2008 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 2008 Pontiac G8 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Pontiac G8 2008, here is a list of common problems with this car:
- Suspension Issues:
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- Owners have reported problems with the suspension system, including rattling noises that could indicate issues with the sway bar or shock absorbers.
- A faulty suspension system can affect the stability, steering, and braking of the vehicle, highlighting the importance of addressing these concerns promptly.
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- Interior Quality and Components:
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- Common complaints include issues with the interior quality, such as cheap materials and components that may fail prematurely.
- Owners have reported problems like a sagging headliner, sticky hazard lights button, and other interior pieces giving up unexpectedly.
- While these issues may not affect the car's performance, they can impact the overall driving experience and comfort level.
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- Other Common Problems:
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- Additional common problems reported by owners include issues with the hazard lights button getting stuck, failing fuel pumps, window switches, and the need for new brakes.
- Some specific components like the harmonic balancer, power steering pulley, and steering wheel shake have also been highlighted as areas of concern by G8 owners.
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These common problems with the Pontiac G8 2008 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and thorough inspections when considering purchasing or owning this vehicle. Addressing these issues proactively can help ensure a safer and more reliable driving experience with the Pontiac G8.
What problems do Pontiac G8 have?
People laud the Pontiac G8 for its excellent performance and longevity, lasting well over a decade. The Pontiac G8 is not a perfect vehicle, and drivers have reported issues with the seat belt cables, the suspension, and the pressure monitoring system.
Is the 2008 Pontiac G8 a good car?
Chrysler received kudos for its powerful 300C and Dodge Charger sedans, but those cars were strictly straight-point performers. The G8 carves corners while also doing that straight-point thing pretty well. All in all, this is the best-performing sedan in the segment.
Is the Pontiac G8 a reliable car?
I've owned at least 15 cars in the last 22 years and I've NEVER owned one for 10 years - until the G8. Has been very reliable and comfortable. A fantastic performance bargain.
How many miles can a 2009 Pontiac G8 GT last?
around 200,000 to 250,000 miles
As far as the mileage goes, properly maintained cars typically go around 200,000 to 250,000 miles. A highway driven one is likely to go to the top end of that scale.
Is the 2008 Pontiac G8 a good car?
Chrysler received kudos for its powerful 300C and Dodge Charger sedans, but those cars were strictly straight-point performers. The G8 carves corners while also doing that straight-point thing pretty well. All in all, this is the best-performing sedan in the segment.
What problems do Pontiac G8 have?
People laud the Pontiac G8 for its excellent performance and longevity, lasting well over a decade. The Pontiac G8 is not a perfect vehicle, and drivers have reported issues with the seat belt cables, the suspension, and the pressure monitoring system.
Is the Pontiac G8 a reliable car?
I've owned at least 15 cars in the last 22 years and I've NEVER owned one for 10 years - until the G8. Has been very reliable and comfortable. A fantastic performance bargain.
Is Pontiac G8 2009 a good car?
As a bargain sports sedan, the Pontiac G8 is a success. Based on General Motors' Holden Commodore from Australia, the G8 handles and rides as well as the best cars in its class. Interior quality is good, but not luxurious, and some controls are peculiar.
2008 Pontiac G8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac G8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Pontiac G8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2008 Pontiac G8
The NHTSA has received 70 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Pontiac G8. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2008 Pontiac G8 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-02
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y08L
- Components: AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT FAULT REMAINS ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE SYSTEM IS DISABLED. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR IS KNOWN BY GM AS BEING DEFECTIVE AND THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY. THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND STABILITY CONTROL INDICATORS ARE ILLUMINATED AND WILL NOT FUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED TO CHECK ALL FUSES, THE WIRING HARNESS, REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS, AND CHANGE ALL WHEEL SENSORS. ALL ITEMS WERE REPLACED AND THE FAILED SYSTEM REMAINS INACTIVE. THE AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS RECOMMENDED TO BE REPLACED BY REMOVAL OF THE SEAT, CUTTING INTO THE SEAT AND INSTALLING A NEW SENSOR. THEN THE VEHICLE MUST BE REPROGRAMMED BY AN AUTHORIZED GM SERVICE FACILITY. THIS REPAIR IS IN EXCESS OF $1,200.00. THE FAILED SYSTEMS OCCUR IF MOVING OR NOT AND IS A LIFE SAFETY CONCERN.
