2009 Pontiac G6 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Pontiac G6, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering29329.1%
- Exterior lighting18218.1%
- Electrical17717.6%
- Brakes838.2%
- Driver assistance474.7%
- Fuel system464.6%
- Powertrain (other)454.5%
- Airbags404.0%
- Engine323.2%
- Interior & seats181.8%
- Other / unspecified171.7%
- Body & structure70.7%
- Visibility70.7%
- Suspension60.6%
- Heating & air conditioning30.3%
- Tires & wheels30.3%
- Seat belts20.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. While driving 20 MPH or slower, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed, making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was turned off and restarted for the power steering assist to become operational. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,800.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Headlights are burning, melting and charged connections and causing dim lights. These headlights were recently replaced with new OEM healing’s for the second time and each replacement is burning out the connection. Please advise?
Tail lights shine bright and cruise control cuts off it has happened to me going down the interstate
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
My brake lights are malfunctioning. It has not worked correctly in years. When you press on the brake, the brake lights turn itself off. When not pressing on the brake, my brake lights are on. I reached out to the GM dealership and I told them that the recall was fixed, but the issue is ongoing and poses extreme safety issues. I have gotten pulled over for this. No lights are on my dashboard. I have owned the car since the beginning of COVID and the issue has happened since.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
My brake lights are malfunctioning. It has not worked correctly in years. When you press on the brake, the brake lights turn itself off. When not pressing on the brake, my brake lights are on. I reached out to the GM dealership and I told them that the recall was fixed, but the issue is ongoing and poses extreme safety issues. I have gotten pulled over for this. No lights are on my dashboard. I have owned the car since the beginning of COVID and the issue has happened since.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Timing Chain making noise...voltage fluctuations throughout all the car...cruise control will shut off if I got to use wipers or blinkers or even turn on the air system and lights will dim if you use power windows or have the radio up loud.
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Stability Control, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control); however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the transmission gear shifter failed to shift between gears and ceased. The air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake stop lights failed to illuminate upon depressing the brake pedal. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Strong fuel smell from rear of Pontiac G6 near fuel tank. This is a common problem due to a cracked elbow on top of the fuel pump. This issue is happening among all G6 models from 05 to 09 . This issue should be recalled as it is dangerous to the drivers , passengers or anyone that comes within 3 ft of Pontiacs that have this issue. Fuel odor can be smelt from further than 3ft that can damage to lungs, throat and multiple other health hazards. The fumes can reach even further witch is easily ignited if someone were to walk by with a cigarette This issue is common in 75% of Pontiac G6's on the road This defective part should be placed on recall and should definitely be looked into before someone loses their lives over an easily preventable occurrence from happening. Thank you for your time and please look into this issue before it's to late.
ANOTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT THE FUEL ODOR WHICH IS CAUSED BY POOR MATERIAL USED ON FUEL PUMP. IT IS AROUND REAR OF CAR AND INSIDE CAR, ALSO OVER MUFFLER. POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO GM FOR A RECALL. HAPPENS TO 99% OF THESE VEHICLES. IT ONLY HAPPENS AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
The drivetrain: automatic transmission parking lock cable (or shift cable) malfunctioned. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I am able to put the car in 'park' and remove the key. However, when I attempt to start the vehicle, it won't start because the battery gets drained. I have to constantly get a jump off. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because I never know how much the battery has been drained, and the vehicle shuts off in trafffic. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has only been inspected by an independent service center. There have been no warning signs of the problem before shutting off or not starting. The vehicle was purchased in 2019, and the first occurrence was the same year. We knew something was draining the battery. We just did not know what. So we would not let the vehicle sit for more than a day without starting it, and we would always be prepared to charge the battery.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving at 30-35 mph, the contact was in the right turn lane when making a turn a vehicle in front of them was making a left turn but did not see the contact which caused the contact to crash into the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact did not have time to stop. The contact was concerned that no air bags deployed. There was no medical treatment at the scene. No one was injured. A police report was filed. There was damage on the contact front bumper and grill and pushed metal into the radiator. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where the contact insurance inspected the vehicle and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 120,000.
