Not Shifting Properly

2006 Pontiac G6 (Page 1 of 2)

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Pontiac dealer.

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.

7.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$520
Average Mileage:
88,400 miles
Total Complaints:
24 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (17 reports)
  2. replace catalytic converter (2 reports)
  3. repaired wires (1 reports)
  4. replace fuel line and oil line (1 reports)
  5. replace intake & exhaust acuator valve for the cam (1 reports)
  6. replace variable valve timing selenoid (1 reports)
2006 Pontiac G6 transmission problems

transmission problem

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2006 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #24

Jul 202016

G6 GTP 3.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 227,099 miles

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

This transmission is 16 years old but out of the blue it started shifitng really hard where it almost jerks the car forward and lower it speed between 30-45 it shudders and acts like its got no power or not getting gas then it shifts like BANG! sick of it and need help!!!

- Miklo G., Corbin, KY, US

problem #23

May 142015

G6 2.4dohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

Car shifted hard, then would go away for awhile, then start shifting hard again. Took 3000 miles before check engine light came on. Pulled up code0014. This is variable valve timing solenoid for exhaust on top of motor, front of head. There are two visibly int. and exh.55 dollars at Napa store. Problem fixed

- amsler, Knox, PA, US

problem #22

Oct 232015

G6 2.4L 4CYL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 152,000 miles

Car started shifting very hard, felt like I was being rear ended every time it would shift going down the road. found a major oil leak from the crankshaft seal was splashing oil throughout the engine compartment, fixed and cleaned the throttle body, air filter, and fuel injectors and that went away for a few days. When accelerating quickly from about 35-40, the RPM's will almost red line. If accelerating quickly from a higher speed (from 65 to 70) the RPM's will almost red line again and the car will almost stall out and will drop down to 40. So far, haven't found any fixes yet.

- Holly T., Beloit, OH, US

problem #21

Mar 032015

G6 SD 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,623 miles

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

I have had this car in to 3 different shops and nobody can tell me whats wrong with it. When driving between 40-60 there's some jerking and it feels like it's starving for gas. I have had filters changed plugs and wires 02 sensor and some other stuff from these shops. I even had 2 out of the three shops tell me that it's a defect with GM. I have owned Pontiacs all my life but after buying this one and having so many issues I doubt that I will ever buy another. It's sad when you don't even let your children ride in your car cause you don't feel like it's safe for them to be in what a shame. I am tired of dumping money and all my time in this car. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

- yenglin, BirchRun, MI, US

problem #20

Dec 192015

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 156,000 miles

SOMETIMES WHEN YOU GO TO TAKE OFF IN THE CAR, AS YOU SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE IT WILL ACT LIKE IT IS STILL IN PARK. OTHER TIMES AS YOU GO TO LEAVE IT SHIFTS REALLY HARD INTO THE GEAR.

- Virginia L., Fresno, OH, US

problem #19

Apr 132015

(reported on)

G6 GT 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,992 miles

My transmission is not shifting when I accelerate really fast...when I drive normally my tranny shifts perfect..I have no troubles..but if O punch it like if I am to go in passing lane on the highway or floor it in general...the rpms will keep rising and max out...if I let off the gas just a little it shifts smoothly...I went to a mechanic and he put it on computer and it did not send any codes...so we changed tranny fluid and filter...still everything is the same...now he is saying it might be a pressure solenoid...but is also saying you have to drop the tranny to change...god only knows how much this will cost...

I have already spent over $200 and it is still the same...any help will be really appreciated...if you also think its a solenoid..how much should I be paying...Thank you

- rcherry, Toronto, ON, Canada

problem #18

Jan 272015

G6 GTP 3.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

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

My g6 started running rough, jolt in transmission when shifting gears and service engine light and traction light came on, I found the wire loom on main wire harness near engine lift bracket wore through and also wore through the wires causing a short and making car run rough and engine light blink and transmission problems , I repaired the wires and added some rubber pipe around the wire to keep it from wearing again and the car runs like brand new and transmission shifts fine, it was an easy fix and this car is great

- kylebell019, Green Sea, SC, US

problem #17

Apr 242014

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,700 miles

A couple of weeks ago my car started shifting really, really hard. The next day it stopped. A day or two later it started again and the "check engine" light came on. I have brought it to a mechanic several times and they get different codes each time. They do not know how to fix the problem. I have been researching the internet and have found numerous people with the same exact problem. Why has there not been a recall on whatever this problem is if this many people are having the same exact issue. I do not know what to do or how to get my car fixed!! Obviously my car is out of warranty and I have no idea how much this will cost.

