2008 Pontiac G6 Problems
Compared with other Pontiac G6 years
More complaints than typical for this model
75/100 1.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.8× that of a typical Pontiac G6 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 100 of its 1,080 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Power steering assist cuts out while driving (350 complaints, median 85,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 1,080filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles, 887 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Pontiac G6 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe intermittent loss of power steering assist, frequently accompanied by a power steering warning and difficulty turning the wheel. Brake lights that stay on or work in reverse of the pedal, headlights and sockets that cut out, and airbag warning lights also come up repeatedly, usually at higher mileage. Most reports in the sampled complaints arrive between roughly 70,000 and 170,000 miles.
- Steering
Power steering assist cuts out while driving
- 350 complaints (32%)
- median 85,000 mi at 6.9 yrs old (292 state mileage)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $780 (median of 29 quotes)
- filed 2008–2026
Owners describe the steering suddenly becoming very hard to turn, sometimes with a power steering warning message on the display or a chime. Several say the assist comes back after shutting the car off and restarting it, only to drop out again later. Some independent shops traced it to the steering torque sensor or the electric power steering unit, and owners report varying dealer responses and repair costs. Reported across a wide mileage range, from under 55,000 to over 200,000 miles, at all speeds and during turns.
What to check: Ask whether the electric power steering assist was ever replaced or the torque sensor serviced, and keep any repair paperwork. During a test drive, watch for the power steering warning message and note whether the wheel feels heavy at low speed or in turns.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While vehicle is on and operating at speeds of 5 MPH to 65 MPH the power steering will completely go out making control of the car manually. Once I am able to regain positive control of the vehicle I am able to put into park turn off ignition. After restarting the vehicle the power steering is engaged back to complete normal as if there was never a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11399279, filed 2021-03, 130,000 miles“When I am driving down the highway my power steering goes out to where I can't steer the car and than I turn the car off left it reset turn it back on and it's fine for a period of time and does it again. I have kids and I am worried about the safety of my kids and myself.”
NHTSA complaint #11309149, filed 2020-02, 193,945 miles - Brakes
Brake lights stay on or work opposite the pedal
- 175 complaints (16%)
- median 71,894 mi at 5.7 yrs old (150 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2008–2026
Complaints describe the brake lights staying lit with the pedal released, or going out when the pedal is pressed, sometimes with the bulbs replaced without fixing it. Owners tie this to cruise control that will not engage or drops out. Some had the brake light switch replaced at their own cost and the behavior returned. Mostly reported between about 37,000 and 170,000 miles, appearing intermittently rather than every time.
What to check: Have someone stand behind the car with the key on to confirm the brake lights behave correctly without the pedal pressed. Ask whether the brake light switch and related adjustments have been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Brake lights remain on when the brake pedal is not pushed, but go off when the brake pedal is pushed, just the opposite of what is supposed to happen. Following vehicles cannot be signaled when slowing down creating danger of a rear end collision. The problem is intermittent can tell it is happening when the cruise control does not work.”
NHTSA complaint #10606944, filed 2014-06, 37,000 miles“Brake lights go on without pressing on brake pedal. Brake lights turn off when pressing on brake pedal. Have to slam down hard for brake lights to turn on. Dealer replaced brake light switch at a cost and issue not resolved. Happens intermittently.”
NHTSA complaint #10416069, filed 2011-07, 39,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shift cable and gear position problems
- 182 complaints (17%)
- median 93,000 mi at 6.7 yrs old (157 state mileage)
- 13 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $602 (median of 15 quotes)
- filed 2008–2026
Complaints describe the shifter feeling loose or the car not going into the selected gear, rolling when the lever is in park, or being stuck in neutral with the key hard to remove. Some describe a fracture in the shift cable end, in a few cases after the cable was already replaced. Others mention hard shifting and an ABS light staying on. Mostly reported between about 61,000 and 166,000 miles.
Recall 14V224000Recall 12V460000
What to check: Ask whether the shift cable recall work was completed and whether the cable has been replaced since. With the car running, move the lever through the gears and check that the dash indicator matches and that park holds.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Power steering disengages once vehicle is turned off. Only way to reengage it is to turn car completely off and turn it back on. Sometimes it reengages but occasionally it still remains an issue. If I also lightly pull on the wheel, the steering wheel will vibrate and shake while stopped and driving. My position switch on the transmission also causes the engine to not start every so often as well. I have to shift into neutral sometimes to restart my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11388628, filed 2021-01, 218,005 miles“First incident I stopped in front of my home the car locked up on july 30th 2014 I had to push it to the curb and could not drive it to work. Second incident august 16th 2014 I was taking my wife to dinner and I stop at a stop light, car went dead, could not get it to go into any gear, the car would not start took 1 hour before my vehicle would go into gear. No dinner for my wife and my self. I need this recall matter to be resolved. This my transportation to work.”
NHTSA complaint #10631304, filed 2014-09, 61,438 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light and passenger seat sensor
- 92 complaints (9%)
- median 90,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (73 state mileage)
- 20 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $750 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2008–2022
Owners describe the service airbag message staying on after startup, sometimes together with the passenger airbag indicator behaving oddly when the seat is occupied. According to complaints, dealers and forums pointed at the passenger seat sensor. One complaint describes a driver's side airbag deploying without an impact at high mileage. Reported from roughly 30,000 to 190,000 miles, typically appearing at startup.
