2006 Pontiac G6

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,910 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 7 times.

Avoid One of the Pontiac G6 years to avoid: 2.1× the complaints of a typical G6 year. Which Pontiac G6 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

1,581 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2006 Pontiac G6 problems

1,100 of the 1,910 complaints (58%) are about the steering.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering1,041
35117
Electrical System126
342
Service Brakes · brakes89
914
Exterior Lighting · headlights76
100
Air Bags · airbags73
1108
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system69
000
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights · headlights37
101
Power Train · transmission32
000
Engine31
121
Steering › Electric Power Assist System28
000

2006 Pontiac G6 steering problems

58% of all complaints

1,100 of the 1,910 complaints are about the steering. This is what owners describe:

  • loses steering assist or the wheel locks27% · 297
  • sets off warning lights on the dash17% · 186
  • loses power11% · 117
  • knocks, grinds or clunks9% · 97
  • vibrates or shakes6% · 63
  • jerks, lurches or bucks4% · 40

Share of the 1,100 steering complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
72,000 mi
median of 943 reports
Peak year of filing
2010
236 steering complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
40 · 2 · 22
in these complaints
“The vehicle experienced a complete failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) motor, matching the identical failure symptoms of NHTSA Recall 15V064000, but this specific VIN is excluded from the campaign. Operating this vehicle without electronic power assist put extreme torsional stress on the manual steering linkage over time.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 6, 2026
“When first started sometimes power steering does not work. Temporary fix is to restart the car. It's gone out while I was driving. This is very scary and hard to turn when it goes out.”
Owner complaint, filed May 14, 2026

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2005: 2 complaints, 0 about the steering'052006: 29 complaints, 5 about the steering2007: 65 complaints, 30 about the steering'072008: 127 complaints, 84 about the steering2009: 226 complaints, 165 about the steering'092010: 294 complaints, 236 about the steering2011: 150 complaints, 97 about the steering'112012: 110 complaints, 60 about the steering2013: 144 complaints, 44 about the steering'132014: 259 complaints, 131 about the steering2015: 106 complaints, 49 about the steering'152016: 71 complaints, 27 about the steering2017: 73 complaints, 34 about the steering'172018: 72 complaints, 27 about the steering2019: 52 complaints, 28 about the steering'192020: 38 complaints, 25 about the steering2021: 29 complaints, 18 about the steering'212022: 13 complaints, 11 about the steering2023: 18 complaints, 12 about the steering'232024: 12 complaints, 6 about the steering2025: 12 complaints, 8 about the steering'252026: 8 complaints, 3 about the steeringRecall 06V417000 (airbags)Recall 09V036000 (headlights)Recall 14V153000 (steering)Recall 14V224000 (transmission)Recall 15V064000 (steering)NHTSA investigation EA13005NHTSA investigation RQ13001NHTSA investigation PE08054NHTSA investigation PE07023
All complaintsAbout the steeringRecall (red: the steering)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2006 G6 peaked in 2010, with 294 filed that year. Owners had filed 745 complaints about the steering before the first recall that covers it, 14V153000 in March 2014; 355 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 8 so far.

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Steering › Electric Power Assist System15V064000
Filed Feb 4, 201569,633 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2006, and 2006-2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured April 18, 2006, to June 30, 2006. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Risk. If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14772. Note: This is an expansion of recall 14V-153 to cover additional vehicles built between April 1, 2006 and June 30, 2006.

Steering14E044000
Filed Jul 21, 20147,304 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.

Defect. Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.

Risk. A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)14V252000
Filed May 14, 20142,440,524 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Risk. Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift14V224000
Filed Apr 30, 20141,131,113 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. 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 year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

Risk. If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

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. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System14V153000
Filed Mar 31, 20141,373,177 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. 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. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Risk. If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights09V036000
Filed Jan 30, 20098,012 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING 8,012 MY 2005-2006 PONTIAC G6 VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY BECAUSE OF CORROSION IN A WIRING CONNECTOR. CORROSION IN THE CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE LAMPS TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS NOT BEEN DEPRESSED, OR THE LAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY NOT ENGAGE, AND GREATER BRAKE PEDAL FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK.

Risk. BRAKE LAMPS THAT ARE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY MAY NOT WARN A DRIVER IN A FOLLOWING VEHICLE OF THE BRAKING STATUS AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL APPLY A DIELECTRIC LUBRICANT TO THE CONNECTOR TO PREVENT CORROSION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FOR YOU FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1- 800-620-7668 OR OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Air Bags › Frontal06V417000
Filed Oct 31, 2006794 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.