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-01
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y58L
- Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: KEEP GETTING AIR BAG LIGHT ON CODE U0170 AND B0081 SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A BIG SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THE PONTIAC G8 NEEDS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE REAR ABS SENSORS AND STILL HAVE THE ISSUE WITH IT NOT WORKING AND REPLACED THEM 2 TIMES WITH NEW SENSORS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-05
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y58L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT REGISTER A PERSON SITTING IN IT TO ACTIVATE AIR BAG SYSTEM. CODES RETRIEVED: U0170 AND B0081. ODOMETER: 86,000
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-05
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y58L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER SEAT DOES NOT REGISTER WHEN A PERSON IS SITTING IN SEAT TO ACTIVATE. CODES RECIEVED: U0170, B0081.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-01
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y88L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FAULT LIGHT ACTIVATION,FAULT CODE STATES IT'S THE PASSENGER SEAT MODULE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THERE WILL BE NO AIRBAG ACTIVATION . THIS IS VERY COMMON WITH ALL G8 VEHICLES, DO YOU THINK THERE MIGHT BE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS PROBLEM?
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-07
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y88L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG FAULT LIGHT COMES ON WHEN CAR IS STARTED, WHICH MEANS THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT WORK. THERE IS AN AIR BAG RECALL TO THIS CAR, BUT THEY WILL NOT FIX MY CAR'S FAULT LIGHT PROBLEM. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY DEFECT THAT MANY GM HAVE, ACCORDING TO YOUR WEBSITE. THANK YOU MY CAR HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-16
- VIN: 6G2ER57718L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC G8. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE ISSUE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-10
- VIN: 6G2ER57768L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MODULE - FAILURE THE FAILURE OF AN ELECTRONIC MODULE LOCATED UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT, DEFAULTS THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO "OFF". COST IS JUST UNDER $1,000 FOR DEALER REPLACEMENT. DEALER INDICATED THERE WAS NO METHOD TO TURN ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM - REGARDLESS OF PASSENGER OR NOT. BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE (MANY FAILURES RECOGNIZED SINCE THE 2006 SOLSTICE MODEL) ANY PASSENGER IS SUBJECT TO AN UNSAFE CONDITION WITHOUT ACTIVE AIRBAG. THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE NEGATES THE DEALER COST TO REPAIR. COMPLAINT FILER FEELS THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT MODULE SHOULD BE HALF OF THAT QUOTED BY THE DEALER SINCE GENUINE GM PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AT $275 INSTEAD OF DEALER COST OF $417 AND THAT LABOR OF 2.5 HOURS TO REPLACE MODULE UNDER THE SEAT IS EXCESSIVE BASED ON TIME TAKEN BY OTHERS SELF-CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. (TIMES INDICATED RAN FROM 20 MINUTES TO 45 MINUTES FOR MOST). BECAUSE OF COSTS, MANY OF THESE MODULES WILL (LIKELY) GO UN-REPAIRED AND POTENTIALLY UN-REPORTED IF SOLD AS A USED VEHICLE..
