Model year record

2005 Pontiac G6 recalls & problems

The 2005 Pontiac G6 has 6 safety recalls and 679 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (462 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints679filed by owners

Crashes · fires26 · 4reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths17 · 0reported in complaints

2005 Pontiac G6 in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SteeringJul 21, 2014

Steering

Recall 14E0440007,304 vehicles

Problem: 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 vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
Risk: A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.

Electronic stability control (esc)May 14, 2014

Electronic stability control (esc)

Recall 14V2520002,440,524 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Components: Electronic stability control (esc); Vehicle speed control › Cruise control; Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch; Exterior lighting › Brake lights; Electrical system › Wiring

Power trainApr 30, 2014

Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift

Recall 14V2240001,131,113 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
Risk: If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ÂPARKÂ position, the transmission may not be in ÂPARK.Â If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

Components: Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift; Power train › Automatic transmission

SteeringMar 31, 2014

Electric power assist system

Recall 14V1530001,373,177 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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 steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

Exterior lightingJan 30, 2009

Brake lights

Recall 09V0360008,012 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: GM IS RECALLING 8,012 MY 2005-2006 PONTIAC G6 VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY BECAUSE OF CORROSION IN A WIRING CONNECTOR. CORROSION IN THE CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE LAMPS TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS NOT BEEN DEPRESSED, OR THE LAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY NOT ENGAGE, AND GREATER BRAKE PEDAL FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK.
Risk: BRAKE LAMPS THAT ARE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY MAY NOT WARN A DRIVER IN A FOLLOWING VEHICLE OF THE BRAKING STATUS AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL APPLY A DIELECTRIC LUBRICANT TO THE CONNECTOR TO PREVENT CORROSION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FOR YOU FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1- 800-620-7668 OR OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

EquipmentMar 14, 2005

Other › Owners/service/other manual

Recall 05V09800035,777 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORS IN THE CENTER REAR SEATING POSITION ARE LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 90MM BEHIND THE CORRESPONDING Z-POINT OF THE CHILD RESTRAINT FIXTURE (CRF). THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES THAT ANCHORS ARE AT THE OUTBOARD SEATING POSITIONS ONLY.
Risk: WITHOUT ADDITIONAL AND CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL INFORMATION, AN OWNER MAY ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTY IN INSTALLING CHILD RESTRAINTS WITH RIGID ATTACHMENTS IN THE CENTER POSITION.
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENT. THE RECALL IBEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2005 Pontiac G6 4-DR w/SAB Later Release

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2005 Pontiac G6 4-DR Early Release

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2005 Pontiac G6 NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2005 Pontiac G6 NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

G6

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

G6

21mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
SteeringElectric power assist system; Hydraulic power assist system	462	19	0	9	81,832 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Starter assembly	86	6	1	4	88,500 mi
Exterior lightingBrake lights; Brake lights › Switch	64	1	1	0	71,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission › Shift pattern indicator	49	1	0	1	100,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Rotor; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module	31	0	1	0	36,136 mi
Service brakes	31	1	0	1	89,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control; Accelerator pedal	20	1	0	0	75,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	20	0	0	0	105,055 mi
SuspensionFront; Front › Control arm	18	1	0	0	30,482 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Cooling system › Fan	18	0	0	0	58,100 mi
StructureBody › Roof and pillars; Body	15	1	0	0	66,300 mi
VisibilitySun/moon roof assembly; Windshield	15	1	1	0	74,132 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Steering
Vehicle: 2005 Pontiac G6 VIN: [your VIN] Mileage: 185,000 Issue: Sudden **total loss of power steering assist** â **same symptom as NHTSA Recall 14V153000 (GM 14116)**. Recall **was completed years ago**. **Replacement part installed by GM failed in under 5 years**. GM Customer Assistance **refused coverage** under **Special Coverage #14299 (repeat failure after recall)**. Told me âwarranties stopped in 2020â â **incorrect**. #14299 covers **repeat failures of recall parts** with **goodwill/safety extensions** beyond 150k miles. This is a **known safety defect** â steering is extremely heavy, nearly caused crash. GM must repair under **federal safety recall obligations**.
Mar 15, 2023
Steering
I was driving car and went to turn and the steering wheel was very hard to steering. It was as if I had no power to steering. This happed several times without any accidents.
Aug 16, 2025
Power train
My Transmission failed on me driving on the highway.
Feb 15, 2023
Air bags
SERVICE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT on and car has not been in any major accidents requiring an airbag. Also, causes the car horn to not work. Dangerous because if I should happen to get in a major accident the airbag may not deploy, I can not warn cars about to back into me because the horn doesn't work.
Aug 20, 2020
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the brake lights had remained illuminated after braking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The VIN was included but had already been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Apr 22, 2024 · 200,000 miles
Steering
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel started vibrating and became difficult to turn. Additionally, the steering wheel was turning to the left independently. The contact stated that the power steering warning light and the power train warning light were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence. The contact stated that the steering wheel was stuck in a left turn position and would not return to center. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V153000 (Steering) however, the recall was previously completed on the vehicle. There was no further information provided. The…
Jan 3, 2024 · 176,000 miles
Steering
My steering wheel started twitching and there's Minimal steering. While driving down the road, the steering wheel twitches with lots of slack and no really control. When you turn the car off and back on power steering comes on in message center on radio and car with wrench on dash comes on and steering wheel gets extremely hard to turn. But if you turn the car on and off again then steering wheel gets loose and twitchy again with no control. Electrical, all my relays and curcuits Have low voltage or high voltage showing on a computer scanner.
Jan 1, 2024
Service brakes
A few months ago, I was pulling out of a parking lot and started to brake , but my car was not stopping. I quickly pumped my brakes and then my brakes worked. All my brake lights came on; ABS, BRAKE, TC, Check engine; and car maintenance light all came on. They periodically would go away but would return when it rained, or if the brakes gave out. Brakes have gone out twice, once while driving on freeway. Before this issue, I had taken it to a mechanic as the brake light was on, and the âbrake fluidâ message was on my dash- the mechanic scanned it and said the BCM was malfunctioning, to take it to the dealership. I knew who bought the car originally off the lot, so I knew the specific…
Oct 1, 2023

