Problems · by component

2009 Pontiac G6 power train problems

46 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2009 Pontiac G6 cite power train, 6% of all 713 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
46
6% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 13, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11763947
“The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was turned off, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The failure became more persistent over time, and several attempts were needed for the power steering feature to become operable. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the vehicle had experienced Mass Air Flow Sensor, Power Train System, Catalytic Converter Efficiency, ABS, Wheel Speed Sensor, Wheel Hub, Wheel Bearing, and TPMS failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and became aware of several recalls related to the year, make, and model vehicle; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,737”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 2, 2026Steering, Service brakes, hydraulic, Power trainODI 11721370
“The drivetrain: automatic transmission parking lock cable (or shift cable) malfunctioned. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I am able to put the car in 'park' and remove the key. However, when I attempt to start the vehicle, it won't start because the battery gets drained. I have to constantly get a jump off. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because I never know how much the battery has been drained, and the vehicle shuts off in trafffic. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has only been inspected by an independent service center. There have been no warning signs of the problem before shutting off or not starting. The vehicle was purchased in 2019, and the first occurrence was the same year. We knew something was draining the battery. We just did not know what. So we would not let the vehicle sit for more than a day without starting it, and we would always be prepared to charge the battery.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 24, 2024Power trainODI 11627105
“The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Stability Control, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control); however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the transmission gear shifter failed to shift between gears and ceased. The air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake stop lights failed to illuminate upon depressing the brake pedal. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 27, 2023Electronic stability control (esc), Service brakes, air, Power trainODI 11514073
“The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while in reverse, the vehicle continued to reverse and failed to stop. The gear shifter failed to shift to the intended gear, causing the contact to use the parking brake while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the gear shifter cable had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V460000 (Power Train) there was a delay in retrieving the part for the repair. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2022Power trainODI 11491027
“The power steering mechanism stopped working, therefore I cannot turn the wheel. The gear shifter/drive train stopped working, therefore I cannot go into reverse, I am stuck in 3rd gear. It is unsafe because when I go to turn I cannot turn the wheel at times. I have issues braking. All of these issues are recalls on the vehicle. GM states that the recalls were performed seven years ago in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I have no way to verify that information nor any assurances that the parts used weren't faulty. I request new repairs under the recall warnings.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2022Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11489393

Showing 6 of 46 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Power train: gear position indication (prndl)

Free remedy

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.

Power trainReported Sep 18, 2012NHTSA 12V460000

Power train: column shift

Free remedy

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".

Power trainReported Mar 6, 2009NHTSA 09V073000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.