2009 Pontiac G6

▲ Better than typical
2009 Pontiac G6
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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
713
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2009

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

42% of complaints

Complaints per year

2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 2 complaints 2005: 679 complaints 2005 2006: 1,910 complaints 2007: 1,231 complaints 2007 2008: 1,079 complaints 2009: 713 complaints 2009 713 2010: 272 complaints 2014: 1 complaint 2014
2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 2 complaints 2004 2005: 679 complaints 2005 2006: 1,910 complaints 2006 2007: 1,231 complaints 2007 2008: 1,079 complaints 2008 2009: 713 complaints 2009 713 2010: 272 complaints 2010 2014: 1 complaint 2014
2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 2 complaints 2004 2005: 679 complaints 2005 2006: 1,910 complaints 2006 2007: 1,231 complaints 2007 2008: 1,079 complaints 2008 2009: 713 complaints 2009 713 2010: 272 complaints 2010 2014: 1 complaint 2014

2009: 713 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20031
20042
2005679
20061,910
20071,231
20081,079
2009713
2010272
20141

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

42% · 297 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I purchased a used 2009 Pontiac G6 for my son less than 7 days ago (3 ). While driving on the highway attempting to exit the ramp, the steering wheel began to get very hard to turn. We nearly crashed! Just yesterday placed the car in park.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-13

Also filed under Electrical system and power train

Power steering module went out at 95,939 miles---no recall/safety recall given to us. Could have caused a major death accident as no steering .

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-05-27

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle loss power steering assist without warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-13

Exterior lighting

27% · 191 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and brake lights.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. While the headlights were being replaced, it was detected that the headlight sockets were burnt and melted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-19

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the headlights were continuously burning out due to the bulb becoming overheated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-21

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that upon starting, the low beam headlights did not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-02

Electrical system

25% · 181 reports

Most commonly citing horn and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Service brakes

11% · 77 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

6% · 46 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I am a insurance adjuster for erie insurance, on 11/28/2008 our insured parked her rental car a 2008 Pontiac G6 in front of her home and placed the car in park.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-03-27

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2009-03-15Power train09V073000 General Motors is recalling 276,729 my 2009 Buick enclave, Chevrolet cobalt, hhr, malibu, traverse, GMC acadia, Pontiac G5, G6 and Saturn aura and outlook passenger vehicles. These vehicles fail to…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and ensure that the shift cable adjustment clip is fully engaged. In the event that the clip does not engage, the shift cable will be replaced free of charge. The recall is…

  2. I
    2010-11-18Audit queryClosed 2015-12-28 Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
  3. R
    2013-01-01Power train12V460000 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…

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on…

  4. R
    2014-07-17Steering14V153000 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.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014.

  5. R
    2014-08-18Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control14V252000 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...

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of...

  6. R
    2014-09-08Steering14E044000 Dorman Products, Inc.

    Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Pontiac G6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 297 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 191 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 181 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09V073000 · Power train
  • Recall 12V460000 · Power train
  • Recall 14V153000 · Steering
  • Recall 14V252000 · Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control
  • Recall 14E044000 · Steering

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Pontiac G6 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Pontiac G6 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Pontiac G6?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Pontiac G6 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.