2008 Pontiac G5 Problems
- Complaints
- 115filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 70,500miles, 96 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 29 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Pontiac G5 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2008 Pontiac G5 most often write about fuel smells and leaks traced to rusted or cracked fuel system parts, and about the air bag warning light or air bags that did not deploy in a crash. Power steering assist cutting out and front-suspension clunks and rattles are also common themes, typically from moderately high mileage onward. Many complaints describe a gradual onset noticed after refueling, in cold or road-salt conditions, or while turning at low speed.
- Fuel system
Fuel smell and leak from rusted fuel lines
- 31 complaints (27%)
- median 78,000 mi at 8.2 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $700 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2010–2025
Owners describe a strong gasoline odor inside or around the car, sometimes with a puddle forming under the driver side in front of the rear tire after the car sits or is refueled. Several say the fuel line had rusted through near a plastic retaining clip or the heat shield close to the exhaust. Dealers and independent shops identified rusted lines, a leaking hose, or a cracked fuel tank requiring replacement, and some owners were told the vehicle identification was outside a regional fuel pump recall. Reported from roughly 33,000 to 163,000 miles, often on cars driven in winter road-salt areas and noticed after refueling or parking.
Recall 12V4590002 related service bulletins
What to check: Have the underside fuel lines inspected where the plastic clips and heat shield sit, especially on cars from salted-road states, and look and smell for damp spots after refueling. Ask whether any fuel pump or line recall work was performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car is leaking g fuel by drivers door and tire.my car was in the recall but not my state. Makes no sense. My car was a rental for many years before I bought it . Why is my VIN# not in recall.. If I blow up someone will let you know. Thanks.”
NHTSA complaint #11102208, filed 2018-06, 79,000 miles“Noticed a fuel smell in the car, then had trouble starting the car. After a few days there was a puddle of liquid under my car as I left the grocery store. Fuel smell was extremely strong. Got home and looked under car and found a fuel hose leaking gas. Took into a mechanic who found the whole fuel line to be rotted! Its a 7 year old car with slightly over 100,000 miles on it. Mechanic said he has never seen anything like this and can't believe their isn't a recall issued on this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10788037, filed 2015-11, 100,000 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light and no deployment in a crash
- 22 complaints (19%)
- median 53,150 mi at 6.6 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2026
Owners report the "Service Air Bag" message or warning light staying on, with dealers tracing it to faulty ground wiring in the steering wheel, a passenger presence or occupant detection module, or the air bag control module; some repairs were repeated without a lasting fix. Others describe air bags that did not deploy in a collision, and a few note the system deploying unexpectedly. Several owners were told the needed module is no longer produced. Mostly reported between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, with some later entries above 175,000 miles.
What to check: Turn the ignition on and confirm the air bag light comes on and then goes out; ask whether the passenger seat sensor and any air bag wiring or module repairs were done, and whether recall 14V047000 was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was in a motor vehicle accident, my vehicle was totaled and the air bag did not deploy. I was cut off by another vehicle that then slammed their brakes, I hit the rear of that vehicle it was a 2011 ford focus that vehicle was not damaged and the driver was not hurt. My vehicle was deemed a total loss and I suffered a neck/back/shoulder injury.”
NHTSA complaint #10678238, filed 2015-01, 74,100 miles“Service air bags shows on dash on startup, bought this way from holz chevy in hales corners, wi. Was told it was a non issue. Electrical- changes from radio to aux randomly, the back speakers work constantly, the driver side never works and the passenger side works on occasion (if you hit a pot hole hard enough it'll go on/off). Fuel- fuel line was leaking from driver side, in front of rear wheel. Right by the heat shield.”
NHTSA complaint #11257928, filed 2019-09, 179,000 miles - Steering
Power steering assist cuts out or steering locks
- 16 complaints (14%)
- median 87,250 mi at 5.5 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2024
Complaints describe the steering suddenly becoming heavy or locking, often while turning a corner or at low speed, and sometimes the wheel not returning to center. In some cases the steering column was found at fault and replaced, and one owner had the steering module and column quoted after an ignition switch replacement. Some owners state their vehicle was not covered by the electric power steering recall. Spread from about 35,000 to 156,000 miles, frequently noticed during low-speed turns or parking-lot maneuvers.