Risk. IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.

Remedy. BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 4 name the 2006 G6.

Brake Light Switch/Sensor MalfunctionEngineering analysis EA13005Closed
Opened Jun 6, 2013Closed Jul 1, 2014Led to recall 14V252000headlights

On May 14, 2014 General Motors (GM) announced a recall action (14V-252) involving model year (MY) 2004-12 Chevrolet Malibu, MY 2004-07 Malibu Maxx, MY 2005-10 Pontiac G6 and MY 2007-10 Saturn Aura vehicles.An increased resistance can develop in the Body Control Module connection systems and result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS, or brake light switch) circuit that can cause the brake lamps to malfunction.As a result, and according to GM, the brake lamps may illuminate when pedal application is not being applied or may not illuminate when pedal force is …

Brake Light MalfunctionRecall query RQ13001Closed
Opened Feb 4, 2013Closed Jun 6, 2013headlights

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-001 on February 4, 2013 in response to complaints alleging that the brake lights do not operate properly on model year (MY) 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles. Complainants allege that the brake lights illuminate when the brake pedal is not depressed, and turn off once the brake pedal is applied. In addition the driver may have difficulty shifting out of PARK, or the cruise control may not engage properly. In response to ODI?s Information Request, General Motors (GM) submitted a significant number of warranty claims and over 1, 100 …

STOP LAMP MALFUNCTIONPreliminary evaluation PE08054Closed
Opened Sep 15, 2008Closed Jan 30, 2009Led to recall 09V036000electrical system

Gm notified the agency by letter dated january 28, 2009, that it will conduct a safety recall of pontiac g6 vehicles built from january 3 through january 31, 2005.vehicles produced during this time period have shown a highly elevated incident rate of improper operation of the brake lamps. Odi opened this investigation after receiving reports that consumers would use their brakes and discover that the brake lamps would not illuminate.also, consumers report that the brake lamps would illuminate when the brake pedal was not applied.odi's review of the complaint data finds that the complaint rate …

LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTPreliminary evaluation PE07023Closed
Opened Apr 25, 2007Closed Sep 25, 2007steering

During this investigation, general motors (GM) indicated that approximately 15,600 model year (my) 2005 pontiac g6 vehicles built from november 3, 2004 through january 5, 2005 may experience a loss of power steering assist due to an insufficient crimp at the torque and position sensor transducer located in the steering column assembly. Gm has indicated that it plans to send letters to the owners of these vehicles to inform them that it will extend the warranty coverage for the eps system in their vehicles to 7 years or 70,000 miles.statistical analysis of the failures in the population …

Technical service bulletins

755 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2006 G6. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 277engine 117electrical system 110transmission 46equipment adaptive/mobility 34visibility 33wheels 25tires 17
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

PIT5236GService campaignMar 31, 2016electrical system

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …

SB-10134-AWarranty extensionSep 1, 2013transmission

SATURN/PONTIAC/CHEVROLET: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. WARRANTY EXTENSION ON CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *PE UPDATED 2/06/12. *PE UPDATED 11/29/13. *PE

10134CWarranty extensionSep 1, 2013engine

Special Coverage Adjustment ? Catalytic Converter Warranty Extension

120232002BService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 5, 2020steering

This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.

PI0671AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 17, 2017steering

This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.

14116Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 1, 2014steering

Electric Power Steering Assist

SB-0000188787-AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 31, 2014steering

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

SB-07-02-32-002NService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 1, 2013steering

BUICK/CADILLAC/CHEVROLET/GMC/PONTIAC/ SATURN: THERE IS FLUID LEAKING FROM POWER STEERING SYSTEM, ALONG A FLUID LEAK IN FRONT OF VEHICLE UNDERNEATH AND SHOULD BE INSPECTED, CLEANED AND IDENTIFIED BEFORE REPAIRING OR REPLACING. MODEL 2010-14 LACROSSE, 2011-14 REGAL, 2007-14 ESCALADE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, YUKON, YUKON XL, YUKON DENALI, YUKON DENALI XL, 2013-14 …

12-02-32-002AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 4, 2013steering

This technical bulletin provides a revision for 12-02-32-002 to add the 2013-2014 model years, add noise as a possible condition and add a Note in the Instructions section.

