The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the air bag warning light and check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the vehicle was nearly involved in a T-bone crash. The contact forcefully turned the steering wheel to regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, it was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 251,000.
Pontiac G6 steering lock-up problems
398 of the 5,891 owner complaints about the Pontiac G6 describe steering wheel locks up, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 398
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 99,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Engine failure 139Power steering loss 44Steering noise 14Jerking 12Loss of power 10Check engine light 8Stalling 7Harsh shifting 4
Trouble codes mentioned
C0545 2
What owners say
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was turned off, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The failure became more persistent over time, and several attempts were needed for the power steering feature to become operable. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the vehicle had experienced Mass Air Flow Sensor, Power Train System, Catalytic Converter Efficiency, ABS, Wheel Speed Sensor, Wheel Hub, Wheel Bearing, and TPMS failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and became aware of several recalls related to the year, make, and model vehicle; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,737
There is an immediate loss of steering while driving a 2009 Pontiac G6. The steering wheel locks up making it difficult, at times impossible, to steer the vehicle left or right. The only way to unlock the steering wheel is by placing the vehicle in 'Park' and turn the ignition off to restart the vehicle.
GM claims to have already completed a safety recall for Power steering, but I didn't see any issues with the power steering prior to them doing this service except for the "Power steering" message on the display. The only reason I brought in at that time (5/18/2023) was to replace the gauge cluster which they also had to replace a second time due to faulty replacement. And now the new issue with power steering still continues to persist (steering wheel locks up while driving). Also the "Power steering" error message was never cleared after the initial service. I have a carfax report showing the power steering being serviced by 2 other GM dealerships after the initial service. This is an electric power steering system so there's no fluid that can leak and should not need serviced multiple times in the same year. They now refuse to fix the issue saying that it's now my problem because the part they replaced is out of warranty. The customer service rep for GM told me there wasn't anything more they could do because it's a 2008! I'm sorry but that should not matter considering the car is still under 200k miles and only 10000 miles were driven before we took it back the second time, and 2000 miles before taking it back the third time. They also claimed that safety was their primary concern at the same time they tell me there's nothing more they will do. This definitely a safety concern but GM doesn't actually care. I'm trying to prevent an accident but they are not. I really hope a pedestrian doesn't step out in front of me the next time the steering wheel locks up because I won't be able to swerve to miss them.
2 months give/take few days power Steering locked up.Was not able to steer. Had to use flashers & carefully vere off road.Turned car off.Gave myself minutes to think. Started car tried turning steering wheel & bam it was fine. Hesitant I got back on road & went home w/no problem.2nd incident was same which happened 2nd wk Jan 2025.There was no warning of any kind either time.It has not been taken anywhere to be evaluated. Inspection is due Feb 2025 was going say something then.Whether this has anything related,turn signal lever had to be manually turned off until sometime between the 2 incidents & it now clicks off itself like it should.
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the message "Power Steering" was displayed, and then there was a faint clicking sound before the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the residence; however, the failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that only after restarting the vehicle with the steering wheel turned, the steering wheel would turn without difficulty for a short while, causing the contact to restart the vehicle with the steering wheel turned several times. The contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering), however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the recall had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
The contact's son owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The contact's son turned off the vehicle and after restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. There was a warning light displaying the vehicle with a lock across illuminated. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.
About two weeks ago, my steering wheel locked up while driving on the expressway. Luckily I was in the far right lane and was able to pull over without causing a car accident. Once pulled over, I shut off the vehicle and called my mom. While on the phone, she told me to try to start it up again. This time, the steering wheel turned with no problem. Hastily, I drove home. I have made arrangements to take it to the nearest auto shop working on power steering problems.
UNKNOWN . I was driving on a normal day, turned the corner and me and this car almost hit each head on because the steering wheel locked up on me . Im very little I injured my arm trying to hurry and grab on to the steering wheel tight to keep from hitting the other car . Power steering keeps popping up on my car can somebody please help me now the steering wheel doesn’t want to ever unlock .
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel locked up and could not be turned in either direction. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. After restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel operated as designed however, moments later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000.
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 15V064000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, Saturn at 1‑800‑553‑6000, and Pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Recall number 14V153000 · Recall details
Questions about the Pontiac G6 steering lock-up
Which Pontiac G6 years have steering wheel locks up problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (159 complaints), 2005 (70 complaints) and 2007 (65 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix steering wheel locks up on the Pontiac G6?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 19 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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