Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Pontiac G6 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver, and the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted several times for the power steering function to reset. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred several times. The failure was associated with the steering wheel torque angle sensor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering wheel torque angle sensor needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 54,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost steering functionality. The contact stated that as his daughter turned off and restarted the vehicle several times and the steering wheel functionality returned; however, the steering was shaking. The TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving and turning. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) was previously repaired. The contact was informed that the recall repair was a one-time free repair and that she would be responsible to pay out of pocket for any repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the "Power Steering Fault" message was displayed. The contact pulled over, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering); however, the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall in 2014, and the replacement part had started to fail. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle while driving. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with an electrical power steering assist failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel then independently turned. The contact stated that the steering wheel had previously became inoperable and seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the torque sensor unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the rack and pinion and intermediate steering shaft replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
On 08/05/2020, my car was serviced by our local GM dealership to have 3 open recalls fixed. They replaced my steering torque sensor and power steering assist motor due to the power steering going out at random. As of April 2022, I am once again having power steering issues. The steering wheel shakes back and forth, and occasionally will throw an error code and stop working. This requires me to pull over, shut the car off, and restart the car several times while manually moving the steering wheel to get it to work without throwing an error code. I used my own scan tool to diagnose the problem, and I'm getting a code "C0545-00 Steering Wheel Torque Input Sensor". This would be the same sensor that was supposedly replaced less than two years ago. I contacted the dealership, and they stated that they do not guarantee recall work, and that all services are performed "as-is". …
Power steering is disabled while driving sometimes. In the past few weeks, right after starting the car, "POWER STEERING" will appear on the drivers information center, and the steering wheel will not turn unless using much more than normal force. Turning off and restarting the car eventually returns steering wheel to normal operation. Within the past few days the power steering has been disable while actively driving. Vehicle will start with no issues relating to power steering, but after a random time period while driving the "POWER STEERING" warning is displayed again. This has caused an immediate and unexpected return to fully manual steering while driving; much more force is needed to turn the steering wheel. This could be dangerous if in the middle of a turn power steering is disabled. Vehicle has not been inspected, yet.
Power steering has been going out all of a sudden. The steering wheel locks up and is difficult to turn. My safety and the safety of others around me was put at risk because I cannot easily turn the wheel and respond to a situation quickly if I needed to. I basically have to drive in a straight line and not turn. Turning the car on and off seems to help for a little while but the problem still continues. I have not taken the car to be looked at by anyone.The words "power steering" flashed across the radio. This first started to happen when the wheel started to lock up a few days ago. The vehicle has a separate issue were the seat belt monitor does not work for the drivers side. It dings even if I am buckled up.
While driving my 2008 Pontiac G6 Base, I lost electrician power to the vehicle, on my car it utilizes an electric power steering module instead of fluid and a pump. When I lost power to the car the wheel became stiff but when I regained power the steering column while the vehicle was in motion did what I can only describe as "Forced knockback or steering" as when I attempted to tightly turn the wheel or turn at all the car steering wheel would yank the wheel free from my hands and prevent turning. This is extremely dangerous and especially if the car would be at high speeds or speeds needed to reach normal highway travel like 50 to 65 mph.
Related recalls
Steering › Electric power assist system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014.
Steering complaints in other G6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Pontiac G6?
NHTSA has 420 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Pontiac G6, 39% of the model year's 1,080 complaints. The component named most often is column (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Pontiac G6 steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-153 (electric power assist system, Mar 31, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Pontiac G6 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 2 fires and 8 injuries and 1 death to steering 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.