Showing the newest 6 of 12 bulletins about the steering, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Sep 2, 2026OR

While driving I'm going around a corner and the steering was grabbing and getting tight I had to mussel the car home then it stopped doing it the again and again now my steering has not power steering and when I back up it grabs sometimes out of my hands and almost breaks my arm. This car is a death trap. There were no warnings till it happened

Steering
Filed Jul 6, 2026MT

The vehicle experienced a complete failure of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) motor, matching the identical failure symptoms of NHTSA Recall 15V064000, but this specific VIN is excluded from the campaign. Operating this vehicle without electronic power assist put extreme torsional stress on the manual steering linkage over time. On August 14, 2025, while executing a low-speed turn in a drive-through, the intermediate steering shaft suffered a catastrophic structural failure and completely snapped in half. This resulted in an immediate, total loss of steering control and required the vehicle to be flatbed towed from the scene. The subsequent free-spinning of the steering wheel also tore and destroyed the internal airbag clockspring, disabling the driver's safety restraint system. Photographic evidence of the failure and the resulting tow has been retained. A safety defect file must be opened as this excluded VIN presents a severe public hazard due to the unaddressed factory EPS defect.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 27, 2026MS

Recall I got a electric problem plus air bags problem plus TC problem 🙄

Steering
Filed May 14, 2026TX

When first started sometimes power steering does not work. Temporary fix is to restart the car. It's gone out while I was driving. This is very scary and hard to turn when it goes out.

Air Bags
Filed May 7, 2026LA

Airbag light staying on dash and the passenger seat does not register a person sitting in it. The passage seat bag alert does not making a sound

Electrical System
Filed May 5, 2026IA

I have the warning power steering on my dash and it’s getting harder to steer and turn then it quits and does it again it’s not safe at all

Engine
Filed Apr 24, 2026VA

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.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 8, 2026OH

My son was driving the car and had a friend with him. they were involved in an accident which he tboned anoehr car. the driver air bad deployed but that was the only one. no other bad deployed and caused injury to windshield of passenger and caused injury to my son from drivers door.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 27, 2025MO

The electronic stability control has failed, due to sway bar links are worn out and causing wheels to vigorously wobble causing the Eps input circuit to shut down the system to avoid overloading the circuit and burning up the module , I believe the recall hasn't been fixed , Can you please consider the issue as dangerous and repair my car ... I am not trying to say this but I am homeless and dependent on the car for shelter as well as transportation... Please note don't use last statement to show sympathy on me ... I am doing ok today, Thank you, have a blessed day

Air Bags
Filed Dec 6, 2025MO

Power steering loss in dangerous weather conditions and almost lost control and I'm not going to feel safe until I find a way to get it repaired recall (15V064)

Steering
Filed Oct 29, 2025150,000 milesNY

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.

Steering
Filed Aug 7, 202591,000 milesPA

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.

Steering
Filed Jun 6, 2025KY

My power steering went out and there is recall and mine hasn’t been fixed

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 31, 2025IL

On kelly blue book, my 2006 pontiac g6 has a recall for power steering which is the number 1 recall for the exact make and model in other people’s cars, but the recall is not showing on the nhtsa. power steering does not work and the steering wheel shakes a lot. i just bought the car in late december

Steering
Filed Mar 31, 2025IL

Recall history for my car says that the recall has been taken care of for the power steering, but the car has power steering issues very badly

Steering
Filed Mar 17, 2025NC

Twice in the last week my power steering quit. The first time, it happened after I had driven about 10 miles. When I put it in reverse to park my car, it quit working and was very difficult to turn the wheel. I managed to get it parked. After letting the car sit overnight, I started it and it was ok. Then again after driving it home, it failed again when I put it in reverse to park it. I currently have it parked at my house and haven’t driven it anymore.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 11, 2025MN

Steering and steering wheel shakey and the power steering randomly goes out.

Steering
Filed Mar 3, 2025ND

Power steering went out while I was driving it on 3-2-25. It happened before, on 2-5-25, and I took it to my service person right away. There was a message that said no power steering. Turning was a danger to myself and others because I do not have the arm strength to turn very well.

