Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Pontiac G6 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel started vibrating and became difficult to turn. Additionally, the steering wheel was turning to the left independently. The contact stated that the power steering warning light and the power train warning light were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence. The contact stated that the steering wheel was stuck in a left turn position and would not return to center. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) however, the recall was previously completed on the vehicle. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Car in to GM dealer unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition (GM extending the warranty coverage on my vehicle for the loss of power steering caused by electrical input signals within the steering column assembly. If this condition occurs on your 2005 Pontiac G6 within 150,000 miles the condition will be repaired for you at no charge. I contacted marty malone & mike sutton @columbiana Buick,Cadillac,Chevrolet on 7-20-17 @ around 3:00 pm .showed them the letter with the recall #10183 and told them that this problem has just occurred this year 2017 and my mileage is 141,000 now. Want to get this taken care of as soon as possible for this is unsatisfactory and dangerous to drive. Don't want this to happen again & to correct power steering motor controller unit with no charge. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10-15 MPH, the steering wheel ceased. The vehicle was towed to randy marion Buick GMC (13701 statesville rd huntersville, nc 28078) where the failure was diagnosed as steering gear assembly failure. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering) but was informed by the dealer that the failure was not associated with the recall. The contact was informed that would provide repair for open recall NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.
GM has sent multiple letters regarding the power steering recall. They say they do not have parts and they actually encourage owners to continue driving even at a risk of power steering loss and accident. I was backing out of my driveway when my G6 lost power steering causing me to hit an obstruction. GM is a terrible company and the us government is allowing this joke of a recall. Hold GM accountable and make them either fix the recall in 5 business days or buy these cars from us at market value. I will be sending my congressman and senator the same letter telling them of my poor treatment.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle began to roll away in reverse with the gear shifter in the drive position. The contact attempted to engage the emergency brake lever, but the vehicle continued to roll away. The contact had to turn the vehicle off to stop the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle, it failed to restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 14V224000 (power train), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. While attempting to shift the vehicle into gear from the park position, the transmission shift cable fractured. The vehicle was repaired in 2017 per NHTSA campaign number: 14V224000 (power train). Hennessy Buick GMC (located at 7261 jonesboro rd, morrow, ga 30260, [phone]) was contacted by phone and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact owned a 2006 model that also experienced the same failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. While driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact received a notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (steering) and believed the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000. The consumer had the vehicle repaired at an independent dealer. The consumer was seeking reimbursement for the repairs and for the rental car. Updated 05/10/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while in park, the vehicle began to roll backwards without warning. In addition, the contact stated she was able to remove her keys but the vehicle continued to roll away. The brake pedal required to be depressed in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,000. Updated 07/27/16 the consumer referenced a shifter cable recall. Updated 07/28/1996.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. While driving at 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission shift cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.
Over a short time the transmission kept trying to go in to 1st gear but would slip and go into 2nd gear. It has the right transmission fluid. The shift cable works but when I change to reverse or drive it won't go into gear and basically sits there in no gear. It goes into park but when I put it to drive it doesnt go into any gear and sits there as if it's in neutral
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule.
Transmission complaints in other G6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Pontiac G6?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Pontiac G6, 7% of the model year's 679 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Pontiac G6 transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-224 (floor shift, Apr 30, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Pontiac G6 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.