NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 679 owner complaints for the 2005 Pontiac G6. Most complaints involve steering (459) and electrical system (86). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Vehicle: 2005 Pontiac G6 VIN: [your VIN] Mileage: 185,000 Issue: Sudden **total loss of power steering assist** — **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 “warranties stopped in 2020” — **incorrect**. #14299 covers **repeat failures of recall parts** with **goodwill/safety extensions** beyond 150k miles. This is a **known safety defect** — steering is extremely heavy, nearly caused crash. GM must repair under **federal safety recall obligations**.”
“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.”
“THE EVENING OF JANUARY.24TH,2017 I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY HEADING HOME AND WHEN I WENT TO SLOW DOWN BECAUSE A SEMI PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME I NOTICED THE CARS BEHIND ME WERE NOT REDUCING THEIR SPEED & THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME BUT SWERVED TO AVOID IT THEN LAID ON THEIR HORN CUSSING ME BECAUSE MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING UNTIL I LET OFF THE BRAKES THEY CAME ON AND STAYED ON, SO I PULLED OVER PUT CAR IN PARK MY HUSBAND GOT OUT AND WAS CHECKING THINGS OUT AND SURE ENOUGH IT WAS LIKE THEY HAD A MIND OF THEIR OWN. SO I CALLED FOR MY FATHER IN LAW TO COME FOLLOW ME HOME SO THAT I WOULD NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND WHEN I WENT TO PUT THE CAR INTO GEAR MY GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK! SO I SHUT CAR OFF LET IT SET FOR 30 MINUTES STARTED BACK UP AND MY IGNITION GOT STUCK AND CONTINUED CRANKING OVER EVEN AFTER STARTED, AND NOW IT SEEMS TO BE A CONTINUOUS THING WITH MY CAR, MY STEERING IS MAKING A NOISE ALMOST LIKE MY WHEELS ARE GOING TO FALL OFF. I AM SCARED THIS IS A DEATH TRAP”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G6 Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| G6 Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 679 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (459), electrical system (86), exterior lighting (62). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 Pontiac G6 at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).