- saints31, Thibodaux, LA, US

problem #16

Jul 122011

G6 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Pontiac G6's must really come from a third world country, it would have to be the cheapest thing with four wheels put together and called a car. The car jerks like you have been hit in the back bumper like a truck has hit you. Just in the past week when going up a hill i can get it up to about 33 mph, then when at the top of the hill its like a rocket taking off until the next hill. I could ride my bicycle up a hill faster than my car can climb it. I would not never own another piece of S%*T car like this one or take one as a gift. Looks like with all the government bailouts they would feel sorry for the poor people and used that money to fix the Pontiac G6's or least send these cars to foreign countries in exchange for oil or camel meat. You just can't have anything nice any more.

- Charles M., Manchester, KY, US

problem #15

May 152012

G6 SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,344 miles

2006 pontiac G6 - Bang shifting, check engine light on! My mechanic replaced the plug for the intake cam actuator. PROBLEM SOLVED!!! $175

Update from Sep 27, 2012: The problem returned, Replaced the Intake Cam position sensor. So far, so good.

Update from Oct 5, 2012: O.K. Final update; I replaced the intake acuator valve for the cam & the check engine light came on again 3 days later. I got the car another diagnosis and a new code came up (code 0014). So I replaced the exhaust acuator valve and it's finally fixed!!!

- steve317, Marcellus, NY, US

problem #14

Aug 122011

G6 GTP 3.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,531 miles

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

I have a used 2006 Pontiac G6 GTP. It has on it about 130,000 miles. I started having trouble with it about a year ago with it doing hard shifts. I took it to Firestone and according to the diagnostic check my intake air sensor needed be replaced and I replaced it for $500.00. Two weeks later the check engine light comes on again and my car starts to jilt between changing gears. I took it back to Firestone and they didn't get code but told me that my brakes and routers need replacing to stop the shaking. So I paid $400.00 to have my brakes and routers changed. Nope that didn't fix it either so I decided to take it back where I was told at another Firestone. It was the tires so I asked to speak with the manager because I had just spent 400.00 on brakes and routers to stop the jilting. Needless to say, I ended up buying two new tires for 250.00 now my car is idling in first gear. When it gets enough speed it will jilt then take off, I have someone looking at it tomorrow. This car is almost paid off and I don't want to buy a new one!!! However it is a huge headache.

- Sonya M., Clinton, MS, US

problem #13

Jul 152011

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Had to fix this problem twice so far. Think it is time for a complaint about it.

- swygart, Nampa, ID, US

problem #12

May 122011

G6 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

I was experiencing a really hard shift when I was putting my car in gear (e.g., from park to reverse or reverse to drive...). I also started to experience some hard shifts while driving, especially from first to second and second to third gear. Eventually the check engine light came on and gave the code P0013 - which is the code for the exhaust camshaft position sensor. When I took it in to the shop it pulled the P0013 code and the P0014 code, which I think is another camshaft position sensor code. Anyway, we replaced the exhaust camshaft position sensor (~$47 at Autozone). I reset the computer and drove away and still got the same hard shifts and eventually the check engine light came on again. I took it back to the shop and it wound up giving a whole new set of codes (I can't remember which ones, one was for the catalytic converter, one for an oxygen sensor, and one other sensor that I can't remember). We pulled out the catalytic converter and it was a mess and clearly burnt out. I called the dealership and the part was still under warranty, so they replaced it the next day (thank god it was free because the part would have been $677 - well I would have just straight piped it, but whatever...). Now with the new catalytic converter all of the hard shifts and transmission 'slips' are fixed. I guess the G6 uses the emissions to guide its shifting or something... I really don't know. Anyway, I hope this post helps someone figure out there problems.

- Matthew Z., Muskegon, MI, US

problem #11

Mar 232011

G6 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,000 miles

Fairly new vehicle. Most cars will last at least 75000 miles before you need a repairman. Read other complaints about Pontiac G6's transmissions. They should all be recalled and force Pontiac to fix them for free!!! Shifts rough and check engine light is on. I thought it was just a bad tank of gas. Will be taking it to my mechanic tomorrow.