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-10
- VIN: 6G2ER57788L
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC G8. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN WAS STRETCHED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-23
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y58L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY CAR HAS JUST OVER 100K AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WITH CODES B0081 AND U0170. THE AIRBAGS ARE NOW NOT FUNCTIONING BECAUSE OF A FAULTY PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE. IT HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY TIME I START THE VEHICLE (ABOUT 95% OF THE TIME). THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES, STAYS ON, AND THE VEHICLE SHOWS AN AIRBAG FAULT WARNING. FROM THE RESEARCH I'VE DONE, THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE PONTIAC G8 AND THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS INOPERABLE ONCE THIS MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THERE ARE DOZENS, IF NOT HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS MODULE AND THE FACT THAT IT DISABLES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THE END CONSUMER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL TO REPLACE THIS MODULE, CONSIDERING THAT GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS DEFECT AND THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-15
- VIN: 6G2ER57708L
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V399000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-20
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y58L
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V399000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 08/16/16*LJ UPDATED 08/17/16. *JB
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-09
- VIN: 1G2ZF57BX84
- Components: STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY AUTOMATIC LOCKS ON MY 2008 PONTIAC G6 QUIT WORKING ON THE BACK DOORS. MY HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON WILL GO ON BUT WILL NOT SHUT OFF WHEN YOU SHUT IT OFF. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, MY POWER STEERING LIGHT ON MY RADIO COMES ON. IT HAS FLASHED OFF ONCE AND THEN THE OTHER DAY, IT CAME ON AND STAYED ON UNTIL I SHUT MY CAR OFF. I HEAR A SQUEAL ALSO THAT IS GETTING WORSE. AND THE OTHER DAY I WENT TO GO UP A HILL COMING OUT OF TOWN AND IT MADE A WEIRD NOISE; I LEFT OFF THE GAS AND IT QUIT. IT ONLY HAS 54,500 MILES OR SO ON IT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-15
- VIN: 1G2ZH57NX84
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED SOON AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THREE MONTHS AGO. THE LIGHT HAS REMAINED ILLUMINATED EVER SINCE. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. ...UPDATED 03/31/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. IT WAS DUE TO A LOOSE WIRE UNDER THE SEAT. UPDATED 04/05/16.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-03
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y68L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: I HAVE GOTTEN A "AIRBAG FAULT" WARNING EVERY TIME I START MY CAR. APPARENTLY THIS IS DUE TO A CENSOR GIVING OUT AND TO REPAIR THE ISSUE COSTS ABOUT $1000. THIS IS HIGHLY UNSATISFACTORY AS MANY USERS OF THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE WHEN OPERATING THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. THIS IN A SENSE RENDERS THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE AS DRIVERS (SOME UNAWARE), WHIVH I WAS NOT, ARE OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY OPERABLE AIRBAGS. THE COST TO REPAIR IS VERY HIGH FOR A FEATURE THAT IS A SAFETY STANDARD ACROSS THE INDUSTRY. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE SHOULD NEVER HAVE ANY FAULTS OR FAILURES UNLESS IT HAS BEEN DEPLOYED OR TAMPERED WITH. IT IS QUITE DISAPPOINTING THAT A SYSTEM THAT HAS NEVER BEEN USED OR TAMPERED WITH CAN HAVE SUCH COSTLY FAULTS/FAILURES. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS SCARY. I FEEL LIKE SOME THING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. GM NEEDS TO RECALL THE MODULE THAT WILL FIX THIS ISSUE ASAP. THIS AIR FAULT IS PUTTING MANY FAMILIES AT RISK OF LOSS OF LIFE!!! BRING ATTENTION TO THIS ISSUE OR TO WHAT IS CAUSING IT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-13
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE VEHICLE HAS AN AIRBAG FAULT THAT DISABLES THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM. TO REPAIR THE ISSUE COSTS OVER $900. THIS IS HIGHLY UNSATISFACTORY AS MANY USERS OF THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE WHEN OPERATING THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. THIS IN A SENSE RENDERS THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE AS DRIVERS (SOME UNAWARE) ARE OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY OPERABLE AIRBAGS. THE COST TO REPAIR IS VERY HIGH FOR A FEATURE THAT IS A SAFETY STANDARD ACROSS THE INDUSTRY. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE SHOULD NEVER HAVE ANY FAULTS OR FAILURES UNLESS IT HAS BEEN DEPLOYED OR TAMPERED WITH. IT IS QUITE DISAPPOINTING THAT A SYSTEM THAT HAS NEVER BEEN USED OR TAMPERED WITH CAN HAVE SUCH COSTLY FAULTS/FAILURES. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-28
