2006 Pontiac G6 Steering Problems

Which parts fail

• Electric power assist system
  36
• Column
  17
• Hydraulic power assist system
  7
• Rack and pinion › Rack
  3
• Linkages › Tie rod assembly
  2
• Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
  2

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  757%
• 25k–50k
  18818%
• 50k–75k
  25525%
• 75k–100k
  18118%
• 100k–150k
  21221%
• 150k+
  12012%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Pontiac G6 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owned a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed causing the driver to lose control of the steering and crash into a utility pole. During crash, the utility pole was damaged and the driver's air bag did deploy as intended. No injuries were reported and a police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an undisclosed location. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V054000(Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 184,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, nearly causing the contact to crash into a ditch. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact decelerated and veered to the side of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle and inspected under the hood. The contact became aware that the power steering was electric, and he verified the fuses were in good condition. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed; however, the failure reoccurred after driving several miles. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously included in an unknown power steering failure recall; however, the recall had expired, and the parts had been discontinued. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. …

The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that the failure was self-corrected after 45 minutes of driving the vehicle. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the steering torque sensor assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 91,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stopped independently. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: N162075260 (Brake Lamp Malfunction); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the program, and to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 150,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle as both the power steering and battery warning lights would illuminate on the instrument panel. During one instance, the contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled as both warning lights illuminated the instrument panel. The contact also stated that recently the steering wheel would jerk out of her control and move in the opposite direction than intended. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000(Steering). The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 247,000.

The contact's daughter owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist. The contact stated that an automated voice feature alerted his daughter that the power steering had failed. His daughter managed to drive the vehicle home and upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact stated that the power steering resumed normal operation. The contact called the dealer and was informed that NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering) had been closed for the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred him back to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and the steering wheel became stiff without warning. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the steering wheel remained stiff. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering) and provided no further assistance. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle needed to be taken to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 180,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, and making a lane change, the vehicle lost power steering assist. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that power steering engaged upon restarting the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer and the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact independently researched online and read that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and pulling into a parking space, the steering wheel became stiff and failed to turn. The power steering failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the electric steering assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V064000 (Steering) but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

The contact's son owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The contact's son turned off the vehicle and after restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. There was a warning light displaying the vehicle with a lock across illuminated. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Steering complaints in other G6 years