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 ↗2009 Pontiac G6 steering problems
severe 293 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
293
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
10crashes
4fires
8injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 293 steering complaints filed for the 2009 Pontiac G6, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ 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
Steering accounts for 41% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 293 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 service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 G6's electric power steering is the dominant complaint: assist fails suddenly without warning, making the steering wheel almost impossible to turn. Owners describe panic and near-crashes, especially on turns. The problem intermits, so dealerships often cannot reproduce it during service appointments and refuse repair without a stored diagnostic code. GM issued recall 14V-153 for the torque sensor, but it excludes many 2009 VINs despite identical failures. Owners pay $250–$2,000 per repair, and replacements have failed again in the same vehicles.
Power steering hose proximity to the exhaust pipe also poses fire risk: white smoke, steering loss, and at least one documented 2014 fire. Heat protective wrap does not solve the problem.
Beyond steering, owners report a cascade of electrical failures: headlights dying repeatedly, brake lights malfunctioning (reversed polarity—on while driving, off while braking), cruise control cutting out, traction control and ESC disabling, transmission shifter sticking, door locks failing, and complete engine shutdowns while driving. A body control module recall service fixed problems only temporarily. Dealerships refuse diagnosis when warning lights appear but no code stores, and they often perform inadequate repairs (cleaning and grease instead of replacement) knowing the fix will be temporary.
Same Pontiac G6 steering reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering Assist Loss
Power steering suddenly stops working during driving or at startup, requiring the car to be restarted to regain functionality. The steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn, sometimes impossible, when assist fails. Affects vehicle control and safety, especially during turns or on highways.
When: Intermittently during driving, at startup, or when turning; some owners report it happening at various mileages from 36,500 to 202,000 miles; some failures occur within first ownership years
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning message appears on dashboard display; Steering wheel becomes locked or extremely stiff and hard to turn; Power assist fails suddenly with no advance warning; Problem resets after turning car off and restarting; Steering wheel shakes or shimmers while parked or driving; Alarm chimes when power steering fails; Steering is loose to right, tight to left
Codes mentioned: Power steering torque sensor defect, Power steering control module failure, Electric power steering assist motor failure
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs cited: power steering control module replacement ($750); torque sensor replacement ($250–$750); steering column replacement ($1,000–$2,000); steering shaft replacement. Some owners report GM dealer refused faulty parts or threw them away. Parts are hard to find due to incomplete recall. Multiple replacements have failed in same vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued recall 14V-153 (bulletin 14116) for torque sensor, but it excludes many 2009 VINs despite identical defect. Many owners told their VIN is not covered by recall despite having same problem. Extended warranty program for electric power steering runs 10 years or 150,000 miles but has expired for older vehicles. GM offers case-by-case review but denies responsibility if VIN not in recall. Some dealerships initially charged diagnostic fees ($55–$150) then refused warranty assistance.
Power Steering Hose Proximity to Exhaust—Fire Risk
Power steering hose routed extremely close to exhaust pipe or catalytic converter; hose insulation breaks down or heat shield fails, allowing power steering fluid to contact exhaust, igniting fire. Design is acknowledged by GM dealer mechanics and independent mechanics as dangerously careless.
When: At least one fire occurred in 2014 at low speed; owners report white smoke incidents over multiple years; problem affects 2006–2010 G6 models with V-6 engines
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke pouring from under hood; Loss of power steering during or after white smoke incident; Panic and difficult steering when power steering lost due to heat exposure
Repairs/costs cited: GM dealer assessed fire damage and replaced hose. Independent mechanic and insurance adjuster confirmed hose was routed to original design location and inadequate heat protection. GM introduced heat-protective wrap on replacement hoses but owners report it still burns through. No permanent solution identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall or design change announced. Owners report GM and dealerships acknowledge design flaw but no comprehensive recall issued. Post-fire replacement uses same inadequate proximity design.
Steering Column Issues—Locking and Seizure
Steering wheel locks up or seizes suddenly without warning, rendering vehicle impossible to steer. Occurs during turns, while parked, or while driving. Requires restart to reset. Dealers report steering column needs replacement but owners dispute diagnosis after recall torque sensor replacements fail.
