Owners of 2007 Pontiac G6 vehicles describe a pattern of serious steering failures that begin with intermittent loss of power steering assist. A chime sounds and a "POWER STEERING" message displays on the dash, after which steering becomes extremely difficult or locked. Some owners report the system temporarily restores function after turning the ignition off and on; others say it fails completely and will not reset. These failures happen unpredictably—at parking speeds, city streets, and highway speeds—creating dangerous driving situations.
The second major complaint involves a persistent clunking or popping noise from the steering column, especially during turns and low-speed maneuvers. Owners report this began early in ownership and worsens over time. Dealers have applied lubrication to the intermediate steering shaft as a temporary fix, but the noise returns after the lubricant wears off.
A third category includes steering wheel vibration or shake, sometimes violent, occurring at highway speeds or during braking. Some owners also report the steering wheel locks up unexpectedly or becomes extremely tight, requiring excessive force to turn.
Owners consistently note that their cars exhibit the same symptoms as 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009 G6 models that were recalled by GM, yet their specific vehicles are excluded from recalls due to manufacturing date or VIN range restrictions. Repair costs cited range from $400 to $1,100, and several owners report components failing again within months of replacement. Dealers have mentioned service bulletins for the issue exist but say certain VINs are not covered.
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent/Complete Loss of Electric Power Steering
Electric power steering assist fails suddenly or intermittently, often with a chime alert and 'POWER STEERING' message on the driver information display. Steering becomes difficult or impossible to control, requiring greater force at low speeds. Some owners report the system resets briefly after turning the ignition off and back on.
When: Varies widely; reported at speeds ranging from 0 to 70+ mph, during turns or on straights, and with no discernible pattern.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering assist; Chime alert with 'POWER STEERING' dashboard message; Steering becomes extremely difficult or locked; Power steering resets temporarily when car is restarted; Intermittent failures occurring multiple times per drive or days apart; Failure to reset after ignition cycle in advanced cases
Codes mentioned: Torque sensor fault (most commonly diagnosed), Power steering motor control module failure, Steering column sensor ring defect, Intermediate steering shaft issues
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers typically diagnose and replace torque sensor ($400–$600), power steering motor ($500–$600), or steering column ($495+). Some owners report multiple replacement attempts without permanent resolution. Repair costs range $400–$1,100 depending on parts replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has issued multiple recalls (14V-153, 14772, 15V064000) for 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009 Pontiac G6 models, and some 2007 models built between April 18–June 30, 2006 (NHTSA 15V064000). However, many 2007 model year vehicles fall outside the affected date ranges and are not covered despite exhibiting identical symptoms. GM stated this is an electrical issue not covered under powertrain warranty. Some owners received service bulletins; dealers mentioned extended warranty coverage for affected units but applied selectively.
Steering Column Noise and Intermediate Shaft Clunking
Owners report persistent clunking, popping, rattling, or clicking sounds from the steering column area, particularly when turning or driving over bumps at low speeds. The issue started early in vehicle ownership for some and persists despite lubrication attempts.
When: Low-speed turning, driving over bumps, or during routine steering wheel operation. One owner reported symptoms beginning shortly after purchase with 28,000 miles and continuing for years.
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking or popping noise from steering column or intermediate shaft; Rattling and vibrating sensations in steering; Clicking sound when turning at slow speed; Noise worsens over time despite repairs; Vehicle feels like it is falling apart due to vibrations
Codes mentioned: Intermediate steering shaft play/wear, Steering column sensor ring defect, U-joint inadequate support
Repairs/costs cited: GM issued service bulletin 06-02-32-007G (April 5, 2010) for 2005–2010 Pontiac G6 addressing clunk/knock/rattle in front of vehicle. Some owners had intermediate shaft lubricated as a temporary fix; dealers later indicated redesigned shaft replacement available (~$495). Multiple owners report the lubrication is temporary and noise returns after wear-off. At least one owner paid for complete steering system replacement (~$900+) without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin 06-02-32-007G issued for intermediate shaft noise. GM offered lubrication as initial remedy, later made redesigned shaft available for purchase. Some owners cited by dealers as not being covered by recalls despite service bulletins existing for the exact issue.
Steering Wheel Lock-Up or Loss of Steering Control
Steering wheel suddenly becomes locked or extremely difficult to turn, rendering the vehicle difficult or impossible to steer. This occurs unpredictably during normal driving and is often resolved only by turning the ignition off and back on.
When: Reported at various speeds from 10 mph (in driveway) to 70 mph (highway). Occurs while turning, changing lanes, or on straightaways. One owner reported occurrence in February and November 2017.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel completely locked or seized; Steering becomes extremely tight and difficult to turn; Loss of steering control coinciding with power steering failure; Temporary reset when ignition is cycled; Recurrence after brief period of normal operation
Codes mentioned: Steering column electrical fault, Torque sensor failure, Power steering motor malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have diagnosed and replaced steering columns (cost ~$800–$1,000), torque sensors, and motors. One owner reported steering column replacement at dealership on 7/28/08, with identical problem recurring one month later (lubrication applied instead of replacement).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recalls for 2005–2009 G6 models exclude many 2007 models based on manufacturing date. Recall #15356 mentioned by one owner; recall expiration dates have passed, leaving owners without coverage. One owner noted recall information was not received despite ownership; dealer could not honor recall after deadline.
