Model year report

2006 Pontiac G6: what breaks, and at what mileage

What breaks on the 2006 Pontiac G6

On the 2006 Pontiac G6, the failure owners report most often is other steering problem, and the reports cluster around 79,000 miles. The earliest to appear is CV axle or driveshaft failure, reported by a median of 20 miles. Overall it scores 72 out of 100, high risk for a 2006.

High risk for a 2006 — 90th riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. 2,602 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.

What breaks on the 2006 Pontiac G6

Owners have reported 71 named failure modes on the 2006 Pontiac G6, and the three most-reported carry 43% of everything filed.

Other steering problem leads with 773 reports, about 7.3 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 52k to 121,000 miles.

Loss of power steering follows with 183 reports, usually reported between 50k to 119,000 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.

Cruise control failure follows with 168 reports, usually reported between 54k to 102,000 miles.

By system, the reports fall mostly into steering (1,193), electrical (216) and adas (204).

The mileage the reports cluster at

2,109 of the reports on the 2006 Pontiac G6 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 75,000 miles.

Cumulatively, 28% by 50,000 miles, 65% by 100,000 miles and 88% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 55 filed above the top of the chart.

The busiest stretch is between 60,000 and 70,000 miles, which alone holds 9% of the dated reports.

18% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.

In the order they tend to show up: CV axle or driveshaft failure around 20, premature brake pad or rotor wear around 19k, other wheel or tire problem around 30k and sunroof failure or glass breakage around 30k.

Median

Other steering problem

79k
Loss of power steering

74k
Cruise control failure

78k
Steering column or shaft failure

72k
Other electrical problem

96k
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure

36k
Other brake problem

87k
Other lighting problem

80k
Tail light, brake light or signal failure

99k
Fuel pump failure

88k
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure

57k
Other engine problem

110k

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 71. The full list is in the table below.

How reports accumulate

Share of reports filed by each mileage

half by 75k

Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 55 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.

Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Dashed the median reported mileage

What happens when these parts fail

Across the named modes, 126 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 66 an injury and 4 a fatality. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.

The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.55, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.

What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other steering problem at $350–$2,400, loss of power steering at $600–$2,800, cruise control failure at $200–$1,400 and steering column or shaft failure at $600–$2,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.

8% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.

