2006 Pontiac G4

The 2006 Pontiac G4 was a compact car offered as a sedan. It was available with two engine options: a 2.2L Ecotec I4 producing around 145 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4L Ecotec I4 making around 170 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the G4’s fuel efficiency and affordability. Common complaints include cheap interior materials, reliability issues, and unrefined driving experience.

Engine

2.2L Ecotec I4

• Engine Misfires/Rough Idle
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination. Often triggered by faulty ignition coils or spark plugs.
  • Solution: Replace faulty ignition coils and spark plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks originating from the water pump or thermostat housing, leading to overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump and/or thermostat housing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Ecotec I4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine consumes excessive amounts of oil, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of piston rings or valve stem seals may be required. In severe cases, engine replacement is the only viable solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises from the engine, particularly on startup. Can lead to engine damage if the timing chain fails.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or delayed shifts between gears, slipping out of gear.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid change, valve body repair/replacement, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, clunking noises over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace worn struts and/or shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise that increases with speed.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty wheel bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows stop working, often due to a faulty window motor or regulator.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window motor and/or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning or not working.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on body panels, especially around wheel wells, rocker panels, and door edges.
  • Solution: Rust repair, body panel replacement, rust inhibitor application.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Air Conditioning Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning not blowing cold air, often due to a refrigerant leak or a faulty compressor.
  • Solution: Repair refrigerant leak, replace faulty compressor, recharge A/C system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner material detaches from the roof of the car and sags.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Pontiac G4 can present a range of issues, from relatively minor electrical glitches to more serious engine and transmission problems. Engine issues such as misfires, oil consumption, and timing chain problems can be costly. Transmission problems, especially in the automatic models, can also lead to significant repair bills. Suspension issues and rust are also common concerns. Overall, the G4 can be an affordable option, but potential buyers should be aware of the potential for costly repairs and factor that into their purchasing decision.