2009 Pontiac G8 Problems

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he noticed that the airbag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the airbag warning light remained illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

The contact owns a 2009 PONTIAC G8. The contact stated that at start-up, the airbag default warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact proceeded to drive and noticed that the light was no longer on the instrument panel. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

FRONT END KNOCKING NOISE OVER BUMPS

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE FRONT SUSPENSION SHAKES AND CLUNKS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. BOTH BALL JOINS HAVE TEARS IN THE RUBBER BOOTS WHICH I'M SURE CAUSES WATER AND ROAD DEBRE TO ENTER BALL JOINT AND CORRODE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME AND WHEN A BALL JOINT LETS GO IT CAN BE FATAL SENDING THE CAR IN ANY UNCHOSEN DIRECTION. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS HAPPENING TO EVERY SINGLE PONTIAC G8 OWNER I'VE COME ACROSS. THIS IS LIFE THREATENING, BALL JOINT LETS GO ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WILL GO INTO A ROLL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION

7/17/21 (about 94500 miles) - While driving in heavy rain on a congested highway, with my windshield wipers turned on (of course), the wipers suddenly stopped working. This could have easily killed me and my family. The wipers would not turn back on, no matter what I did. At a rest stop that afternoon, and then later during extensive testing, I found that turning the wipers on would never actually make the wipers activate--but it would cause the engine to shut off and caused the car to issue numerous, varying error codes related to numerous vehicle systems (including ABS). Through much difficulty, I was able to find that this was caused by a faulty electrical ground at what's known on the Pontiac G8 as ground point G102. The electrical ground was restored via ground connection elsewhere, and the wipers resumed functioning. Roughly 2 years later (July/August 2023, about 104,000 miles), my low-beam headlights didn't function at ignition one day. Obviously, lacking headlights is a core safety issue. I learned that the low-beams also use ground point G102. Once again, with the electrical ground restored via a connection elsewhere, the low-beams started working again. Two different service stations were unable to figure out the windshield wiper issue. I only solved it by reading what others wrote on a Pontiac G8 enthusiast message board. On those message board threads, you can see that many people have had these same exact issues with the Pontiac G8--all related to the G102 ground point. Obviously, having the windshield wipers and/or headlights fail suddenly and without warning (neither failure gave any warning in advance) in a situation where the wipers or lights are needed could have catastrophic consequences. Since I'm unaware of any other ground point failing on the Pontiac G8, I am wondering if G102, in particular, needs a recall and a repair, to address this. (I am the original owner. The car has been stored outside, in the Northeast.)

A month ago my passenger air bag light came on indicating there is an issue with the Passenger Air Bag system. This occurs even when there is no one in the passenger seat. This completely disables the airbag system in my car for my passengers and I can no longer reliably transport other passengers for fear of getting into an accident and the air bag not deploying. These parts are not normal mechanical pieces that wear and tear over the course of the cars life, and with a quote from the dealership of almost $1000.00 it is unreasonable for me to pay as this is a HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, not only to passengers but to myself as I am unsure if this will effect the Drivers Air Bag System. I dont think its fair that with the car only being 12 years old that I should have to pay and replace a faulty air bag system, when this is a common issue with the 2009 Pontiac G8. This needs to be a recall as it is unfair to ask anyone to replace a VITAL and IMPORTANT safety feature of the vehicle. This should not be something Pontiac G8 owners should have to pay for out of pocket, and the Manufacturer needs to realize that this is not a one off issue, but a common issue with owners of the 2009 Pontiac G8. It is the responsibility of the Manufacturer (GM) to fix this issue as it is a basic safety issue. The car would not be legally sold with this issue from the manufacturer, so why is it the owners responsibility to pay for GM (Pontiacs) mistake? Either with $1000.00 or their lives?

ABS LIGHTS. *TR

BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATED - WHEN THE BRAKE PADDLE IS PUSHED UP THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL TURN OFF FOR A SHORT TIME AND THAN ILLUMINATE AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET AND ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G8. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURES OCCURRED FREQUENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V172000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR, TIRES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WENT TO OFF WITHOUT MY PRESSING CONTROL BUTTON. I WAS UNABLE TO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL TO SWITCH BACK TO THE ON POSITION EVEN AFTER PRESSING THE BUTTON ON THE CONTROL PANEL. AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND PARKING VEHICLE FOR ABOUT ONE HOUR I DROVE THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL FUNCTIONED IN THE PROPER MANNER. I DROVE THE VEHICLE THE NEXT MORNING AND THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AGAIN FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 09V172000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR, TIRES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 04/29/14*LJ