Every reported failure mode

Mileage figures are percentiles of owner-reported readings. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode	System	Reports	With reading	25th	Median	75th	Per 1,000	Typical repair	Severity
Other steering problem	steering	773	646	52k	79k	121k	7.3	$350–$2,400	High
Loss of power steering	steering	183	161	50k	74k	119k	1.7	$600–$2,800	Critical
Cruise control failure	adas	168	143	54k	78k	102k	1.6	$200–$1,400	High
Steering column or shaft failure	steering	122	105	47k	72k	94k	1.2	$600–$2,500	Critical
Other electrical problem	electrical	122	91	46k	96k	133k	1.2	$250–$2,000	Moderate
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure	steering	100	89	27k	36k	60k	0.9	$700–$2,600	High
Other brake problem	brakes	91	62	54k	87k	126k	0.9	$300–$1,800	High
Other lighting problem	lighting	90	72	57k	80k	120k	0.8	$120–$1,200	Moderate
Tail light, brake light or signal failure	lighting	54	41	61k	99k	110k	0.5	$100–$900	Moderate
Fuel pump failure	fuel	53	44	58k	88k	120k	0.5	$600–$2,600	High
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure	electrical	51	39	34k	57k	135k	0.5	$700–$3,000	High
Other engine problem	engine	49	39	55k	110k	151k	0.5	$300–$4,000	High
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault	airbag	48	37	12k	40k	87k	0.5	$300–$1,600	High
Other powertrain problem	transmission	46	36	84k	112k	144k	0.4	$400–$4,500	High
Seat belt or retractor failure	airbag	41	36	39k	65k	125k	0.4	$200–$900	High
Other body or interior problem	body	34	29	27k	35k	80k	0.3	$200–$2,000	Moderate
Other suspension problem	suspension	25	20	45k	66k	112k	0.2	$350–$2,000	Moderate
Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure	suspension	23	14	49k	61k	142k	0.2	$400–$2,200	High
No-start or intermittent start failure	engine	22	13	40k	58k	90k	0.2	$200–$1,800	Moderate
Wiring harness or short circuit	electrical	22	18	68k	105k	126k	0.2	$400–$3,500	High
Premature brake pad or rotor wear	brakes	21	19	15k	19k	48k	0.2	$300–$1,400	Moderate
Other fuel system problem	fuel	20	15	93k	115k	138k	0.2	$300–$2,200	High
Infotainment screen failure	infotainment	19	17	66k	76k	100k	0.2	$400–$2,600	Low
Other speed control problem	adas	19	12	78k	100k	119k	0.2	$250–$2,000	Critical
Sunroof failure or glass breakage	body	18	17	5k	30k	30k	0.2	$700–$4,500	High
CV axle or driveshaft failure	drivetrain	17	12	20	20	5k	0.2	$450–$2,200	High
Fuel leak or fuel odor	fuel	17	15	72k	86k	135k	0.2	$300–$2,500	Critical
Other driver assistance problem	adas	17	11	60k	100k	143k	0.2	$250–$1,800	High
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure	fuel	16	14	99k	138k	160k	0.2	$250–$1,800	Moderate
Power steering pump or fluid leak	steering	15	12	78k	85k	115k	0.1	$350–$1,600	Moderate
Headlight failure or clouding	lighting	14	6	—	105k	—	0.1	$150–$1,800	Moderate
Stalling while driving	engine	12	6	—	67k	—	0.1	$300–$2,500	Critical
Airbag inflator rupture	airbag	12	10	91k	149k	157k	0.1	$0–$0	Critical
Other wheel or tire problem	wheels	11	9	9k	30k	95k	0.1	$200–$1,500	High
Radiator or coolant leak	cooling	10	10	3k	45k	148k	0.1	$350–$1,900	High
Transmission will not engage a gear	transmission	10	7	—	144k	—	0.1	$1,500–$6,000	Critical
Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure	transmission	10	10	48k	104k	189k	0.1	$250–$1,400	High
Alternator or charging system failure	electrical	10	10	74k	105k	139k	0.1	$450–$1,600	High
Rust or structural corrosion	body	10	7	—	44k	—	0.1	$500–$6,000	High
Catalytic converter failure	emissions	10	8	71k	82k	193k	0.1	$900–$3,500	Moderate
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure	electrical	9	8	94k	122k	125k	0.1	$250–$1,500	High
Parking brake failure	brakes	9	9	30k	41k	68k	0.1	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Other visibility problem	glass	9	5	—	56k	—	0.1	$150–$1,400	Moderate
Oil leak	engine	6	6	—	98k	—	0.1	$250–$2,200	Moderate
Wheel bearing or hub failure	drivetrain	6	6	—	51k	—	0.1	$350–$1,200	Moderate
Instrument cluster or gauge failure	infotainment	6	4	—	23k	—	0.1	$350–$1,400	Moderate
Loss of braking	brakes	6	5	—	33k	—	0.1	$400–$3,000	Critical
Strut, shock or spring failure	suspension	6	6	—	22k	—	0.1	$500–$2,000	Moderate
Air conditioning failure	hvac	6	0	—	—	—	0.1	$400–$2,800	Moderate
Complete engine failure or seizure	engine	5	2	—	75k	—	0.0	$4,500–$12,000	Critical
Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure	engine	5	5	—	39k	—	0.0	$1,200–$4,500	Critical
ABS module or sensor failure	brakes	5	4	—	30k	—	0.0	$500–$2,400	High
Thermostat failure	cooling	4	4	—	60k	—	0.0	$250–$900	Moderate
Complete transmission failure	transmission	4	4	—	41k	—	0.0	$2,800–$8,000	Critical
Airbag failed to deploy in a crash	airbag	3	2	—	152k	—	0.0	$1,000–$5,000	Critical
Tire blowout or tread separation	wheels	3	1	—	105k	—	0.0	$200–$1,500	Critical
Wiper or washer failure	glass	3	1	—	93k	—	0.0	$120–$800	Moderate
Overheating	cooling	2	2	—	68k	—	0.0	$400–$3,500	High
Fuel injector failure	fuel	2	2	—	42k	—	0.0	$450–$2,800	Moderate
Fuel gauge or level sensor failure	fuel	2	1	—	11k	—	0.0	$300–$1,200	Moderate
Brake line, hose or caliper failure	brakes	2	2	—	50k	—	0.0	$250–$1,600	Critical
Wheel, stud or lug nut failure	wheels	2	2	—	60k	—	0.0	$150–$1,500	Critical
Excessive oil consumption	engine	1	1	—	69k	—	0.0	$900–$6,500	High
Transmission slipping	transmission	1	1	—	83k	—	0.0	$1,200–$5,500	High
Parasitic battery drain	electrical	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$200–$1,200	Moderate
Starter failure	electrical	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$350–$1,300	Moderate
Alignment fault and uneven tire wear	suspension	1	1	—	46k	—	0.0	$150–$1,200	Moderate
Paint peeling or clear coat failure	body	1	1	—	60k	—	0.0	$600–$6,000	Low
Door latch or handle failure	body	1	1	—	203k	—	0.0	$250–$1,200	High
Window regulator or power window failure	body	1	1	—	6k	—	0.0	$250–$900	Moderate
Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin	emissions	1	1	—	9k	—	0.0	$250–$2,000	High
Unclassified problem	other	83	59	42k	80k	122k	0.8	—	Moderate

Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.

How often, against how many were built

Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2006 Pontiac G6 draws about 25 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 94th percentile of complaint rates among 2006 vehicles we can rate.

That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.

The working figure is 106,109 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2006 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.

What owners wrote

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.

Loss of power steering

2006 pontiac g6 gtp rental car with approx 2,200 miles driving 25-35 MPH for approx 30 min., lost power steering. Pulled off road, smoke from grille, opened hood to find fire between fire wall and engine. Due to loss of power steering, I presume power steering connection broke or hose split sending fluid on hot engine causing fire. Fire was put out before it got big by passerby's soda. Car was still drivable (engine had cooled - fire out), but had rental company pick it up just in case the fluid had not evaporated/burned off. *nm

2,200 miles NHTSA complaint 572754 filed 2006-02-15

This complaint is pertaining to a 2006 pontiac g6. Since july 2006 I have been experiencing a loss of power steering while parallel parking. This occurs approximately 3 times a week. I do not experience this loss of power steering any other time except when parallel parking. I live in an area where you can only parallel park, so this is a major problem. I have been stuck partially in spaces and partially on the street, not being able to move my car numerous times. I notified the dealer that sold the car, and reported that they can look to see what they can do, however, the cost is dependent upon the warranty. *tr

12,000 miles NHTSA complaint 645183 filed 2007-11-07

Cruise control failure

When driving check engine light and traction control light will come on, driver information center will show message "reduced engine power" and car will slow down significantly and not go over 45 MPH. Additionally cruise control will not work. If turned off remote start will not work and vehicle restarts with check engine light on and runs rough. Usually next restart check engine light will be off and will run better. Vehicle will have burnt smell when parked in garage after incident. Computer is storing error codes but dealer can not diagnose problem. Dealer indicates "software error" prevents them from getting information about vehicle at time when error codes were recorded. In shop 3 times and they can not figure out, wanted me to use a data recorder but when they tried to show me how to work it the recorded did not work. This has happened 3 times, 2/9/2006 on i95, 2/20/2006 during in town driving(only disabled remote start and burning smell), and 3/4/2006 on a country road. *jb

