NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 713 owner complaints for the 2009 Pontiac G6. Most complaints involve steering (296) and exterior lighting (190). The EPA rates it 18–26 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) 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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The cars power steering went out on my son after a power surge going around a slight turn. He went head on with a box truck an been in the hospital for 3 weeks now with multiple compound fractures to his leg, ribs, tibia, fibia, and femur. Never received a recall notice for this recall. I would never of risked my sons life over a recall.”
“Headlights are burning, melting and charged connections and causing dim lights. These headlights were recently replaced with new OEM healing’s for the second time and each replacement is burning out the connection. Please advise?”
“I purchased a used 2009 Pontiac G6 for my son less than 7 days ago (3 ). While driving on the highway attempting to exit the ramp, the steering wheel began to get very hard to turn. We nearly crashed! Just yesterday placed the car in park. Although the shifter showed it was in P for park as well as on the dash, the car began consistently moving in reverse. This vehicle is a safety hazard for my child and due to it being a used vehicle Im not protected by a warranty. The 2009 Pontiac G6 recall list states that these issues are known, yet his VIN was not listed I believe it should’ve been. We need contacted ASAP.”
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 (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| 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, FFV · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| 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 713 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (296), exterior lighting (190), electrical system (178). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Pontiac G6 at 18–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).