What to check: Turn the key to on and confirm the airbag light clears after the bulb check, then sit in the passenger seat and watch the passenger airbag indicator. Ask whether the seat sensor or airbag circuit was ever diagnosed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When I start my car I now receive a service air bag along with a service tire monitor . The dealer says they can't find anything wrong and I should just replace the sensors to be safe. Is this safe? Shouldn't there be a recall on this issue since it seems to happen so frequently?”
NHTSA complaint #10549269, filed 2013-10, 46,634 miles“2008 pont G6 service airbag light appears in dash, and display on radio periodically. Typically right on startup. Doesn't turn off until key off, regardless of how long or type of driving. Usually (but not always) resets when engine off and restart. Discussion with dealer and online forums all say passenger side seat sensor is bad. Concerned if driver and/or passenger airbags will actually deploy in event of emergency, whether light is on or not.”
NHTSA complaint #10823790, filed 2016-02, 102,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the power steering assist, brake light behavior and shift cable, since those account for most of what owners report. Ask for recall and repair records for those items and confirm the work was actually done.
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 1,080 consumer complaints for the 2008 Pontiac G6. 887 of the complaints include a mileage, and 21% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 79,000 miles. Of all complaints, 37 involved a crash, 19 a fire, 22 an injury, 3 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,018 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 2 Pontiac G6 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 75 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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.
- Steering420 39%
- Exterior lighting243 23%
- Electrical system225 21%
- Brakes154 14%
- Air bags101 9.3%
- Transmission and drivetrain83 7.7%
- Vehicle speed control67 6.2%
- Fuel system62 5.7%
- Electronic stability control44 4.1%
- Engine36 3.3%
Also reported: Other or unknown (25), Latches, locks and linkages (23), Suspension (22), Seats (18), Body and structure (18), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (15), Wheels (14), Seat belts (13), Engine cooling (9), Tires (8), Equipment (2).
Example complaints
Steering: “I have sent in multiple complaints in regards to my 2008 Pontiac G6 loss of power steering problem with no results. The dealer said it wasn't part of the recall so I would have to pay to fix it but everywhere I look I see that it is a recall. Nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 is for my year, make and model so I would like to know what should I do.”
NHTSA complaint #11079717, filed 2018-03, 120,000 milesExterior lighting: “Its leaks when its rains. The right side of my car lights stopped working. The front and brake light are out on the right side. Left side lock switch doesnt work. Also my gear switch sometimes keep me in parked or reverse from day to day travels. I could get in the car go to the store and my car will not come out of reverse or park.”
NHTSA complaint #11289548, filed 2019-12, 5 milesElectrical system: “My headlights keep burning out! I've replaced them multiple times and also replaced the pig tails. Only for them to continually go out!! Just yesterday I knew one was out, brought it to be replaced only to have it working again!! Then when I left work it was out again!! They are also very expensive to replace because of the labor!! It seems to be an electrical problem for certain!!”
NHTSA complaint #11255481, filed 2019-09, 125,000 milesBrakes: “My 08 Pontiac G6 is having difficulties with the breaking, traction, and cruise control. My break lights are staying on all the time even when my break pedal is not pressed and my traction control is shutting off as soon as I start up my car as well as my cruise control picks and chooses when it is going to work and when it does work it is not disengaging properly.”
NHTSA complaint #10966103, filed 2017-03, 100,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
21% of the 887 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 52,000 and 115,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Pontiac G6. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G6 · coupe FWD | not rated | 5 / 4 | — | — | — |
| G6 · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 4 | — | — | — |
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 G6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G6 FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| G6 FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 29 | 22 | $3,050 |
| G6 FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
| G6 FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
| G6 FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
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
- 14V252000May 14, 2014Electronic stability control (esc)Covers: Pontiac G6 2005–2010, Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2012, Malibu Maxx 2004–2007 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles…
- 14V224000Apr 30, 2014Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Pontiac G6 2005–2008, Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2008, Malibu Maxx 2004–2007 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu…
- 14V153000Mar 31, 2014Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Pontiac G6 2005–2006, 2008–2009, Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2006, 2008–2009, Saturn Ion 2004–2007 +4 more
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…
- 12V460000Sep 18, 2012Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)Covers: Pontiac G6 2008–2010, Saturn Aura 2007–2010, Chevrolet Malibu 2008–2010
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may…
Recall details for the 2008 Pontiac G6 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA13005Brake Light Switch/Sensor MalfunctionClosed · Jun 6, 2013
- RQ13001Brake Light MalfunctionClosed · Feb 4, 2013
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. 1,018 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 G6
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 272 | 96,885 | 2 | — | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 713 | 85,815 | 4 | — | 22 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 1,080 | 79,000 | 4 | — | 20 | 75 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 1,232 | 83,810 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,910 | 75,000 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 679 | 80,000 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Pontiac G6 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Pontiac G6?
Owners of this model year most often describe intermittent loss of power steering assist, frequently accompanied by a power steering warning and difficulty turning the wheel. The issues reported most often: Power steering assist cuts out while driving; Brake lights stay on or work opposite the pedal; Transmission shift cable and gear position problems.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Pontiac G6 have?
NHTSA recorded 1,080 consumer complaints for the 2008 Pontiac G6 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Pontiac G6 is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 420 complaints (39% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 243.
Has the 2008 Pontiac G6 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 G6 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Pontiac G6 (G6, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Pontiac G6 reported?
Among the 887 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 79,000 miles and the middle half falls between 52,000 and 115,000 miles; 21% 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.