When: At various mileages and driving speeds; can occur at startup or during turning maneuvers; some owners report recurring issues after initial 'fix'
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks completely and cannot be turned left or right; Steering wheel seized when shifting from park to drive; Pinging noise from steering when turning at a stop, then car pulls sharply in direction turned; Steering pinion appears to jump off a tooth; Difficult steering requiring excessive force
Codes mentioned: Steering column defect, Torque sensor defect (may be misdiagnosed primary cause)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend steering column replacement ($1,000–$2,000). Owners report dealership replaced torque sensor multiple times without fixing problem, then claimed steering column is broken ($625 additional). Some independent mechanics suggest torque sensor is the actual defect but steering column damage may result from failed repair attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V-153 specifies torque sensor but excludes many 2009 VINs. Dealerships covered under recall replace torque sensor repeatedly without success, then shift costs to owner for steering column. GM refuses to acknowledge steering column replacement as part of recalled repair.
Intermittent Power Steering Warnings Without Loss of Function
Power steering warning appears on dashboard and dashboard displays warning messages (check power steering, service traction control, service ESC) but steering assist does not immediately fail. Warning clears after restart. Intermittent and transient, making dealer diagnosis difficult because failures do not occur during service appointments.
When: Intermittent; often at startup or while stopped; sometimes while driving; can occur over years (2014–2017 reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning message displays on info screen or odometer; Service traction control or service ESC warning lights illuminate; Chime or alarm sounds; Steering may not fail immediately but owner fears imminent loss of assist; Problem clears after turning car off and restarting
Codes mentioned: Power steering torque sensor defect, Transient electrical fault
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cited because failure does not persist during dealer diagnostic. Dealership cannot create failure to diagnose; computer does not store permanent diagnostic code. Owners provided video evidence of failures but dealerships refused to use videos for diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V-153 specifies torque sensor but dealerships cannot diagnose transient failures without stored codes. GM told owners there is a fix but only if dealership can reproduce failure. Owners report dealership refused to help without code storage. Case-by-case review offered but denied if VIN not in recall.
Body Control Module Issues—Recurring Brake Light and System Failures After Recall 'Fix'
Vehicle was recalled for body control module defect; dealer 'fixed' it by cleaning BCM and applying dielectric grease. Failures recurred months or years later: brake lights malfunction (on while driving, off while braking), cruise control loss, traction control loss, difficulty shifting out of park. Owners report same temporary fix was used despite being known to be inadequate.
When: Failures began 2013; recall service performed; problems recurred 2013–2017; owner almost rear-ended multiple times due to brake light failure
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights malfunctioning (illuminated while driving, dark while braking); Loss of cruise control; Loss of traction control; ESC (electronic stability control) failure; Difficulty shifting gear out of park position
Codes mentioned: Body control module defect
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 'fix' was cleaning BCM and applying dielectric grease. Owner states this is temporary and same fix owner had applied before recall. Permanent fix requires BCM replacement (cost not specified but owner notes it is expensive). Repeated service did not resolve recurring failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued recall but repair was inadequate. Dealership performed only cleaning and grease application, not replacement. Manufacturer made no statement about temporary nature of fix or permanent replacement availability.
Headlight Intermittent Failure
Headlights go out repeatedly despite bulb replacement. Bulbs are brand new but fail. Tapping or smacking headlight housing causes lights to turn back on temporarily. Wiring harness replacement did not permanently fix. Some owners report all front lights out simultaneously at times.
When: Ongoing for 2+ years in some vehicles; replacements fail within weeks; bulbs burn out excessively relative to normal wear
Symptoms owners cite: Low beam or all headlights go out during driving; Bulbs replaced but fail again shortly after; Smacking headlight housing restores light temporarily; Lights flicker on and off; Owner stopped by police for non-functioning headlights
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replacement repeated multiple times; wiring harness changed; connectors replaced (one melted inside housing). No permanent fix achieved. Auto repair shops cannot diagnose or repair; owner told to take to Pontiac or Chevy dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall or service bulletin cited by owners.
Cruise Control Intermittent Failure
Cruise control works intermittently or not at all. Cruise flies off while driving down road. Restarting vehicle temporarily restores function but problem returns. Associated with broader electrical issues (body control module, power steering warnings).
When: Intermittent; recurring over years; can occur while driving at highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control does not engage or engage inconsistently; Cruise disengages unexpectedly while driving; Cruise works more often than it fails, but fails frequently; Restarting car temporarily fixes
Codes mentioned: Associated with body control module and electrical failures
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair noted; associated with body control module recall service that did not permanently resolve issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall specific to cruise control cited.
Brake Light Reversal—Malfunction After Recall Service
Brake lights illuminate while driving and turn off while braking—opposite of correct function. Owner was nearly rear-ended multiple times. Problem occurred after body control module recall service.
