Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (electronic stability control and traction control).
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).
To whom it May concern: on November 03, 2017, my 2006 Pontiac G6 gtp, automobile was involved in an accident that flipped and crashed and causing serious injuries. The vehicle was going straight on the hwy and the car lost steering power and the car went to the right of the hwy. I was surprised to learn at that time there has been several recalls issued on this vehicle. Since purchasing this vehicle in 2013, I have only received one recall notice in 2015 and I took my Pontiac 06 G6 gtp to oaks GMC dealer to be fixed by GM, and I was not aware of any other recalls about the power steering until I found research through NHTSA after the accident, NHTSA recall identification number 15V064000,
On approximately 13 different occasions over the last 2 months (while on a city street at 25mph, and while on a state highway with a speed limit of 65mph) all instrument panel gauges go crazy and suddenly dropped to zero. 'power steering' message and 'low fuel' light (had a full tank of gas) was shown on the radio message center, along with warning sounds, and 'error' was displayed in the odometer window. Gauges continued fluctuating repeatedly from normal and/or correct ranges, to zero, and continued sounding/showing warning sounds and error messages for approx 5-6 minutes. Then all gauges dropped to zero and stayed there, car engine was cutting in and out and radio stopped working. Pulled off the road, did not have a loss of power steering. Parked car, shut off, removed key, opened door and restarted car. …
ABS and traction control lights on dash came on during a routine drive, and remain on. Had mechanic inspect- concluded that both sensors working, malfunction due to no electricity being delivered. As a result, critical crash avoidance features (both anti-lock brake and traction control are critical) are disabled / failing. Repair would require tracing wire back to point of issue. Before having a private mechanic address, I learned of recall for this specific issue (NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000) effective aug 18, 2014, whereby GM to address wiring harness with spacers and dielectrical lubricant. Contacted general motors on this and told no open recall; told that it was already addressed by service at devan Chevrolet, wilton ct on aug 13, 2015. …
At 60,000 miles the power steering alert came on the dic and the steering was very hard. I turned the car off and back on and it reset. I didn't have any issues until recently. I replaced the whole steering column and everything to do with the suspension in this car costing me over $2500 dollars. The past month the wheel has been shaking badly and when driving the steering wheel will pull each way and have play and sometimes be stiff. This is a serious issue as I've almost caused myself to get in many accidents. This needs to be resolved by GM. I've taken it many times and my car VIN isn't under the recall. The car now just eclipsed over 100,000 miles and need to keep this car through the winter but I'm afraid with the winters we have in buffalo, I'm going to be seriously hurt. The cost to fix the jpower steering motor is over $1,000 and I'm not putting any more money into this car. …
My 2006 Pontiac G6 has been giving my wife issues while she is driving. At random times, the power steering goes out, ABS sensor comes on, and the lights inside and outside the car start to dim. This has caused her to nearly have an accident and is unsafe for the road. I replaced the battery and the alternator because it seemed like a power issue, but there was more behind the issue. Whenever I called my GM dealer, they told me there was an extended warranty on the vehicle and they would replace the torque sensors in the power steering system if the vehicle was under 150,000 miles. Since I was never notified by GM of this extended warranty issue and had to call them directly to find out there was an issue, my vehicle has 155,000 miles on it and they will not fix it.
The car lost power steering and was virtually incapable of driving. This only occurs when trying to park or driving at very low speeds. I was unable to parallel park and as a result it took over 30 minutes of effort to try and get my car correctly into the spot. I had to keep shutting the car off and turning it back on to try and get the wheel to turn. This would only briefly fix the steering for a matter of seconds and was still hard to turn during those seconds. Eventually, I just gave up and moved my car into a spot that did not require parallel parking. However, this too was an issue to park. I have had this issue numerous times and it posses as a serious safely issue when using the car.
Transmission isn't shifting, and shift cable came apart somewhere. Several cars just like mine have been recalled due to this same thing happening, but mine isn't?? Car doesn't have even 135,000 miles. Electrical system is shorting out somewhere, and is draining my battery. Power steering is working against me or not working at all. This all happened around the same time... Please help me get this figured out, I'm not the only one having this issue, it is definitely an issue with several thousand of these cars just like mine and mine doesn't fall under the recall notice??? Tell me why not??
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH during inclement weather, the traction control system failed causing the contact to crash into a wall. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel and was difficult to maneuver. The contact also stated that while parked, the vehicle shifted out of gear. Additionally, the front passenger tie rod, ball joint, and the hub wore out prematurely. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 36,000.
During slippery road conditions, when I apply brakes, even at low speeds like 5mph, the traction control interferes with brakes and car does not allows me to apply brake. I feel this strong vibration in the brake pedal and can hear some mechanical noise. Its life threatening in winters to drive this car with family. Physically by brakes and rotors are in good condition. Seems like problem with traction control or ABS.
Power steering goes out without warning. This happens randomly when driving. Most recent was driving home from new york on Friday and it went out. It comes back without warning as well. It is working fine now. Brake lights are on when driving and go off when the brakes are applied. This happens 95 percent of the time with them working the correct way getting less and less frequent.
Traction Control complaints in other G6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2006 Pontiac G6?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2006 Pontiac G6, 2% of the model year's 1,910 complaints. The component named most often is automatic (asc) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Pontiac G6 traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control 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 traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to stability & traction control 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.