Steering
Filed Feb 10, 2025MI

When driving I can’t steer correctly steering wheel goes stiff where I can’t turn the electric powering light comes on

Steering
Filed Feb 1, 2025SD

When I go to pull into a parking spot or leave a parking lot I sometimes (often) hear a dinging sound then all of the sudden I lose power steering to where I almost hit the cars around me. There has been the same make, model and year of my car that has had a previous recall for electric power steering assist (eps) in the past

Electrical System
Filed Oct 23, 2024AK

While driving the vehicle, the break lights are on, when you stop, or press the break peddle, the break lights go out, therefore giving no warning to the vehicles behind you.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 18, 2024OH

I have had to get 3 new keys made for this car due to the security light coming on, sometimes it will not crank or start, so I have replaced the starter twice, have replaced relays and fuses, and the security light will come on while drive down the road and all gauges drop to zero, even the gas light says empty and every light on the dash comes on. But the car will still drive. But once you turn it off it will not start for a few hours! It’s impossible to find parts for Pontiac anymore so everything has to be ordered! This should’ve been recalled a long time ago!

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 13, 2024MI

My brake light switch keeps going out which makes it to where my brake lights are on until i press on the brakes then the brake light goes off. i have a 06 G6. i have had it replaced two times and it went out again. has anyone had this problem and what can i do to make sure it doesnt keep going out. my mechanic says its the way it is designed but this has happened 3 times in three months!

Electrical System
Filed Sep 11, 2024WI

The electric power steering went out while driving. I could not steer the car. Very dangeres in traffic. The Torque Sensor failed which controls the power steering. There is a recall on the issue (#14772) but my Vin is not listed.

Steering
Filed Aug 3, 2024IL

The cars power steering keeps going in and out as I’m driving down the road. I’ve noticed similar incidents reported concerning this issue and I am unsure why my vehicle is not included in the recalls.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 22, 2024IN

Brake lights are illuminating when accelerating (when brake pedal is NOT depressed) and are NOT illuminating when actually braking (when brake pedal IS depressed). I found GM recalls for this, but they are not attributed to my car, hence the recall that took place for this was not wide enough / did not cover all vehicles affected. (Recall 80317) (A poor electrical connection at the brake light switch could result in various electrical issues, one of which would be the brake lights failing to work, increasing the risk of a crash. GM IS RECALLING 8,012 MY 2005-2006 PONTIAC G6 VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY BECAUSE OF CORROSION IN A WIRING CONNECTOR. CORROSION IN THE CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE LAMPS TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS NOT BEEN DEPRESSED, OR THE LAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY NOT ENGAGE, AND GREATER BRAKE PEDAL FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK.)

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 14, 2024NY

Nothing happened but I would like to get this fixed because of the open recalls

Steering
Filed Apr 8, 2024MO

Sudden loss of power steering and leaks

Steering
Filed Mar 8, 2024WI

Power steering torque sensor. My wife was picking up my daughter and the power steering light came on the display and she couldn't steer got scared almost crashed. When the car is at idle the wheel just shakes.

Steering
Filed Feb 15, 2024IA

When I was driving the power steering went completely out, almost causing me to wreck… turned car off and on, it was working fine the boom happened again. I notice reading previous recalls this has been an issue in the past

Steering
Filed Feb 14, 202489,000 milesMO

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.

SteeringCrash
Filed Jan 11, 2024184,000 milesPA

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.

SteeringCrash
Filed Dec 28, 2023WI

The power steering intermittently goes out even after the recall repair. This caused an accident on 12/1/23

Steering
Filed Sep 27, 2023IN

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power steering pump/Module, Break light, and Head lights How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Power steering/module went out while driving and almost cause an accident. The break and head light have gone out shortly after changing them and caused me to receive a Warning ticket. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No but I can take it in to the nearest dealership to have a report made. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Police Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? the error for the power steering/module came on as it was failing. no head light or break light warning.

Steering
Filed Sep 17, 2023IA

On several occasions my steering has went out and i recieved a power steering notice on my radio.The car is extremely difficult to steer making it dangerous

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 20, 2023PA

Windshield , driver side mirror

Steering
Filed Jul 8, 2023NC

Unknown

Steering
Filed Jul 7, 2023MO

Sometimes when I get in the car my power steering don’t work an it says power steering on the radio screen an my wheel is hard to turn like there’s no power steering then sometimes when I get in it works just fine

Engine
Filed Jul 6, 2023113,000 milesIL

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.

Air Bags
Filed May 31, 2023180,000 milesLA

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag service required message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 180,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 27, 2023LA

After I got my car serviced for a recall on my transmission cables my dash started flashing passenger air bag and now my cars airbags do not work

Unknown or Other
Filed May 18, 2023VT

N/A

Steering
Filed Apr 25, 2023180,000 milesSD

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.