When: After 2013 body control module recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights on when vehicle is moving and not braking; Brake lights off when brakes are applied; Owner flagged by other drivers; nearly rear-ended
Codes mentioned: Body control module malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Same BCM cleaning and grease application did not resolve. Owner notes brake lights continue to malfunction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall service performed but did not fix the issue permanently.
Ignition and Electrical Failures
Vehicle suddenly shuts off while driving. Ignition fuse failures. Remote start stops working. Electrical system exhibits multiple simultaneous failures (lights, locks, ignition). One car had ignition fuse repaired early in ownership after sudden engine shutdown.
When: Early 2009 ignition fuse issue; remote start stopped working later; electrical failures clustered
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off suddenly while driving without warning; Ignition fuse failure; Remote start not working; Multiple electrical subsystems fail concurrently
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition fuse replaced in 2009 under warranty. Remote start repaired as part of major power steering repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall cited for ignition or electrical failures; treated as warranty repair when in early ownership.
Power Door Lock Failure
Rear passenger door will not lock or unlock. Locks fail intermittently or permanently. Part of broader electrical malfunction pattern.
When: Persistent electrical issue
Symptoms owners cite: Rear passenger door will not lock or unlock; Door lock function fails
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted by owners; remains broken.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued.
Air Bag System Malfunction—Warning Light and Non-Deployment
Air bag warning light remains illuminated constantly despite diagnostic testing. Air bags failed to deploy in a collision where vehicle struck another car. Owner concerned air bags never worked. Seat belt sensor also requires replacement.
When: Persistent warning light; at least one collision where deployment failed to occur
Symptoms owners cite: Air bag warning light stays on while parked and while driving; Air bags did not deploy during collision with front-end impact; Vehicle struck dog at unknown speed; air bags did not deploy
Repairs/costs cited: Seat belt sensor module in passenger seat needs replacement (cost not specified). Air bag system diagnosis inconclusive; owner concerned about safety.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall cited; owner reports diagnostic testing but no fix implemented.
Transmission/Shifter Issues—Gear Engagement and Park Lock Failure
Vehicle difficult to shift out of park; gets stuck in reverse or park position. Key cannot be removed when stuck. Transmission jerks and shakes when changing gears. Shifter works intermittently or fails completely. Linked to broader electrical issues.
When: Recurring; some instances reported early in ownership before insurance and inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shift fails to go into park position; Vehicle stuck in reverse; rolls even when in park; Vehicle jerks and shakes when changing gears; Transmission disengages and re-engages during gear changes; Key gets stuck and cannot be removed
Codes mentioned: Transmission electrical control malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported paying almost $400 for prior transmission repair at dealership that was not done correctly; problem recurred. Independent mechanic suspected alternator failure but vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recommended taking vehicle to dealer for diagnostic testing; no specific recall or service bulletin cited.
Traction Control and ESC System Intermittent Failures
Traction control and electronic stability control (ESC) systems stop working simultaneously with power steering loss. Warning lights illuminate. Problem clears after restart but recurs frequently. Not storing diagnostic codes despite repeated failures.
When: Intermittent over 3+ years (2014–2017 reported); happens at startup and while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Service traction control warning light comes on; Service ESC warning light comes on; Traction control completely disables; ESC disables; Occurs simultaneously with power steering loss; Warning clears only after car is restarted
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent repair; dealership said car is not storing code so nothing can be done. Owner provided pictures; dealership refused to help. Only temporary fix is restart.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM website states they fix on case-by-case basis, but without stored codes, dealerships refuse to diagnose or repair.
Steering Column Noise—Grinding, Clanking, Stuttering
Loud rubbing, grinding, clanking, or clanking noise coming from steering column when making turns. Steering stutters. After power steering assist motor/module replacement, same noise persists. Intermediate steering shaft (ISS) also replaced with factory GM part but was defective when first serviced.
When: Ongoing; persists after repairs; reported with over 144,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rubbing noise from steering column during turns; Grinding sound from steering column; Clanking or stuttering sensation in steering; Steering feels jerky or stutters; Noise and stuttering persist after power steering motor replacement
Codes mentioned: Power steering assist motor defect, Intermediate steering shaft defect
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering assist motor/module assembly replaced (GM covered part of cost initially but then wanted additional diagnostic fees for same problem). Intermediate steering shaft replaced with factory GM part, which was also defective. Steering still stutters and clanks after both repairs. Owner notes cost is becoming prohibitive and issue remains unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM initially covered motor replacement as common problem but then demanded additional payment for ongoing diagnosis of same issue.
