2008 Pontiac G5

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 115 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
71,000 milesMedian miles at failure

96 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel/Propulsion System26
000
Steering20
303
Air Bags18
404
Electrical System16
113
Fuel System, Gasoline4
000
Engine4
000
Suspension3
100
Vehicle Speed Control2
101
Service Brakes2
100
Air Bags › Side/Window2
215

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch14E021000
Filed Apr 30, 201414,529 vehiclesUci-Fram Group

Defect. UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.

Risk. If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.

Remedy. UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).

Electrical System › Ignition14V171000
Filed Apr 10, 20142,191,014 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Risk. If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy. General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

Air Bags14V047000
Filed Feb 10, 20142,190,934 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump12V459000
Filed Sep 19, 201249,768 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Texas. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.

Risk. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 21, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles in for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System10V073000
Filed Mar 3, 20101,050,889 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.

Risk. IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jul 13, 202653,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that the message "Service Air Bag" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers, including Burton Buick GMC of Elkton (1 Automotive Blvd, Elkton, MD 21921), where it was diagnosed with Passenger Presence System (PPS) module failure; however, the contact was informed that the part was discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 24, 202653,150 milesMD

The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the occupant detection module was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, IG Burton (1 Automotive Blvd, Elkton, MD 21921), and IG Burton (6913 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie, MD 21061). The dealers informed the contact that the part to repair the vehicle was no longer in production. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 53,150.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 27, 2025PA

1. Fuel Leak 2. Fuel leaking in driveway, car has potential to catch fire if driven 3. Suspected leak and odor was reported 4 years ago. Dealer said the recall did not apply to my car. After receiving an email reply back from GMLegalUpdate department indicating they would cover the "fuel line" under special coverage, the dealer looked at the car. Dealer said they couldn't find any leak. Now the leak is very apparent when you start the car. Significant gas leaks onto the ground. After speaking to GM at 866-790-5600, GM says that my VIN No does not apply to the special coverage. Now they won't honor the letter. A service bulletin 12191B has been issued for this problem "regardless of the vehicle's age or mileage" but it seems from numerous posts GM pawns this problem off as the car's Vin No does not apply to their vehicle.

Steering
Filed Apr 12, 2024KY

Not sure if ignition has ever been changed but I’ve been reading that there is a recall on my eps system as to that matter I have no power steering and would like to kno if it will be covered if I take it to gm dealership close to me

Steering
Filed Oct 10, 2023121,400 milesMA

The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that while driving at 2 MPH, the steering wheel had become firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not towed or taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,400.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed May 3, 2023TN

The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that while making a right turn in an intersection the vehicle failed to accelerate causing a crash with a second vehicle. During the crash, the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained a shoulder and back injury and the passenger sustained a left torso injury which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was undetermined.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 2, 2023MO

The airbag warning light came on having no prior issues with the car. The car was taken to the local GM dealer, [XXX]. Diagnostics have revealed the Passenger Presence Module may be defective and was not communicating with the SDM. The passenger airbag goes into default mode and turns the airbag off, posing a safety threat to a front passenger. This symptom first appeared August 2022. The vehicle had approximately 120,000 miles on it. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Apr 11, 202233,000 milesIA

The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated while driving the vehicle into the garage, there was an abnormal gasoline fumes odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with rusted fuel lines from underneath the engine to the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 3, 2020VA

LEAKY FUEL LINES TOWARD THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL. LARGE PUDDLES OF GASOLINE UNDER THE CAR WHEN PARKED. VISIBLE GAS LEAK

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 4, 202083,658 milesPA

CAR LEAKS GAS TOWARD FRONT OF CAR DRIVER SIDE AFTER IT HAS BEEN RUNNING. IT ALSO HAS AN ODOR OF GAS RADIATING AROUND THE CAR AFTER IT HAS BEEN RUN. THIS CAR HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM IN REGIONALLY HOT STATES. GM ALAN ADLER SAID THEY WOULD REPAIR CARS THAT HAS THE PROBLEM OUTSIDE OF THE DESIGNATED STATES, BUT PONTIAC REFUSES. SEE ATT.