Steering Wheel Shake and Vibration
Steering wheel shakes or vibrates, sometimes violently, often at highway speeds or when braking. Some owners report the issue is related to front suspension/strut problems or warped rotors, while others describe it as an inherent steering control problem.
When: Reported at highway speeds (40–70 mph), during braking, and when turning. One owner with 28,000 miles reported constant lurching side-to-side. Shake may start at ~40 mph and worsen with speed.
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking or vibration in steering wheel; Steering wheel moves side-to-side on its own while stopped at traffic lights; Shaking worsens at higher speeds; Shaking occurs during braking or when making turns; Steering feels loose and bumpy; Tires wear on outer edges (possible alignment/suspension cause)
Codes mentioned: Strut wear/failure, Wheel alignment issue, Rack and pinion wear, Intermediate shaft play
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners had struts replaced, wheel alignment performed, tie rods and stabilizer bar links replaced, and brake rotors resurfaced. Costs varied ($500–$1,500+). One owner with 28,000 miles was advised entire steering system from wheel to wheels needed replacement (~$1,500+ for parts alone). Some owners report problems persist after multiple repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletins exist (06-02-32-007G) for intermediate shaft issues. Recalls for certain model years/VINs address suspension concerns indirectly. However, many owners report being excluded from recalls despite identical symptoms to recalled models.
Hard/Tight Power Steering at Startup
Power steering is stiff, tight, or non-functional immediately after starting the car, particularly when attempting to reverse or maneuver in parking situations. The issue resolves after several restarts or brief driving.
When: At startup and during low-speed maneuvering in parking lots or driveways.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering extremely hard or impossible to turn at startup; Steering wheel requires excessive force to move left and right; Issue resolves after multiple ignition cycles or brief driving; Recurring pattern of stiffness on subsequent cold starts
Codes mentioned: Power steering control module issue, Torque sensor malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair noted by owners; issue typically resolves with restart cycles.
Steering Rack Failure
Steering rack becomes faulty, worn, or requires replacement. One owner with low mileage (~28,000) noted entire steering rack needed replacement, and another reported rack replacement at 51,000 miles with recurrence.
When: One case at 28,000 miles; another at 51,000 miles with recurrence. A case at 51,000 miles involved clunking noise days before full failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes difficult to control; Clunking noise before lock-up; Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely difficult to turn during normal maneuvers; Rapid left-right steering wheel oscillation during braking
Codes mentioned: Steering rack wear/failure
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced steering rack twice in 9 months ($800+ each); problem recurred after 3 months and again 6 weeks after second replacement. Another owner was quoted ~$1,500 for rack replacement cost, exceeding vehicle value.
Power Steering Fluid/Hose Leak from Heat Damage
Power steering return hose rests against hot exhaust pipe, causing rubber to deteriorate and fluid to leak. This creates steering loss risk and potential fire hazard.
When: Discovered after minimal driving (less than 0.5 mile); issue is design/assembly defect present from manufacture.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering fluid; Smoke from under vehicle; Smell of burning rubber or fluid; Virtual loss of steering control; Hose material burned through from heat conduction
Repairs/costs cited: Owner noted reflective heat barrier ineffective; hose required replacement. Owner planned weekend repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM appeared unconcerned when owner phoned; no recall or service bulletin mentioned.
Steering Knuckle Popping/Failure Due to Poor Design
Steering knuckle produces persistent popping noise, particularly on sharp turns. The component lacks proper lubrication design (no grease fittings), leading to rapid wear and repeated failure even after replacement.
When: During sharp turns; noise starts quiet and worsens over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Popping noise during sharp turns; Noise worsens progressively; Repeated failures of new parts after installation
Codes mentioned: Steering knuckle wear/failure
Repairs/costs cited: Proposed fix involves plastic shroud around knuckle filled with grease. One owner's coworker reported multiple replacement attempts with parts failing repeatedly. Costs not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Proposed fix involves sealed plastic shroud with grease rather than redesign of lubrication system.
Steering Pulling to One Side
Vehicle constantly pulls to the right or left, even with new tires and alignment. On one brand-new vehicle, steering began pulling right within the warranty period.
When: One case evident at 28,000 miles on brand-new vehicle (GT convertible); another case ongoing after used car purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls strongly to right (or left); Requires constant steering wheel correction; Vehicle drives off road if steering wheel is released; Occurs even after alignment; Tires wearing on outer edges
Codes mentioned: Alignment fault, Steering rack/column defect, Suspension issue
Repairs/costs cited: Alignment performed; problem persisted in at least one case.
Synthesized from 539 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.