Speedometer and Odometer Malfunction
Speedometer stops working and flickers randomly while driving. Odometer display shows error messages. Associated with broader electrical problems and power steering warnings.
When: Intermittent; associated with power steering failure episodes
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer stops functioning; Speedometer flickers randomly; Odometer displays error message; All lights flash on dashboard; Radio flickers and cuts out simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted; associated with broader electrical failures that are not diagnosed or fixed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall or service bulletin cited.
Seat Heater Failure—Front Passenger
Heater in front passenger seat will not work. Part of broader electrical malfunction pattern.
When: Persistent issue
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger seat heater not functioning
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted; remains broken.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) False Alerts
Tire service monitor light comes on randomly without actual tire issues. Resets after restart.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Tire service monitor light illuminates randomly; No actual tire problem present; Clears after restart
Codes mentioned: TPMS sensor or control module malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; issue persists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued.
Engine Stall and Complete Power Loss While Driving
Vehicle completely cuts off or loses all electrical power while being driven, including while going downhill in mountains. Restarts after power is restored. Extremely dangerous on roadways.
When: At least one incident on mountain road at 45 mph; reported as recurring with electrical failures
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle completely shuts off or loses power while in motion; All lights go out; No electrical power; Can restart after power is restored
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response cited.
Starting Difficulty and Battery Issues
Vehicle has trouble starting; many attempts needed; all dashboard lights flash when starting fails. Starter has been checked but no problem found. Associated with broader electrical issues.
When: Persistent starting issues
Symptoms owners cite: Difficult to start; many attempts needed; All dashboard lights flashing when starting fails; Starter checked but no fault found; Electrical system appears faulty
Repairs/costs cited: Starter checked and appears functional; root cause not identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response cited.
Synthesized from 293 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
The power steering goes out intermittently while driving and I have to shut the car off in order to fix it. I had the power steering assist motor replaced but this did not solve the issue. While researching, I found a recall on this very issue although it does not come up when I put in my vehicle's VIN number. It is recall NHTSA # 14v153000. Please let me know how I can get this issue fixed under…
Power steering loss while driving had to shut the car off and restart has happened to me 3 times this week and SRS pps problem
While driving down a city street and turning right down another street my dic flashed error message power steering. While nothing has happened as of yet on 12/26/2016, I have looked into the recalls regarding all other model years of the Pontiac g6 with the electric power steering issue. It concerns me deeply. This is my wife's car and she drives it to work daily, takes our 17 year old to work,…
Whenever the vehicle is stationary or even in motion at low speeds, the steering locks up. The vehicle has to be turned off then back on in order for the steering to be released. There has been recalls on the same model and year vehicle as mines, but my vehicle by VIN has not been affected by the recall. This is extremely dangerous and gm should recall all vehicles to have this issue resolved.…
Faulty steering torque sensor. Recall on year,make,model but doesnt include my VIN NHTSA recall # 14v-153, gm bulletin 14116. While my wife was driving the car it made an alarm noise, then the steering became almost impossible to turn. She was able to bring my car to a stop on the shoulder without hitting anything. After staring and stopping the car multiple times, around 10 minutes…
Multiple instances of loss of power steering. In all cases vehicle was driven out of the traffic lanes, parked and engine shut off. Power steering was eventually restored on restart. There was no obvious pattern to the loss of power steering. Vehicle was taken to authorized gm service center for repair. Diagnostics trouble code c0545 steering wheel torque input resulted in replacement of a faulty…
The power steering has completely stopped working. For about a week, the power steering was intermittently acting up, when I would start the vehicle. Eventually, the power steering would go out while driving, and a message of power steering would appear on the dashboard. My regular mechanic says that this is the result of a faulty power steering torque sensor.
Electronic power steering assist stopped working while I was driving down the highway almost causing me to wreck I pulled over and shut the car off and restarted car and steering assist turned back on it also happened to my wife in the same way
When driving power steering gave out while driving on a city street. Turn vehicle off and restart and works again. Took to dealer twice for this issue. First time said it was a recall now saying not recall but is same issue.
Had steering trouble with your 2009 Pontiac G6?
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 2009 Pontiac G6?
It's a meaningful issue. 293 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 241 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 83,715 and 145,000 miles, with the median around 112,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 83,715; a quarter make it past 145,000. 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/2009/Pontiac/G6.
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.