MICHELIN PILOT SPORT A/S PLUS ARE "CHUNKING" RUBBER SEPARATION. I PURCHASED MY MICHELIN PILOT A/S PLUS FROM DISCOUNT TIRES IN DECEMBER 2011(34,030 MI). MICHELIN STATES A 45K MI WARRANTY ON THESE TIRES. I'VE ROTATED THEM EVERY 5-6K MI. RIGHT NOW I'VE DRIVEN ON THEM 22K MILES. I WENT TO DISCOUNT TIRE (1/27/2014) AND THEY SAID THE FRONT TIRES ARE "CHUNKING". YOU CAN SEE TIRE SEPARATION FROM THE LAYERS OF RUBBER. THE ASST MGR ADVISED ME HE HAS SEEN THIS WITH THE MICHELIN'S PILOT A/S PLUS AND THEY WOULD PRORATE ME FOR SOME NEW TIRES. TO ME THIS IS A DEFECT AND SHOULD BE A FULL REPLACEMENT AT 100% MICHELIN'S EXPENSES. PLEASE PLEASE! INVESTIGATE THESE TIRES. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G8. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V540000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

ABOVE ABOUT 40 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A SHAKE AND THE DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THAT THEY DO NOT FEEL IT, SEEMS LIKE THEY WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM THAT SEEMS LIKE GM WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH. THIS IS A LINK TO A 30 PAGE THREAD OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ALMOST EVERY PERSON THAT IS HAVING THE ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. THIS IS CURRENTLY AN ANNOYANCE BUT IT MAY BE A SIGN OF A FAILING STEERING / SUSPENSION PART. HTTP://WWW.G8BOARD.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=46325. *TR

BOTH FRONT I NSIDE DOOR HANDLES PEELING REVEALING RAZOR SHARP MATERIAL ..WHICH HAS ALREADY CUT MY WIFE ONCE IF YOUY R NOT CAREFUL OPENING DOOR FROM THE INSIDE YOU WILL CUT YOU FINGERS . ALSO DRIVERS LOWER OUTSIDE SEAT TRIM FALLING OFF SEAT ..POSS SCRAPE & OR TRIP HAZZARD

MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH OWN 2009 PONTIAC G8S, AND THE PANEL THAT SURROUNDS THE POWER SEAT BUTTON ON THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER SEAT HAS BROKEN NOT ONCE BUT TWICE ON HIS VEHICLE AND ONCE ON MINE. THE FIRST TIME WE HAD TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, IT ONLY LASTED A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR. WE RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO BE TOLD IT WASN'T COVERED BECAUSE IT WAS 1 MONTH MORE THAN THE 12 MO. WARRANTY COVERED. WE HAVE CONTACTED THE GM 1-800 #, TO BE TOLD BY CUSTOMER SERVICE ,TWICE THEY WOULD NOT HELP. BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL. WE FEEL WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY AGAIN, SINCE THIS SAME PART HAS BROKEN 3 TIMES, AND IN 1 FAMILY WITH EXACT SAME VEHICLES AND SAME BROKEN PART. IT IS A FAULTY PART, THERE IS LOT OF TALK ALL OVER THE WEB ABOUT IT, SO I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU CANNOT ADMIT IT. YOU SHOULD HELP! LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE. *TR

FIRST OCCURRED N 11/23/2009. ON THE INTERSTATE IT LOSES ALL POWER, ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, IGNITION STOPS, POWER STEERING STOPS, BRAKES FAIL - COMPLETE VEHICLE STOPPAGE AND FULL OPERATING SYSTEMS SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING AT 70 MPH, TWICE! SECOND OCCURRENCE WAS 1/26/2010. *TR

ALSO OCCURRED AGAIN ON 1/26/2010/ ON THE INTERSTATE IT LOSES ALL POWER, ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, IGNITION STOPS, POWER STEERING STOPS, BRAKES FAIL - COMPLETE VEHICLE STOPPAGE AND FULL OPERATING SYSTEMS SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING AT 70 MPH, TWICE! *TR

VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY THROW ABS/TRACTION CONTROL/BRAKE SYSTEM/AIRBAGS FAILURE NOTICES; VEHICLE THEN GOES INTO LIMP MODE AND THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS INTO FIRST GEAR. HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES, DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR. THEY HAVE CLEARED ALL MIL/DTC CODES AND RE-FLASHED ECM 3 TIMES. THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ONCE ON THE INTERSTATE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AT 70MPH AND TWICE ON CITY STREETS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, WITH SIGNIFICANT CHANCE FOR ACCIDENT/CRASH. WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS THIS CONDITION, LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURS, AS ENGINE DELIVERS NO POWER TO TRANSMISSION AND CAR IS LIMITED TO 25MPH MAXIMUM SPEED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G8, WITH A 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION. HE CAN SHIFT FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR ONLY WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 15 TO 20 MPH. CONSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 4TH GEAR. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC FOR THAT MODEL TYPE. THE PONTIAC MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 12/22/09. LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SECOND GEAR IS LOCKED OUT FROM ABOUT 10 MPH TO 25 MPH. WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO MERGE FROM A STOP IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE ISN'T TIME TO FIGURE OUT WHICH GEAR TO SELECT AFTER ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT TO SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE LOOSES MOMENTUM, THE ENGINE RPM'S DROP TO AN IDLE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD IT IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 12/29/09. *JB

7/17/21 (about 94500 miles) - While driving in heavy rain on a congested highway, with my windshield wipers turned on (of course), the wipers suddenly stopped working. This could have easily killed me and my family. The wipers would not turn back on, no matter what I did. At a rest stop that afternoon, and then later during extensive testing, I found that turning the wipers on would never actually make the wipers activate--but it would cause the engine to shut off and caused the car to issue numerous, varying error codes related to numerous vehicle systems (including ABS). Through much difficulty, I was able to find that this was caused by a faulty electrical ground at what's known on the Pontiac G8 as ground point G102. The electrical ground was restored via ground connection elsewhere, and the wipers resumed functioning. Roughly 2 years later (July/August 2023, about 104,000 miles), my low-beam headlights didn't function at ignition one day. Obviously, lacking headlights is a core safety issue. I learned that the low-beams also use ground point G102. Once again, with the electrical ground restored via a connection elsewhere, the low-beams started working again. Two different service stations were unable to figure out the windshield wiper issue. I only solved it by reading what others wrote on a Pontiac G8 enthusiast message board. On those message board threads, you can see that many people have had these same exact issues with the Pontiac G8--all related to the G102 ground point. Obviously, having the windshield wipers and/or headlights fail suddenly and without warning (neither failure gave any warning in advance) in a situation where the wipers or lights are needed could have catastrophic consequences. Since I'm unaware of any other ground point failing on the Pontiac G8, I am wondering if G102, in particular, needs a recall and a repair, to address this. (I am the original owner. The car has been stored outside, in the Northeast.)

BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON WHOLE DRIVING AND PARKED, AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH FOUND OUT IT WAS A GM RECALL NO. 09101 & 09046 BUT MY VEHICLE'S VIN DOESN'T FALL UNDER RECALL LIST.

Was leaving for a road trip and the rear passenger door would not latch when closed. We were an hour from home, so I had to use a bungee cord to hold the door closed for the drive back. My son had to sit in the middle seat. That door is rarely used. I have ordered the part and it should be here soon. The drivers door has become difficult to open and close but I am unable to locate the part as it is backordered from GM. I understand the the vehicle is 12 years old but I maintain it very well; it is in great shape and runs well. It's scary to think that these door latches can fail so easily. Other body parts for this vehicle are becoming increasingly difficult to locate.

DOOR LATCHES GOES OUT ON VEHICLES AND THE DOOR DON'T STAY SHUT. THE DOOR WILL FLAP OPEN WILL DRIVING, HAVE TO USE A SEAT BELT AROUND THE INSIDE HANDLE AND THEN CONNECT TO THE SEAT BUCKLE TO KEEP DOOR CLOSE. I HAVE 2 G8S THAT THESE HAVE FAILED ON. I THINK THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN THAT SOMEONE CAN FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE .

LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING ASS'Y HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE OF MOAN/ROARING NOISE THAT INCREASES AND DECREASES AS SPEED INCREASES AND DECREASES. NOISE BECOMES NOTICEABLY LOUDER AS YOU MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN - WHICH CAUSES THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL TO HAVE AN INCREASE IN WEIGHT BEARING. ORIGINAL REPLACED @ 78,042 MILES. FIRST REPLACEMENT BECOME SO NOISY THAT IT WAS REPLACED @ 79,264 MILES. NOISE WAS LESSENED, BUT WAS STILL NOTICEABLE. NOW, THE SECOND REPLACEMENT IS SO NOISY DRIVING IT STRAIGHT DOWN THE HIGHWAY THAT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT @ 90,000 MILES. *TR

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 THE CAR SHIFTED TO PARK AND THEN SHIFTED BACK TO DRIVE ON IT'S OWN. *TR

TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR GOES OFF AND THE TIRES ARE GOOD. AIRBAG SENSOR ALSO GOES OFF. INDICATIONS FAILURE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, SHE CRASHED INTO A DITCH RESULTING IN THE SEAT BELT SEPARATING FROM THE BUCKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TENSIONER ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER KNEE, LEGS, AND EYE HOWEVER MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR GOES OFF AND THE TIRES ARE GOOD. AIRBAG SENSOR ALSO GOES OFF. INDICATIONS FAILURE.

PONTIAC G8 GT ABS/SES/TRACTION CONTROL OFF INDICATORS/MESSAGES AND OR LOSS OF POWER WITH THE RADIO TURNED UP. *TR

RIGHT SIDE OIL LEAK FROM THE VALVE COVER, LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD @20000 MILES. FIRE CONCERN.

HELLO, I AM WRITING TO YOU TODAY TO INFORM YOU OF A COMMON AND KNOWN ISSUE WITH ALL GM LS ENGINES THAT COME WITH ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT (AFM) OR DISPLACEMENT ON DEMAND (DOD). THE LIFTERS IN THE ENGINE BEGIN TO FAIL SOMEWHERE AFTER 40,000 MILES - WITH THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE OCCURRING IN MY OWN VEHICLE AT JUST OVER 61,000 MILES. IF YOU WERE TO GOOGLE "LS DEAD LIFTER", "LS LIFTER FAILURE" OR "GM PISTON SLAP", THE ISSUES ARISES. I HAVE CONTACTED THE PONTIAC DIVISION AT GM TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS, BUT THEY SAID THAT THERE IS "NOTHING THEY CAN DO SINCE THE ENGINE IS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER THEIR WARRANTY". THIS IS A BS AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL IF IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND FROM WHAT I READ ON A COUPLE FORUMS, GM HAS EVEN SENT A TSB (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN) TO THEIR DEALERS IN THE PAST IN REGARDS TO THE ISSUE ON THIS ENGINE FOR SEVERAL DIFFERENT GM MODELS. SYMPTOMS AND NOISE ON THE "DEAD LIFTER" ISSUE: YOU WILL HEAR A TICKING OR KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE ITSELF UPON START UP. NOISE TENDS TO BE LOUDER ON A COLD START UP AND WILL GRADUALLY SOFTEN (BUT NOT COMPLETELY GO AWAY) ONCE THE ENGINE IS WARM. THE TICKING OR KNOCKING NOISE CONTINUES DURING IDLING AND REVVING, SPEEDING UP AS YOU PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR.

7/17/21 (about 94500 miles) - While driving in heavy rain on a congested highway, with my windshield wipers turned on (of course), the wipers suddenly stopped working. This could have easily killed me and my family. The wipers would not turn back on, no matter what I did. At a rest stop that afternoon, and then later during extensive testing, I found that turning the wipers on would never actually make the wipers activate--but it would cause the engine to shut off and caused the car to issue numerous, varying error codes related to numerous vehicle systems (including ABS). Through much difficulty, I was able to find that this was caused by a faulty electrical ground at what's known on the Pontiac G8 as ground point G102. The electrical ground was restored via ground connection elsewhere, and the wipers resumed functioning. Roughly 2 years later (July/August 2023, about 104,000 miles), my low-beam headlights didn't function at ignition one day. Obviously, lacking headlights is a core safety issue. I learned that the low-beams also use ground point G102. Once again, with the electrical ground restored via a connection elsewhere, the low-beams started working again. Two different service stations were unable to figure out the windshield wiper issue. I only solved it by reading what others wrote on a Pontiac G8 enthusiast message board. On those message board threads, you can see that many people have had these same exact issues with the Pontiac G8--all related to the G102 ground point. Obviously, having the windshield wipers and/or headlights fail suddenly and without warning (neither failure gave any warning in advance) in a situation where the wipers or lights are needed could have catastrophic consequences. Since I'm unaware of any other ground point failing on the Pontiac G8, I am wondering if G102, in particular, needs a recall and a repair, to address this. (I am the original owner. The car has been stored outside, in the Northeast.)