2010 Pontiac G6 Problems
Compared with other Pontiac G6 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.2× 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.
- 12 of its 272 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported problem: Power steering assist cuts out while driving (157 complaints, median 110,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 272filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 96,885miles, 243 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 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 losing power steering assist while driving, frequently accompanied by "Service ESC" and traction-control warnings, and many report that restarting the car temporarily restores assist. Complaints also cover brake lights that stay on (which can disable cruise control), electrical gremlins affecting gauges and lamps, and a smaller number of transmission shift-cable and airbag occupancy-sensor reports.
- Steering
Power steering assist cuts out while driving
- 157 complaints (58%)
- median 110,000 mi at 7.4 yrs old (139 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $850 (median of 12 quotes)
- filed 2012–2026
Owners describe the steering wheel suddenly becoming very heavy or effectively locked, often with a chime and "Power Steering", "Service ESC" and "ESC Off" messages on the dash. Many say turning the car off and restarting restores assist temporarily, and some report it recurring more often over time, including at highway speed and during turns. Several complaints mention a dealer diagnosis of a failed power steering unit, sensor or torque sensor, and owners often note that earlier model years were covered by a recall while this year was not. Reported from roughly 10,000 to 280,000 miles, with most reports between about 60,000 and 150,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the electric power steering assist unit or steering sensor has been replaced, and test-drive at low and highway speed watching for the power steering and ESC warnings. Note that a recall covers certain earlier G6 build dates, so check the VIN against open campaigns.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Traction control light comes on and the dash says service ESC and then flashes power steering and then the power steering stops working. Sometimes the power steering just stops working and I never know when it's going to happen, I don't have the money to fix this so I have no choice but to drive it and this has almost gotten me into several accidents”
NHTSA complaint #11403806, filed 2021-03, 160,000 miles“Power steering randomly stops working while driving on the interstate and city streets, may begin to work a short time later or it may take days for it to work again. This started roughly one week ago. I have reviewed recalls and seen it only goes to 2009 models. I reviewed complaints on here and numerous 2010 owners are having the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11073333, filed 2018-02, 126,000 miles - Electronic stability control
Brake lights stay on; cruise and traction control drop out
- 27 complaints (10%)
- median 75,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- filed 2012–2021
Complaints describe brake lights that stay illuminated with no pedal pressure, including while parked, which in turn prevents cruise control from engaging. Owners also report the traction control and ESC lights coming on and off, and some were told by a mechanic that the brake pedal switch or sensor needed replacement. Several owners link these symptoms to recall 14V252000 and note their vehicle was not included. Mostly reported between about 55,000 and 105,000 miles, sometimes at low mileage.
What to check: With the car parked and lights off, check whether the brake lights stay lit; also confirm cruise control engages and that no ESC or traction lights are on. Ask whether the brake pedal position sensor has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My brake lights come on and stay on when no one is in the car. They stay on as your going down the road as if your riding your brakes so then your cruise control wont engage. The traction n escape lights come on and off. My dash lights will come on one minute then go back out.”
NHTSA complaint #11103027, filed 2018-06, 85,230 miles“The brakes felt like they were grabbing/holding and were making a bumping sound. This occurred while going down hill or stopping quickly. A week later the ABS light came on, and the brake lights came on and stayed on while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10493401, filed 2013-01, 61,388 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlights and lamps burning out, wiring harness damage
- 26 complaints (10%)
- median 77,000 mi at 4.6 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2019
Owners report low-beam headlights failing repeatedly, sometimes only days after replacement, and in some cases a melted or damaged headlight wiring harness was found. Complaints also mention turn signals failing to work and dash lighting that comes and goes. Repairs described include replacing front light harnesses on both sides. Reports cluster from about 69,000 to 200,000 miles.
What to check: Check that both low beams, all turn signals and dash lights work, and look at the headlight connectors and harness for scorching or melted plastic. Ask whether either front light harness has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2 years ago,I had to replace the driver side front light harness. I now have to replace the passenger side front light harness.this should not be happening.I replaced the low beam headlight only for it to not work 2 days later.this happened while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10927411, filed 2016-11, 199,000 miles“The contact owns a 2010 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the low beam headlights continuously burn out. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that the wiring harness melted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 69,000. Updated 5/27/14”
NHTSA complaint #10576234, filed 2014-04, 69,000 miles
Buying note. The main thing to verify on this model year is the electric power steering — test it thoroughly at different speeds and check whether the assist unit or sensor has been replaced, since owners describe the assist dropping out without much warning. Also confirm which open recalls apply to the specific VIN, and check brake lights, headlights and the shift cable during a test drive.
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 272 consumer complaints for the 2010 Pontiac G6. 243 of the complaints include a mileage, and 9% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 96,885 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1,106 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 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer 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.
- Steering173 64%
- Electrical system61 22%
- Exterior lighting37 14%
- Brakes22 8.1%
- Air bags18 6.6%
- Transmission and drivetrain14 5.1%
- Vehicle speed control10 3.7%
- Other or unknown9 3.3%
- Fuel system7 2.6%
Also reported: Body and structure (5), Engine (4), Latches, locks and linkages (4), Suspension (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Seats (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “As I was reversing for work my wheel got stiff and wouldn't allow me to turn power steering came on the message display board. 6 months later as I was on my way to fill my tank & trying to turn left into the gas store my power steering came on in message display board. I was going below 35 prior to arriving.”
NHTSA complaint #11406669, filed 2021-04, 152,000 milesElectrical system: “My brake lights will occasionally turn on when my foot isn't on the brakes whethr the car is moving or not, and then they turn off when I do put my foot on the brakes. Sometimes it seems to be caused by applying the brakes hard or if the ABS are needed. Cruise control will sometimes not engage at all or will shut off in the middle of driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11025051, filed 2017-09, 71,000 milesElectronic stability control: “Takata recall I am having problems with my wiring I've a shortness in it my steering wheel column is messing up. The power steering light keeps coming on it happen while I was driving down the highway on the e-way. I was going into a sharp turn and near had a accident on the e-way. The vechile was in motion while I was driving it”
NHTSA complaint #11181600, filed 2019-02, 190,000 milesExterior lighting: “While driving someone informed me that my brakelights stay on but when I brake the brakelights goes out. I almost got rear ended! They do opposite of they suppose to do. Gm has issue a bullitin alerting this could happen. Why do they not recall? This is major safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11104488, filed 2018-06, 5 milesMileage when problems were reported
9% of the 243 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 70,000 and 135,850 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 2010 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 · 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 2010 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 | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 33 | 26 | $2,600 |
| 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 | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
| G6 FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| G6 FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 33 | 26 | $2,600 |
| G6 FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| G6 FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
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…
- 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 2010 Pontiac G6 → · 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. 1,106 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 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.
- 11019693Jun 9, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
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 2010 Pontiac G6?
Owners of this model year most often describe losing power steering assist while driving, frequently accompanied by "Service ESC" and traction-control warnings, and many report that restarting the car temporarily restores assist. The issues reported most often: Power steering assist cuts out while driving; Brake lights stay on; cruise and traction control drop out; Headlights and lamps burning out, wiring harness damage.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Pontiac G6 have?
NHTSA recorded 272 consumer complaints for the 2010 Pontiac G6 as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Pontiac G6 is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 173 complaints (64% of the total), followed by electrical system with 61.
Has the 2010 Pontiac G6 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Pontiac G6 get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Pontiac G6 (G6, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Pontiac G6 reported?
Among the 243 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 96,885 miles and the middle half falls between 70,000 and 135,850 miles; 9% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.