Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Pontiac G6 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Midas. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to an undisclosed dealer and the contact was informed that the engine failed due to the timing belt and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started pulling to the right. The steering wheel was forcefully returned to the center. Additionally, on other occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. There were two unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering wheel warning light was illuminated, and that the torque steering sensor and lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
My car stopped working all of a sudden in the middle of the road. no warning signs were made nor any of my lights came on. it's rough running and never stays on long to drive. when i brake it completely shuts off. it overheats without the temperature gauge telling me it is. i don't know exactly what is wrong but it's not working now. i couldn't go over 35 mph without it shutting off either.
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Pontiac G6. While the vehicle was stuck on a snow embankment, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact was shifting the gear from drive and reverse numerous times while her son was attempting to push the vehicle out of the snow embankment. A burning odor was detected and, a short time later, the vehicle caught on fire. The police and fire department were contacted and the fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer (jd byrider, [phone]) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that they were not liable due to the vehicle being deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. While driving at various speeds, the contact noticed a burning oil odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the oil filter housing adaptor seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the oil pan, water pump and the cross over pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.
My wheel an brakes locked while I was driving causing me to hit two cars parked my airbags never came out the driver side tire an front end busted fluids leak out an it happened on a city street vechile was towed
The car had a "ticking" sound for 3 weeks. The sound starts when you start the car and does not go away. Last week the car abruptly stop and shut off. When I attempted to re-start the car it smelled like something was burning so I left it go and took it to a mechanic. They say the car is crap..the engine locked up and part of the piston broke off and flew into the motor, damaging it. Thank god we were not on the highway where the speed limit is 70 MPH when this happen. Now we are stuck with a car that is not worth repairing and no one wants it for a trade in nor will the loan go away. These cars should be pulled off the market.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. While driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel shook uncontrollably. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and turned off the engine. The vehicle was restarted and able to drive normally; however, sometimes the failure would persist. The contact also stated that the engine warning indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 193,000.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. While making a left or right turn the vehicle stalled without warning. She was able to move the vehicle onto the emergency lane. The check engine light illuminated after the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the computer caused the failure to occur. The vehicle was repaired. Approximately a year ago, she experienced brake failure when the brakes were applied and crashed into the vehicle in-front of her. The failure mileage was 33,005 and the current mileage was 35,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. While driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the vehicle lost power and stalled. Additionally, the security system engaged and the electric power steering and air bag warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 95358554395b. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Engine complaints in other G6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Pontiac G6?
NHTSA has 88 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Pontiac G6, 5% of the model year's 1,910 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Pontiac G6 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Pontiac G6, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Pontiac G6 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 3 fires and 5 injuries and 1 death to engine & cooling 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.