PONTIAC G6 · model year

2008 PONTIAC G6

1601 NHTSA complaints, 59 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2008PONTIACG6 carries 1601 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 59 crashes, 29 fires, 40 injuries, and 5 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2008 G6 is steering with 413 filings, followed by exterior lighting (227) and electrical system (216). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 17 investigation files overlapping the 2008 G6. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1601
Complaints
59
Crashes
29
Fires
40
Injuries
5
Deaths

Total Complaints

1601 filings

Crashes Reported

59 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING413
EXTERIOR LIGHTING227
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM216
SERVICE BRAKES121
AIR BAGS97
POWER TRAIN77
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL62
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM51
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)44
ENGINE36
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC27
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES23
UNKNOWN OR OTHER20
SUSPENSION18
SEATS18

Recalls (5)

14V15300031/03/2014

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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, there may be a sudden loss of electric power

14V22400030/04/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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 vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, thr

14E04400021/07/2014

STEERING

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehi

12V46000018/09/2012

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

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 fracture and separate.

14V25200014/05/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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 manufactured May 26, 2004, through January

Recent Complaints

20260211STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the “Power Steering Fault” message was displayed. The contact pulled over, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering); however, the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall in 2014, and the replacement part had started to fail. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Mileage: 95,000

20260210ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the failure recurred after the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer declined to provide additional repairs under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Mileage: 115,000

20260210EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the failure recurred after the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer declined to provide additional repairs under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Mileage: 115,000

20260210VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the failure recurred after the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer declined to provide additional repairs under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Mileage: 115,000

20251202STEERING

Car shuts off & other lights light up on dash. Not driving over 20mph.

20251202ENGINE

Car shuts off & other lights light up on dash. Not driving over 20mph.

20251202ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car shuts off & other lights light up on dash. Not driving over 20mph.

20250815SERVICE BRAKES

Unknown - vehicle is jist malfunctioning

20250815VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Unknown - vehicle is jist malfunctioning

20250815SUSPENSION

Unknown - vehicle is jist malfunctioning

20250418ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

No warning lights came on, steering kepted locking up shutting off the vehicle

20250418STEERING

No warning lights came on, steering kepted locking up shutting off the vehicle

20250303STEERING

GM claims to have already completed a safety recall for Power steering, but I didn't see any issues with the power steering prior to them doing this service except for the "Power steering" message on the display. The only reason I brought in at that time (5/18/2023) was to replace the gauge cluster which they also had to replace a second time due to faulty replacement. And now the new issue with power steering still continues to persist (steering wheel locks up while driving). Also the "Power steering" error message was never cleared after the initial service. I have a carfax report showing the power steering being serviced by 2 other GM dealerships after the initial service. This is an electric power steering system so there's no fluid that can leak and should not need serviced multiple times in the same year. They now refuse to fix the issue saying that it's now my problem because the part they replaced is out of warranty. The customer service rep for GM told me there wasn'

20250131STEERING

Power steering motor went I have no power steering

20241028ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have replaced my headlights 3 times and all 3 times the wiring harness connector was fried. I’ve had other issues with my brake lights coming on when I’m not pushing the brake pedal. I can shift out of park without hitting the pedal. All of these issues seem to be more and more frequent. After doing research I seen there was already a recall on the vehicle regarding such issues, my vin just wasn’t included for some reason. Now what I thought was just random issues, I am noticing is actually an already known manufacturer issue.

20241028UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have replaced my headlights 3 times and all 3 times the wiring harness connector was fried. I’ve had other issues with my brake lights coming on when I’m not pushing the brake pedal. I can shift out of park without hitting the pedal. All of these issues seem to be more and more frequent. After doing research I seen there was already a recall on the vehicle regarding such issues, my vin just wasn’t included for some reason. Now what I thought was just random issues, I am noticing is actually an already known manufacturer issue.

20240705ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

About 6 months ago I believe I file a complaint about this same issue and here I am again. A few nights ago driving home from the movies with my kids out of nowhere my headlights go out so I had to use my fog lights to make it home. I can't understand how isn't this a safety issue and why hasn't anyone done anything about it or why isn't there a recall. What is the wait? Are we waiting for a tragedy to occur to then do something?? This is like the 3 or 4th time that it has happened. Where is the urgency on this matter?? Or will I have to make a petition with other G6 owners that also have had this issue?? Some feedback would be nice on what to do or do I have to continue to spend $$$ with 0 results. Would appreciate some response and some results.

20240705EXTERIOR LIGHTING

About 6 months ago I believe I file a complaint about this same issue and here I am again. A few nights ago driving home from the movies with my kids out of nowhere my headlights go out so I had to use my fog lights to make it home. I can't understand how isn't this a safety issue and why hasn't anyone done anything about it or why isn't there a recall. What is the wait? Are we waiting for a tragedy to occur to then do something?? This is like the 3 or 4th time that it has happened. Where is the urgency on this matter?? Or will I have to make a petition with other G6 owners that also have had this issue?? Some feedback would be nice on what to do or do I have to continue to spend $$$ with 0 results. Would appreciate some response and some results.

20240626STEERING

The dashboard showed an error message regarding the power steering. I took it to my mechanic and they put it on the computer to scan. It came back with 2 error codes. The first one was DTC C0569 46. The second one was DTC C0460 00/4B. I was told the dealership would have to address the issue. They told me these codes were not covered by the recalled part they replaced. The car has approximately 81,500 miles. There doesn't appear to be a leak. At this time the steering is working. There is no stiffness or squealing. This first popped up on the screen about a month ago. I've been concerned about driving it until I know more.

20240407FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

while driving down road the seat warmer or electrical controls caught fire lucky I had water to put fire out after pulling over a long side the road and stopping

Compare 2008PONTIACG6 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2008 PONTIAC G6 have?
The 2008 PONTIAC G6 has 1601 NHTSA complaints, 59 crashes, 29 fires, 40 injuries, and 5 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2008 PONTIAC G6?
Yes, the 2008 PONTIAC G6 has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 PONTIAC G6?
The most-complained component for the 2008 PONTIAC G6 is STEERING with 413 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include EXTERIOR LIGHTING and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2008 PONTIAC G6 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.