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Brake Light Switch/Sensor MalfunctionClosedLed to recall 14V252000
On May 14, 2014 General Motors (GM) announced a recall action (14V-252) involving model year (MY) 2004-12 Chevrolet Malibu, MY 2004-07 Malibu Maxx, MY 2005-10 Pontiac G6 and MY 2007-10 Saturn Aura vehicles.An increased resistance can develop in the Body Control Module connection systems and result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS, or brake light switch) circuit that can cause the brake lamps to malfunction.As a result, and according to GM, the brake lamps may illuminate when pedal application is not being applied or may not illuminate when pedal force is applied.Additionally, the cruise control may not engage or if it is engaged it may require increased pedal travel to disengage.Pedal application may not be required to move the shift lever out of PARK or additional travel may be required to move the shift lever out of PARK. Traction control, electronic stability…
EA13005 · opened Jun 6, 2013 · closed Jul 1, 2014
Brake Light MalfunctionClosed
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-001 on February 4, 2013 in response to complaints alleging that the brake lights do not operate properly on model year (MY) 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles. Complainants allege that the brake lights illuminate when the brake pedal is not depressed, and turn off once the brake pedal is applied. In addition the driver may have difficulty shifting out of PARK, or the cruise control may not engage properly. In response to ODI?s Information Request, General Motors (GM) submitted a significant number of warranty claims and over 1, 100 reports that potentially relate to the alleged problem. ODI is continuing its analysis of this data. One of the GM reports also alleged a vehicle crash. ODI has received a total of 314 complaints, one alleging a crash.Based on the agency's current analysis, ODI has upgraded its investigation to an…
RQ13001 · opened Feb 4, 2013 · closed Jun 6, 2013
STOP LAMP MALFUNCTIONClosedLed to recall 09V036000
GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY BY LETTER DATED JANUARY 28, 2009, THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF PONTIAC G6 VEHICLES BUILT FROM JANUARY 3 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2005.VEHICLES PRODUCED DURING THIS TIME PERIOD HAVE SHOWN A HIGHLY ELEVATED INCIDENT RATE OF IMPROPER OPERATION OF THE BRAKE LAMPS. ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT CONSUMERS WOULD USE THEIR BRAKES AND DISCOVER THAT THE BRAKE LAMPS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE.ALSO, CONSUMERS REPORT THAT THE BRAKE LAMPS WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT APPLIED.ODI'S REVIEW OF THE COMPLAINT DATA FINDS THAT THE COMPLAINT RATE FOR THE JANUARY 2005 PRODUCTION IS 20 TIMES GREATER THAN FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.LIKEWISE, THE WARRANTY RATE FOR THE JANUARY 2005 PRODUCTION IS 11 TIMES GREATER THAN FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.IN ITS LETTER TO THE NHTSA, GENERAL MOTORS (GM)…
PE08054 · opened Sep 15, 2008 · closed Jan 30, 2009
LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTClosed
DURING THIS INVESTIGATION, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) INDICATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 15,600 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2005 PONTIAC G6 VEHICLES BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 3, 2004 THROUGH JANUARY 5, 2005 MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST DUE TO AN INSUFFICIENT CRIMP AT THE TORQUE AND POSITION SENSOR TRANSDUCER LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. GM HAS INDICATED THAT IT PLANS TO SEND LETTERS TO THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES TO INFORM THEM THAT IT WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE EPS SYSTEM IN THEIR VEHICLES TO 7 YEARS OR 70,000 MILES.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE FAILURES IN THE POPULATION AFFECTED BY THE WIRING CRIMP PROBLEM INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM IS AN EARLY LIFE FAILURE THAT SHOULD OCCUR WITHIN THE TERMS OF THE EXTENDED COVERAGE.GM'S INVESTIGATION OF EPS FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM WITH THE CONNECTOR CRIMPS DURING THE TWO MONTH PRODUCTION RANGE COVERED BY THE…
PE07023 · opened Apr 25, 2007 · closed Sep 25, 2007