Pontiac G8 problems
The Pontiac G8 is a full-size sedan which was produced by Holden in Australia for export to the United States, where it was sold by Pontiac. The G8, a rebadged Holden Commodore, was released in early 2008 for the 2008 model year in the United States, and in 2008 for the 2009 model year in Canada. Production stopped in mid-2009, following the GM decision to suspend the Pontiac brand. While available, the G8 took the place in the Pontiac lineup of both the Pontiac Bonneville, which ceased production after the 2005 model year, and the Pontiac Grand Prix, which ceased production after the 2008 model year.
By December 2008, the rear wheel drive G8 had not become the expected sales replacement for the previous front-drive models, with 11,000 unsold G8s in the inventory and just 13,000 sold. During the 2009 global economic downturn, market prices had dropped by $3000–5000 below GM's sticker price for the car. By July 2009, there were only 5,000 unsold G8s in inventory, with almost 30,700 sold.
With the imminent demise of the Pontiac brand, a result of GM's Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the 2009 model year marked the end of all Pontiacs, including the G8. However, in July 2009, Bob Lutz made an off-hand comment during a press review that the G8 would be revived as the Chevrolet Caprice. Subsequently, Lutz retracted this statement, citing market conditions. Nevertheless, General Motors announced the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) in 2009, which Car and Driver described as a successor to the G8. To fill the gap left by the G8, GM announced the Chevrolet SS, a RWD V8 powered sedan for 2014 based on the Holden Commodore (VF).
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Common Pontiac G8 problems
The Pontiac G8, a rear-wheel-drive sedan built in Australia and marketed by Pontiac from 2008 to 2009, is known for its powerful engine options and spacious cabin. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems.
- Check Engine Light with Codes P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341: One of the most common issues reported by Pontiac G8 owners is the Check Engine Light accompanied by various codes, including P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, and P0341. These codes typically indicate problems with the engine's timing or camshaft position.
- Suspension Issues: The Pontiac G8's suspension system has been reported to have issues, particularly the HVAC belt pulleys, which are prone to fail. This can cause screeching noises while the engine is running and may require replacement. Additionally, the sway bar, responsible for maintaining stability during cornering, may cause rattling noises, which could indicate a bad shock absorber. These issues can compromise the car's steering and braking ability, making it crucial to have them checked by a professional.
- Transmission Problems: The G8's six-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual transmission is known for its unreliable slave cylinder. This can lead to shifting problems, especially at low and higher RPMs. The automatic transmission, on the other hand, is relatively reliable, but it's still essential to check for any issues, such as leaks or abnormal noises, during a test drive.
- Seat Belt Cable Problems: In 2008 and 2009, Pontiac G8s were recalled due to issues with the seat belt cables. The flexible steel cables, which connect the seat belts to the driver and front passenger seats, could bend and potentially break if sat on. This could cause the seat belts to fail in the event of a collision, increasing the risk of injury.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Many G8 owners have reported issues with the TPMS, which may require battery replacement or, in some cases, replacement of the entire TPMS receiver. This issue is common and should be checked before purchasing a used G8.
- Exterior Trim and Hood Sagging: At high speeds, some exterior trims, such as hood scoops, front grilles, or rear spoilers, may fly off the car. Additionally, the gap between the hood and the front bumper may widen due to the hood sagging, which can be a sign of worn-out impact bars or a DIY fix using a cut-up pool noodle.
- Hazard Lights Button Sticking: The hazard lights button has been reported to get stuck, which can be a safety concern. It's essential to test this feature when inspecting a used G8.
While the Pontiac G8 has its share of common problems, it is still a well-received car with a reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 from owners at Cars.com. With proper maintenance, it can last up to 250,000 miles, making it a potentially valuable investment for performance enthusiasts.
Are Pontiac G8s reliable?
The Pontiac G8 has received high reliability ratings on a number of review sites because of its proven performance. It scored an impressive 4.7 out of 5.0 stars with owners on Cars.com. The most positive reviews came from owners who have had their G8s for over a decade.
What years are the Pontiac G8 to avoid?
Summary: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 PONTIAC G8 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 2, 2007 THROUGH JANUARY 22, 2009. A 5TH PERCENTILE FEMALE ANTHROPOMORPHIC TEST DEVICE (ATD) IN A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER TEST EXCEEDED THE HEAD INJURY CRITERIA (HIC) REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
How rare is a G8?
