The 2006 Pontiac G6 has 1,909 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 1,218 complaints, typically surfacing around 85,124 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
7
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2006 G6?
Avoid — the steering
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.
1 fatality report and 4 fire-related complaints on the steering
Electrical system: 135 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 46,000–125,000 mi
Reliability score 5.0/10 — around the segment average
7 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2006 Pontiac G6? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 1218 owner reports
· tends to show around 85,124 mi · ~$700 to fix
electrical — 135 owner reports
· tends to show around 88,169 mi · ~$850 to fix
lighting — 129 owner reports
· tends to show around 78,576 mi · ~$250 to fix
brakes — 74 owner reports
· tends to show around 67,799 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
critical on this model
, showing up around 85,124 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 7 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2006 G6· steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac g6. When attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle could not be driven unless it was restarted. The contact notified pitre Buick GMC (9737 eagle ranch rd nw, albuquerque, nm 87114). The manufacturer was not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac g6. The contact stated that the steering wheel became loose, made an abnormal loud noise and vibrated. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 14v153000 (steering) but the part was not available. In addition, the contact felt…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac g6. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and advised that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The…
Failure of power steering in Pontiac g6 indicated by "power steering" sensor. Intermediate shaft and the power steering light sensor needs to be replaced. Repair being done at sudbay motors, gloucester, ma. Friends owning the same model & year had same problem and repair…
Had a problem with your 2006 Pontiac G6?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
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
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.0 out of 10 based on 1,909 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Pontiac G6 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2006 Pontiac G6?
On the NHTSA data, the 2006 Pontiac G6 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 4 fire-related complaints on the steering; Electrical system: 135 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 46,000–125,000 mi; Reliability score 5.0/10 — around the segment average; 7 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2006 Pontiac G6?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 1,218 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 85,124 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2006 Pontiac G6 a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,909 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 85,124 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2006 Pontiac G6?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 1,218 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 85,124 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 85,124 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Pontiac G6 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Pontiac G6?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,909 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Pontiac/G6.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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