazy for years. I've had it in a couple of GM dealerships and we can definitely reproduce the squeak but could never find it. After some searching online someone else posted a solution and I have altered their solution somewhat.
The squeak is caused by the rear e-brake cable rubbing on a clamp that affixes it to the rear lower control arm.
The fix: remove your rear tires and locate the e-brake cable (runs from the front of the car to the calipers). Look at the rotor and on the driver's side, the clamp is in about the 10:00 position (2:00 on the passenger side). Use a screwdriver to open up the clamp and create clearance between it and the fitting that is pressed on the cable. Lube both parts with Never-Seize. Here is where I have altered my solution: In my opinion, there should be a nylon bushing here, GM should never have made this metal on metal! I don't have ready access to nylon bushings so I cut a 7/8" length of cheap vinyl garden hose and inserted it between the cable and the inside of the clamp. I then used a pair of pump pliers to squeeze the clamp closed tight to hold the new "bushing" and cable in place. The result? NO MORE SQUEAK! I was ready to drive this car in the river and now I can drive in peace again.
- Brent J., Winnipeg, MB, canada