By July 2009, there were only 5,000 unsold G8s in inventory, with almost 30,700 sold. With the imminent demise of the Pontiac brand, a result of GM's Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the 2009 model year marked the end of all Pontiacs, including the G8.
Why was the Pontiac G8 discontinued?
The G8 might have continued beyond 2009, but Pontiac came to an abrupt end in the 2009 model year when GM declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It was ultimately replaced by the Chevrolet SS.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Pontiac G8 years
We have researched Pontiac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Pontiac G8 cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Pontiac G8 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Pontiac G8 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Pontiac G8 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Pontiac G8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Pontiac G8 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Pontiac G8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by G8 model years
A total of 8 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by G8 model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by G8 model years
There were a total of 10 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 215 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Pontiac G8 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Pontiac G8 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-17
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-08
- VIN: 6G2ER57719L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 7/17/21 (about 94500 miles) - While driving in heavy rain on a congested highway, with my windshield wipers turned on (of course), the wipers suddenly stopped working. This could have easily killed me and my family. The wipers would not turn back on, no matter what I did. At a rest stop that afternoon, and then later during extensive testing, I found that turning the wipers on would never actually make the wipers activate--but it would cause the engine to shut off and caused the car to issue numerous, varying error codes related to numerous vehicle systems (including ABS). Through much difficulty, I was able to find that this was caused by a faulty electrical ground at what's known on the Pontiac G8 as ground point G102. The electrical ground was restored via ground connection elsewhere, and the wipers resumed functioning. Roughly 2 years later (July/August 2023, about 104,000 miles), my low-beam headlights didn't function at ignition one day. Obviously, lacking headlights is a core safety issue. I learned that the low-beams also use ground point G102. Once again, with the electrical ground restored via a connection elsewhere, the low-beams started working again. Two different service stations were unable to figure out the windshield wiper issue. I only solved it by reading what others wrote on a Pontiac G8 enthusiast message board. On those message board threads, you can see that many people have had these same exact issues with the Pontiac G8--all related to the G102 ground point. Obviously, having the windshield wipers and/or headlights fail suddenly and without warning (neither failure gave any warning in advance) in a situation where the wipers or lights are needed could have catastrophic consequences. Since I'm unaware of any other ground point failing on the Pontiac G8, I am wondering if G102, in particular, needs a recall and a repair, to address this. (I am the original owner. The car has been stored outside, in the Northeast.)
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-04
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y39L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he noticed that the airbag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the airbag warning light remained illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-28
- Date Complaint: 2021-12-02
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y39L
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Was leaving for a road trip and the rear passenger door would not latch when closed. We were an hour from home, so I had to use a bungee cord to hold the door closed for the drive back. My son had to sit in the middle seat. That door is rarely used. I have ordered the part and it should be here soon. The drivers door has become difficult to open and close but I am unable to locate the part as it is backordered from GM. I understand the the vehicle is 12 years old but I maintain it very well; it is in great shape and runs well. It's scary to think that these door latches can fail so easily. Other body parts for this vehicle are becoming increasingly difficult to locate.
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-25
- Date Complaint: 2021-08-27
- VIN: 6g2er57719l
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 PONTIAC G8. The contact stated that at start-up, the airbag default warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact proceeded to drive and noticed that the light was no longer on the instrument panel. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-14
- Date Complaint: 2021-08-17
- VIN: 6g2ec57y39l
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the front passenger’s side airbag sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V534000 (Air Bags) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-07-21
- VIN: 6G2ER57749L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: A month ago my passenger air bag light came on indicating there is an issue with the Passenger Air Bag system. This occurs even when there is no one in the passenger seat. This completely disables the airbag system in my car for my passengers and I can no longer reliably transport other passengers for fear of getting into an accident and the air bag not deploying. These parts are not normal mechanical pieces that wear and tear over the course of the cars life, and with a quote from the dealership of almost $1000.00 it is unreasonable for me to pay as this is a HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, not only to passengers but to myself as I am unsure if this will effect the Drivers Air Bag System. I dont think its fair that with the car only being 12 years old that I should have to pay and replace a faulty air bag system, when this is a common issue with the 2009 Pontiac G8. This needs to be a recall as it is unfair to ask anyone to replace a VITAL and IMPORTANT safety feature of the vehicle. This should not be something Pontiac G8 owners should have to pay for out of pocket, and the Manufacturer needs to realize that this is not a one off issue, but a common issue with owners of the 2009 Pontiac G8. It is the responsibility of the Manufacturer (GM) to fix this issue as it is a basic safety issue. The car would not be legally sold with this issue from the manufacturer, so why is it the owners responsibility to pay for GM (Pontiacs) mistake? Either with $1000.00 or their lives?