I WAS PARKED IN A MOSTLY VACANT PARKING LOT ABOUT 8PM. I GOT INTO THE VEHICLE AFTER COMING OUT OF THE GROCERY STORE. I PUT KEY INTO IGNITION BUT DID NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK OR MOVE THE CAR. I TURNED ON THE DOME LIGHT TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT. AS I WAS LEANING TOWARD PASSENGER DOOR, THE HEAD CURTAIN AND SEAT SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED LITERALLY IN MY FACE. ONLY THE AIR BAGS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT WAS VERY LOUD AND SOME POWDERY TYPE SUBSTANCE HAD BEEN DISPENSED INTO THE AIR. IT MADE INTERIOR SURFACES FEEL A BIT SLIPPERY , HAD A STRONG ODOR AND MADE MY EYES BURN. HAVING NEVER EXPERIENCED AIR BAGS DEPLOYING ,IT SEEMED LIKE MY CAR HAD JUST EXPLODED.FOR A MOMENT I COULD NOT SEE OR HEAR. I THEN REMOVED THE KEY AND OPENED DRIVERS DOOR. I SAW SOMETHING DUSTY FLOAT OUT ON THE AIR. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAD HAPPENED. AT THAT POINT I LOOKED OVER THE CAR ,SAW THAT THE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED.THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS ANYWHERE NEAR ME NOR WAS THERE ANY EVIDENCE THAT ANYTHING HAD HIT THE CAR. IT WAS QUITE A SHOCK TO HAVE THIS RANDOMLY HAPPEN. I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH IT . AFTER STARTING THE CAR TO SEE HOW IT RAN ,I DROVE IT HOME. I REPORTED IT TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY.AFTER MANY QUESTIONS AND SEVERAL DAYS OF REVIEW I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO IMPACT AND AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYING WOULD BE CONSIDERED A MECHANICAL FAILURE.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a used 2009 Pontiac G6 3.9L almost 4 years ago. I have experienced white smoke pouring from under my hood 3 times so far. I've taken it to the dealership and first time was informed it was a bad power steering hose leaking onto the exhaust- preCat area. The second repair dealership said it was a faulty hose. The third time dealer said it was a bad motor mount. After extensive research online, found out several years of G6 cars have the high pressure power steering hose about 1 inch from the exhaust pipe. This is causing the hose to melt due to the heat. GMC started making heat protective wrap around these hoses which still does not solve the problem-still burns thru. With a simple online search 2006-2010 G6 with the v-6 engines are still having this problem, costing owners money/time and safety issues. When I saw the white smoke, I lost my power stearing, causing panic and difficult steering. GM should have a recall, find a permanent solution where owners/family can feel safer. Most of these cars have low miles considering the age- Are owners afraid to drive the car due to the power steering hoses and exhaust being too close. Causing more concern for safety, and the costs for repairs and tow trucks.
Timing Chain making noise...voltage fluctuations throughout all the car...cruise control will shut off if I got to use wipers or blinkers or even turn on the air system and lights will dim if you use power windows or have the radio up loud.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN ADJUSTING THE DRIVERS POWER SEAT POSITION ADJUSTERS, IT TILTS TO THE SIDE WHEN ADJUSTING THE SEAT AND STAYS THAT WAY. *TR
1.WHEN DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON IT WILL TURN OFF FOR NO REASON. 2. WHEN THE CAR IS ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT GETS REALLY WARM AND THE SEAT IS NOT ON. 3. THE TRACTION CONTROLLER COMING ON WHILE DRIVING.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that since owning the vehicle, the wheel studs on all four wheels had frequently fractured while driving at various speeds. The contact stated initially four studs fractured on the front passenger’s side wheel. On two separate instances, several studs had detached from the front driver’s side, and on the driver’s and passenger’s rear wheels. The contact had towed the vehicle to the dealer where the lug nuts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000. The VIN was not available.