Electrical System1 injured
Filed Apr 23, 2020152,190 milesWA

WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN AROUND OTHER VEHICLES NAMELY THOSE WITH BRIGHT LIGHTS AND AT STOP LIGHTS. IT FELT AS THOUGH THERE WAS A TON OF PRESSURE INSIDE MY VEHICLE ALMOST LIKE THE THE WINDOWS WERE GOING TO EXPLODE. IM NOT SURE HOW TO EXPLAIN IT MAYBE A GRAVATAIONAL DOWNWARD PULL? ALMOST LIKE A CHEMICAL BURN FROM THE BRIGHTNESS OF OTHER HEADILGHTS AND THE VEHICLE MIRRORS MIXED CHEMICAL NOMENCLATURE WERE HAVING A BAD REACTION. THIS CAUSED ME TO BECOME AWARE OF AN ISSUE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AND HAD THE BATTERY TESTED NOTICING THE BATTERY WAS LOCATED IN THE TRUNK WITH NO PROTECTION SURROUNDING THE BATTERY AND WIRES SEMI EXPOSED PLACED NEXT TO FUSES AND SHEET METAL. WHO DESIGNES THINGS LIKE THAT? THATS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. TODAY MY HEAD STILL HURTS AND I WILL BE SEEKING A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.

Steering
Filed Mar 3, 2020156,000 milesNY

POWER STEERING CUT OUT WHEN TURNING A CORNER. WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD, THE STEERING SEEMS FINE. WHEN TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT TO GO AROUND A CORNER, THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT EASILY TURN BACK TO THE STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT 30 MPH AND SLOWED TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN, AND WHILE TURNING L FELT THE POWER STEERING GIVE OUT WHEN TRYING TO COME OUT OF THE TURN.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 2, 2019MO

HAD RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH. GOT IT REPLACED NOW THE KEY BROKE OFF IN IT

Air Bags
Filed Sep 25, 2019179,000 milesWI

SERVICE AIR BAGS SHOWS ON DASH ON STARTUP, BOUGHT THIS WAY FROM HOLZ CHEVY IN HALES CORNERS, WI. WAS TOLD IT WAS A NON ISSUE. ELECTRICAL- CHANGES FROM RADIO TO AUX RANDOMLY, THE BACK SPEAKERS WORK CONSTANTLY, THE DRIVER SIDE NEVER WORKS AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WORKS ON OCCASION (IF YOU HIT A POT HOLE HARD ENOUGH IT'LL GO ON/OFF). FUEL- FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING FROM DRIVER SIDE, IN FRONT OF REAR WHEEL. RIGHT BY THE HEAT SHIELD.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 31, 201931,903 milesSC

MY 2008 G5 HAS A STRONG GAS SMELL BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CAR. I CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND SAW THAT 2008 G5'S HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR A FUEL LEAK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULE BUT ONLY IN HOTTER STATES. I'M IN SC AND WE CERTAINLY SHOULD QUALIFY AS A HOTTER STATE WITH TEMPS IN THE UPPER 90'S IN THE SPRING. GM RECALLED THE '06 AND '07 G5'S IN SC FOR FUEL LEAKS SO THEY SHOULD RECALL THE '08 MODEL TOO SINCE IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM (RECALL 09V-419) MY CAR HAS ONLY 31,903 MILES ON IT SO I SHOULD NOT BE STUCK WITH THE COST OF REPAIRING AN ONGOING FUEL LEAK PROBLEM THAT GM HAS HAD WITH '06-'08 MODELS. MY MOTHER BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND IT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT AND DRIVEN VERY LITTLE. GM SHOULD REPAIR ALL THE 2008 G5'S THAT ARE LEAKING FUEL, NOT JUST THE ONES IN A SELECT FEW STATES. FUEL LEAKS ARE DANGEROUS AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IN ANY STATE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 2, 201993,000 milesNE