Pontiac G8 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-16
- Date Complaint: 2021-07-16
- VIN: 6G2ER57768L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the ignition key could not be removed from the ignition switch. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2020-07-10
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y69L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-14
- Date Complaint: 2020-07-06
- VIN: 6G2ER57749L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CAR ON HIGHWAY IT STARTED SHOWING AIR BAG FAULT WARNING ON THE CENTER CONSOLE SCREEN AND CORRESPONDING LIGHT CAME ON. CONSULTED WITH LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP AND DIAGNOSIS INDICATED NEED TO REPLACE THE "PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE". THE COST QUOTED BY GM DEALERSHIP IS $855 (TOTAL), FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THIS FAULT DISABLES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM (PASSENGER AIR BAGS FOR SURE, I AM NOT SURE ABOUT DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM) THIS IS A SAFETY CRITICAL COMPONENT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL AS IT DISABLES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH COULD BE LIFE THREATENING IN AN ACCIDENT. IT IS MY REQUEST TO THE NHTSA THAT THIS AIR BAG FAULT AND PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FAILURE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL, AS THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR AND IS NOT A MECHANICAL COMPONENT WHICH WEARS AND TEARS OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, ADDITIONALLY IT IS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-25
- Date Complaint: 2020-06-25
- VIN: 6G2ER57759L
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS LIGHTS. *TR
Pontiac G8 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-11
- Date Complaint: 2020-06-11
- VIN: 6G2ER57768L
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: WAS DRIVING ON BOTH HIGHWAY & NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS AND THE AIR BAG FAULT LIGHT & WARNING TONE CAME ON. AFTER MANY DIAGNOSIS DRIVE TESTS, I LEARNED THAT EVERY TIME MAKING A COMPLETE LEFT U-TURN THE AIRBAG FAULT INDICATOR WOULD DISAPPEAR. HOWEVER ONCE COMPLETING THE FULL LEFT U-TURN, AND DRIVING STRAIGHT CENTER WHEEL POSITION, THE AIRBAG FAULT INDICATOR LIGHT AND WARNING TONES WOULD REOCCUR. WHEN CONTACTING MY ONSTAR MONITORING SERVICE, THEY WERE ABLE TO DO AN OVER THE AIR DIAGNOSTIC FAULT CODE TEST. IT CAME BACK AS FAULT CODE B0012 FOR CLOCKSPRING, DRIVER STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT LOOP FAILURE. WHENEVER THE AIRBAG FAULT INDICATOR IS ACTIVATED ON THIS MODEL, THE ENTIRE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY DISABLED AND NONFUNCTIONAL IN PREVENTING MAJOR INJURIES WHICH CAN LEAD TO FATALITIES. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP TO INQUIRE OF THE REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING PART COST, AND WAS QUOTED IN THE $450.00 RANGE PLUS LABOR TECH INSTALL. IN ADDITION, WAS TOLD THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER. IT HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS A KNOWN DEFECT ON THIS MODEL AND SINCE IS AIRBAG RELATED, SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHICH IS GENERAL MOTORS. I COULD BE LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHER OWNERS TO MISINTERPRET THE SEVERITY OF THIS DEFECT, AND BE DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT WILL FAIL TO SAVE MY LIFE IF EVER INVOLVED IN A MAJOR COLLISION. THIS SHOULD NOT GO UNNOTICED & SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED & RESOLVED JUST LIKE THE ONE THAT WAS FOR OTHER MAJOR CAR MANUFACTURERS FOR FAULTY AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT ISSUES. AS TO THIS DATE 06/11/2020 THE ISSUE KEEPS RECURRING ON EVERY DRIVE ON ANY STREET OR HIGHWAY. THANK YOU FOR SERVING YOUR CITIZENS & THE COMMITMENT OF MAKING THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY ACCOUNTABLE FOR SAFETY. *TR
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2020-06-08
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y09L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATED - WHEN THE BRAKE PADDLE IS PUSHED UP THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL TURN OFF FOR A SHORT TIME AND THAN ILLUMINATE AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET AND ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-28
- Date Complaint: 2020-04-28
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y49L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TODAY I WOKE UP AND STARTING RECEIVING THE AIR BAG FAULT ERROR. CONTACTED MY LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT'S THE PASSENGER SIDE MODULE THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY QUOTED ME $1200 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THIS IS A SAFETY CRITICAL COMPONENT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL AS IT DISABLES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH COULD BE LIFE THREATENING IN AN ACCIDENT. IT IS MY REQUEST TO THE NHTSA THAT THIS AIR BAG FAULT AND PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FAILURE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL, AS THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR AND IS NOT A MECHANICAL COMPONENT WHICH WEARS AND TEARS OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, ADDITIONALLY IT IS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-18
- Date Complaint: 2020-04-20
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y39L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG FAILURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.
Pontiac G8 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2020-01-21
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y09L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG FAULT WARNING ON MY HUD, ALONG WITH THE CORRESPONDING LIGHT, COMES ON WHEN IT GETS COLD OUT. EVERY TIME IT GETS BELOW ABOUT 35 DEGREES THIS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND DISABLE ALL OF MY AIR BAGS. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVER SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. I HAVE CONSULTED WITH MY LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP AND THE DIAGNOSIS INDICATED TO REPLACE THE "PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE". THIS FAULT DISABLES THE ENTIRE AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH IS A SAFETY CRITICAL COMPONENT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL AS IT DISABLES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH COULD/WOULD BE LIFE THREATENING IN AN ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAG FAULT/PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FAILURE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL, AS THIS IS NOT A MECHANICAL COMPONENT WHICH IS CONSIDERED WEAR AND TEAR OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Latest 5 recalls Pontiac G8
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the Pontiac G8.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Pontiac G8 2008
- Report Received Date: 2015-06-23
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to October 22, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking.
- Consequence: If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt tensioner assembly which includes the steel cable, free of charge. These replacement parts reposition the tensioner cable out of the path of entry into the vehicle and uses a more flexible cable, set at a more upright angle. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 15206.
- Model: Pontiac G8 2009
- Report Received Date: 2015-06-23
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to October 22, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking.
- Consequence: If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt tensioner assembly which includes the steel cable, free of charge. These replacement parts reposition the tensioner cable out of the path of entry into the vehicle and uses a more flexible cable, set at a more upright angle. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 15206.
- Model: Pontiac G8 2008
- Report Received Date: 2014-09-09
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to December 6, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position could cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the key blade from the original flip key/RKE transmitter assemblies, and cut and fit a revised key blade and housing assembly, in which the blade has been indexed by 90 degrees, to the original RKE transmitter assembly. GM issued an interim notification to owners on December 31, 2014. The recall began on February 4, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14445. Note: Until the recall has been performed, it is very important that drivers adjust their seat and steering column to allow clearance between their knee and the ignition key.
- Model: Pontiac G8 2009
- Report Received Date: 2014-09-09
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to December 6, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position could cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the key blade from the original flip key/RKE transmitter assemblies, and cut and fit a revised key blade and housing assembly, in which the blade has been indexed by 90 degrees, to the original RKE transmitter assembly. GM issued an interim notification to owners on December 31, 2014. The recall began on February 4, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14445. Note: Until the recall has been performed, it is very important that drivers adjust their seat and steering column to allow clearance between their knee and the ignition key.
- Model: Pontiac G8 2008
- Report Received Date: 2011-11-04
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 PONTIAC G8 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 2, 2007 THROUGH JANUARY 22, 2009. A 5TH PERCENTILE FEMALE ANTHROPOMORPHIC TEST DEVICE (ATD) IN A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER TEST EXCEEDED THE HEAD INJURY CRITERIA (HIC) REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT POSITIONED FULL FORWARD, THE SEAT POSITION SENSOR WILL CAUSE A 30 MILLISECONDS DEPLOYMENT DELAY BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND STAGES OF THE DUAL-STAGE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIR BAG.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THIS DELAY MAY RESULT IN INCREASED HEAD INJURY TO CERTAIN FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS.
- Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Latest negative Pontiac G8 car reviews
Latest positive Pontiac G8 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2008
I have always been the type of person who dreaded driving. However, since we got this car, I drive everywhere with a smile on my face. It's just so much fun! At 6'3
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Vehicle year: 2008
Your 2008 G8 GT has been a joy to drive for the past 9500 miles! I've driven BMW's, Mercedes, Infinity's, and more, but your car is the one that stole my heart. It's just so much fun to drive! Even after all these miles, I still find myself looking for excuses to take it out for a spin. I've even been known to make 3-4 trips to the grocery store just to get behind the wheel (don't tell my wife)! You've made some great upgrades too, with the cold air kit, tune for premium gas, and shorty headers with high flow cats. The car is a beast now! The seats are also incredibly comfortable, even more so than BMW or Mercedes. And it's so quiet! Most importantly, it's reliable. Thanks for sharing your experience with me!
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Vehicle year: 2009
I've been driving this car for about seven months now. Although I had some computer chip issues, the dealer was able to resolve them. Since this car isn't really suitable for snowy weather, I got some big 19 inch snow tires for it. This did reduce the mileage factor slightly, but it was worth it. Unlike my old Buick Park Avenues, I have no problem accessing the highway ramp with this car. Whether I'm using regular or snow tires, the car's acceleration is nothing less than fantastic. It's hard to explain, but there's a confidence factor that comes with this car. I know that I can pass virtually any car out there. The brakes are excellent, and the car's versatility in emergency situations is really good.
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Vehicle year: 2008
I bought this car 3 weeks ago and absolutely fell in love! It is such a hot car that my fiance and I went out to eat and had a crowd of people stop just to look at it. It's amazing that Pontiac has made such an outstanding car. Thank you so much GM!
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Vehicle year: 2009
This sounds like an amazing car! It's a shame that Pontiac didn't bring it over sooner, but I'm glad you were able to get your hands on one. The V8 engine sounds powerful and efficient, and it's great to hear that it handles better than the BMW 5 series. It's no surprise that it was sold before you even test drove it - it sounds like a 4 door vette! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Are you having problems with your Pontiac G8?
Derick Ziemann 2024-09-20
Vehicle year: 2009
Although the car has experienced some issues, it has been well-maintained and has only 32046 miles on it. The V8 engine runs smoothly, and the car has a quiet engine. However, the transmission could benefit from some improvement. Overall, this car has a lot of potential and is worth considering.
Rick Kunde 2024-06-08
Vehicle year: 2009
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my previous car. Although I bought it new, I wasn't aware of some potential engine problems. Additionally, I found that the V6 engine didn't provide great gas mileage for its horsepower. Surprisingly, many 4-cylinder cars are faster than the V6, and the most I could get was 24 mpg on the highway. Unfortunately, after only 28,000 miles, the check engine light came on, and I had to take it to the dealer for maintenance due to camshaft problems. After doing some research, I discovered that this problem was quite common. Ultimately, I decided to trade it in for an Optima Turbo that gets 274 HP and 34 MPG on the highway. Thanks for listening to my story!
Amparo Mayer 2024-05-21
Vehicle year: 2009
This car is a great choice with good handling, a nice ride, and an attractive appearance that draws a lot of compliments. Despite averaging about 18 mpg in mostly city driving, the car still offers a nice steering feel and decent stereo. Although there were two problems at about 10,000 miles, a bad gas cap and a vibration in the steering wheel, the latter was resolved by a tuner who turned off the cylinder deactivation system and reprogrammed the transmission shift points to run on super unleaded. The car now runs better than new and my mpg is about the same or even a little better. Overall, this car is a confident choice for anyone looking for a stylish and reliable ride.
Axel Turner 2024-05-06
Vehicle year: 2009
The V6 engines in these cars may not be the best, so it might be worth considering a new engine from a different car instead of fixing any issues. It's worth noting that parts for the whole car can be expensive. However, the seats are a real highlight, especially if they are leather. Unfortunately, the cloth seats aren't as comfortable.
Leland Bradtke 2024-04-15
Vehicle year: 2009
I have owned many different cars, but I must say that this latest GM car is a wonder! It is the only decent car they have built in over 10 years. The drivetrain is pretty good, and the 4-cylinder shutdown works like a charm, giving me 23mpg at 80 and under 14 seconds, which is pretty impressive. The transmission is a bit close, but it still performs well. However, the suspension and steering are borderline lousy. The steering is hard at slow speeds and too light at high speeds, while the rear end skips on any rough surface. The car weighs as much as my previous Crown Vic, which, with aftermarket sway bars, out handles it. The interior sound system is not great, only one in a hundred, and the other controls could use some improvement. Overall, I still enjoy driving this car and would recommend it to others!