Well, we purchased a 2009 Pontiac G6 in November of 2021. We have been having problems with our light staying on, we were pull over a couple nights ago due to our lights not working. Also, our G6 pulls to the right and tweeters are the only speakers that work. Sometimes the driver door speaker will come on but that's in a blue moon. My step dad looked at my lights and noticed our wires were burnt and so was the connection piece. My fiancé informed me the other day that when he was fueling up, that he had to turn the car off because he heard a weird noise coming from the inside of the gas tank. Also, when we purchased the vehicle the battery was put in wrong and rubbing up against our hood [XXX] near caught our car on fire. Sometimes the car with slowing idle and won't go until I have to put my foot all the way down to the floor. Also, I had all 4 brand new tires put on it and the tire light is still on. Coat me $576.67 for tires because I got the weather, puncture proof and warranty! We have told South Shields Auto Credit in OKC, Ok I believe his name is [XXX] about the lights and he told his actual words "THAT SOUNDS LIKE WIRING PROBLEM AND WE DON'T DEAL WITH WIRING PROBLEMS"!! We took it in to get the light fixed and the lights were working for about 2 days and they quit working again. I Doordash for a living, other than I am a full time student and I have to have my lights to see at night. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING MY CARE AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I LOOKED AT MT TEMP AND IT WAS FINE. THE SMOKE STAR6COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASH. I TURNED CAR OFF THEN FLAMES STARTED BURNING THROUGH DASH AND UNDER THE HOOD. THIS TOOK PLACE IN MY DRIVEWAY
WAS DRIVING AND SAW A FLAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD.*LN*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
POWER STEERING GOES OUT A FEW MINUTES UPON DRIVING AND THE WHEEL BECOMES HARD TO TURN. SOMETIMES IT WILL RETURN FOR A BRIEF MOMENT WHEN STARTING THE CAR. ALSO THE WINDOW WASHER PUMP IS FAULTY CAUSING NO FLUID TO COME OUT WHEN PRESSED, WHICH COULD LEAD TO VISIBILITY PROBLEMS IN WINTER WITH ALL THE SAND AND SALT ON THE ROADS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G6. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (PERRYSBURG AUTOMALL LOCATED ON 26875 N DIXIE HWY, PERRYSBURG, OH, 43551) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT SOCKET WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000. UPDATED 08/22/17*LJ
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY EPS KEEPS MALFUNCTIONING AND I LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER MY CAR. I'VE DONE RESEARCH ON THE RECALLS BUT, CAN NOT SOLVE MY PROBLEMS. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I FEELS IT'S TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.
I'M HEARING A INCREASINGLY LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND FEELING EXCESSIVE SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT OF THE CAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT HEATERS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR WHILE THE SEAT HEATERS WERE ACTIVATED AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVER SEAT HAD A BURN HOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G6. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING ON THE HEATED LEATHER SEATS AFTER 5 MINUTES, A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT. THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT WAS EXTREMELY HOT TO THE TOUCH AND BECAME DISCOLORED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), THE COOLING FANS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE AIR CONDITIONER TO FAIL. IN ADDITION, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, BUT THE TIRES DID NOT NEED AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
2000 PONTIAC GT G6 52000 MI NEEDS TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR REPLACED AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK DOESN'T OPEN READILY, DASH LIGHTS DIM OUT INTERMITTENT. RUNNING ROUGH PROBABLY NEEDS FUEL INJECTION CLEANED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SEATBELT LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASH AND THE CHIMES OCCURS EVEN WHEN THE SEATBELT IS ENGAGED. THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS 64,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS PART SHOULD BE WORKING AS IT IS REQUIRED BY THE STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURE DEFECTS AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE ME FOR A NEW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. *TR
DRIVING MY PONTIAC G6 2009 LEAVING A PARKING SPACE IN SHOPPING CENTER DRIVING DOWN ISLE CAR CAME ACROSS I TRIED TO GET OUT THE WAY AND HIT PARKING LOT LITE POLE. WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT IT FAILED AND I HIT STEERING WHEEL VERY HARD. ENDED UP WITH 3 FRACTURE RIBS AND WHIP LASH OF THE CHEST. DEALER WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT MY COMPLAINT OF SEAT BELT FAILURE. CALLED GM AND THEY ARE NOT ACTING FAST ENOUGH FOR ME. I'M DRIVING THIS CAR AROUND KNOWING MY SEAT BELT IS NOT WORKING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .