This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Pontiac Grand Prix steering problems
severe 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
7crashes
4fires
8injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 42 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Pontiac Grand Prix we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 42.
Owners have filed 42 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a ″Phone Unavaila
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Power steering is the dominant complaint. Owners describe sudden loss of assist or complete lock-up at speeds from 15 to 70 mph, sometimes accompanied by engine shutdown. In at least four cases, steering failure led to collisions or near-misses. One owner's wheel locked in a drive-thru at low speed; another lost steering on a highway at 55 mph while swerving around a deer and reported airbags also failed to deploy. A few owners cite engine shutdown preceding steering loss, with one noting airbag warnings appeared days before the first engine stall.
Tie rod ends wear out prematurely at 35,000–50,000 miles, causing tire wear and sloppy steering that one mechanic attributed to factory lack of grease. Lower ball joints rattle at low speeds and over bumps, sometimes recurring within 12,000 miles of replacement. Rack and pinion issues—either looseness, stiffness, or outright failure—show up across the mileage range.
Front-end wander and control loss are chronic. One owner with 25,000 miles reports clunking from both tire areas, chunked tire edges, and dealer inability to replicate complaints. Another describes steering column noises and stiffness. A power steering pump pulley separated from its belt, leaking fluid onto the exhaust and igniting a fire.
Several owners mention ignition switch failure (NHTSA 14V400000 recall) occurring alongside or preceding steering problems. One owner's recall notice arrived after a crash; another's vehicle wasn't included in the steering recall (09E005000) despite needing the work.
Same Pontiac Grand Prix steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering loss / assist failure
Complete loss of power steering function or severe loss of assist, making the steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Occurs across wide range of speeds and driving conditions. Often accompanied by steering wheel lock-up, vehicle becoming uncontrollable, and risk of collision.
When: Mileage range 18,000–125,000 miles; some early as 18,000 miles on low-speed maneuvers, others sudden at highway speeds (40–70 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely difficult to turn; Sudden loss of power steering assist without warning; Whining or grinding noise from steering when assist fails; Vehicle becomes uncontrollable when steering lost at speed; Engine may stall simultaneously with steering loss
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement reported in multiple cases ($300–$800 range for full repair including computer/components); power steering pump repair/replacement; ignition switch replacement; in some cases computer replacement ($800+)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners mention GM ignition switch recall (NHTSA 14V400000) but note steering systems not adequately covered; some state mechanic advised of steering recall on 2005–2006 Grand Prix but owners never received notice
Tie rod end premature wear
Outer tie rod ends fail well below normal service life, often without grease or with defective lubrication from factory. Wear causes sloppy steering, excessive tire wear, and potential loss of control.
When: 35,000–50,000 miles; one case at 37,000 miles within basic warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: Sloppy or wandering steering feel; Premature tire wear (chunking, excessive outer-edge wear at 35,000–45,000 miles); Tire wear discovered during state inspection; Loss of steering control possible if failure complete
Repairs/costs cited: Outer tie rod end replacement $300–$700; often requires concurrent tire replacement ($300–$700); mechanic noted tie rods may have left factory without grease and lacked grease fittings
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refused warranty coverage after basic warranty expired at 36,000 miles; Pontiac Customer Assistance Center assigned case number but no coverage decision provided
Lower ball joint failure
Lower ball joints wear out and fail, producing rattling noise from front end, especially over bumps and uneven surfaces. Replacement under warranty did not resolve recurring noise; premature re-failure occurred within 12,000 miles.
When: 33,000 miles initial failure; recurrence by 45,000–46,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling or clunking noise from front end at low speeds (10 mph) and over bumps; Noise persists or recurs after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Ball joint replacement under warranty at 33,000 miles; dealer also replaced unknown steering shaft components; noise returned within 12,000 miles but no further repairs performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial warranty coverage provided
Steering knuckle fracture
Steering knuckle fractured during normal turning maneuver, creating abnormal noise and potential loss of control.
When: 225,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from steering wheel during right turn
Repairs/costs cited: Steering knuckle replacement required; additional components may need replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided no remedy; owner not included in NHTSA 09E005000 steering recall
Steering column noise and malfunction
Steering column produces rattling or knocking noises and in some cases develops stiffness or malfunction, making wheel difficult to turn or column noisy during normal operation.