Steering
Filed Apr 9, 2023AZ

Sometimes when I start my car, my power steering doesn’t engage and I have to turn my car off and turn it back on for power steering to engage. My car is currently pulling heavily to the driver side and when I am idling, my steering wheel is shaking and rocking. Sometimes when I am driving down the road my car will jerk to one side or the other as my wheel will jerk it that way. And there’s been a couple of times as I’m turning or just driving and my power steering will cut out and I have to yank the car to the side.

Steering
Filed Apr 3, 2023188,000 milesMN

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 manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.

Steering
Filed Apr 3, 2023OH

While driving the car the electrical power steering randomly goes out often during a turn making it extremely hard to complete a turn and avoid hitting something the part has had a recall on other pontiac g6 cars and the electrical power steering goes out without warning it happens suddenly and immediately while driving.

Steering
Filed Mar 27, 2023MN

I was pulling into interstate I-94 and my electric power steering failed. Vehicle was steerable with much effort. Caused veering across center line with failure no warning message until failure. GM dealership said part had already been replaced, and wouldn't warranty repair.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 14, 2023MO

Power steering warning on radio, never once did a warning light on dash come up. This started at about 193,000 miles. Turning over car constantly to get my power steering to start. About a month after it just went out while driving approximately 40 mph. Kept pulling over to restart car, never turned back on. Potential wreck trying to turn to get into work parking lot when the car wouldn’t turn. Dealerships claim my car was fixed already years ago, however this problem with the steering started again apparently at about 193,000 miles. The steering wheel started jerking and shaking when the car was idle around the same time the power steering message came across the radio. The car would also randomly lock my horn, didn’t realize it could do that until I couldn’t honk when someone was merging into me.

Steering
Filed Jan 19, 2023CO

The power steering in my vehicle quit working. Sometimes it will work when I start the car and then it just goes out randomly. I took it to the dealership and they said it's a power steering assist motor and a power steering torque sensor. When I looked it up it seems there was a recall for the exact same thing in this type of car but there are none associated w/ my vin #. I called GM & they said it was serviced already due to a recall for the same issue & any further issues are my own expense. Power steering not working randomly is definitely a safety issue. There are only about 65,000 miles on the vehicle.

Steering
Filed Jan 6, 2023TX

I went to the dealer to fix a power steering issue where the vehicle becomes dangerous to drive due to the power steering randomly shutting off. There is a recall associated with this and someone who had the vehicle before me may have replaced the steering column unaware of the recall. They may have replaced it with a vehicle from the junk yard that never went in for the recall on the electronic steering assist. The dealer, Friendly Chevrolet of Dallas-tx, out me and all who drives the vehicle at risk due to lacking the adult reasoning skills to comprehend that just because the steering column was replaced that doesn't 100% correlate to the safety recall being fixed. The vehicle is dangerous and the incompetence in GM's hiring practices for service technicians has put lives at risk. GM should have hiring practices to weed out any employee that stupid with simple pre-employment logic questions included in their pre-employment screening and having such questions be highly impactful in regards to to being offered employment. For a mistake this dangerous GM and all employees associated with the hiring of the 'service technician'/mechanic should be fired along with all customer service agents who are employed by GM and failed to properly address such a dangerous issue.

Complaints 1-50 of 1,910, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20141000Routine
2010272310Above average
20097135200High concern
20081,0805193Fatalities reported
20071,2325241Fatalities reported
2006 — this page1,9107112Fatalities reported
2005679640Above average
20042000Routine
20031000Routine

Compare every G6 year →

2006 Pontiac G6: questions buyers ask

Is the 2006 Pontiac G6 a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the G6 years to avoid: owners filed 1,910 complaints, 2.1 times as many as a typical G6 year. The most common complaint is about the steering (58%).

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Pontiac G6?

The steering: 1,100 of the 1,910 complaints (58%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses steering assist or the wheel locks (27%), sets off warning lights on the dash (17%) and loses power (11%). The typical report comes at 72,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2006 Pontiac G6 have?

7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Feb 4, 2015. The largest, 14V252000, covered 2,440,524 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2006 Pontiac G6 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 75,000 miles. For the steering the midpoint is 72,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2006 Pontiac G6?

Yes, 4 times. The latest, EA13005 ("Brake Light Switch/Sensor Malfunction"), was opened Jun 6, 2013 and closed Jul 1, 2014.

Are there service bulletins for the 2006 Pontiac G6?

The manufacturer filed 755 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (117), the electrical system (110) and the transmission (46). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 4, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.