STARTED TO SMELL A STRONG FUEL ODOR IN GARAGE. NOTICED ABOUT A FOOT IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE DRIPPING GASOLINE FROM FUEL LINE NEXT TO THE PLASTIC CLIP THERE. THIS IS VERY CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST PIPE AND VERY DANGEROUS. WENT ONLINE AND SAW SEVERAL SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND HOW THERE WAS AN ASSOCIATED RECALL BUT ONLY FOR 5-6 STATES. NOT SURE WHY ONLY THESE STATES WERE LISTED BUT IN LINE WITH MANY OF THE OTHER COMPLAINTS THE PLASTIC CLIP HOLDING THOSE FUEL LINES WAS HOLDING SALT AND BRINE OF THE WINTER MONTHS AND CAUSING CORROSION AT THAT SPOT. TAKING THE CAR IN TO A DEALER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND AM FULLY EXPECTING TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE FUEL LINE AT $600-1000 SIMILARLY TO THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I SAW. IF THIS ISSUE WAS ALREADY RECALLED FOR SOME STATES THEN IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED FOR ALL OF THEM AS IT IS CLEARLY AN ONGOING AND PERSISTENT ISSUE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 21, 2019WI

BROKEN PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT RETRACTOR. BROKEN SEATBELT RETRACTOR= AIRBAG NOT WORKING=DEATHTRAP.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 9, 201890,915 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC G5. PERIODICALLY, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR WENT AWAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED A FUEL LEAK IN AN UNKNOWN PART OF THE VEHICLE AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE FUEL LINES BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,915.

Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2018100 milesMS

CAR SPEEDS UP WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS PETAL AND IT'S HARD TO STOP IT WHEN IN MOTION ON INTERSTATE IT STOPPED OUT OF NOWHERE AND TURNED OFF WITH AN 18 WHEELER BEHIND ME LIKE TO HAVE KILLED ME GOT CAR IN NEUTRAL FINALLY FORCEFULLY PRAYING THAT JESUS PROTECT ME BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR AND PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR. DRIVING DOWN ROAD STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP CAUSES ENGINE TO SHAKE WHOLE CAR AND BACKFIRES MY CAR RIDES REALLY ROUGH. MESSED UP POWER STEERING HAS CAUSED MY BLINKERS NOT TO WORK NOW. I'M REALLY SAD. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME I PUT GAS IN MY CAR. THE TRANSMISSION ACTS UP AND WHEN DRIVING MY CAR IT'S LIKE IT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR IT SHOULD BE IN SO IT JERKS REALLY BAD.

Engine
Filed Jul 7, 201845,000 milesCO

ON THE26TH OF JUNE 2018 I WAS LEAVING WORK WHEN ALL IF A SUDDEN WHEN I STARTED IT UP THERE WAS BAD KNOCKING COMING FROM ENGINE WHEN INCREASING RPM'S. I TOOK IT TO MECHANIC AND REQUESTED MY OIL TO BE CHANGED AND TO CHECK WHY IT WAS KNOCKING. AT THAT POINT I WAS TOLD THERE WAS METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OLD OIL AS WELL AS FILTER. I WAS SHOWN THIS BY THE MECHANIC. HE STATED BERRINGS WERE GOING AND I WOULD HAVE TO REBUILD OR REPLACE THE ENGINE. CONFIRMED BY ANOTHER MECHANIC. UPON RETURNING HOME ABOUT 30 MIN LATER I NOTICED FRESH OIL UNDER MY CAR. I TOOK IT BACK AND WAS SHOWN A MAJOR OIL LEAK AT THE TIMING CHAIN COVER. TURNS OUT THE BOLT CAME LOOSE. HE TIGHTENED AND OIL STOPPED LEAKING. THIS WAS PROBABLY THE CAUSE OF BEARINGS GOING OUT. THIS WAS A SUDDEN ISSUE AND NOT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. THE CAR HAS 45K ORIGINAL MILES ON IT. HOW CAN THIS BE? 10 YEARS OLD BUT ONLY 45K MILES.

20 of 115 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20102400Routine
200976600Routine
2008 — this page115525Fatalities reported
2007188621Fatalities reported

Compare every G5 year →

Reading this record

5 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 30, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.