2008 Pontiac G5
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 188 |
| 2008 | 115 |
| 2009 | 76 |
| 2010 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
25% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 29 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200423
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
24% of complaints: air bags — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window and frontal.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
PAUL MUTERSBAUGH'S 2008 PONTIAC G-5 WAS T-BONED. HE REMEMBERS TRYING TO STOP THE CAR BY PRESSING THE BRAKE, TO NO AVAIL. THE AIR BAGS IN THE BACK SEAT DID NOT DEPLOY. AFTER IMPACT, THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090630
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2008 PONTIAC G5, SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A 3 VEHICLE ACCIDENT. A CAR IMPACTED A MINI VAN ON THE SIDE CAUSING THE CAR TO BOUNCE OFF THE MINIVAN AND TRAVELING SIDEWAY INTO OUR PONTIAC G5.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080825
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that the message "Service Air Bag" was displayed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260713
21% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and switch.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
Not sure if ignition has ever been changed but Iâve been reading that there is a recall on my eps system as to that matter I have no power steering and would like to kno if it will be covered if I take it to gm dealership close to me
NHTSA ODI report, 20240412
Also filed under STEERING
20% of complaints: steering — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC G5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130827
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC G5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130710
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that while driving at 2 MPH, the steering wheel had become firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not towed or taken to be diagnosed or repaired.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231010
7% of complaints: suspension — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
Electric Power Steering Failure
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 O
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED
Campaign 10V073000 — check if this car was fixed
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 20
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 21, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles in for r
Campaign 12V459000 — check if this car was fixed
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for...
Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge.
Campaign 14E021000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if...
Campaign 14V171000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect.
Campaign 14V047000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Pontiac G5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V073000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V459000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14E021000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V171000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 Pontiac G5 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Pontiac G5?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Pontiac G5 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.