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS ON 2008-2009 MY PONTIAC G8 VEHICLES ARE DEFECTIVE AND GM NEEDS TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL TO PERMANENTLY ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS ONLINE FROM G8 OWNERS REGARDING THE DOOR LOCKS FAILING ANYWHERE FROM THE FIRST YEAR TO SEVERAL YEARS LATER. THIS PREMATURE FAILURE MAY OCCUR ON ANY FRONT, REAR, LEFT, OR RIGHT DOOR. WITH LESS THAN 40,000 TOTAL PONTIAC G8 PRODUCED, IDENTICAL FAILURES ON MULTIPLE OWNERS' VEHICLES INDICATE THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED FAILURE. THE ELECTRONIC MOTOR WITHIN THE DOOR LOCK/LATCH MECHANISM IS NOT ROBUST ENOUGH TO WITHSTAND REPEATED LOCKING/UNLOCKING FUNCTIONS. THE RESULT OF THIS FAILURE IS THAT THE DOOR WILL NO LONGER LOCK/UNLOCK. THE DOOR LOCK DESIGN DOES NOT ALLOW FOR MANUAL OVERRIDE OF SLIDING THE INTERIOR LOCK HANDLE UNLESS ELECTRICAL CURRENT IS APPLIED TO THE MOTOR. GM USED TO COVER THE COST OF REPLACING THESE PARTS UNDER THE 3-YEAR, 36,000-MILE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER WARRANTY. THE AGE OF THESE VEHICLES HAS DETERMINED THAT THE PARTS ARE NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. OWNERS MUST REPAIR THE DEFECT AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE. NEW OEM PARTS HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED TO IMPROVE QUALITY. OWNERS HAVE NO PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THIS FAILURE AS THE REPLACEMENT PART WILL AGAIN REQUIRE REPLACEMENT AT OWNERS' EXPENSE. THE PARTS ARE DEFECTIVE WHICH GM FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE, AND ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: -DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK AND DRIVER/PASSENGERS CANNOT ENTER THE VEHICLE. -DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK AND DRIVER/PASSENGERS CANNOT EXIT THE VEHICLE, LEADING TO DRIVER/PASSENGER ENTRAPMENT AND/OR DEATH/SERIOUS INJURY IN EVENT OF COLLISION. -DOORS WILL NOT LOCK AND PASSENGERS CAN OPEN DOOR WHILE AT SPEED. -DOORS WILL NOT LOCK AND COULD OPEN IN EVENT OF COLLISION. -DOORS WILL NOT LOCK AND VEHICLE/BELONGINGS/DRIVER/PASSENGERS SUSCEPTIBLE TO THEFT/HIJACKING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-11
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y38L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V540000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), HOWEVER THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS SCHEDULED TO BE REPAIRED HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-01
- VIN: 6G2ER57788L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V540000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) WAS RECEIVED IN OCTOBER OF 2010. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-18
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y18L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: EVER SINCE I WENT TO HAVE THE REPROGRAM DONE ON MY AIR BAGS SYSTEM I HAVE GOTTEN A "AIRBAG FAULT" WARNING EVERY TIME I START MY CAR. SINCE IS HAS HAPPENED I JUST ALWAYS IGNORED IT UNTIL I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT BECAUSE IT DOES THAT, MY ENTIRE AIR BAG SYSTEM IS SHUT DOWN AND MY AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THIS UPSETS ME VERY MUCH, SINCE I CARING MY FAMILY IN THIS VEHICLE. I FEEL LIKE SOME THING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. GM NEEDS TO RECALL THE MODULE THAT WILL FIX THIS ISSUE. THIS AIR FAULT IS PUTTING MANY FAMILIES AT RISK OF LOSS OF LIFE!!! PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS !!! *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-02
- VIN: 6G2EC57Y98L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND DRIVERS DOOR ARE NOT LOCKING WITH REMOTE KEY OR ELECTRIC POWER DOOR SWITCH. THIS BEGAN WITH ONLY THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR BUT HAS MIGRATED TO DRIVERS DOOR AS WELL. THIS PROBLEM COULD LEAD TO THEFT OF INTERNAL CONTENTS AND WORSE, VEHICLE ROBBERY. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-01
- VIN: 6G2ER57728L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC G8. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, YET THE FAILURE KEPT RECURRING. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXHIBITED MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-02-12
- VIN: 6G2ER57728L
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT ADJUSTMENT PANELS FRACTURED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVEN OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EACH TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHERE THE ENTIRE PANEL WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
2008 Pontiac G8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2008 Pontiac G8.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: GM IS RECALLING 35,038 MY 2008-2009 PONTIAC G8 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT" AND FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS". THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SWITCH MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY PROGRAMMED. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE BRAKE LAMPS MAY BE CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATED AND FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING. ALSO CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY HAVE INCORRECT VALUES PROGRAMMED INTO THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM THAT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE TELLTALE UNTIL TIRE PRESSURE FALLS BELOW VALUES REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
- Consequence: INAPPROPRIATE, NON-STANDARD LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR DRIVING ON A SIGNIFICANTLY UNDER-INFLATED TIRE CAUSES THE TIRE TO OVERHEAT AND CAN LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE BRAKE POSITION SENSOR AND THE REMOTE CONTROL DOOR LOCK RECEIVER WITH THE CORRECT VALUES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JUNE 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Negative 2008 Pontiac G8 car reviews
Positive 2008 Pontiac G8 car reviews
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I purchased this car in Philadelphia, which is 2.5 hours north of my current location. I am absolutely thrilled with it! Mine is a liquid red colour with black and red leather interior. I even stayed overnight at a hotel in Philly to wait for this specific car to arrive with every feature I wanted. During my test drives, I compared it to a BMW 3 and 5 series, a CTS, and a Lexus, and this car came out on top! I am particularly impressed with its horsepower.
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Hey there! Congratulations on your new black on black G8! It sounds like you're having a blast with it. I loved reading about your experience with the valet at the Westin - it's always great to see people appreciate a beautiful car. I can imagine how amazing it must feel to turn heads everywhere you go. And yes, it's a Pontiac! I totally get what you mean about people being surprised - it's not every day you see such a stunning car. It's great to hear that it's good on gas for a V8 and that it's quick. Just be careful not to wear out those tires too quickly! Thanks for sharing your experience with me.
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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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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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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!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Pontiac G8 problems:
Common problems with G8 GTs? | Pontiac G8 Forum
Aug 3, 2011 ... Otherwise the most common ones are the aforementioned LCA issue, steering wheel shimmy, and valve lifter tick (related to AFM lifters). Don't ...
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Jan 31, 2018 ... I know that the 2008's had a cam de-lamination issue. ... problems or known issues associated with the higher mile G8's. ... Pontiac G8 sedan, G8 GT ...
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Aug 17, 2023 ... Pontiac G8 Reliability and Common Problems · The Pontiac G8 is a well-received car, with a reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 from owners at Cars ...
2008-2009 Pontiac G8 : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
Jan 11, 2020 ... Looking to get one for my son. Anything to look out for? Besides the 3.6L V6 timing chain issues?
Other years of Pontiac G8
Are you having problems with your 2008 Pontiac G8?
Enid Stracke 2024-03-23
The Pontiac G8 GT has been a source of frustration and disappointment for me. Despite being stranded on the road due to a dead battery just one month after purchasing the car, I have had to take it to the shop four times due to various issues such as vibrations, pulling to the right, surging when stopping, and the smell of raw gas. Despite having three sets of new tires put on the car in just nine months, the fourth time in the shop resulted in being told over the phone that the car was fixed, only to find that it was still vibrating. It was also revealed that GM was having problems with the engine. As a confident statement, I can say that I have lost faith in the Pontiac G8 GT's reliability and quality.