NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 1,080 owner complaints for the 2008 Pontiac G6. Most complaints involve steering (420) and exterior lighting (243). The EPA rates it 18–25 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.
“While driving my 2008 Pontiac G6 Base, I lost electrician power to the vehicle, on my car it utilizes an electric power steering module instead of fluid and a pump. When I lost power to the car the wheel became stiff but when I regained power the steering column while the vehicle was in motion did what I can only describe as "Forced knockback or steering" as when I attempted to tightly turn the wheel or turn at all the car steering wheel would yank the wheel free from my hands and prevent turning. This is extremely dangerous and especially if the car would be at high speeds or speeds needed to reach normal highway travel like 50 to 65 mph.”
“The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 mph the cruise disconnected had erroneously deactivated and the brake lights had remained illuminated . The contact replaced brake sensors, emergency brake sensors and ABS Module but the failure continued to occur. The local dealer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact was informed of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 94,000.”
“Problem with completed recall 14V252000. Symptoms have returned. In some vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection can cause voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. This may lead to: Brake lights illuminating without the brake pedal being pressed Brake lights not illuminating when the pedal is pressed Difficulty disengaging cruise control Gear shifter not moving out of PARK without the brake pedal pressed Disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), and panic braking assist ARFC ARFC +1 These failures increase the risk of a crash”
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, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| G6 Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 29 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| G6 Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| G6 Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| G6 Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.9 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| 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 |
5 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 1,080 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (420), exterior lighting (243), electrical system (225). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2008 Pontiac G6 at 18–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).