When: Early in ownership; noted at 34,200 miles on newer purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling or knocking from steering column; Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn; Noises occur at low speeds and over bumps
Repairs/costs cited: Steering shaft components replaced; column lubrication attempted in some cases with no resolution
Steering wander and control loss from front-end wear
Multiple front-end suspension components fail or wear prematurely, causing steering wander, poor vehicle control, and handling issues that persist despite repairs and dealer inspection.
When: 25,000 miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle wanders and is difficult to control; Control and stability considerably worse over time; Vehicle takes long time to recover from road bumps; Steering still makes noise after repairs; Rack and pinion loose at factory
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion tightening/replacement; stabilizer pin replacement; wheel bearing replacement; dealer inspections inconclusive and dealer states 'cannot duplicate complaint'
Engine shutdown with power steering loss
Engine shuts off while driving at various speeds, causing simultaneous loss of power steering and vehicle control. Often linked to ignition switch or electronic system failure. May occur multiple times in short period.
When: At various mileages; repeated occurrences spanning weeks or months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving at 10–65 mph; Steering wheel locks up when engine shuts down, making vehicle uncontrollable; Airbag warning light and tone appear before engine shutdown events; Multiple incidents in one week reported in one case; Check engine light illuminates intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement; computer replacement (reported cost $800+); repairs attempted multiple times with recurring failure in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM ignition switch recall (NHTSA 14V400000 electrical system); however, owners report vehicles not included in recall or repair parts unavailable for extended periods; some vehicles received recall notice after accident occurred
Rack and pinion failure
Rack and pinion assembly becomes faulty or fails, causing steering difficulty or failure. In one case, replacement did not resolve the problem and was accompanied by overheating and coolant loss.
When: 60,000 miles; 80,000 miles; 30 mph incident
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn; Power steering malfunction; Overheating and antifreeze loss in one case; Steering becomes difficult to maneuver
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement; in one case replacement did not resolve problem; also reported need for fluid top-ups and cooling system diagnosis
Power steering pump failure
Power steering pump pulley springs off serpentine belt, causing pump malfunction and in one case ignition of vehicle fire due to fluid leakage and contact with exhaust.
When: <UNKNOWN> mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering pump pulley separates from serpentine belt; Power steering fluid leak (stream of fluid under vehicle); Reservoir empties; Fire caused by power steering fluid on exhaust
Repairs/costs cited: Pump pulley reattachment or pump replacement; fluid refill; in one case vehicle fire damage (serpentine belt melted, coolant reservoir melted, fuse box melted)
Steering wheel seizure at low speed
Steering wheel suddenly locks or seizes up during low-speed maneuvers (turning at drive-thru, making turns on city roads), causing vehicle to veer and crash into obstacles or walls.
When: <15 mph to 40 mph low-speed turning maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks to one side without warning; Vehicle becomes unmaneuverable; Vehicle stalls when steering locks
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch failure and power steering failure (not diagnosed in one case); body work repaired by insurance in at least one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle included in NHTSA 14V400000 (electrical) but owner had not received recall appointment; also linked to ignition switch issues covered under recall
Brake pull and braking issues related to front-end alignment
Vehicle pulls to right when brakes applied, suggesting misalignment or suspension wear from steering and suspension component failures. Braking feel described as difficult or unpredictable.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes pull vehicle to right; Difficult stopping when turning and applying brake; Knocking under brake pedal
Repairs/costs cited: Related to front-end suspension work; likely brake and suspension geometry issue
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Bought a "nice" used Pontiac grand prix gxp in 2008 (an 06 model). The car only had around 17,000 miles on it. This car has been the biggest money pit ever. I am so disappointed with this vehicle. I have prided myself in buying american made vehicles, but not anymore! First of all, the tire sizing and the price of the tires,ridiculous! The power steering line broke, and of course it wasn't the…
I was driving down the hiway when everything just stopped the lights ,powering steering message on dash said starting disabled due to electronic throttle control took to dealer said I had a short in my iginition so put in a new 1 drove about 60 miles did it again went back they couldnt find nothing wrong with it lubed the controls & now im scared to drive it & cant really afford a new car right…
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 37,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 100,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Pontiac/Grand Prix.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.