Recall 10V073000Recall 14V1710001 related service bulletin
What to check: Test the steering at low speed in a parking lot for heaviness or binding, and ask whether the electric power steering recall and any steering column or module work have been completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dashboard lights went awry. Gauge needles floated about giving false readings on speed and gas tank gas level. Lost power steering. Dealer replaced ignition switch & reset the computer for $390.73. Same problem recurred weeks later. 03/18/2014, another GM dealer inspected for $158.00 & found we need to replace the steering module and column for $1055.00. I am expecting a recall letter in mid-april. I live in a small town and need to drive my only vehicle although the dealer warned me that the car is in dangerous condition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10574370, filed 2014-03, 75,069 miles“Power steering cut out when turning a corner. When driving straight ahead, the steering seems fine. When turning right or left to go around a corner, the steering wheel does not easily turn back to the straight ahead position. I was driving on a city street at 30 MPH and slowed to make a right hand turn, and while turning l felt the power steering give out when trying to come out of the turn.”
NHTSA complaint #11315825, filed 2020-03, 156,000 miles - Electrical system
Ignition switch and stalling / no-start problems
- 13 complaints (11%)
- median 72,534 mi at 6.6 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2019
Owners report the car stalling at speed or refusing to start, sometimes after refueling, with all instrument panel lights coming on; a few describe being unable to shut the engine off or remove the key. Dealers replaced the ignition switch, reset computers, or repaired steering column mechanisms, and some owners say the problem returned after recall repairs. Reported from about 44,000 to 158,000 miles, with several entries beyond 90,000 miles.
Recall 14V1710002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether ignition switch recall 14V171000 was performed and whether any repeat stalling or no-start complaints were addressed afterward; check that the key moves freely between positions.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that when attempting to stop, the vehicle suddenly stalled as the check engine warning light illuminated. The engine was restarted and the vehicle operated as normal. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 90,325.”
NHTSA complaint #10594590, filed 2014-05, 90,325 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, it would not start. After several attempts for approximately 20 minutes, the vehicle was able to start. The contact mentioned that the ignition switch was replaced in 2014. The failure occurred on approximately six occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10851932, filed 2016-03, 122,000 miles - Suspension
Front suspension clunks and rattles
- 7 complaints (6%)
- median 37,000 mi at 3.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2012
Owners describe clunking and rattling from the front end over bumps, traced to worn control arm bushings, tie rods, and sway bar links that were replaced, sometimes more than once. One owner reports a front ball joint separating and the car losing control, and another had rear axle bushings and shocks replaced at low mileage. Mostly reported between about 17,000 and 89,000 miles, with several cases in the 30,000 to 45,000 mile range.
What to check: Drive over uneven pavement and listen for clunks, and have the control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links inspected before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle was being drivin on a two lane highway and all of the sudden the front right fell to the ground and the car spun out and slid into a ditch. The front right ball joint failed and broke apart. My mechanic says he replaces ball joints on these cars at the rate of five cars per month. While being repaired, I had the control arm bushings, tie rods, and sway bar endlinks replaced again because there were rattling and clunking again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10428387, filed 2011-10, 77,000 miles“Left and right rear axle bushings needed to be replaced in a 2008 Pontiac G5 with 34,000 miles. Vehicle would make a loud metal to metal sound when going over speed bumps. Rear shocks were also replaced due to rubber mounting bushings that had cracked and fallen apart.”