5,500 miles NHTSA complaint 575281 filed 2006-03-09

Please reference NHTSA campaign id number 09v036000. On 2/17/09, gm recalled 8,012 2005-2006 pontiac g6 vehicles, because the brake lamps would not operate properly due to 0 corrosion in a wiring connector. Symptoms include brake lamps illuminating when brake pedal is not depressed, brake lamps failing to illuminate when brake pedal is depressed, cruise control will not engage and greater than normal brake force is required to shift vehicle out of park. I was informed that my 2006 pontiac g6 was not included in this recall, VIN [xxx] . However, my vehicle is experiencing the exact problems as described in the recall notice. I contacted gm's owner center to try and get my vehicle covered. The gm representative (ted) advised me that I must first have the pontiac (gm) dealer perform a diagnostic test at my expense, and that, depending on the outcome of the diagnostic test, gm may or may not cover my vehicle. Since this is a documented safety issue, I find gm's response to be completely unacceptable. I am therefore requesting that NHTSA require gm to cover the cost of needed repairs for any gm vehicle that has this problem. As noted…

74,000 miles NHTSA complaint 730050 filed 2009-08-04

Recalls on the 2006 model year

NHTSA has issued 7 recall campaigns covering the 2006 Pontiac G6, affecting an estimated 262,970 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.

The campaigns cover steering:electric power assist system, steering, electrical system:wiring and power train:automatic transmission. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.

One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.

15V064000

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

69,633 vehicles 2015-02-04

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.
Consequence: 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.

14E044000

STEERING

7,304 vehicles 2014-07-21

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.
Consequence: 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.

14V252000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

2,440,524 vehicles 2014-05-14

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…
Consequence: 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.

14V224000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

1,131,113 vehicles 2014-04-30

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…
Consequence: 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…
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.

14V153000

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

1,373,177 vehicles 2014-03-31

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.
Consequence: 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…

09V036000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

8,012 vehicles 2009-01-30

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.
Consequence: 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.

06V417000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

794 vehicles 2006-10-31

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.
Consequence: 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.

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.

How it ranks in the 2006 field

The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.

Risk score against the rest of the 2006 field

Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.

Left fewer and less serious reports
Right more, or worse
Marker this vehicle

Better and worse years of the same car

High risk for a 2006 — 90th riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.

Across the 6 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2010 comes out best at 65 and 2006 worst at 72, with 2006 itself at 72.

If the model year is negotiable, 2010, 2008, 2009, 2007 and 2005 score lower than 2006 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.

Within the 2003–2010 generation specifically, 2010 is the strongest year at 65 and 2006 the weakest at 72.

Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.

Risk score by model year, out of 100

Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.

Within the 2003-2010 generation, 2010 Pontiac G6 scores best at 65 and 2006 Pontiac G6 worst at 72.

What to look at before buying one

The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: CV axle or driveshaft failure from about 20, radiator or coolant leak from about 3k, sunroof failure or glass breakage from about 5k and other wheel or tire problem from about 9k.

On a 2006 Pontiac G6 with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether CV axle or driveshaft failure has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.

Treat it as where to point the inspection, not as a prediction. A well-maintained example can sail past every mileage on this page, and a neglected one can fail well before the first of them.

The limits of complaint data

2,602 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.

Of those 2,602 reports, 2,109 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 81% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".

The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.

And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.

Questions this page answers

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Pontiac G6?

The most-reported failures are other steering problem (773 reports, median 79,000 miles), loss of power steering (183 reports, median 74,000 miles) and cruise control failure (168 reports, median 78,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.

At what mileage do 2006 Pontiac G6 problems start?

Cv axle or driveshaft failure is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 20 miles and a quarter of reports before 20 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 75,000 miles.

Is the 2006 Pontiac G6 reliable?

It scores 72 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 90th riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2006 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.

Which year of the Pontiac G6 is best?

Within the 2003–2010 generation, 2010 scores best at 65 out of 100 and 2006 worst at 72. Same body, same engines, different luck.

Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.

What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt 20 August 2026 Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed