NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 1,910 owner complaints for the 2006 Pontiac G6. Most complaints involve steering (1,220) and electrical system (245). The EPA rates it 19–24 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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 fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“While driving I'm going around a corner and the steering was grabbing and getting tight I had to mussel the car home then it stopped doing it the again and again now my steering has not power steering and when I back up it grabs sometimes out of my hands and almost breaks my arm. This car is a death trap. There were no warnings till it happened”
“The electronic stability control has failed, due to sway bar links are worn out and causing wheels to vigorously wobble causing the Eps input circuit to shut down the system to avoid overloading the circuit and burning up the module , I believe the recall hasn't been fixed , Can you please consider the issue as dangerous and repair my car ... I am not trying to say this but I am homeless and dependent on the car for shelter as well as transportation... Please note don't use last statement to show sympathy on me ... I am doing ok today, Thank you, have a blessed day”
“While driving the vehicle, the break lights are on, when you stop, or press the break peddle, the break lights go out, therefore giving no warning to the vehicles behind you.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G6 Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| G6 Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| G6 Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| G6 GT/GTP Convertible Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| G6 Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.9 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| G6 Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 26 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| G6 GT/GTP Convertible Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.9 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
7 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1,910 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (1,220), electrical system (245), exterior lighting (198). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2006 Pontiac G6 at 19–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).