NHTSA complaint #10323908, filed 2010-04, 34,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the fuel lines underneath, the steering assist, and the front suspension is worthwhile on this model year, and it is worth confirming which of the ignition, air bag, and steering recalls were actually completed. Records of past air bag and ignition repairs help show whether symptoms returned after the work.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 115 consumer complaints for the 2008 Pontiac G5. 96 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,500 miles. Of all complaints, 15 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 25 an injury, 5 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 892 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system35 30%
- Air bags26 23%
- Electrical system24 21%
- Steering23 20%
- Suspension8 7.0%
- Brakes6 5.2%
- Engine5 4.3%
- Vehicle speed control4 3.5%
- Exterior lighting3 2.6%
Also reported: Body and structure (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Other or unknown (2), Seat belts (2), Electronic stability control (1), Engine cooling (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “While driving in town around other vehicles namely those with bright lights and at stop lights. It felt as though there was a ton of pressure inside my vehicle almost like the the windows were going to explode. Im not sure how to explain it maybe a gravataional downward pull? Almost like a chemical burn from the brightness of other headilghts and the vehicle mirrors mixed chemical nomenclature were having a bad reaction. This caused me to become aware of an issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11322036, filed 2020-04, 152,190 milesAir bags: “While driving the vehicle, the steering went hay wire to where we lost control of the car and crashed. We were unable to control the car and it veered off into somebody else's lane and hit their vehicle. The air bags never deployed like they should have. We are unsure of what happened and are struggling to pay for the repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10598705, filed 2014-06, 89,000 milesElectrical system: “Daytime running lamps stopped working on my vehicle. Took my car to a mechanic and he noted that the wiring harness for the daytime running lights and headlights was burnt to a crisp. Could not believe my eyes. My car is factory original and never been in a wreck so there is no excuse for this electrical failure. Daytime running lights are a safety feature according to general motors and now I feel like my car is less safe because of this problem! Help!”
NHTSA complaint #10593302, filed 2014-05, 30,000 milesSteering: “My daughter is a collage student, she was driving home, which is 180 miles from home, she was driving on the highway, powersteering gave out, almost had a wreck 3 times with same situation, had to muscle it to pull over......... I know there is a recall on this but I have not received a notice to have it fixed. This also has happened several times when she starts her car. Has left her sitting in a parking lot late at night, had to keep turning car on and off several times before it would act right!! She has only had this car almost 2-years!!! Dealership can not fix this till I get the notice!!”
NHTSA complaint #10694191, filed 2015-03, 89,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
33% of the 96 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 91,251 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Pontiac G5. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G5 · coupe FWD | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Pontiac G5 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G5 XFE FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V171000Apr 10, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Pontiac G5 2007–2010, Chevrolet Cobalt 2005–2010, HHR 2006–2011 +3 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be…
- 14V047000Feb 10, 2014Air bagsCovers: Pontiac G5 2007–2010, Chevrolet Cobalt 2005–2010, HHR 2006–2011 +3 more
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring…
- 12V459000Sep 19, 2012Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Pontiac G5 2007–2009, Chevrolet Cobalt 2007–2009, Pontiac Torrent 2007 +2 more
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles…
- 10V073000Mar 3, 2010Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Pontiac G5 2007–2010, Chevrolet Cobalt 2005–2010
General motors is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 chevrolet cobalt and model year 2007-2010 pontiac g5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering. The driver may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while…
Recall details for the 2008 Pontiac G5 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 892 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024Engine. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Other model years of the Pontiac G5
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 76 | 70,050 | 5 | — | 29 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2008 | 115 | 70,500 | 4 | — | 29 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2007 | 188 | 70,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Pontiac G5 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Pontiac G5?
Owners of the 2008 Pontiac G5 most often write about fuel smells and leaks traced to rusted or cracked fuel system parts, and about the air bag warning light or air bags that did not deploy in a crash. The issues reported most often: Fuel smell and leak from rusted fuel lines; Air bag warning light and no deployment in a crash; Power steering assist cuts out or steering locks.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Pontiac G5 have?
NHTSA recorded 115 consumer complaints for the 2008 Pontiac G5 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Pontiac G5 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 35 complaints (30% of the total), followed by air bags with 26.
Has the 2008 Pontiac G5 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Pontiac G5 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Pontiac G5 (G5 XFE, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 25 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Pontiac G5 reported?
Among the 96 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,500 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 91,251 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.