- Sandy S., West Haven, UT, US

problem #10

Sep 012010

G6 GTP 3.9L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I will never recomend a pontiac or GM product to anyone! I have a 2006 pontiac g6 that shifts like a geo metro. I literaly have a fancy body of a vehical with an old Geo Metro transmission and engine.The tranny shifts like I dumped the tranny, the drive stopped working, and now I have to manually shift but now thats going as well... Thank you pontiac for the lovely car before you shut down the production line... we all can see how hard you worked on the G6 models... I currently have $20,000 left to pay on this vehical and from what I hear, I have to invest $2,000 for a tranny, $350.00 for a tie rod, $250.00 for a solenoid, and all the lovely cosmetics that seem to break with a simple touch Priceless!!.

This is a 2006!!! really??? come on! recall this death trap of a vehical! I garantee most people fix this car before typing an essay! But I want to get the word out that we have been screwed out of thousands of dollars! Back to toyota I go. Atleast toyota can fix there problems and not run away and shut down their production line...

- boulier, Fort Myers, FL, US

problem #9

Nov 182009

G6 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Well this has been going on for awhile and now it's nice to know I'm not the only one with this damn problem... shifting violently- either taking off at stop light or when backing up and feels like you hit something... almost like some rear ended you! Shortly after this the service engine soon light comes on, but not always. I've replaced the MAP sensor, O2 Sensor, and now when taken to autozone- to have it put on the code reader it says Map Sensor or timing chain... what the hell?! It's had like 3 map sensors now!! This is the worst car I've ever had! I've even called Pontiac prior with the steering- knocking- replaced intermediate drive shaft on that... it's on the 3rd one... but thankfully on that one the dealership I bought it at is covering it! But I've never had a car with so many f'n problems. I told Pontiac that I will never own another one!! Wondering if I'm not the only one, why not just recall the damn thing!!!

- rabe, Wichita, KS, US

problem #8

May 082010

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

In April 2010, I just had the drive shaft replaced. It was no under warranty. Paid for it out My warranty expired April 17th and now I having issues with my transmission. I went to the movies and the car went into reverse hard when I was backing up. I thought it was just me because I had have shifted into gear to fast trying to park. Well that it not the case. The car has acted all week like it does not want to go into reverse. This cas is only 4 years old and I should not in my opinion be having any issues. For the transmission shop to look at the transmission I will have to pay a fee. I called my local Pontiac dealer to see if the bitch was still under factory warranty. It is not. I called the GM dealer to see if there are any recalls. There aren't any. Then GM wants to tell me that I have to take it to a certified dealer for them to look at it. What the hell for? It isn't still under warranty and if the Pontiac/GM dealer fixes it I will have to pay them up front.

- Zeneya J., Columbus, GA, US

problem #7

Oct 272009

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,259 miles

my problem started in October 2009. i went to back up and my car jolted so bad i thought i hit something. i got out realized i hadn't. put it in drive and it jumped again. i started driving home and all gears would drag out. i took it to the dealership. they "tested" it said it was my input speed sensor. well that isn't covered under warranty so it costed me $1,200 to fix. okay so i'm go 3 days later pick it up. about November 24th it started doing the same thing. i put it back in the shop and have had my battery, transmission pan, spark plugs and wires, driver side tie rod placed. and still it's doing the same thing. it only does it when my t/c (traction control) light comes on. it'll come on and go off when it gets ready. when it's on i'll be at 4 rpm's in 2nd gear!!!!!! i have thought about trading it in. talked to a lawyer about it being a lemon. still nothing....... now it's going back in the shop on the first. with financing i'm paying 27 thousand dollars for this pos car. so far i have put about 3 grand in repairs on it. ugh i'm so frustrated. if gm knows this car is a piece of f*cking sh*t why not recall it???

- Stacy E., Lagrange, GA, US

problem #6

Sep 242009

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

i ve had this problem for quite a while now,my warranty run out ..i took this car to the shop once when i had warranty..they kept it to drive it for couple day to try to see the problem but car decided not to act up...so i had to pick it up without fixing it with some dents in the door!!!!!........now i have to drive to & from work stopping,turning the car off then turning it back on.& the problem resolve for couple a days before it comes back,,sucks....i hope something be done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- fadwatucker, Collingdale, PA, US

problem #5

Dec 172008

G6 2.4L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

This electonic issue began happening randomly and resulted in my car shifting VIOLENTLY. It was worrisome, but when turned off the car resets in some way (electronicly) and the issue would be gone completely for days or weeks. I had more than one occasion that I started it the harsh shifting began and so I drove straight to the dealer, turned the car off only to find the issue absent so the dealer could fix nothing. I had to have the issue occuring and leave the car running for the dealer to find it (or so they said). They called it an issue with the electronic transmission actutator. It has been fixed for some 30k miles now without furthur problems.

- okpillpusher, Watonga, OK, US

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